Serengeti is world-famous for hosting the Great Migration, the largest overland migration of animals on the planet. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles move in a circular pattern between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This awe-inspiring journey, spanning over 800 kilometers, is fraught with dangers, including dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where massive crocodiles lurk in wait. The migration is also a prime time for predator activity, as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the abundance of prey. While the migration is the park’s most famous attraction, Serengeti offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round, with an estimated 3,000 lions, 7,000 elephants, 5,000 giraffes, and 500 bird species calling the park home.

Beyond its remarkable wildlife, Serengeti has deep cultural and ecological significance. The region has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with early evidence of human activity found at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Today, the Maasai people continue to live around the park, maintaining their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle while coexisting with the wildlife. The Serengeti’s protected status is crucial for global conservation efforts, as it preserves not only its iconic species but also the delicate balance of its ecosystems. Conservation challenges such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change threaten this natural paradise, making ongoing efforts by the Tanzanian government and conservation organizations essential in ensuring the Serengeti remains a thriving wildlife sanctuary for generations to come.