Serengeti Safari Tour

The Serengeti is a true African Jewel where grasslands appear to stretch to the ends of the earth, coalition of lions stalk across open plains and the wildebeest and zebra migrate in millions. Every year, this migration covers about 3,000 kilometers in constant wandering to the edges of the park across the border into Kenya’s Masai Mara in the greatest migration on the planet. In February more than 8000 wildebeests calves are born per day although about 40% of these die before reaching 4 months old.

Besides The Great Migration, Serengeti Tours offer a glimpse at the big five (rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo) with the rare sightings of the rhino in the Moru Kopjes. The 14,763 sq. km Serengeti National Park is also renown for its predators to include; cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals and most especially the lions best witnessed on one of our organized Serengeti National Park Safari Packages. Among the herbivores; zebras, giraffes, Buffaloes, Thompson's and Grants Gazelles, topics, elands, hartebeests, Impalas, klipspringers, duikers and so many more do exist in huge numbers. For birders;Serengeti Safari tours do offer incredible birdwatching opportunities with over 500 species that call the Serengeti home.

Planning and booking your Serengeti safari tour can be done with a Tanzania Serengeti safari operator, an international travel agent or directly through a camp or lodge in the Serengeti. Booking through a tour operator offers you the comfort behind having to fly into Tanzania then transfer straight to the Serengeti for the safari of your dreams without having to worry about the ground work but rather enjoy a seamless safari.

Booking through an international travel agent at home also offers you the chance to have an expert plan your Serengeti safari holiday, whoever, most international travel agents have direct contacts with ground Tanzania safari companies who will handle your trip therefore booking directly through a local operator in Tanzania will be cheaper.

Planning and booking your Serengeti National Park safari is something we advise you should do in advance before arriving into Tanzania, this will ensure you book a spot at the top notch lodges and camps especially if you are planning to visit during the peak season

Choosing Your Serengeti Safari Tour

Serengeti National Park can be explored with a minimum of 3 Days (2 Nights) in the park, luckily, Tanzania is blessed with some of the world's most epic adventures, and at Masai Mara Holidays Ltd, we always advice our visitors to combine a Serengeti safari holiday with the Popular Northern Tanzania safari circuit comprising of major highlights such as a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, or a continued visit to Ngorongoro Conservation Area or relaxing on a beach holiday in gorgeous Zanzibar.

You can also checkout our carefully crafted Serengeti National Park safari packages that feature the best of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda's major Safari landmarks. One of manys favorite Serengeti Safari additions is a journey to the Ugandan or Rwanda highlands to trek mountain gorillas. Here you get up close and personal with these gentle primates in a remote, mountainous jungle environment. For those with the time, these nearby adventures can complement your Serengeti safari fantastically.

Serengeti and The Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

This popular Serengeti safari itinerary starts with flying in Kilimanjaro International Airport then Arusha to spend a week exploring the Serengeti combined with Northern Parks. The best wildlife viewing opportunities are combined with a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. Alternatively this Serengeti tour itinerary can be coupled up with a Kilimanjaro climb or Ol Donyoi Lengai which could come first before the safari.

Serengeti and Tanzania's Southern Circuit Safari

This authentic Serengeti safari tour combines a visit to The Serengeti and Tanzania's Southern Circuit key players; Selous also known as Nyerere Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. A minimum of about 6 to 8 days is required to accommodate this trip. Starting with a visit to the Serengeti, most reliable for the big five sightings and the migration, you travel south to encounter the lesser visited Tanzania's Southern Circuit safari . This circuit comprises of Tanzania's best kept secret attractions. Ruaha National Park which is home to Africa's highest number of Elephants and Selous Game Reserve, Africa's biggest Game Reserve that offers a unique wild game experience with a chance to enjoy a boat safari along Mighty Rufigi River.

Serengeti Safari and Beach Holiday

This Serengeti tour takes you to two of Tanzania's premier safari destinations. Starting in Arusha, you transfer to the Serengeti for a game viewing experience in either the southern, Central, western or Northern Serengeti depending on the movement of the migration. After a couple of nights spent in the bush, get whisked away on a chartered flight to one of Tanzania's Resort coastal beaches; most preferably Zanzibar of Pemba. Visit the ancient historical landmarks of stone Town, endulge into the wide range of beach activities from snorkeling, diving, sunset cruises and spice tours.

Serengeti and Kenya Game Safari

This spectacular Serengeti safari holiday offers a guaranteed encounter with the great migration either in The Serengeti or The Masai Mara depending on your planned time of visit. Safari between Kenya and Tanzania is coordinated either via Isebania Land border Crossing or Namanga Border. If the focus of your Serengeti tour is the migration or the classic savannah safari of East Africa, then you will visit the Masai Mara and the Serengeti crossing via Isebania Land border to include an extended visit to Ngorongoro Crater. With this option, a minimum of about 6 to 8 days is required to accommodate this trip.

Alternatively, a more adventurous option to combine safari in Kenya and Tanzania is Visiting the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha, then travel south to Amboseli National Park to sum up the best of Kenya's game. This Serengeti trip further continues into Tanzania via Namanga border crossing to either Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park then to Serengeti National Park with an option to add a visit to Ngorongoro Crater.

Serengeti Safari Cost

Most Serengeti National Park Safari Packages cover transport to and from the park, accommodation, park entrances, service of a safari guide, drinking water on board, however confirm these price inclusions with your Serengeti tour operator before booking. Drinks and beverages are often excluded. If you are booking your Serengeti tour directly with a lodge or camp in the Serengeti, you maybe quoted full board accommodation prices, if these prices apply then you will have to pay an extra to go on game drives, there is usually a chance for 2 activities per day. (each about two to three hours)

It is advisable to book the "game package" as offered by your Serengeti safari lodge or camp; this package covers accommodation and 2 activities each day, if you will be flying into the Serengeti, this package may also cover pick up and drop-off from the closest airstrip in the Serengeti. It is important to note that for these wildlife activities as offered by the lodge or camp will be shared with other guests. The general cost of your Serengeti safari tour as offered by your preferred operator will depend on the type of safari you will opt for; types of Serengeti safaris vary from Budget, midrange and luxury safaris.

Budget Serengeti Safaris

Budget Serengeti safari packages are usually camping safaris or safaris accommodated in basic tented camps located outside the Park to minimize on costs. A budget safari in Serengeti costs anywhere from USD 250 to USD 350 per person per day with a reputable Tanzania Serengeti safari tour operator

Mid range Serengeti Safaris

Midrange Serengeti National Park tours are accommodated in comfortable lodges and camps in the Serengeti. These Serengeti Tours are highly recommended as they offer comfort, are reliable and offer a reasonable value. Midrange safaris in the Serengeti cost from USD 350 to USD 450 per person per day with room sharing.

Luxury Serengeti Safaris

A Luxury Serengeti safari tour is accommodated in private high end lodges and tented safari camps. These Serengeti National Park Tours aim at offering you a private, authentic and personal bush experiences with high end comfort. Expect a wide range of amenities with top quality safari guiding. A luxury Serengeti trip costs from USD 450 and above per person per day with room sharing.

Choosing Your Serengeti Safari Lodge or Camp

The Serengeti is served by a number of lodges and camps ranging from small lower scale to high end accommodations to fit any budget for Safari in Serengeti. Seronera is the busiest area for tourists, with heavy safari vehicle traffic, while the northern Serengeti is much quieter.

The choice of your camp or lodge in Serengeti must ultimately be led by the Migration timing. There is no point in being in the Western Corridor if the animals are on the southern plains, or booking a Serengeti tour in the south when the animals are crossing the Mara River in the north. The unpredictability of the rains makes it impossible to guarantee that you’ll be in the midst of the Migration for your Serengeti safari tour, but with a good ground Serengeti safari operator, you should be within striking distance.

Alternatively if you can afford the luxury price then book your Serengeti safari tour with one of the camps that set up mobile luxury camps in locations that follow the seasonal migration of Serengeti’s super herds. There is simply no better way to experience a Serengeti National Park safari than to book a few nights in one of the luxury tented camps that move, following the general pattern of the Migration. Most of these camps are set up in the northern Serengeti from June and July to October and November, and move south to the short-grass plains around Ndutu from December to March, after which they close down for tent maintenance and upgrades during April and May.

Book your accommodation early, particularly if your choice is likely to be close to the migration. Places outside the park’s western boundary, including some on the shore of Lake Victoria, are cheaper for a Serengeti safari, but – with the exception of those just outside Ikoma Gate – see next to no plains game. You’re welcome to drop in for lunch at some of the lodges – Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Sopa Lodge and Seronera Wildlife Lodge are particularly recommended, not so much for their cuisine, which is buffet style ($30 per person), but for the amazing views. Much cheaper meals can be had a several hotels near the Visitor Centre in Seronera, mainly used by park staff.

Camping in The Serengeti

The most atmospheric (and nerve-jangling) Serengeti safari holidays are camping safaris which overnight to camp at one of several public campsites in The Serengeti. More remote are a scatter of special campsites, which have no facilities whatsoever. Reservations for special campsites are handled by the park headquarters, or by TANAPA headquarters in Arusha, though they are very difficult to book in advance by yourself – you may strike lucky if you enquire at the park gate on arrival. If you’re self-driving, the car hire company should be able to find out what’s available, and may even book it for you.

Lobo Public Campsite

Located at the foot of a kopje, with fantastic views over the plains to the east, 76km north of Seronera, 300m northeast of Lobo Wildlife Lodge is Lobo Public Campsite. There are decent bathrooms at the camp, but the showers are cold, and nights are chilly at 1800m above sea level. You can pop over to Lobo Wildlife Lodge, on top of the next kopje 300m southwest, for lunch or drinks. Per person $30

Seronera Public Camp sites

Located 6–7km northeast of Seronera Visitor Centre by road is the Seronera public Campsite. There are five campsites in two clusters: Dikdik and Pimbi in the west, Nyani, Ngiri and Tumbili in the east. Each has its own bathroom with good showers, and a fenced-off kitchen and dining banda, but the campsites themselves are not fenced so wildlife including lions comes and goes. Exceptionally (driving is normally forbidden after 7pm), campers are allowed to drive to Seronera Wildlife Lodge for dinner ($30), but have to be back by 10pm.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti derives its name from the local Maasai word meaning 'land of endless plains. For centuries, the Maasai people have shared this dramatic landscape with its wildlife and earned a fearsome reputation as warriors and skilled cattle herders. Like much of the wildlife you witness on your Serengeti tour, these semi-nomadic Maasai followed the rains.

Things to do in Serengeti National Park

Among the various activities to embark on your Serengeti safari tour, wildlife drives are the main activity here. Many visitors would say they are the main reason for a Serengeti safari.

Wildlife Drives

Serengeti safari Wildlife Drives can be organized by a Tanzania Serengeti safari operator, a lodge or camp in the Serengeti or even self-driving. Wildlife drives in the different sections of the Serengeti have constantly proven to be the most enjoyable things to do on an African safari. Exploring the Seronera, Grumeti and Western corridor, Northern and Central Serengeti requires careful planning. Before concluding on your Serengeti tour plan, you need to understand which area of the Serengeti offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities at a certain time of the year. With the help of a reputable Serengeti tour operator, this will ensure you are booked in the right place at the right time to maximize your chances of an unforgettable experience.

How can you maximise your chances of a spot?
Most importantly is the length of time you spend on safari. And this goes for all wildlife spotting in the park. In the company of an experienced good guide like our very own at Masai Mara Holidays Ltd, you will likely see a comprehensive variety of animals within two to three days. Lion, elephant and Cape buffalo thrive in strong numbers throughout the park. And, in fact, the Serengeti holds the largest population of lions in Africa, numbering 3,500 in 300 prides.

However, the elusive leopard and black rhino may need a little more time or luck. Leopards are most abundant in the Seronera Valley and can usually be spotted shading in the branches of acacia trees. The eastern black rhinoceros is most frequently spotted near granite outcrops known as 'kopjes' in the centre of the park. We also recommend venturing into neighboring Ngorongoro Conservation Area for those keen to boost their chances of a spot. Conveniently, most of our crafted Serengeti safari tours pass through as part of a safari itinerary.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris are a newly introduced activity in the Serengeti. Multi Day camping Serengeti walking safari trips are available around the Moru Kopjes, Kogatende and other parts of the Serengeti. Furthermore, shorter custom made trips from 2 hours can be arranged as add ons for your Serengeti safari tour. The experience offers you a chance to discover the Serengeti in depth rather than spotting lots of huge animals. Serengeti walking tours are always accompanied by a guide, who is armed and with whom you will be required to walk in close proximity with.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

There is no better way to experience a Serengeti safari than coupling the adventure with a hot air balloon ride. The experience takes you floating over he vast plains for an hour and you enjoy a sun rise with various wildlife sightings from an aerial view. This is later followed by a luxury bush breakfast highlighted with champagne under an acacia tree. To secure a spot, reserve with your Serengeti safari operator in advance.

Serengeti Migration

The Serengeti owes its hallowed place in our imagination to the annual 800km migration of over 2.5 million animals, the largest mammalian migration on earth. A continuous, milling and unsettled mass, including almost two million wildebeest and close to a million other animals, the migration offers Serengeti safari goers one of nature’s most staggering displays, one in which the ever-vigilant predators – lions, cheetahs, African hunting dogs and spotted hyenas – play a vital part. The river crossings are the biggest obstacle, namely the Grumeti in Serengeti, and the Mara along the border with Kenya in the north, and both can be the scene of true carnage as the panicked herds struggle across the raging flows in a writhing mass of bodies while the weak, injured or careless are picked off by crocodiles and lions.

The migration’s ceaseless movement is prompted by a seasonal search for fresh water and pasture dictated by the rains. It moves in a roughly clockwise direction, concentrating in the national park from April to June, towards the end of the long rains, before leaving behind the withering plains of the Serengeti and journeying northward towards the fresh moisture and grass of Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve, which the migration reaches in August. By September and October, the bulk of the migration is concentrated in Maasai Mara. By late October and early November, the Mara’s grasslands are approaching exhaustion, so the migration turns back towards northern and eastern Serengeti, following the fresh grass brought by the short rains.

In this period, the migration is widely spread out, and a large part of it circles through Loliondo and into Ngorongoro, beyond the Serengeti’s eastern border. From December to March, the migration settles in the Serengeti Plains and western Ngorongoro, where it remains until the onset of the long rains. The wildebeest take advantage of this temporary pause to give birth (especially from late Jan to mid-March), accounting for half a million calves annually. The timing of this mass birthing provides security in numbers: predators will eat their fill, but within a few months, the surviving calves are much stronger and able to outrun their pursuers; nonetheless, the hazards of the migration are such that only one in three calves makes it back the following year. By April, the Serengeti migration is once more concentrated inside Serengeti, and the whole cycle starts again. The exact time and location of the migration varies annually, depending on the rains and other factors, so coinciding with it cannot be guaranteed.

Nonetheless, as a general rule, the best months to plan your Serengeti Safari Tour with interest to see the migration is from December to July, especially February and March in the plains when the wildebeest herds are dotted with newborn, and April to June when animal concentrations are at their highest. June is also the best time for catching the migration’s perilous crossing of the Grumeti River, while the spectacular Mara River crossing, best seen from Kenya but also in northern Serengeti, is at its most awesome (and gruesome) in July and August. Taking into account the weather, the dry months of June and July, and usually also January, are probably the best time to visit for your Serengeti safari, with the bulk of tourists coming in Dec–Feb and July–Aug

Exploring The Serengeti

The Serengeti is divided into various parts and it each section of the part rewards differently at a certain time of the year. Ensuring you are placed the right place for the Serengeti safari of your dreams at the right time of the year is a major key to the best wildlife encounters for your Serengeti tour.

Central and Southern Serengeti

Central Serengeti is the most visited area of the park, this section is readily accessed by road from both Arusha and from Mwanza via the Western corridor. The main action area is Seronera, it is also the part with the major lodging in the park. South east of Seronera is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boundary and lake Ndutu is a prime base for arranged Serengeti Safari packages during December to April wet season as wildlife is in high concentration here when it is full of wildebeests. In addition to the wildebeests, it is also notable for its lion and leopard sightings, especially around the Moru Kopjes area, which has a substantial resident wildlife population year round.

Northern Serengeti

Serengeti safari to the northern section takes you to the hilly and more heavily vegetated part of The Serengeti. Northern Serengeti receives less visitors, but makes a fine base for Serengeti Safari holidays in between August and October, when the wildebeest migration passes through.

Western Serengeti

Apart from the designated park camp sites, the western Serengeti area is good for basing a budget Serengeti safari tour. Most budget accommodation options are located here (mostly out of the park) The Western section has a seasonal proximity to the wildebeest migration as the herds pass through the area from around May or June. Western Serengeti offers the forest fringed Grumeti river, a landmark to explore on your Serengeti safari tour as it rewards reliable all year round wildlife viewing. Along the banks of Grumeti River, you will find hippos and giant Crocodiles.

Game viewing on your Serengeti safari tour here is good throughout the year, but it peaks from july to september, when the migration stalls in the vicinity of the mara, and large herds of wildebeest regularly cross between the banks of the Grumenti and Mara rivers. The area is favoured by buffalo and elephants, and the hills host several large lion prides. cheetahs and bat-eared foxes are also quite common, while the rocks provide refuge to the localised klipspringer antelope, and the spectacular black (verreaux’s) eagle. the wildebeest migration usually passes through in July

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

Wildlife concentrations are greatest between December and June which makes it the best time for a Serengeti Safari Tour, although the Serengeti can be visited rewardingly any time of the year. If you are keenly interested in the wildebeest migration, the best base for your Serengeti tour is about April to December is Seronera Area or the Southern part of the park. The migration river crossing at Grumeti River runs through the parks western corridor, usually happens between May and July, although the viewing window can be quite short. In particularly dry years, the migrating herds tend to move northwards sooner, avoiding or skirting the western corridor. Northern Serengeti is a good base during the dry season, particularly between August.

FAQS

Frequently asked Questions about safari in Serengeti National Park

Why Should I visit the Serengeti?

The Serengeti is arguably the best national park in Africa and has the largest concentration of migratory game animals in the world. These herds move massively each year on and endless journey known as the great migration which makes the world's greatest animal migration. Serengeti National Park is also famous for its huge lion population making one of the best places to see them in the wild.

How many days is enough for Serengeti?

A minimum of 3 days ( 2 nights) is required to visit the Serengeti on the shortest time possible. Most 3 Day Serengeti National Park Trips are based in one sector in the park; the southern, central or Western Serengeti are easily coordinated based on where the migration is placed at your time of booking. If you are looking to explore the varied zones of the Serengeti, consider at least a week with about 2 nights in each section of the park.

How much is a Serengeti safari tour?

The park fee to Serengeti National Park is USD 70.80 per adult and USD 23.60 per child payable at the park gates. The general cost of a private safari to Serengeti safari tour varies with your lodge or camp and vehicle preference on top of the number of people that will be visiting. We recommend you get in touch with a reputable Serengeti Safari Operator to get the best out of your trip and cost.

How do you visit Serengeti on budget?

Do not let a tight budget deter you. The Serengeti can be visited without having to abandon the idea of comfort and style. An option to is considering a self drive safari to the Serengeti; this option is almost a three quarters of what you would pay for private fully inclusive Serengeti safari. However, please note that this option is risky as we have often seen many travelers stranded on the way or in the park due to little or no knowledge or even lack of a helping hand since such a safari is not under the responsibility of any safari operator. To reduce risk, consider hiring a guide within the park to show you around and also help you identify animals
Stay in Serengeti Accommodations located outside the park as having to stay within the park will cost you more. There are many accommodation options located in the western corridor that can work for this case. Alternatively you can also consider sleeping in public camp sites within the Park, where you will pitch your own tent and cook or visit a nearby accommodation for meals. Are you familiar with the Serengeti safari off season? This is a good time to book an accommodation to safari in the Serengeti as prices at most Accommodations drop by about 30 to 40 % from the high season rates.

Are Serengeti safaris safe?

Serengeti National Park tours conducted under the set park rules are 100% Safe. We always advice visitors to obey the set rules and not be tempted to interfere with the natural processes of wildlife in the Serengeti. Common misbehavior among travelers include; trying to feed wildlife, trying to get an animal to pose with you which is the main causes of injuries and accidents in the park. Please note that to ensure preservation of this magnificent animal kingdom for future generations, we have to ensure that we leave the Serengeti as we found it with totally no impact on its ecosystem.

Do you need Malaria pills for Serengeti?

Malaria pills on top of insect repellent are an essential to pack four your Serengeti trip. Malaria is a serious problem facing many travelers to East Africa therefore seek proper advice from your Serengeti Safari Operator on what to pack and precautions on how to stay healthy from malaria throughout your safari.

What is so special about Serengeti National Park?

The existence of plentiful game and being the stomping ground for approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, and 350,000 antelope that race every year to cover more than 1,931km during the migration is what makes The Serengeti a very special place. If opportunity permits, a Serengeti safari tour to witness this migration is something every traveler should consider undertaking.

How do you fly to get to Serengeti?

There are scheduled and chartered flights that connect to the Serengeti from Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Mwanza. A flight from Arusha to Southern Serengeti is approximately one hour, a number of airstrips in the Serengeti allow you to fly in within easy reach of which lodge or camp you booked. Kuisini and Ndutu airstrips are located south; Seronera Airstrip in the Center; Lobo, Kelins, and Kogatende serve the north; and Grumeti and Sasakwa airstrips serve the western Corridor.
Popular flight aggregators to The Serengeti include Regional Air, Precision Air, Coastal Air and Flight Link. Please note that you will be restricted on how much luggage you can carry and should there be any excess, it can usually be stored by your Serengeti Safari operator. The best way to setup a Fly in Safari to Serengeti National Park is to book an all inclusive package that includes airfare. A Serengeti tour operator makes all the arrangements easier and many will offer tours that combine other parks ontop of the Serengeti.

What are the big 5 animals in the Serengeti?

Buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions and rhinoceros, collectively make the Big 5 animals of the Serengeti. These gained the name the big five as they were the five most difficult animals to hunt down during the trophy hunting safari era.

Why do animals migrate in the Serengeti?

Understanding the Serengeti Migration, the animals follow the general rainfall gradient across the Serengeti ecosystem. The migration leaves the north for southern plains of the Serengeti once the rains have began (usually in late October into November) and once the short grass in the south dries out ( usually in April or May), the migration will move again to the North to higher rainfall and greener pastures.

What time of the year is the migration in Serengeti?

From December to April when the migrating herds are concentrated on the treeless short grass plains in the southern Serengeti is the most time the migration spends in Serengeti before the herds start to journey north all through June to July when they start to cross northern Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Other major safari highlights in East Africa include an extended Uganda Safari Tour to trek mountain gorillas or safari in Murchison falls , a Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania, and a beach relaxation experience in Zanzibar or Mombasa.

How long is the Serengeti Migration?

The Serengeti Migration happens throughout the entire year apart from December to April when the Migrating herds are settled in the southern plains of the Serengeti and July to early October when a fraction of the migration crosses into The Masai Mara as the rest remains in the Northern tip of the Serengeti.