Covering more than 5,700 square miles in East Africa, Serengeti National Park is the ultimate safari destination. While it’s known for the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and elands that cross its vast plains, these herd animals aren’t the only ones in the park. Hyenas, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and monkeys call the Serengeti home, too. 

The Sweet Spot: The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is the dry season from late June to October, when the animals move in search of fresh water and greener pastures. This time also provides clear skies for photography. However, to avoid the many fellow tourists the Great Migration brings and for lower rates, consider what is sometimes locally known as “green season” between November and May. That said, the months of April and May are peak rainy season, which sometimes renders certain roads impassible and can see some lodges and camps close. (However, it's also the cheapest time to visit.)