Animals of the Serengeti

The Serengeti is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos. You’ll also find cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope. With its open plains, the Serengeti offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa.

Lion

Known as the "King of the Jungle", lions in the Serengeti live in large prides and can often be seen hunting or resting under acacia trees.

Elephant

Serengeti elephants are massive and majestic, roaming in herds across the grasslands and near rivers in search of food and water.

Leopard

These elusive cats are solitary and stealthy, often found resting in trees. Leopards are powerful hunters with beautiful spotted coats.

African Buffalo

Buffaloes travel in herds and are known for their unpredictable nature. They are a key member of the Big Five due to their strength and size.

Black Rhino

Rare and endangered, black rhinos can still be spotted in parts of the Serengeti. They are solitary, powerful, and critically protected.

When to Go to the Serengeti National Park

The best time to visit the Serengeti depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration, the prime months are from **June to October** when herds move north. For lush green landscapes and baby animals, visit during the **wet season from November to March**. Wildlife viewing is good year-round due to the park's abundant animals.

Serengeti Migration: When is the Great Migration?

The **Great Migration** is a spectacular event where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate in a circular route across the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara. The best times to witness the migration are:

• January–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area).
• June–July: River crossings in the Western Corridor and Grumeti area.
• August–October: Dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti.

The Four Areas of the Serengeti National Park

• Central Serengeti (Seronera): Best year-round for wildlife. Lots of big cats and lodges.
• Western Corridor: Famous for river crossings and dense bush landscapes.
• Northern Serengeti: Known for dramatic Mara River crossings and remote wilderness.
• Southern Serengeti / Ndutu: Ideal for calving season and predator sightings from Jan–March.

Animals and Birds of the Serengeti

Besides mammals, the Serengeti is a paradise for bird watchers. Over 500 species of birds can be found here, including ostriches, secretary birds, vultures, eagles, flamingos, and colorful bee-eaters. Whether on a game drive or walking safari, the diversity of wildlife is unmatched.

Ostrich

The world’s largest bird, often seen sprinting across open plains. Despite being flightless, it can reach speeds of 70 km/h.

Secretary Bird

Known for its long legs and eagle-like head, this terrestrial bird preys on snakes and insects with deadly precision.

African Fish Eagle

With a distinct call and strong talons, this majestic bird is often seen near rivers and lakes, diving to catch fish.

Flamingo

Graceful and colorful, flamingos gather in large flocks near alkaline lakes like Lake Natron, creating a pink spectacle.

Bee-eater

These small, vividly colored birds are known for their aerial acrobatics while catching insects mid-flight.