Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is situated in north-central Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, and is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 120 mammal species and 550 bird species, supporting more large mammals than anywhere else on the planet. The park hosts outstanding biodiversity, including the Big Five and diverse predator communities.

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti’s all-inclusive rates range from USD 950 per person/night in standard season to USD 1,540 per person/night in premium season. The intimate camp accommodates 12 guests in six luxurious safari tents, with most guests spending 2-3 nights to fully experience the region's unique wildlife and landscapes.

Beyond the well-known migratory animals, which include wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and eland, the Serengeti is home to large prides of lions, as well as leopard, cheetah, hyena, rhino, buffalo, elephant and giraffe.

The rivers in the Serengeti are known for their high concentrations of crocodiles, which prey on the migratory animals that are forced to cross. Hippos are also found in the rivers, and the park is also home to smaller predators like jackals. The Serengeti hosts an incredible diversity of birdlife.

The Serengeti is incredibly vast. The national park covers 15,000km² or 1,5 million hectares in size, but the Serengeti ecosystem spreads further, beyond the borders of the park.

The name Serengeti is said to be derived from the Maasai word ‘Siringit’, which means the ‘place where the land moves forever’ or ‘endless plain’. This accurately describes the seemingly endless swaths of undulating savannah and rolling hills.

Serengeti National Park is set in northern Tanzania, and covers 14,763 sq. km. It lies between Lake Victoria to the west and the Eastern Rift Valley to the east. Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve borders the park to the north, with Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the east, and Maswa Game Reserve to the south-west.

The climate is classified as subtropical with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The dry season typically runs from June to October, featuring cooler temperatures and less rainfall.  The rainy season occurs from November to May, when it can get quite hot. Overall, temperatures are moderate, but nights can be cool, so warm clothing is recommended.

The Great Migration is a wildlife phenomenon where over two million animals move annually across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem . This includes approximately 1.3 million wildebeest, 800,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles. Herds move year-round following seasonal rains in search of grazing and water, making it a dynamic, ever-changing wildlife experience and one of the greatest migrations on Earth.

The migration moves throughout the year, with each animal travelling between 800 and 1,000 kilometres on their journey along ancient migration routes.

The Great Migration is a year-round spectacle: herds calve on the Southern Plains from December to April, then journey north along the Grumeti River between April and July. The dramatic Mara River crossings occur from July to October in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, before the herds return south through central Serengeti from November to December, completing the cycle.

Tanzania hosts approximately 20% of Africa's large mammals across more  than 350 mammal species. The Serengeti alone supports over 120 mammal species, including 1.3 million wildebeest, 800,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles. The country also has over 1,100 bird species with nearly 30 country endemics.

The migration is constantly moving and seeing the highest possible concentration of animals means travelling to where the herds are at any given time. The numbers really boom in calving season, when the wildebeest give birth to their young, and this usually occurs between January and March. The best time to see dramatic river crossings is between July and October.

Yes, Tanzania is a malaria area, and precautions are essential. Please consult your doctor about preventative medication.

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. A valid certificate must be presented upon arrival at any entry point. Travellers from non-endemic countries like the US, Canada, or most European nations don't require the vaccine unless transiting through or having recently visited a high-risk area.

Yes, there are tsetse flies in Tanzania. They are most prevalent in the northern parks, including parts of the Serengeti. Please wear protective, neutral-colored clothing, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.

For any medical concerns while travelling with us, Wilderness24 – our integrated incident management system – operates 24/7/365, providing support and assistance for any risk, incident, or medical emergency. Our dedicated team of professionals co-ordinates swiftly and effectively to manage situations, offering a level of care unmatched in the industry.