The ideal time to explore Serengeti National Park

Track the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities all year round – you just need to know the best times and places to witness one of nature’s last grand spectacles: the Great Migration. For instance, winter is ideal for seeing the herd in Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are prime spots during the summer and autumn months. It’s important to remember that nature in this region is wonderfully unpredictable. Therefore, luck plays a significant role in catching the iconic river crossing, where two million animals navigate rapids and dodge snapping crocodiles. That said, by choosing the right part of the Serengeti at the right time, large herds are generally easy to spot and there’s a good chance of observing an impressive migrational movement. Learn more about the Great Migration.

Beyond the Great Migration

While many travellers eagerly await the wildebeest’s stunning journey, Serengeti National Park offers far more. Picture golden-maned lions lounging on rocks, a secretive leopard resting in an acacia tree, and a cheetah chasing a gazelle at full tilt across the endless sunlit plains – to name just a few of Serengeti’s enchanting inhabitants.

There are strong reasons to consider steering clear of the Great Migration crowds. Firstly, the areas where the migration occurs can become busy with fellow visitors, which might detract from your Serengeti safari experience. Secondly, most predators (and most other wildlife except zebras and wildebeest) are territorial and usually stay close to their home ranges, so following the crowds isn’t necessary. Plus, many Serengeti camps and lodges offer significantly reduced rates (often called ‘green season’ rates) in April and May. Finally, outside the peak season the Serengeti – and other parks like the Ngorongoro Crater Area – are far less crowded, whilst wildlife viewing remains excellent.

Steer Clear of the Crowds

Spectacles like the Great Migration can draw quite a crowd, and you might find the heart of the migration somewhat busy – with people, that is. Visitors who stick to the Seronera area may feel the Serengeti is crowded, sometimes uncomfortably so. A sighting of a big cat – whether leopard, cheetah or lion pride – quickly attracts lots of safari vehicles. Many guests and their guides are fixated on big cats and the Big Five, fearing they’ll miss out if they don’t join in a sighting. Within minutes of a big cat being reported over the radio, all vehicles converge on that one spot. This is understandable since Seronera hosts many lodges and campsites and is the most accessible part of Serengeti National Park. Consequently, within a 10-kilometre radius of Seronera, the roads are indeed busy with safari vehicles. Simply put, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can make the Serengeti feel too crowded. It isn’t; you just need to venture (or drive) a little farther to escape the crowds.

To avoid the hordes, or rather to enjoy Serengeti National Park as it truly should be experienced, we suggest dividing your safari itinerary into two parts: one segment in the heart of the migration activity (where vehicle traffic will be heavier), and the other in a more secluded, off-peak location. Good options for the latter include the Western Corridor between August and October, or the Mara-Serengeti area from November to June. Visitor numbers in these areas are much lower, yet wildlife viewing quality is as remarkable, if not better, than in the Seronera area. It’s entirely possible to spend time in the Serengeti—even during peak season—and see little to no other tourists.


Seasonal Serengeti
Most travellers choose the dry season, which runs from late June to October, for a safari in Serengeti National Park. During this time, animals gather around rivers and waterholes to drink. The Great Migration is at its absolute peak, and your chances of witnessing the famous river crossings are at their highest. Many lodges stay open throughout the quieter ‘wet season’, when the rains transform the dry landscape into a lush, green paradise and the birthing season begins. Find out more about Serengeti weather and climate on this page. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of both the wet and dry seasons.

June to October – dry season

ADVANTAGES:

The dense bush thins out, making wildlife easier to spot.
Animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.
You can expect bright days and plenty of sunshine, with afternoon temperatures around 25°C.
There’s less risk of malaria due to fewer mosquitoes.
Greater chances to see the Great Migration, including those iconic river crossings if you’re lucky.

DISADVANTAGES:

The park can get busy, especially around the Seronera area.
Nights and early mornings can be quite chilly, with lows around 14°C.
Occasional cold spells may bring temperatures close to freezing.

November to May – wet season

ADVANTAGES:

Late January to February is the ideal time to see calves being born in the Southern Serengeti – perfect for spotting predator activity.
The scenery is lush and green.
Fewer tourists and cheaper rates, particularly in April and May.
Birdwatching is at its best during this period.
From November to February, rains are generally short afternoon showers that rarely disrupt your plans.

DISADVANTAGES:

March to May is the height of the wet season, with frequent rainfall, though it seldom lasts all day, and skies are often cloudy.
January to March can be busy around the Seronera area.