Serengeti National Park Safaris
Where the endless plains meet the world's greatest wildlife show
Stretching across 14,763 square kilometers of northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is Africa's most celebrated safari destination — and the beating heart of any Bush Paw Safaris itinerary. Home to the legendary Great Migration, dense predator populations, and horizon-to-horizon golden plains, the Serengeti delivers the safari experience travelers dream about long before they book a flight.
Whether you're chasing the thunder of a million wildebeest hooves, hoping to spot the Big Five in a single game drive, or simply craving the silence of an African sunset, Bush Paw Safaris designs Serengeti journeys built around what matters most to you.
Why Visit Serengeti National Park
The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai word siringet, meaning "the place where the land runs forever" — and it's an apt description. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated Biosphere Reserve is world-renowned for:
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The Great Migration — over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra moving in a continuous, year-round circuit across the plains
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The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino all present within the park
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Exceptional predator density — one of the best places on Earth to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards in action
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Diverse landscapes — endless short-grass plains, riverine forest, kopjes (granite outcrops), and woodland
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Year-round wildlife viewing — unlike many reserves, the Serengeti rewards visitors in every season
Top Things to Do in Serengeti National Park
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are the classic way to explore the park's central Seronera Valley, northern Mara River region, and southern Ndutu plains — each offering a different wildlife experience depending on the season.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Drift silently above the plains at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of grazing herds and predators on the move — one of the most memorable experiences Bush Paw Safaris can arrange.
Cultural Visits
Nearby Maasai villages offer authentic cultural exchanges, giving travelers insight into the traditions of the communities who have lived alongside this land for generations.
Great Migration Viewing
Watch dramatic Mara River crossings (typically July–September in the north) or witness calving season on the southern plains (typically January–March), when over 8,000 wildebeest calves can be born in a single day.
Walking Safaris
Guided walks near park boundaries (with an armed ranger) offer a slower, sensory way to experience the bush — tracking, birdlife, and smaller ecosystem details often missed on game drives.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but timing shapes what you'll see: Bush Paw Safaris can help match your travel dates to the migration's likely location, since it moves on a natural (not fixed) cycle each year.
Season
Months
Highlights
Calving Season
January – March
Southern Ndutu plains; newborn wildebeest calves; high predator action
Dry / Peak Season
June – October
River crossings in the north; excellent general game viewing; busiest period
Green Season
November – May
Fewer crowds, lush scenery, lower rates, great birdwatching
Shoulder / Low Season
March – May
Quietest period, some rain, excellent value
Serengeti National Park Wildlife
The Serengeti ecosystem supports one of the highest concentrations of large mammals on Earth, including:
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Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
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African elephants and buffalo
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Black rhino (rare but present)
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Wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle in vast numbers
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Giraffe, hippo, and crocodile along the rivers
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Over 500 recorded bird species
Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to mobile tented camps, generally clustered around four zones:
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Seronera (Central) — year-round wildlife, ideal for first-time visitors
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Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Mara River) — best for river-crossing season (Jul–Sep)
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Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) — best for calving season (Jan–Mar)
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Western Corridor — quieter, known for the migration's river-crossing phase earlier in the year
Bush Paw Safaris partners with a range of camps and lodges across all four zones, allowing itineraries to follow the wildlife rather than lock guests into one location.
Getting to Serengeti National Park
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By Air: Scheduled and chartered flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar to several airstrips inside the park (Seronera, Kogatende, Lobo, and others)
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By Road: A scenic overland route from Arusha via Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 6–8 hours), often combined into a multi-park itinerary
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Common Combinations: Serengeti pairs naturally with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara for a full northern-circuit safari
Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees
Park fees are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and vary by residency status and season. As a general guide for foreign (non-resident) visitors:
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Entry/conservation fee: approximately $70–83 USD per adult per 24 hours, plus VAT
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Concession fee (for guests staying inside the park): an additional charge per adult per night
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Reduced rates apply for children aged 5–15, and different tiers apply to East African citizens and residents
Because rates are updated periodically, Bush Paw Safaris builds current park and concession fees directly into your quoted safari package — no surprise costs at the gate.
Plan Your Serengeti Safari with Bush Paw Safaris
From Great Migration river crossings to quiet mornings watching lion cubs on a kopje, Serengeti National Park delivers Africa at its most iconic. Bush Paw Safaris designs tailor-made itineraries around your travel dates, budget, and bucket list — pairing expert local guides with handpicked camps across every region of the park.