Serengeti National Park Pictures

When you think of going on an African safari, odds are you envision seeing lions, elephants and giraffes in wide open plains dotted with acacia trees. Matt Champlin Getty Images

The Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti is the best place to see hippos. This crowded watering hole near the Seronera and Orangi rivers is home to nearly 200 of these massive beasts. Luis Davilla Getty Images

Every year, more than one million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move throughout the Serengeti during The Great Migration. roevin Getty Images

The Masai is a semi-nomadic ethnic group that inhabits parts of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. jocrebbin Getty Images

You're bound to spot all sorts of fauna, including lions, wildebeest and zebras, when the animals travel south to Naabi Hill during The Great Migration,. Thomas Retterath Getty Images

The best way to explore Serengeti National Park is on safari in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Brian Raisbeck Getty Images

In addition to finding the park's only remaining black rhino population at Moru Kopjes, visitors can see Gong Rock and the region's famous Masai rock paintings here. ajlber Getty Images

From July to November, The Great Migration makes its way across the Grumeti River, despite the threat posed by the river's resident crocodiles. Africanway Getty Images

No matter where you stay in the park, you'll enjoy pictuesque African sunsets. Bas Vermolen Getty Images

You'll see many elephants roaming around the park, but remember to keep your distance since these massive mammals can do some damage. Photo By Terje Grimsgaard Getty Images

The Lobo Valley in Northern Serengeti is one of the few areas of the park where you have a shot at seeing all three big cat species: cheetahs, leopards and lions. Douglas Klug Getty Images

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the sixth-largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Between December and June, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Serengeti's famous Great Migration passing through here. PhotoStock-Israel Getty Images

The Seronera River Valley is one of the best places in the park to get a glimpse of a leopard. Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images Getty Images

Hippos are easy to spot in the Serengeti, but to guarantee a view of these large creatures, visit Central Serengeti's Retina Hippo Pool. Santiago Urquijo Getty Images

This archaeological site in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area earned the nickname "The Cradle of Mankind" for the role it played in human evolution. Brian Raisbeck Getty Images

Zebras are just some of the animals you'll find wandering around the Seronera River Valley. Anup Shah Getty Images

If you want to catch a feeding frenzy, check out the Grumeti River when The Great Migration travels through. This body of water is home to most of the park's crocodiles, which wait patiently in the water before striking unsuspecting animals as they cross the river. Manoj Shah Getty Images

To enjoy a top-down perspective of Serengeti National Park, sign up for a hot air balloon excursion with Serengeti Balloon Safaris. nicolamargaret Getty Images

Northern Serengeti's Bologonja Springs draws larger mammals, including giraffes, buffalo and elephants, to its banks. bonniecaton Getty Images