Between July and September they are in the northern section of the park and in the adjoining Masi Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, which is their dry season refuge. Around mid-September they head south past lobo wildlife lodge reaching the short grass plains in the region of the gol mountains and Nabbi Hill around December. Those that have survived the long migration route calve in January and February in this area, before repeating the quest for water and greener pastures in May. The approximate distance covered each year is around 800 kilometres. There are estimated to be more than 1.500,000 wildebeest in the park whilst burchells zebra number between 300.000-400.000.
The Serengeti National Park is home to over 500 different species of birds - secretary birds- marabou- ostriches- kori bustards-guinea fowl- lilac breasted rollers- bateleur eagles-Egyptian geese-herons - various types of vultures.
- Sunbirds-starlings-go away birds (grey louries) weaver birds and barbets can be seen.
Commonly found in the park, apart from the wildebeest and zebra, are various types of antelope. many herds of thomsons and grants gazelle. Small herds of cape buffalo, topi and waterbuck, as well as Masai giraffe are normally seen. Families of warthog are a common sight. Hyena jackal and lion are regularly sighted, often resting in the shade. Lion sightings can be either solitary males , or large prides of lioness together with their cubs. Lions tend to hunt between dusk and dawn. Cheetah can often be spotted out on the open plains particularly in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are not too high. They rely on daylight and speed to catch their prey. Leopards, because of their generally nocturnal hunting habits, are not often spotted but when seen are usually found asleep or lounging in the branches of their favourite tree. Groups (or pods) of hippo are found in the bigger pools and rivers. Crocodiles are sometimes seen sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Vervet monkeys and baboons are the most common type of primate seen around the park. Rock hyraxes (or dassies)- a sort of rock rabbit who's nearest living relative is the elephant!- are always seen around the lodges. Nocturnal animals which include the bat eared fox and porcupines, are not often sighted, except perhaps first thing in the morning or at dusk.