The Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre (SWRC) is the genesis of all wildlife research in Tanzania, since it is at this centre where first research work was initiated by the Germany scientist Prof. Bernhard Grizmek in 1950s. In 1963 the Serengeti Research Institute (SRI) was formed under Tanzania National Parks. The centre was originally the headquarter of SRI before it was changed to Serengeti Wildlife Research Institute (SWRI) by the Act of Parliament No.4 of 1980. The original name of the Institute was changed from SWRI to TAWIRI in 1999, by the Act of Parliament No.10 (CAP 260 RE 2002), to give its broader meaning and mandate on wildlife research throughout the country. SWRC is responsible for carrying out and overseeing wildlife research in the Serengeti ecosystem.

 

The SWRC is found in the Serengeti National Park (SNP) which is about 327km from Arusha town, 95km from Mugumu town, 150km from Lamadi town and 60km from Fort Ikoma. The Centre has one research station (Endala) which is in Lake Manyara National Park and is located about 17km from the main entrance gate.