Unforgettable Serengeti Safari

The best time for a Serengeti safari depends on what you want to see. December to March suits calving in the south near Ndutu, with predator action peaking late January to February. Late May to July brings herds to the Western Corridor and Grumeti River. July to October is ideal for Mara River crossings in the north, peaking August to September. Timing always varies with rainfall. The central Serengeti offers excellent resident wildlife, including big cats, all year round.

The Great Migration follows a rough annual loop driven by rain, so exact timing varies. December to March, the herds graze the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, calving roughly late January to February. March to May brings the long rains as the herds start moving north-west. Late May to July they reach the Western Corridor and Grumeti River, peaking in June. July to October they cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti near Kogatende. November's short rains send them south again.

Three to four nights in the Serengeti is ideal for most travellers, giving time to explore the central Seronera area and one migration region without rushing. Two nights is the minimum for a worthwhile visit, as the park is vast and drives from Ngorongoro take several hours. Photographers and migration enthusiasts often stay five nights or more, moving between camps. Flying in and out saves time, and combining the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater creates a well-balanced private itinerary.

Yes, dramatic river crossings are possible on a Serengeti safari, though never certain because the herds move on their own schedule. Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor usually happen around June, while Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti near Kogatende occur roughly July to October, peaking August to September, with timing varying by rainfall. Staying several nights near the river and having a patient private guide gives you the best chance of witnessing this spectacle.

The Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and many antelope species, along with vast herds of wildebeest and zebras during the migration. Rhinos are rare but occasionally spotted in protected areas. Birdlife is rich too, with ostriches, secretary birds, vultures and colourful rollers. The central Seronera Valley is renowned for big cats. With a private guide, you can linger at sightings and focus on the species you most want to see.