Serengeti National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife. It boasts the highest concentration of large mammals globally, offering sightings of giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, and over 500 bird species, including ostriches and flamingos.
However, the park’s most spectacular event is the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and other hoofed animals embark on a breathtaking journey. This awe-inspiring spectacle is a must-see for any visitor.
Beyond the migration, wildlife encounters abound. Explore Moru Kopjes for a chance to see rhinos, and visit the Retina Hippo Pool to observe these massive creatures in their natural habitat.
10 Best Things To Do in Serengeti National Park
1: The Great Migration
The Serengeti National Park is renowned for the Great Migration, a breathtaking natural event where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of food and breeding grounds. This spectacle, which draws visitors from all over the world, follows a yearly cycle. During the wet season (December to June), herds migrate south towards Naabi Hill and the Southern Serengeti. As the dry season begins, they journey through the Seronera River Valley and Western Corridor, cross the Grumeti River, and head north to the Lobo Valley and Bologonja Springs. This continuous movement ensures unforgettable wildlife experiences year-round.
To make the most of your visit, plan according to the migration’s seasonal paths. The southern plains are best during the wet season, while the Central Serengeti, Western Corridor, and Northern Serengeti are ideal in the dry months. Safari guides can expertly track the herds, ensuring optimal sightings, or you can explore independently for spontaneous encounters with the park’s abundant wildlife.
2: Seronera River Valley  (Central Serengeti)
The Seronera River Valley, located in the heart of Central Serengeti, is a wildlife haven. Its river sustains lush vegetation, attracting herbivores like wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and giraffes year-round. This abundance of prey also supports a thriving predator population, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, while leopards are often spotted here. The valley’s golden grasslands provide an ideal backdrop for remarkable wildlife encounters.
Known for excellent animal viewing, the valley features numerous permanent lodges, offering luxurious stays. However, it can get crowded with tourists. Accessible via the Seronera airstrip or by road from Arusha, the valley boasts campsites, restrooms, and a convenience store.
3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
While not officially part of Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a destination worth exploring if you’re nearby. Situated on the eastern border of the Serengeti, this remarkable site is home to the Ngorongoro Crater the sixth-largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and the historically significant Olduvai Gorge. Spanning over 32,000 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a habitat for more than 25,000 animals and a thriving community of Masai pastoralists.
4: Naabi Hill (Eastern Serengeti)
Located on the eastern edge of Serengeti, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Naabi Hill is the primary entrance to Serengeti National Park. After paying the entrance fee or allowing your safari guide to complete the necessary paperwork, take a walk along Naabi Hill’s trail for spectacular views of the Serengeti. The hill, covered in acacia trees, is home to a pride of lions and serves as a key point for millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles during their annual Great Migration to the Eastern Serengeti in search of food and breeding grounds.
5: Lobo Valley (Northern serengeti)
If you’re in Northern Serengeti, the Lobo Valley is a must-see destination. Described as a “paradise” by American conservationist Stewart White in 1913, the valley is home to all three big cats lions, cheetahs, and leopards along with giraffes, elephants, and baboons. From July to November, the valley becomes a key stop for millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrating through the region as part of the Great Migration.
While some species remain in the Lobo Valley year-round, wildlife numbers typically decrease during the wet season. For the best experience, visit during the dry season when animals are drawn north, and enjoy more affordable accommodation options while witnessing this extraordinary spectacle.
6: Grumeti River (Westrn Corridor)
Witnessing the Great Migration as it crosses the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor’s Kirawira region is a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts, though it may be too intense for some. This section of the river is home to a large crocodile population, which eagerly waits for the migrating herds to make their crossing, offering an intense spectacle. Despite the peril, wildebeest and zebras are determined to continue their journey. Other wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and monkeys can also be seen swimming or drinking from the river.
To experience this remarkable event, plan your visit between July and November. Many travelers suggest packing a boxed lunch to enjoy a picnic near the river as you take in the dramatic scenes.
7: Retina Hippo Pool (Central Serengeti)
While you’ll encounter hippos at various Serengeti watering holes, the Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti offers an unforgettable spectacle. Located where the Seronera and Orangi rivers meet, this pool is home to around 200 hippos that can be seen splashing and playing in the shallow waters. It’s an excellent spot for photos, but keep in mind that hippos are massive and dangerous, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance.
For the best experience, visit during the dry season (July to November), when lower water levels expose more of the hippos, offering clearer views of these impressive creatures.
8: Moru Kopjes (Central Serengeti)
Located about 32 miles northwest of Naabi Hill in Central Serengeti, Moru Kopjes is home to the park’s only population of black rhinos. Despite efforts to revive their numbers in the 1980s, poaching has led to a decline in the species’ population. However, a small group of these critically endangered animals still inhabits the area, monitored by armed anti-poaching rangers. As black rhinos are solitary, spotting them requires some luck, but Moru Kopjes is your best bet.
In addition to rhinos, you can also find lions, elephants, and leopards in the area. For a cultural experience, visit Gong Rock to see the region’s historic Masai rock paintings.
9: Serengeti Ballon Safaris
Not all safaris require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and one of the most popular options doesn’t involve wheels at all. Since 1989, Serengeti Balloon Safaris has offered an incredible aerial experience, allowing visitors to soar above the park and witness the Great Migration from the sky. The company operates a fleet of hot air balloons that carry up to 16 passengers over Central Serengeti and, seasonally, through the Western Corridor and Southern Serengeti. Guests are picked up at 5 a.m. for a sunrise flight, which lasts about an hour before they enjoy a champagne toast and an English-style breakfast in the park.
While some travelers have noted the early start time and the cost, many agree that the experience is truly exceptional. The staff and pilots of Serengeti Balloon Safaris receive high praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, contributing to the overall enjoyment of this unforgettable adventure.
10: Bologonja Springs (Northern Serengeti)
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Serengeti, near the Kenyan border with Maasai Mara, Bologonja Springs is a lush oasis that attracts a variety of wildlife. The tranquil waters of the Bologonja River’s headwaters are often free from tourists, offering an ideal opportunity to observe monkeys in their leafy habitat. The springs also attract larger mammals like elephants and giraffes, alongside numerous bird species and antelope, including mountain reedbucks and steenboks.
For exceptional wildlife viewing, travel a few miles downstream to the Larelemangi salt lick, where hoofed animals gather to lick the salty earth. In contrast to the dense, jungle-like environment of the springs, this open swamp offers clear views of animals, often engaged in playful mud battles.