About Serengeti The great migration

"Move over Simba, the wildebeest are coming again - and again, and again. It’s the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel through the Serengeti National Park looking for green pastures. 

Not even scientists have a reason for the way these animals migrate. Theories suggest the wildebeest follow the higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the grass from the rainfall, or it could simply be instinct from roaming the same plains for over a million years.      

This is the largest mammal migration on Earth, and it starts from December to March at the southern end of the Serengeti, where the pregnant wildebeests give birth to around 500,000 new calves. Once the rain starts moving north, the animals start moving north to start their 1,000 km circular journey to end up right back where they started. 

It wouldn’t be a true circle of life without some danger. Lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles pose a threat to the migrating animals.        

The best way to see this spectacle is to book a safari tour - will you Hakuna Matata your way to the Serengeti to watch this migration?"

Must See

  • Stunning nature
  • Exceptional variety of wildlife

How to reach

Serengeti International Airport, Tanzania to Serengeti, Tanzania

By taxi 

  • 58 min
  • 37.6 km
  • One-Way fare from: R 230 to R 280

Drive Details

  • 58 min
  • 37.6 km
  • cost will be R 50 to  R 80

Tips

  • Follow the rules and guidelines set out by park staff and your guide
  • Most safaris to the Serengeti start from the town of Arusha
  • Plan your timing carefully to see the migration
  • Book early, as the safari camps get booked, year in advance
  • There are many activities to choose from like hot-air balloon safaris, night game drives,  guided bush walk ( permitted in certain areas)
  • Though the currency is Tanzanian Shilling, it is better to use US Dollars in cash
  • Note that US Dollar bills printed before 2006 are not accepted in Tanzania
  • Packing advice is to pack, light casual clothing, neutral colours and a warm jacket
  • Make sure that you have right paperwork in place, keep your passport and visa safe
  • Spot he Big Five on the Serengeti Safari:  leopard, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo
  • Carry picnic lunch including juice, water
  • It is illegal to feed the animals
  • Always good to be comfortable, make sure you have hiking shoes or sneakers
  • It is important to stay connected. Phone providers do offer limited coverage on the Serengeti but don't expect it to be reliable or fast
  • In the safari trip, keep your arms and head inside the car
  • Animals have keener hearing ability than people. So do not shout. Shouting not only drives away the animals but is a sure sign of disrespect to other people
  • Drones are forbidden in Tanzanian parks

Visit Time

December to March:  Ndutu region for Calving Season. Seronera for big cats

April to May:             Grumeti region for Wildebeest Migration

June to July:             Seronera region

July to October:        Northern Serengeti

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Sunday: open 24 hours
Monday: open 24 hours
Tuesday: open 24 hours
Wednesday: open 24 hours
Thursday: open 24 hours
Friday: open 24 hours
Saturday: open 24 hours

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

48 hours to 70 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 23.21°C

 

Local Services in Serengeti (Contact directly)

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