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Wildlife & Animals in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti Safaris Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park offers what many consider the essence of an African safari. Massive animal herds march across the wide-open savannah as far as you can see, while predators never fail to add drama to this idyllic scene. You won’t need to drive far to spot lions. Cheetahs are common too. Imagine seeing the world’s fastest land animal in full sprint. Leopards are secretive, but you might find one lazing in one of the big trees along the Seronera River.

  • Abundant
  • Common
  • Occasional
  • Rare
  • None
Elephant
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Buffalo
Abundant
Zebra
Abundant
Wildebeest
Abundant
White Rhino
None
Black Rhino
Very Rare
Lion
Common
Leopard
Occasional
Cheetah
Common
Hyena
Common
Wild Dog
Very Rare

Wildlife Highlights

The Serengeti is famed for its annual wildebeest migration, when some 8 million hooves cross the open plains. More than 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the trek for fresh grazing grounds. Predators follow the migration and sightings of big cats hunting is particularly exciting. Spotted hyena, golden jackal and black-backed jackal are never far off either.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Serengeti offers amazing wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are great months for seeing the migration and a possible crossing of the Grumeti River. The more famous river crossings of the Mara River can be witnessed around August and September in the north of the park. January to February is the best time for the wildebeest calving.


Wildlife Photos

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