serengeti safari – tanzania
Ultimate Serengeti Safari Guide – Best Tours for Wildlife Spotting
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a direct encounter with the African wilderness, from lions to lots of birdlife. It is a primary destination for travelers wanting to see the big five. In this article we will give you the ultimate Serengeti safari guide for the perfect once in a lifetime experience.
This guide covers everything you need for a Tanzania safari or wildlife spotting in the Serengeti. It provides the essential information required for an effective and successful journey to this incredible place.
Isabella is a seasoned traveler from the United States. Her passion for travel has led her to exploring the world with her family, discovering new cultures and creating unforgettable memories.
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In a Hurry? Here's our Key Info for This Article
- The Serengeti spans approximately 30,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Tanzania.
- The best time to visit for wildlife spotting is from July to October during the high season.
- Witness the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration from October to July—a breathtaking spectacle.
- Plan for at least 4 full days in the Serengeti to fully immerse yourself in its wonders.
- Accommodation varies widely, from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly options for every type of traveler.
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Introduction to the Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is a must see when heading to Tanzania and draws visitors with its beautiful views and the opportunity to see the Big Five. Since 1951, it has been a place to see African wildlife in their own habitat without human influence.
What Makes the Serengeti Unique?
The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of animals move to feed and breed. This cycle supports the ecosystem and draws high numbers of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. With 7,500 hyenas and a UNESCO World Heritage designation since 1981, the park’s wildlife density is significant. The Maasai also live here, maintaining traditional practices within the area. Not only is the Serengeti one of the only places in the world where this phenomenon takes place but it is also one of the biggest national parks in the world.
A Brief Overview of African Wildlife
The Serengeti contains nearly 500 bird species, ranging from vultures to smaller native birds. Its landscape of savannas and forests supports high wildlife density, making it a primary destination for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. The park has incredible eco systems and learning about how it all fits together is such a treat and really makes you wonder more about the world.
Planning Your Tanzania Safari Serengeti
Planning your safari in the Serengeti is key, so knowing the best time to visit is crucial. The high season, from July to October, is great for seeing the wildebeest migration and this is the best time for wildlife watching. If you want a quieter trip, go in November to December or April to May because there will be noticably fewer tourists which means more peace and quiet.
Best Time to Visit the Serengeti
The best time depends on what you want to see, as August and September are perfect for the migration. Then, for the calving season, visit the southern park from February to March. Each season offers something different, so plan your trip around what you want to see.
How to Get There
Start at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is 325 kilometers from the park and the drive from Arusha takes about 7 to 8 hours. This also happens to be the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, so you could even include this great climb into your itinerary. There are charter flights available and the Seronera airstrip is in a more central area, but can be pretty pricey. Kusini and Ndutu are for people arriving in the south and here flights start at 200 EUR return. Remember, there’s a transit fee through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so be prepared with cash.
Essential Travel Tips
Before your safari, keep these tips in mind:
- Pack for changing weather.
- Know the park rules to enjoy and protect wildlife.
- Get the right vaccinations and grab some travel insurance.
- Book your stay and tours early, especially in peak times.
- Private tours can offer a more personal experience.
Top Attractions and Activities in the Serengeti
The Serengeti is full of amazing things to do, like seeing the Great Migration and going on exciting game drives. This is the sort of trip you’ll never forget.
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration is a top thing to see in the Serengeti with over 1 million wildebeests, zebras and other animals moving through the park every year. It is also famously home to all five of the big five which is definitely something to add to your bucketlist if you can check off all five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). So, keep your eyes peeled.
Game Drives and Wildlife Spotting
Game drives are a key part of the Serengeti experience and on these drives, guides will try to take you to the Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and lions. The park is home to many animals, making it great for photos and wildlife watching.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Even though it is on the pricier side, hot air balloon safaris give you a special view of the Serengeti, as you’ll see the landscape and animals from above. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime way to see the park.
Walking Safaris for an Unforgettable Experience
Guided walking safaris let you get close to nature, as walking through the park, you will be able to see small details and animals you might miss from a car and it’s a unique way to experience the Serengeti.
Safari Regions of the Serengeti
The Serengeti National Park is amazing because it has different safari areas for unique wildlife experiences, so choosing these areas wisely will ultimately make your trip better.
Northern Serengeti
The northern Serengeti is famous for the Mara River and it’s a hotspot from July to October. Here, visitors love watching animals cross the river, especially during the great migration. This is where you see wildebeest and zebras trying to cross as they are often chased by predators.
Southern Serengeti
In the southern Serengeti, the landscape changes with the calving season and this happens from December to April. Thousands of wildebeest come here to have their babies and we suggest to go in February because over 8,000 calves are born every day.
Central Serengeti
The central Serengeti is perfect for game drives and the Seronera Valley is a primary location for observing migration paths and the Big Five. Due to the high concentration of animals, it remains a top site for wildlife sightings.
Western Serengeti
The western Serengeti is less busy, so it offers a more peaceful safari experience. From May to June, it’s active with wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River and it’s great for seeing rare animals like Nile crocodiles and hippos, as the prefer cooler water.
| Safari Region | Key Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Serengeti | Mara River crossings, migration | July to October |
| Southern Serengeti | Calving season, predator activity | December to April |
| Central Serengeti | High wildlife concentration | Year-round |
| Western Serengeti | Less crowded, Grumeti River | May to June |
Accommodations for Your Serengeti Adventure
Choosing the right place to stay in the Serengeti is key and there are plenty of options to choose from. You can pick from fancy tented camps or more affordable choices, so choose within your budget and what type of experience you want.
Luxury Tented Camps
Luxury tented camps offer a top-notch stay with places like Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti which have big rooms with balconies. You can even see the savannah or a waterhole right from your room! Rooms are big, with space for three adults or two adults and a child and the villas have pools and terraces. They’re perfect for groups of up to six with a bigger budget.
Mid-Range and Budget Options
For those watching their budget, there are many choices under $1,000 per night and mid-range places offer comfort without costing too much. Here, you can enjoy the Serengeti’s beauty without spending a lot.
Staying Near Other Attractions: Ngorongoro Crater and More
Staying near the Ngorongoro Crater is great for exploring more and what makes it even better is that it’s close to Tanzania’s famous sights. You will notice when booking that lodges here have family-friendly features and luxury, making your trip even better for the whole family.
Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Price (per person per night) | Size (m2) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Tented Camps | $2,360 | 55 – 242 | Up to 6 adults |
| Mid-Range | $1,000 – $2,000 | 30 – 60 | Up to 4 adults |
| Budget Options | $370 – $1,000 | 20 – 50 | Up to 3 adults |
Conclusion
A Serengeti safari provides close access to the park’s wildlife and ecosystems and during the birthing season, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within two months, attracting high concentrations of lions and leopards. This environment makes the park a primary destination for wildlife observation.
Don’t miss the Great Migration or quiet moments at the Ngorongoro Crater and with so many places to stay and things to do, like game drives and walking safaris, you will have a once in a lifetime experience. So book your trip and don’t look back, you wont be disappointed!
Serengeti Safari Guide FAQ
The best time is from October to July. The peak is from July to October. This is when the herds cross the Mara River.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Then, take a charter flight to lodges in the park.
You’ll see many animals, like lions, elephants, and leopards. There are also zebras, cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. If you are someone who enjoys wildlife, take a look at our swimming with dolphins in Bali article to see experience more fun wildlife activities.
Yes, there are luxury tented camps. Singita Explore is one, offering great views and wildlife encounters.
You can go on game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided walks. These activities let you see the park’s beauty and wildlife.
