Popular Serengeti National Park Tours

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, we always advise our visitors to combine a Serengeti safari tour with the popular Northern Tanzania safari circuit comprising of major highlights such as Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area or extend your vacation for a beach holiday in gorgeous Zanzibar. Check out our carefully crafted Serengeti National Park safari packages that feature the best of Tanzania and Kenya’s major Safari landmarks and request a free quote. 

Activities in Serengeti National Park

Wildlife Drives

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. 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.

While planning a safari to Serengeti National Park, 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 maximize your chances of a spot? Most important 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 on your Serengeti safari 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 center of the park. We also recommend venturing into the 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 way to explore the fauna and flora of the Serengeti. Multi-Day camping Serengeti walking safari trips are available around the Moru Kopjes, Kogatende, and other parts of the Serengeti. Shorter custom-made trips from 2 hours can also 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.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

One of the most unique and thrilling ways to experience your Serengeti safari tour is by taking a hot air balloon safari. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the park from above, offering breathtaking views of the landscape, wildlife, and the Great Migration.

A hot air balloon safari usually starts before dawn, when you are picked up from your lodge or campsite and driven to the launch site. There, you will receive a safety briefing and watch as the balloon is inflated. Then, you will board the basket and take off into the sky.

The flight lasts for about an hour, depending on the wind direction and speed. You will fly over different parts of the park, depending on where you start from. You will have a chance to see animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, and more from a bird’s eye view. You will also witness the sunrise over the horizon and marvel at the changing colors of the sky.

The flight ends with a gentle landing on a designated spot, where you will be greeted by a champagne breakfast in the bush. You will then receive a certificate of flight and be driven back to your lodge or campsite.

A hot air balloon safari is an unforgettable experience that will make your Serengeti safari tour even more memorable. However, it is also an expensive and exclusive activity that requires advance booking and is subject to availability and weather conditions. The cost of a hot air balloon safari ranges from $450 to $500 per person.

Explore the Serengeti Migration

The Serengeti is world-renowned for its annual migration which also arguably the main highlight of a Serengeti Safari tour, this migration covers a distance of over 800km and involves over 2.5 million animals. This is the largest mammalian migration on earth and attracts safari enthusiasts from all over the world. Predators like lions, cheetahs, African hunting dogs and spotted hyenas play a vital role in this event.

River crossings are a major obstacle, especially the Grumeti in Serengeti and the Mara along the Kenya border in the north. These crossings can be scenes of true carnage, as panicked herds struggle across the raging flows in a writhing mass of bodies while crocodiles and lions pick off the weak, injured or careless animals.

The migration’s ceaseless movement is based on a seasonal search for fresh water and pasture dictated by the rains, moving in a roughly clockwise direction. The great migration concentrates in the national park from April to June when the long rains are ending. Then it goes northward towards Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve, where it reaches in August. By September and October, the migration is concentrated in Maasai Mara.

The bulk of the migration then 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, which is the best time for a Serengeti Migration safari, the migration settles in the Serengeti Plains and western Ngorongoro, where it remains until the onset of the long rains. During this time, the wildebeest give birth to half a million calves, especially from late January to mid-March. The timing of this mass birthing provides security in numbers, as predators will eat their fill. However, only one in three calves make it back next year, despite being much stronger and able to outrun their pursuers.

The exact time and location of the migration can vary annually due to the rains and other factors, so there is no guarantee of coinciding with it. As a general rule, the best months to plan your Serengeti safari with an interest in seeing the migration are from December to July, especially February and March when the wildebeest herds are dotted with newborn, or April to June when animal concentrations are at their highest.

The best time to catch the migration’s perilous crossing of the Grumeti River is in June, while the spectacular Mara River crossing is best seen in July and August, which is also the peak tourist season. The dry months of June and July and usually January are probably the most favorable months to visit for your Serengeti safari

Wildlife Photography

Serengeti National Park Tours present a paradise for photographers, both amateur and professional. Capture intimate moments of wildlife in their natural habitat, from the intense gaze of a lioness to the playful antics of baby elephants.

The vast landscapes provide a canvas for stunning sunsets, silhouettes of acacia trees against the colorful sky, and the dramatic contrast of golden grasslands and stormy clouds. Seek guidance from experienced guides we offer at Masai Mara Holidays who can offer insights and techniques to capture the essence of your Serengeti safari through your lens.

Maasai Village Cultural Visits

Enhance your Serengeti National Park tour by immersing yourself in the enriching experiences and cultural richness of the Maasai people located just outside the park.

Engage in captivating cultural exchanges, witness traditional practices, acquire precious handicrafts, and support community projects.

A Maasai village visit offers a unique chance to engage with one of the most iconic ethnic tribes in East Africa. Discover their ancient customs, traditions, and enchanting way of life.

You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their indigenous knowledge, and hear captivating stories passed down through generations.

Dive into the Maasai’s vibrant culture as they enthusiastically share their traditional dances, songs, and rituals

The Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 km2 (5,700 sq mi). It is located in eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region and contains over 1,500,000 hectares (3,700,000 acres) of virgin savanna. The park was established in 1940.

Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word siringet, which means “the place where the land runs on forever”. Indeed, Serengeti offers endless views of rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and the Serengeti Plains. Serengeti is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Serengeti is best known for hosting the Great Migration, a spectacular phenomenon that involves over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomson’s gazelle and eland.

These animals move across the park in search of fresh grass and water, following seasonal patterns and facing predators along the way. The Great Migration is considered one of the most impressive natural events on Earth.

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 a 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 easily 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. Southeast 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

This is the most remote and least visited part of the park, where you can find the Mara River, another obstacle for the migrating herds. Northern Serengeti is also home to some of the largest elephant populations in the park, as well as giraffes, leopards, lions, and hyenas. 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

This is a narrow strip of land that follows the Grumeti River towards Lake Victoria. This area is good for basing a budget Serengeti safari tour as most budget accommodation options are located here (mostly out of the park).

Western Serengeti 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

The Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The best time for your Serengeti safari tour depends on what you want to see and do. Generally speaking, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as the animals congregate around water sources and are easier to spot. The wet season (November to May) is better for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive and breed. The wet season is also when the wildebeest calve in the southern plains and when the greenery is more lush and scenic.

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

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Serengeti National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including over 70 large mammal species and over 500 bird species. Some of the main attractions include:

• The Big Five: Serengeti boasts one of the largest lion populations in Africa, with over 3,000 individuals. You can also find leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses in different parts of the park.
• Cheetahs: Serengeti is one of the best places to see cheetahs in action, as they hunt on the open plains and use the kopjes as lookout points.
• Zebras: Serengeti has the largest population of zebras in the world, with over 200,000 individuals. Zebras are an essential part of the Great Migration, as they help the wildebeest find water and grass by using their keen sense of smell and memory.
• Wildebeests: Serengeti is the epicenter of the Great Migration, which involves over 1.5 million wildebeest moving across the park in a clockwise direction. Wildebeest are also known as gnus, and they are related to antelopes.
• Giraffes: Serengeti has a healthy population of giraffes, the tallest land animals in the world. They can reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and weigh up to 1,800 kilograms (4,000 pounds). They feed on acacia leaves and can go for weeks without drinking water.
• Hippos: Serengeti has several hippo pools, where you can see these massive animals lounging in the water and occasionally emerging to graze on land. Hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, as they are very territorial and aggressive.
• Crocodiles: Serengeti has some of the largest crocodiles in Africa, which can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length and weigh up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). They prey on the migrating animals that cross the rivers, especially during the dry season.
• Birds: Serengeti has a rich birdlife, with over 500 species recorded. Some of the most notable ones include ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, crowned cranes, marabou storks, vultures, eagles, flamingos, and lilac-breasted rollers.

Accommodations in Serengeti National Park

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 are 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 at 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.

Seronera Public Campsites

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.

Getting to Serengeti National Park

Getting to Serengeti National Park, you can choose from tow transportation options, depending on your preferences, budget, and travel time. Whether you opt for air travel or embark on a road drive, each method has its own advantages.

By Air

If you prefer a quicker and more convenient way to reach Serengeti, flying directly to one of its nearby airstrips is an excellent option. Kilimanjaro International Airport is a major hub with international connections, and from there, you can board a domestic flight to Seronera or other airstrips located within the park. Alternatively, you can fly into Arusha Airport, which is closer to Serengeti, and then take a connecting flight to your chosen airstrip within the park.

By Road

Embarking on a road drive to Serengeti National Park offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Tanzania. Several Tanzania reputable tour companies offer overland Serengeti safaris, allowing you to travel comfortably between various points of interest. Starting your journey from Arusha or Moshi, you will traverse scenic routes, such as Ngorongoro Crater, before arriving at Serengeti National Park.

Conservation and Research

Serengeti National Park is not only a tourist attraction but also a conservation area that aims to protect its wildlife and ecosystems. The park faces several threats such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.

To address these challenges, Serengeti National Park works with various partners such as Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), and others.

Some of the ongoing conservation and research projects in Serengeti include:

• The Serengeti Lion Project: This is one of the longest-running studies of wild lions in Africa, started in 1966 by George Schaller and continued by Craig Packer and his team. The project monitors over 3,000 lions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Serengeti National Park

How to book a Serengeti Safari Tour?

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

What is the Cost of a Serengeti Safari?

The park fees to enter the Serengeti National Park are $70.80 per adult and $23.60 for each child, payable at the gates. The cost of a private safari varies based on your preferred camp, lodge, and vehicle choices, as well as party size. It’s advisable to contact a reputable safari operator to get the most out of your trip and 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 experience 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.

Why do Animals Migrate in the Serengeti?

Understanding the migration patterns of the Serengeti’s wildlife is fascinating. The animals follow the rainfall gradient across the ecosystem, moving from the north to the southern plains when the rains begin, then back to the north once the grass in the south dries out.

What Time of the Year is the Migration in the 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 the northern Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

How Long is the Serengeti Migration?

The Serengeti Migration happens year-round, except for December to April when the migrating herds are settled in the southern plains and July to early October when a portion of the migration heads to the Masai Mara. Book an all-inclusive package that includes airfare and other parks to make the most out of your Serengeti safari tour. A reputable Serengeti tour operator can help make all of the arrangements for you, ensuring a memorable experience.

How Many Days Are Enough for the Serengeti?

If you plan on visiting the Serengeti, a minimum of three days – two nights is recommended to experience the park in the shortest time possible. The Serengeti has three different sectors to visit, southern, central, and western, where the migration is primarily found, and a week-long stay with two nights in each sector is ideal for maximum exploration.

How Do You Visit the Serengeti on a Budget?

If you’re on a tight budget, you can still visit the Serengeti without compromising on comfort and style. A self-drive safari is an option that costs less than a fully inclusive private safari, but it comes with risks, such as lack of knowledge, support, and possible stranded travel. To manage such risks, hiring a guide within the park is a recommendation for safety and assistance in identifying animals. Additionally, it’s cost-effective to stay outside the park as the price to stay in the park is higher. Opting for other accommodation options in the western corridor or public campsites within the park where you pitch your own tent and cook can also save you some money.

Do You Need Malaria Pills for the Serengeti?

If you’re planning a trip to the Serengeti, it’s important to know what to pack and what precautions to take to avoid malaria. Malaria pills and insect repellent should be at the top of your packing list. Seeking advice from your Serengeti Safari Operator on how to stay healthy during your safari is highly recommended.

How Do You Fly to Serengeti National Park?

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 on top of the Serengeti.