Best Time to See Big Cats in the Serengeti: A Month-by-Month Wildlife Guide
Planning a once-in-a-lifetime Serengeti safari? If spotting big cats in the wild—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—is at the top of your list, timing your trip right is everything. While the Serengeti offers year-round wildlife viewing, certain months dramatically boost your chances of seeing these majestic predators in action.
In this guide, we break down the best time to see big cats in the Serengeti—with tips on where to go, what to expect each season, and how to increase your chances of unforgettable sightings.
Why the Serengeti is the Ultimate Big Cat Destination
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is home to one of the densest big cat populations in Africa, making it one of the top safari destinations for predator sightings.
- Lions: Over 3,000 roam the plains, often seen in prides of 10–20.
- Leopards: Elusive but found throughout riverine forests and kopjes.
- Cheetahs: Best spotted in open grasslands—ideal for high-speed hunts.
Big Cat Sightings by Season: What to Expect Month-by-Month
To help you choose the best time for a Serengeti safari, here’s a breakdown by season and wildlife activity:
December – March: Best for Cheetahs & Calving Season
- Region: Southern Serengeti & Ndutu area
- Big Cat Action: Cheetahs thrive in the open plains during this time.
- Why It’s Special: This is the calving season for the Great Migration—thousands of wildebeest are born daily, attracting predators in droves.
Best time to see cheetahs hunting and lions feasting on newborn prey.
April – May: Low Season, But Still Wild
- Region: Central Serengeti (Seronera)
- Big Cat Action: Resident lions and leopards are still active.
- Downside: Long rains may affect road conditions and visibility.
Tip: Fewer tourists means intimate wildlife encounters and better photo ops.
June – July: Start of the Dry Season & Great Migration
- Region: Western Corridor & Grumeti River
- Big Cat Action: Lions and leopards stalk migrating herds.
- Bonus: Crocodile-infested river crossings are intense.
Best time to see lion prides follow massive herds.
August – October: Peak Predator Viewing in Northern Serengeti
- Region: Kogatende & Mara River area
- Big Cat Action: High density of predators during wildebeest crossings.
- Why It’s Epic: Cats capitalize on the chaos of river crossings.
Prime time for dramatic hunting scenes and National Geographic-worthy shots.
November: Short Rains, Moving Back South
- Region: Central to Southern Serengeti
- Big Cat Action: Cheetahs and lions begin following herds south.
- Wildlife Density: Increasing predator activity resumes in the plains.
Where to See Big Cats in the Serengeti: Top Hotspots
1. Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti)
- Excellent year-round sightings of lions and leopards.
- Famous for kopjes—rock outcrops where cats love to perch.
2. Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti)
- Best from December to March for cheetahs and lion kills.
3. Mara River Region (Northern Serengeti)
- August to October is ideal for predator-prey drama during the migration.
Pro Safari Tips to Maximize Big Cat Sightings
Go with expert guides: A sharp-eyed tracker makes all the difference.
Early morning & late afternoon: Prime hunting hours.
Stay multiple nights: Increases your chances of multiple encounters.
Use private conservancies: Less crowded and better access to predators.
Book Your Big Cat Safari: When and How to Go
Best Overall Months: February (calving & cheetah hunting) and August (river crossings & lion activity)
Budget-friendly Tip: April–May offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Best for Photography: June–October for dry conditions and predator action.
If your dream is to see big cats on the prowl, then plan your Serengeti trip based on what you want to witness—cheetahs sprinting across open plains, lions hunting wildebeest during the Great Migration, or leopards lounging in acacia trees. Whatever the season, the Serengeti never disappoints.
Ready to plan your trip? Talk to a safari expert today and build a custom Serengeti big cat itinerary tailored to your dream experience.
