Serengeti National Park is home to millions of wildlife and bird species. This includes the many thousands of wildebeest migrating from the South of Serengeti, the Ndutu Region to Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara and back. The Serengeti is 15,000 km2 and shares the same ecosystem with the Greater Masai Mara in Kenya.
Wildebeest Migration and Crossings in Serengeti National Park
The wildebeest Migration migrates every year from Serengeti to Masai Mara, every year, from January to December. Wildebeest migrate in search of greener ground for food. With amazing wildlife sightings like the Big Five, and big cats such as lions, cheetahs, leopards elephants, buffalos, and antelopes. You will also be lucky to spot numerous bird species, such as eagles, ostriches, and many others.
The calving season always happens between January and March every year. About 8000 wildebeest calves are born daily around the Ndutu Conservation Area Region South Serengeti. A lot of amazing sightings such as cats hunting and a lot of other wildlife sightings are part of the great phenomenon here in South Serengeti. Between March and June, Wildebeest Migrate across the large plains of the park towards the North crossing to Masai Mara.
The Wonderful episode happens between the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara as the Wildebeest cross the Mara River infested with crocodiles and create a phenomenon scene as the escape and others fall into the jaws of the monster crocodiles of the Major Mara River.
Sections And Regions Within Serengeti National Park
With its huge size of 15,000 km2, Serengeti National Park is subdivided into 5 Regions that help us navigate the park with ease. The regions are unique to their own and have great sightings and beautiful views.
Serengeti regions include
North Serengeti National Park
East Serengeti National Park
South Serengeti National Park
West / Grumeti Region of Serengeti
Central / Seronera Serengeti Region
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees
What is the Entry Fee for Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park Fees – Entry Fees to Serengeti
Knowing the government park entrance fees required to access any Tanzanian national park is crucial while organizing a safari in Tanzania. Given the high cost of Tanzania National Park fees, it is imperative to be aware of these expenses.
It is also crucial to note that if you intend to pay the Tanzania National Park fees directly, you must use a Visa or Master Card only, as cash is not accepted. Additionally, park fees and camping costs must be paid while visiting Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Serengeti National Park fees are shown in the table below. Please carefully read to comprehend what the park and camping fees are.
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – Non Residents
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – Non Residents
Season
Non-EA Citizen (US$)
Peak Season (16th May – 14th March) – Adults
USD 70
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
USD 20
Low Season (15th March – 15th May)
USD 60
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
USD 20
Kids below 5 years
Free
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – Expertriates
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – Expertriates
Season
Expertriates (US$)
Peak Season (16th May – 14th March) – Adults
USD 35
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
USD 10
Low Season (15th March – 15th May)
USD 35
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
USD 10
Kids below 5 years
Free
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – East Africa Residents
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees – East Africa Residents
Season
East African Citizen (TSH)
Peak Season (16th May – 14th March) – Adults
TSH 10,000
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
TSH 2,000
Low Season (15th March – 15th May)
TSH 10,000
Kids between 5yrs and 15yrs
TSH 2,000
Kids below 5 years
Free
Vehicle, Fines, and Landing Fees in Serengeti
Visitors planning a Tanzania Safari Tour should be aware of the vehicle, fines, and landing fees in Serengeti. These fees are essential for maintaining the park’s infrastructure and safety standards.
Vehicle, Fines, and Landing Fees
Category
Fee (Tshs for EA, US$ for others)
Vehicle Fees
Based on tare weight and registration
Fines
For various offenses like overspeeding
Landing Fees
Based on aircraft capacity and type
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Which is the Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
Generally, Serengeti National Park is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.
The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is between July and August. Although it’s still okay to visit other months, the best prime season is between July and August during the great wildebeest migration.
The best time to visit the Serengeti for general wildlife viewing is from January to March.
The high season is highly visited during Christmas and school holidays.
Low Season
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec
If you are looking for an intimate exclusive safari but affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit. The best places to visit include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks.
High Season
Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec
One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.
Peak Season
15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan
An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season. In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you.
How to Get to Serengeti National Park
Best way to go to Serengeti National Park
Visiting Serengeti National Park by Road and by Air
Although Serengeti National Park remains one of the few locations where nature’s age-old patterns and seasonal changes have largely remained intact, it is relatively accessible. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying from Arusha to one of its seven airstrips. Alternatively, travelers can arrange an overland safari using a 4×4 vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park and explore one or two other parks along the way. Of course, combining these methods is also an option; one could book an overland safari to Serengeti and then fly back to Arusha. More details on the various safari options can be found in our guide to safaris in Serengeti National Park.
Reaching Serengeti by air
International air travel
The ideal entry point is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), situated between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. This airport is approximately 200 miles / 320 kilometers away from the southern entrance of the park. A few international airlines operate flights here, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines (a few times each week). Kilimanjaro International Airport also offers daily flights to Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which provides additional international flight options. Other airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates, also fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania’s capital. Keep in mind that arriving in Dar es Salaam may necessitate an overnight stay and a domestic flight with a regional airline that has luggage limitations. Further flight information can be found on our Kilimanjaro Airport page.
Regional air travel
For a fly-in safari to the Serengeti, the preferred route is to fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). It generally takes about 1 to 5 hours to reach one of the seven airstrips located within Serengeti National Park. Local airlines, such as Grumeti Air and Coastal Aviation, operate all flights. Once you land at the airstrip, lodge staff will be there to pick you up and take you to your final destination where a refreshing drink will await (please allow an additional 45 minutes to 2 hours for the road transfer, depending on the lodge selected). More details about flights to Serengeti are available.
One can also fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are coming from the Lake Victoria region, Mwanza Airport (MWZ) is the most favored airport. There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and other national parks in Tanzania, including Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstrips)
For those seeking a quicker and more convenient way to arrive in the Serengeti, a scheduled or private charter flight is an excellent choice. Some of the exclusive lodges feature their own airstrip and can organize direct scheduled or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their location.
Reaching Serengeti National Park by road
Serengeti drive-in safaris
The most common method to reach Serengeti National Park by road is to book a drive-in safari. Typically, these safaris begin from Arusha. The journey from Arusha to Serengeti National Park takes about eight hours, so an overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites along the way is generally included in your safari itinerary.
Serengeti self-drive safaris
While self-driving through Serengeti National Park is not highly recommended, it is possible with a (rental) vehicle. However, it is essential to plan meticulously when navigating the park on your own. A 4×4 is necessary to traverse all the roads year-round. Fuel can be purchased at Seronera in the Southern Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park access gates
There are four primary entry and exit gates for the Serengeti:
Naabi Hill Gate
As the busiest access point, Naabi Hill Gate serves as the main entrance to the Serengeti. It is situated about 45 kilometers from Seronera and operates daily from 06h00 to 18h00.
Ndabaka Gate
This is the principal access point to the Western Corridor region, located around 145 kilometers from Seronera and approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza. The gate is open daily from 06h00 to 18h00, but note that the last entry is at 16h00.
Klein’s Gate
Located in the far northeast of the Serengeti, Klein’s Gate operates from 06h00 to 18h00 daily, with the last entry allowed at 16h00.
Bologonya Gate
Located on the route to or from Kenya, Bologonya Gate is currently closed due to the border being shut, and there are no indications it will reopen soon.
Best Places to Stay at Serengeti National Park
Safari Camps and Lodges in Serengeti National Park
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In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.
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