The oldest national park in Tanzania, the word Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word meaning “endless plain”. Often it seems that places so famous lead to expectations so high that leads to a bit of disappointment. That is not the case with the Serengeti. It indeed deserves all its reputation. No matter what time of the year you go, there will be excellent game viewing. The park is quite large — from north to south approximately 160 km (100 miles) and covers nearly 15,000 sq. km (5,700 sq. miles). Even in the busiest times, it is easy to find secluded areas for game drives if you desire the solitude.
Certain portions are at their best at specific times of the year due to the presence of the Great Migration. Central Serengeti (Seronera) is a reliable option year round. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) is spectacular during July–October when the Great Migration herds are present and the wildebeest cross the Mara River. During January–March, the migration herds gather in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu) for calving season — when conditions are right, over 400,000 calves are born in just three weeks, making it a highly active time for predators.
The Serengeti is one of the few remaining places where it is possible to see black rhino in the wild. The park is also known for its numerous cats — lions, cheetahs, and leopards — alongside elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, crocodiles, and many more species.
Getting there: the most common route is a 7-hour drive from Arusha across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Flying in is also an option — several airstrips serve the park, and Precision Air connects Seronera to Zanzibar a few times per week.
Accommodation ranges from basic camping to exclusive lodges. A balloon safari is available daily at $600/person — a 5am departure, one hour of flight, and a champagne picnic breakfast on landing. Note that night game drives are not permitted inside the Serengeti national park itself.