A Comprehensive Guide to The Serengeti Safari in September

Serengeti Safari in September: The Final Act of the Great Migration

A Serengeti safari in September is excellent, offering peak dry season conditions, minimal rain, and prime opportunities to witness dramatic Mara River crossings as the Great Migration moves into Kenya’s Masai Mara, with herds concentrated in the north, excellent predator action, and easier wildlife viewing due to sparse vegetation and animals gathering at waterholes, making it a fantastic, slightly less crowded time for game drives and photography.

In September, you can witness the last stages of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration on a safari in the Serengeti. This is when the herds of wildebeests cross the Mara River into the Masai Mara in Kenya. The best time to see wildlife, enjoy hot, dry days and cooler evenings is in September, when the dry season peaks. September is a great month to visit Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park because there are fewer tourists than in August.

As the Great Migration begins its descent into the Masai Mara and the dry season reaches its height in September, it is the perfect time for a safari in the Serengeti. As a result of the dry, clear, and relatively low humidity weather, most of the animals congregate around water sources, providing excellent viewing possibilities.

Why Visit the Serengeti in September?

  • Wildlife Viewing:
    Animals are clustered near remaining water sources, providing excellent chances to spot them.
  • Great Migration:
    While some herds move into the Masai Mara in Kenya, significant portions of the migration still remain in the northern Serengeti.
  • Dry and Clear Conditions:
    September offers sunny days, reduced humidity, and minimal rainfall, ideal for safari adventures.
  • Predator Abundance:
    September sees an abundance of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, as they hunt the concentrated herds of wildebeest.

Things to Consider:

  • Crowds:
    The Serengeti can get crowded, especially around the Seronera area.
  • Cold Nights:
    Temperatures can be cooler at night, especially in the mornings, so bring warm clothes for game drives.

Additional Tips:

  • If you’re focused on the Great Migration, we suggest visiting the northern Serengeti (Kogatende and Lamai) or the Masai Mara.
  • Consider staying in permanent camps in the northern Serengeti for easy access to the Mara River crossings, such as Sayari or Nomad Lamai.

What to Expect on a Serengeti Safari in September

  • River Crossings
    September is when most people go to see the Mara River crossings. As they encounter crocodiles and powerful currents, the migratory herds face these dramatic events as a challenge to their existence. Experiencing a river crossing firsthand is an exhilarating and moving event.
  • Wildlife Spotting
    When it’s dry, animals concentrate around water sources like rivers and waterholes, making them easier to see. September is the most wildlife-rich month in the northern Serengeti, when gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests congregate in great numbers.
  • Photography Opportunities
    Photographers will find September to be an ideal month due to the beautiful skies, golden landscapes, and plenty of wildlife. The gentle light of dawn and dusk brings out the Serengeti’s most breathtaking features.

Where to Go on a Serengeti Safari in September

  • Northern Serengeti
    If you want to see the Mara River crossings in September, the northern Serengeti is the place to go. Animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions call this region home as well.
  • Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
    In September, the western Serengeti is also a great place to see the herds crossing the Grumeti River. Exciting wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery are available in this area.
  • Central Serengeti (Seronera)
    The centre Serengeti may not be where the migration is most concentrated in September, but it is still worth a visit to see the resident species, which includes lions and leopards, among others.

Tips for Planning Your Serengeti Safari in September

  • Book Early: Safaris are still popular in September, so it’s important to plan ahead and get lodging and permits, particularly at lodges close to river crossings.
  • Pack Warm Clothing: Game drives can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to carry clothes.
  • Focus on the Northern Serengeti: In September, this region is ideal for seeing wildlife and for crossing rivers.
  • Consider a Private Guide: Finding the greatest places to see animals and avoiding the crowds are both made easier with the assistance of an experienced guide.

Book Your Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Now!

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