Conservation areaNorthern Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A wildlife-filled volcanic crater and the Maasai highlands.
National park · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Serengeti National Park
Endless plains and the Great Migration all year round.
- Northern Tanzania
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$82.60
- World Heritage Site (1981)
Overview
- Established
- 1959
- Area
- 14,763 km²
- Bird species
- 540+
- From Arusha
- About 7–8 hours to Seronera
- Airstrips
- Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu and others
Serengeti was established in 1959 and covers 14,763 km², the heart of the 30,000 km² Serengeti–Mara ecosystem that crosses into Kenya. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
The Great Migration is here all year: wildebeest, zebras and gazelles calve on the southern plains early in the year, move through the centre and the Western Corridor, and reach the Mara River in the north in the dry season before returning south with the short rains.
The central Seronera valley is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, leopards and cheetahs. TANAPA also offers balloon flights, walking safaris, bush meals and rhino viewing around the Moru kopjes.
- The Great Migration
Calving in the south about January–February; Mara River crossings in the north about July–October.
- Big cats of Seronera
Lions, leopards and cheetahs along the Seronera River all year.
- Balloon safaris
Dawn flights over the plains with licensed balloon operators.
Things to do
- Game drives
Day and full-day drives with a licensed driver-guide.
- Balloon safariUS$59 park fee
TANAPA's balloon fee is added to the operator's price.
- Walking safariUS$23.60
Short walks with an armed ranger.
- Rhino viewing at MoruUS$118 per trip
Special rhino viewing trip in the Moru kopjes area.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Good all year because the migration is always somewhere in the park. Calving is about January–February in the south; northern river crossings about July–October. April and May are wettest.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 MarchChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$82.60 | US$41.30 | US$82.60 | TZS 11,800 |
| Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 MayChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$70.80 | US$35.40 | US$70.80 | TZS 11,800 |
| Lodge and camp concession feeper adult per night inside the park, July – September (US$59 October – June) | US$70.80 | US$70.80 | US$70.80 | TZS 35,400 |
| Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
| Public campsiteper adult per night | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | TZS 5,900 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 March
- Foreign non-resident
- US$82.60
- Foreign resident
- US$41.30
- Rest of Africa
- US$82.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 May
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70.80
- Foreign resident
- US$35.40
- Rest of Africa
- US$70.80
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Lodge and camp concession feeper adult per night inside the park, July – September (US$59 October – June)
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70.80
- Foreign resident
- US$70.80
- Rest of Africa
- US$70.80
- East African citizen
- TZS 35,400
- Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Public campsiteper adult per night
- Foreign non-resident
- US$35.40
- Foreign resident
- US$35.40
- Rest of Africa
- US$35.40
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom ArushaAbout 7–8 hours
Through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Naabi Hill Gate and Seronera.
- By airFrom Arusha or Kilimanjaro AirportAbout 1–2 hours
Scheduled light-aircraft flights to Seronera and the other airstrips.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the park adds NCAA fees.
- Where the migration is depends on the rains; ask your operator to place your camp for your dates.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Great Migration in the Serengeti?
All year. Calving is usually in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu about January–February, and river crossings in the north about July–October. Timing changes with the rains.
How much is the Serengeti entry fee?
US$82.60 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$70 plus VAT), or US$70.80 from 15 March to 15 May. East African citizens pay TZS 11,800.
Is the Serengeti the same as the Maasai Mara?
They are one ecosystem split by the Kenya–Tanzania border. The Serengeti is much larger and holds the migration for most of the year.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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