The Serengeti is the crown jewel of African safaris — a landscape of golden savannahs, endless horizons, and wildlife spectacles unmatched anywhere on Earth. While the park is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, its range of activities offers visitors so much more. Here are the top things to do in Serengeti National Park for an unforgettable safari experience.
1. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
If there is one experience that defines the Serengeti, it’s the Great Wildebeest Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains each year in search of fresh grazing. Depending on the season, you might witness the calving season in Ndutu (January–March), dramatic river crossings (June–September), or the herds scattered across the central plains.
2. Classic Game Drives
Game drives are the heartbeat of a Serengeti safari. Morning and evening drives reveal different rhythms of the bush — from predators on the hunt to elephants bathing at waterholes. With professional guides, you’ll spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) alongside cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and countless bird species.
3. Hot Air Balloon Safari
Floating above the Serengeti at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A hot air balloon safari gives you a bird’s-eye view of the vast plains and wildlife below, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. It’s one of the most magical and romantic ways to experience the park.
4. Visit the Hippo Pools
The Serengeti’s rivers are home to massive pods of hippos. Watching these colossal animals jostle, grunt, and splash in the water is both thrilling and entertaining. The Retima Hippo Pool in central Serengeti is a favorite stop for many visitors.
5. Explore the Moru Kopjes
The Moru Kopjes — granite outcrops rising from the plains — are iconic Serengeti landmarks. They are prime spots for spotting lions, as the rocks provide shade and vantage points for hunting. The area is also culturally significant, with Maasai rock paintings that connect the park to its heritage.
6. Birdwatching Paradise
With over 500 bird species, the Serengeti is a haven for bird enthusiasts. From ostriches and kori bustards on the plains to colorful lilac-breasted rollers and secretary birds in flight, birdwatching adds another layer of wonder to the safari experience.
7. Night Game Drives (Special Concessions)
While not allowed everywhere in the park, some private concessions around the Serengeti offer night game drives. These reveal a completely different world — nocturnal predators, bush babies, hyenas, and the eerie glow of animal eyes under torchlight.
8. Visit Maasai Villages
The Serengeti is not only about wildlife; it’s also home to the Maasai people, whose culture and traditions are deeply tied to the land. Visiting a Maasai boma (village) provides insight into their way of life, traditional dances, and craftsmanship.
9. Walking Safaris (Guided)
For a more intimate connection with nature, guided walking safaris let you experience the Serengeti on foot. These treks highlight smaller details often missed on game drives — animal tracks, plant life, and the thrill of encountering wildlife at ground level.
10. Sunset Sundowners
After a day of adventure, few things compare to enjoying a sundowner — a safari tradition of sipping a drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Serengeti sunsets are legendary, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold.
Final Thoughts
From thrilling game drives to cultural encounters and serene moments in nature, the Serengeti is more than just a safari destination — it’s a journey into the very heart of Africa’s wilderness. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, soaring above the plains in a balloon, or connecting with Maasai traditions, every experience here becomes a story you’ll treasure forever.