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The Serengeti comes from the Maa word ‘Serengit’, which translates to ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. It is the far-reaching, endless savannahs that inspired the Lion King, and is now the most popular safari destination in the world.
Imagine vast expansive plains with endless horizons, seas of pale yellow grass rippling in the warm breeze, gnarled acacias twisting to the sky and vultures circling on thermals overhead. This is the Serengeti, Africa’s most famous and fabulous game reserve.
The Great Migration
Subject of countless documentaries, the Serengeti does not disappoint in real life. Each year, up to two million wildebeest snake their way across the plains following the promise of rain. Accompanied by zebra, they form a black, braying column more than 40 kilometers long. Flurries of egrets rise and fall above them and dust surrounds their hooves. They thrash through rivers, crackle across plains and finally, reaching verdant grasslands, give birth to wet glistening calves, wobbling on unsteady legs.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to February or from June to October. However, the Serengeti’s density of wildlife offers a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of the year you visit. The park’s open plains and mild climate mean that vegetation is never too dense to see animals, and the region’s two short rainy seasons from November to December and March to April are rarely too unpleasant.
January is when the rolling plains of the Serengeti are a lush shade of emerald, there is hardly any dust, and the game viewing is excellent. The Ndutu Plains area is very popular during this period as the landscape is greener than other parts, with year-round resident wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, and various antelope species.
It’s the wildebeest calving season during February which makes this the best time to go to on a Serengeti safari to witness the many herds giving birth to their young. The wildebeest, zebra and gazelles making their annual migration through the Serengeti National Park can be viewed in their thousands.
March marks the end of the green season as the ‘long rains’ begin. The Serengeti enters a low season period when there are less safari crowds, and the migratory herds begin to leave the Ndutu region in the south and head west. The humidity rises during March, but this is the best time to go to the Serengeti for great rates on accommodation.
The Serengeti starts to see fewer visitors around April, which is mostly due to the humidity and wet weather during the month. It’s not generally considered the best time to visit the Serengeti, but it can be an ideal time to get off the beaten track and explore the remote corners of the park.
There is very heavy rainfall throughout May and the camps and lodges in the Serengeti are relatively quiet. This is not the best time to visit the Serengeti for a safari unless you make your way to the central and western regions of the park to follow the Great Migration.
June is the start of the popular dry season and is the best time to go to the Serengeti just before the peak safari season. This is when the Great Migration starts moving north, the dry conditions prevail across the land, and there is a slim chance of occasional afternoon thundershowers.
Many visitors flock to the Serengeti from July to September to witness the Great Migration. River crossings are a spectacle during these months – quite often panic ensues within the herds as crocodiles waiting to pounce attempt to snatch them as they make their way across. There are more safari vehicles in the Serengeti National Park during this period than any time of the year.
August is peak season and generally considered the best time to witness the dramatic river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara. This is the best time to visit the Serengeti for prolific wildlife encounters as the herds are easier to spot and there are many predators around – you’ll see some of Africa’s big cats on the hunt!
September is still very busy with visitors in the Serengeti National Park, especially on the Kenyan and Tanzania borders as the herds of animals travel over the Mara River in smaller batches. The southern parts of the park are quieter during September.
By October the plains of the Serengeti are mostly parched, but the dry season is now coming to an end. Although the Wildebeest Migration’s herds have made their way into Kenya, game viewing in the Serengeti National Park is still nothing short of spectacular.
November is the beginning of the ‘short rains’ in the Serengeti National Park and is a quieter, low season. The rains bring fresh grasslands for grazing in the southern areas and it’s a good time to take advantage of lower rates.
The rains continue and the scenery changes from dry dusty plains to rolling grasslands. The cycle of the Great Migration in the Serengeti continues in December. The migrating herds make their way to the southern plains of the Ndutu region where they prepare for the breeding season. The temperatures and the humidity begin to rise for the wet summer months. The festive season can be very busy, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance.
The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, offering endless plains teeming with animals and breathtaking natural beauty. Known worldwide for the Great Migration, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in search of fresh grazing. Along the way, predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow closely, creating some of the most dramatic wildlife encounters on Earth. With its open landscapes and rich ecosystems, the Serengeti promises unforgettable safari moments at every turn.
Beyond the Great Migration, the Serengeti is also home to an incredible variety of resident wildlife year-round. Visitors can expect to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species. The park is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique wildlife experiences, from the predator-rich central Seronera Valley to the remote northern and western corridors. No matter when you visit, the Serengeti delivers extraordinary sightings that make it a must-visit safari destination.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations, offering travelers a perfect mix of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. From vast open plains to lush forests, volcanic craters, and tropical coastlines, every destination promises a different kind of adventure. Whether you are seeking thrilling game drives, authentic cultural encounters, or peaceful moments surrounded by nature, Tanzania has something for every traveler, making it one of the world’s most unforgettable safari locations.
Every traveler is unique, and so is every safari we create. At Velam Tours & Safaris, we’ve designed sample itineraries to inspire your adventure—whether you dream of a short escape, a classic wildlife journey, or a combination of safari and beach relaxation. These itineraries are carefully crafted to balance adventure and comfort, giving you a glimpse of the endless possibilities that await.
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