Where is Serengeti National Park? A Complete Guide for Travelers

Where is Serengeti National Park? Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. Covering over 14,700 square kilometers, it stretches across the Mara and Simiyu regions, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north and Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast. This prime location makes it a central highlight of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Where Exactly is Serengeti National Park Located?

Serengeti National Park lies about 335 kilometers (208 miles) from Arusha, the safari hub of Tanzania. Travelers can reach the park by road, which takes around 7–8 hours, or by air, with direct flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar to airstrips inside the park such as Seronera, Kogatende, and Ndutu.

Why the Location of Serengeti is So Special

The Serengeti sits on an ancient ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. Its position within East Africa’s Great Rift Valley region creates vast savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats that support incredible biodiversity.

Most importantly, the Serengeti is the stage for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. This natural wonder, combined with the park’s strategic location bordering Kenya, makes it a must-visit for any safari lover.

How to Get to Serengeti National Park

• By Road: A scenic drive from Arusha via Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara.
• By Air: Daily flights to Serengeti airstrips like Seronera, Ndutu, and Kogatende.
• From Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro: Fly directly into the park to save time.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The location of Serengeti means wildlife is abundant year-round, but different seasons bring unique spectacles. Here’s what you can expect:

December – March: Calving Season in Ndutu
This is one of the most dramatic times to visit the Serengeti. In the southern plains around Ndutu, nearly 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. The abundance of young animals attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, offering thrilling opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions. The short grass plains also make it easier to spot wildlife, making this season ideal for photographers.

June – July: Grumeti River Crossings
As the herds move northwest, they must cross the Grumeti River. This is a spectacle of survival, with wildebeests and zebras braving strong currents and the lurking Nile crocodiles waiting beneath the surface. The Grumeti region is less crowded than the north, allowing for a more exclusive viewing experience. It’s also a great time to enjoy the park’s lush landscapes after the long rains.

August – October: Mara River Crossings in the North
This is the peak of the Great Migration’s most iconic event. Millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River on the border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Watching thousands of animals plunging into crocodile-infested waters is one of nature’s greatest dramas. The northern Serengeti is also rich in resident wildlife, so even when the herds move into Kenya, game viewing remains excellent.

Year-round: Big Five Sightings
No matter when you visit, Serengeti National Park offers incredible wildlife encounters. The park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. While rhinos are rare and mostly seen near the Ngorongoro area, lions are abundant across the plains, leopards thrive in the riverine forests, elephants roam in large herds, and buffalos are commonly spotted throughout the park. This means that any time of year guarantees unforgettable game drives.