The Serengeti, a name that conjures images of vast plains, thundering hooves, and an unparalleled wildlife spectacle, stands as one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. The animals of the Serengeti range from large predators and herbivores to smaller mammals, reptiles, insects and hundreds of bird species. If you’re a first-time safari-goer looking to spot the Big 5 or witness the drama of the Great Migration, the Serengeti is the destination for you.
This immense ecosystem spans northern Tanzania and extends into southwestern Kenya (where it’s known as the Masai Mara). It’s a symphony of life where each creature big and small plays a crucial role. There’s a wide variety of habitats across the Serengeti, which supports the many different species you can find in the area.
Let’s explore this incredible wilderness and find out which Serengeti animals you’re likely to see when you book a safari holiday in the wonderfully wildlife-rich and diverse Serengeti National Park.
Top Wildlife Experiences in the Serengeti
1. The Big 5: A Classic Safari Experience
The Big 5 is a collection of famous large game animals in Africa, namely:
• Lion
• Leopard
• African elephant
• Rhino
• Cape buffalo
Spotting the Big 5 is on every safari-goer’s wishlist, and the Serengeti is home to all of them – although sightings are never guaranteed, there’s a good chance you’ll get to spot all five of these sought-after animals in one trip.
2. Wildebeest Great Migration: The Most Famous Wildlife Experience
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Serengeti is the Great Migration. This annual journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest is a testament to the unyielding pulse of life on the plains. Watching these herds of animals traverse the savannah, facing predators and crossing crocodile-infested rivers is an unforgettable experience.
Apart from the huge numbers of wildebeest, you’re likely to spot several other species following the herds of the Great Migration Africa:
• Zebra
• Eland
• Impala
• Predators like crocodile and lion
• Grant’s gazelle
• Thomson’s gazelle
• Giraffe
Following the Herd
Staying at one of our mobile Migration Camps (Olakira or Ubuntu Migration Camp) will give you the best seat in the house for the Great Migration. These tented camps move twice a year to follow the herds and ensure that guests are always in the heart of the action.
3. Predators of the Serengeti: The Kings and Queens of the Plains
The Serengeti is home to a remarkable density of predators, including:
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• African wild dog
• Spotted hyena
• Jackal
• Serval cat
Fearsome Felines
If big cats are big on your list, the remote area surrounding Namiri Plains is a haven for these graceful predators. Of all the animals that live in the Serengeti, the hunters are at the top of the food chain. Lion, often seen lounging in the shade or coordinating strategic hunts, reign supreme. Cheetah, the fastest land animals, can be spotted in pursuit of prey, their bodies a blur of speed and agility. Leopard, elusive and solitary, adorn the branches of the trees, surveying their domain with a quiet intensity.
4. The Elephant Herds: Gentle Giants of the Grasslands
The docile pachyderms of the Serengeti roam in matriarchal herds. Their deep family bonds and social structures have been the subject of many studies, and watching them interact – whether it’s a tender moment between a mother and calf or the playful jostling of the juveniles – is a heartwarming experience. Elephants can often be spotted gathering at watering holes, or moving in herds across the plains.
5. The Smaller Species: A World of Diversity
Outside of the larger animals of the Serengeti and more popular safari sightings, the Serengeti’s charm lies also in its smaller inhabitants. From the industrious dung beetle, whose unenvious job is so crucial to the habitability of the plains during migration season, to the vibrant lilac-breasted rollers, each species adds a unique brushstroke to the Serengeti’s canvas.
Smaller mammals found in the Serengeti include:
• African grass rat
• East African gerbil
• Bush baby
• Mongoose
There are more than 500 bird species in the Serengeti, with some of the most common including:
• Ostrich
• Ground hornbill
• Secretary bird
• African fish eagle
A fascinating array of beetles, weevils, termites and butterflies make up the Serengeti’s insect kingdom.
Find the Little 5
The Little 5 are a collection of some of Africa’s most fascinating smaller animals:
• Lion ant
• Leopard tortoise
• Elephant shrew
• Rhino beetle
• Buffalo weaver
Ask your guide to help you find some of the Little 5 on a Serengeti bush walk. A walking safari is highly recommended to see the smaller animals of the Serengeti and appreciate the finer nuances of this exceptional ecosystem. Getting out on foot is the best way to immerse yourself in your surroundings and feel closer to nature.
Coexisting with Communities
We believe in coexisting harmoniously with nature and local communities. The Serengeti is not just a wildlife haven; it’s a landscape where human and animal lives intertwine. By travelling with us, you contribute to sustainable tourism practices that support wildlife conservation and empower local communities.
Stay in the Serengeti with Asilia
Ubuntu Migration Camp: This mobile-tented camp is based in the southern Serengeti from mid-November to mid-March, and in the north from mid-June to October. Its carefully chosen locations allow guests to immerse themselves in the unfolding drama of the Great Migration, from river crossings to calving season.
Olakira Migration Camp: Another mobile camp that follows the wildebeest herds across the plains of the Serengeti. Olakira also features special mesh-covered stargazing tents, to add an extra element of magic to your safari.
Sayari Camp: This camp is located on the Tanzanian side of the Mara River, where you can see the herds of the Great Migration crossing. A great spot to see a variety of Serengeti National Park animals.
Dunia Camp: This central Serengeti camp is close to the Seronera Rivers and Moru Kopjes, both of which are excellent game-viewing areas. Many animals gather at the river to drink, while big cats like to use the boulders of the Kopjes as lookout points.
Namiri Plains: Located in a remote area of the eastern Serengeti, this camp is perfectly positioned for a big cat safari, with plenty of cheetah and lion in the vicinity.
A safari in the Serengeti is a journey into the heart of the wild. As you plan your next adventure, let us guide you through this extraordinary land, where every game drive, bush walk, and campfire story is a step deeper into the awe-inspiring world of the famous Serengeti wildlife.
