Serengeti National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park offers what many consider the essence of an African safari. Massive animal herds march across the wide-open savannah as far as you can see, while predators never fail to add drama to this idyllic scene. You won’t need to drive far to spot lions. Cheetahs are common too. Imagine seeing the world’s fastest land animal in full sprint. Leopards are secretive, but you might find one lazing in one of the big trees along the Seronera River.

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoVery Rare

LionCommon

LeopardOccasional

CheetahCommon

HyenaCommon

Wild DogVery Rare

Wildlife Highlights

The Serengeti is famed for its annual wildebeest migration, when some 8 million hooves cross the open plains. More than 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the trek for fresh grazing grounds. Predators follow the migration and sightings of big cats hunting is particularly exciting. Spotted hyena, golden jackal and black-backed jackal are never far off either.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Serengeti offers amazing wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are great months for seeing the migration and a possible crossing of the Grumeti River. The more famous river crossings of the Mara River can be witnessed around August and September in the north of the park. January to February is the best time for the wildebeest calving.