Which animals can you see in the Serengeti National Park?

Most people don’t realise it, but when they think of Africa with its iconic landscapes, and unique wildlife, they often think of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. But which animals can you see in the Serengeti? Whether you are a Lion King fan or have always dreamed of observing your favorite African game from up close, the Serengeti will not disappoint you.

Also known as one of “the world’s greatest wildlife destinations”, the Serengeti National Park has a unique mix of ecosystems and is home to a vast variety of animals, including the Big Five.

Wildlife in the Serengeti’s ecosystems – an overview

Most famously, the Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle cross the plains in search of water and fresh pasture. This mass movement is something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

The Great Migration takes place not only in the Serengeti, but also in the neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, linking three of East Africa’s premier safari destinations and creating a vast, unfenced ecosystem where animals roam freely.

But the Great Migration is not the only highlight Serengeti has to offer. You can also expect to see the Big Five, and one of the world’s densest concentrations of predators, including hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. The forested vegetation along the park’s rivers attracts hippos and crocodiles, while giraffes, elephants and a variety of antelopes can be seen throughout the year.

And if you’re a bird enthusiast, we have good news: the Serengeti is home to over 500 species, like the bright green and yellow-coloured Fischer’s Lovebird, or the Kori Bustard. The Serengeti plains are one of Africa’s Endemic Bird Areas (land important for habitat-based bird conservation), and also hosts five bird species found nowhere else.

Two of our favourite safaris in the Serengeti:

Which are the most common animals you can see in the Serengeti

The main reason for visiting the Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly for game viewing. In the Serengeti, the variety of animals you can see is one of its greatest attractions. The landscape transitions smoothly from grasslands to woodlands, creating a unique environment that will make your safari an unforgettable experience.

In the Serengeti you can observe all five of the Big Five from up close: from lions, to rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. But that’s not all.

Due to its great diversity of vegetation, and habitats, there are many more species of animals which you can see in the Serengeti. The riverine forests are one of those unique habitats, where you can spot hippos and crocodiles. There are also many giraffes, alongside eland, zebra, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle who can be observed all year around. Cheetahs are very common on the south-eastern plains, and hyenas are commonly observed. Wild dogs are a rare sight.

As mentioned, the Serengeti is also known for its diverse bird life with more than 500 species recorded.

Can you see the Big Five in the Serengeti?

The Serengeti National Park is an excellent place to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. So, which animals can you see in the Serengeti that belong to the Big Five? Here’s a closer look at these iconic species:

Lion: The Serengeti is known for its large prides of lions, and they are fairly easy to see in the Serengeti. Female lions are generally the ones going on hunts in large groups, more so than their male counterparts. Their favourite activity is napping – up to 20 hours a day.

Leopard: The leopard is one of the most difficult of the Big Five animals to see in the Serengeti. Generally shy and elusive, they can be perfectly camouflaged when they don’t want to be seen. They love the big branches of the Serengeti’s sausage trees, so keep your eyes peeled, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a leopard.

Buffalo: The buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, with few natural predators. Because they need to drink daily, they are often seen around waterholes. In the Serengeti, it’s not uncommon to see herds of over 1,000 of these impressive animals.

Elephant: In the Serengeti, elephants wander the plains and retreat into the woodlands. They are frequently spotted around the waterholes, often near lodges.

Rhinoceros: There are two types of rhino in Africa: the black and the white rhino. The Serengeti is home to the critically endangered black rhino, specifically the eastern black rhinoceros, whose population has slowly been recovering thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. While still rare, there are now over 70 individuals in the park, making it a special sight for those lucky enough to see one of these rare animals in the Serengeti.

The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras

The Serengeti National Park is famous for the Great Migration, Africa’s most remarkable wildlife event, when over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles move in a continuous, circular journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

The Great Migration begins in the southern Serengeti between January and March, when the plains come alive with the birth of around half a million wildebeest calves. This mass birth attracts hungry predators such as lions and hyenas, setting the stage for a dramatic start to the migration.

With the end of the rainy season in May, the herds begin to leave the southern plains and move north toward the western corridor. Their journey takes them across the Grumeti River, where giant crocodiles lie in wait, creating one of the most dramatic scenes of the migration.

By July and August, the wildebeest and zebras reach the Masai Mara in Kenya. The migration is not only risky due to the many predators that lie in wait, but also because thousands of animals lose their lives in the treacherous river crossings, whether from attacks or the strong currents.

In late October, with the arrival of the short rains, the herds begin their return south, making their way back to the Serengeti. By December, they pass through the central Serengeti and return to the lush southern plains where the cycle begins again.

Covering around 800 kilometres each year, the Great Migration is not only the largest mammal migration on earth but also one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles, offering a profound glimpse into the circle of life.

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When is the best time to go on a safari in the Serengeti

The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but the animals you can see in the Serengeti can vary depending on the time of year you are visiting.

Most travellers visit the Serengeti during the dry season (late June to October) when animals congregate around waterholes and are easier to spot. This is when the Great Migration is at its peak and your chances of witnessing an iconic river crossing are greatest.

From June to August, the herds of animals make their dramatic river crossings on the Mara River, dodging crocodiles and hippos, before grazing in the Masai Mara between September and October. In November and December, the herds return south, completing the annual migration cycle.

The green season begins in November and ends in May with green, and lush landscapes, as well as clear skies, making it an ideal time for photography, and birdwatching. From January to March, the wildebeest give birth to thousands of calves, which is a spectacular event to watch. During this time, there are generally fewer tourists, which makes for a more exclusive and special experience.

The Serengeti’s vast landscape ensures that you will always see something extraordinary. Whether you are witnessing the migration or exploring other parts of the park, the Serengeti offers outstanding safari experiences year-round.

Where are the best places to see wildlife in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is vast, and depending on where you go, the animals you can see in the Serengeti will vary.

Seronera & Southcentral: The Seronera area is often considered to be the heart of the park. Seronera is characterised by a network of rivers that attract a variety of animals throughout the year, including big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. Its central location also makes it a prime spot for witnessing the Great Migration as herds of wildebeest and zebra pass through on their annual journey.

Southeastern & Ndutu: This region, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is where the vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle gather to give birth to their young between December and March, making it to one of the key areas of the Great Migration. And a spectacular one:

The short grass plains of Ndutu provide excellent grazing, attracting predators like lion, cheetah, and hyena, making it the perfect ground for exciting wildlife encounters. The Ndutu area is also known for its stunning landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. During the low season, this area turns into a tranquil place where visitors are scarce, but wildlife remains abundant.

Western Corridor: The Western Corridor in the Serengeti is famous for the challenging river crossings during the Great Migration. Stretching along the Grumeti River, this region becomes a key stop for the migrating wildebeest and zebra from May to July as they head north in search of fresh grass.

The Western Corridor is also home to rich biodiversity, including elephant, hippo, giraffe, and a variety of birdlife, making it a diverse and exciting area to explore.

Grumeti Game Reserve: Located in the western Serengeti, Grumeti Game Reserve is a private conservation area offering an exclusive and luxurious safari experience. Covering over 350,000 acres, this reserve is best known for its role in the Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeest and zebra traverse the region between May and July.

The Grumeti River, home to enormous Nile crocodiles, is a focal point where the dramatic river crossings occur, creating one of the most intense wildlife spectacles. Besides the migration, Grumeti is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. This area of the Serengeti is known to be more exclusive, and luxurious, offering activities like hot air balloon safaris.

Serengeti Mara: Situated in the northernmost part of the Serengeti, the Serengeti Mara is a critical area for witnessing the famous Great Migration. This region borders Kenya’s Masai Mara, creating a seamless wildlife corridor that allows millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles to migrate between the two ecosystems.

From July to October, the Serengeti Mara is the prime location to witness dramatic river crossings, particularly at the Mara River. In addition to the migration, the area is home to a variety wildlife, including lions, elephants, and leopards, offering excellent game viewing year-round.

Northern plains & Lobo: This region is as a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, including large herds of wildebeest and zebras, especially during the migration season when they venture northward. From late October to November, the Northern Plains come alive with the sight of these herds grazing alongside predators like lions and cheetahs, which thrive in this rich environment.

The Lobo Valley, known for its striking landscapes and abundant wildlife, is also home to many migratory bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its vibrant ecosystems, the Northern Plains and Lobo area offer an extraordinary safari experience that captures the essence of the Serengeti’s natural beauty.

Benefits of exploring the Serengeti with a professional safari guide

We at Tanzania-Experience are huge fans of the Serengeti and the most rewarding thing is to read and hear about the truly life-changing experiences of our guests.

We work exclusively with guides who are experts at what they do, and it is their expertise and knowledge that makes a safari in the Serengeti so special. Together with your professional safari guide, you will gain an understanding of the park’s ecosystem, wildlife behaviour, and how to track animals, interpret their movements, and identify species you might not see at first glance.

Whether it’s spotting a shy leopard in the tree or observing some lions napping in the shade: your guides’ knowledge of the area will make it possible. Lean back while they navigate the best routes and discover hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Our guides are passionate storytellers and will tell you all about the parks’ history, geology, and the unique cultural connections of the surrounding communities. An experienced guide will surely contribute to getting the most out of your safari experience, transforming it into the memory of a lifetime.

Practical tips for visiting Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

If you decide to go on safari with us, you will receive a range of helpful advice, including a packing list to help you prepare for your safari. Here are a few general tips that can help you now:

• Choose clothing with long sleeves and long pants to protect you from the sun and insect bites.
• Avoid clothing in bright colors, as well as camouflage, dark blue and black.
• Pack warm layers to wear during the morning game drives.
• Bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection from the sun.
• Pack closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire in the evenings.
• Take a swimsuit for the lodge pools.
• Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.

The animals you can see in the Serengeti offer a safari experience like no other. Whether it’s the drama of the Great Migration or the thrill of spotting the Big Five, the Serengeti promises unforgettable moments any time of the year.

Are you ready for your adventure? Get in touch with us and let’s start planning your Serengeti journey!