Serengeti National Park is a vast protected ecosystem in northern Tanzania, renowned for its sweeping savannas and exceptional wildlife diversity. It is best known for hosting the Great Migration—one of the most spectacular animal movements on Earth—drawing millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across its plains.

Key facts

• Location: Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya

• Established: 1951

• Area: About 14,750 km² (5,700 sq mi)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1981

• Notable feature: Annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras

Geography and Ecosystem

Serengeti National Park lies within the larger Serengeti ecosystem, extending into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Its landscapes range from open grasslands to acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and granite kopjes. The park’s diverse habitats sustain over 70 large mammal species and more than 500 bird species, making it a critical area for global biodiversity conservation.

The Great Migration

 

Each year, around 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate in a circular route between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Driven by seasonal rainfall and fresh grazing, this migration includes perilous river crossings, particularly at the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, where predators such as crocodiles await.

Wildlife and Conservation

The park supports large populations of iconic African wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Conservation efforts focus on mitigating human–wildlife conflict, combating poaching, and preserving migratory corridors. Serengeti National Park is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, which collaborates with international partners to maintain ecological integrity.

Tourism and Impact

Serengeti National Park is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s tourism industry, attracting visitors for safaris, photography, and balloon rides. Tourism revenues support local communities and conservation programs but also require careful management to balance ecological protection with economic benefit.