SHORT GUIDE TO BOOKING A LUXURY SERENGETI SAFARI
A view of the Serengeti from afar. A luxury Serengeti safari will be bursting with stunning views to enjoy on your daily adventures / Image: @dawnw73
The Serengeti is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most prized national parks. It boasts the incredible backdrop of many a movie, is home to the biggest wildlife spectacle the world has seen, offers sprawling savannahs that are heart stoppingly beautiful and its inhabitants continuously entice the world of travelers to experience their magnificence for their very own eyes.
Because of these reasons, the Serengeti offers some of the most luxurious camps and lodges the world has seen. It has substantially upped its game to compete with some of the greatest capital cities across the globe and is leading the way as a shining example for unparalleled as well as eco-conscious luxury.
With close to around 12 airstrips located within the parks region you can opt to fly your way in by private jet, allowing you to choose your ideal spot for prime game viewing.
The Serengeti has offered itself as not only one of the most legendary national parks but it's positioned itself as a premier destination where you can experience the most luxurious safaris you will ever get to experience. Surrounded by outstanding landscapes as well as wildlife, the Serengeti will envelop you with Tanzania’s natural beauty like never before.
If your budget is open or if you are organizing a special occasion vacation but not sure where to start - this article will provide a helpful guide on how to book a luxury Serengeti safari tour. Let's begin….
Magical 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Experience a spectacular taste of Tanzania in our unforgettable 1-Day safari experience within the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater
A beautiful tree stands alone within the Serengeti National Park. Many wild animals use trees like this as shelter, sleeping spots as well as places to observe prey / Image: @thegeorgenox
When is the best time to go on a luxury Serengeti safari?
A luxury Serengeti safari tour is doable all year round. The question is, whether you prefer to enjoy the Serengeti in its peak months or prefer to take pleasure in the quieter wetter months? The Serengeti ecosystem is diverse and so the climates and weather are a little different to anywhere else. There are a handful of distinct seasons to know about and consider before making plans for your luxury Serengeti safari adventure. Here are 5 descriptions of the varied weather conditions you can expect:
THE GREEN SEASON - From January to March. The green season happens directly after the short rainy season in November / December and is prime time calving season which starts in February. March is the start of the long rainy season too.
THE LONG RAIN SEASON - From April to May. This is a wonderful season as the park is vibrantly green in color, however these months are part of the long rain season. There are less tourists which means it's less busier than the peak months, however you must expect daily rain showers. This season is a good time to birdwatch too.
THE DRY SEASON - From June to July. These two months are part of the peak season as the months are warm and dry and observing animals is at its best. It's also where you will get to encounter the start of the Great Migration too.
THE PEAK SEASON - From August to October. The Serengeti weather is generally warm, dry and sunny with little to no rain. The Great Migration is in full force and because these seasons are prime game viewing - it makes it much more expensive to book during these months.
THE SHORT RAINS - From November to December. These months are considered quieter less touristy months as it is the short rainy season. During these months it can get relatively hot reaching highs of 27 degrees celsius so be prepared for it to feel wet and humid.
On our private luxury Serengeti safaris, you will have a guide and safari vehicle all to yourself. Enjoy choosing the focus of your game drives for just you and your fellow comrades / Image: @denisi_z
2. How many days should a Serengeti safari tour be?
We recommend a Luxury Serengeti Safari to be between 4-5 days to cover the majority of the park. With a large budget at your disposal, there will be plenty of incredible activities to enjoy, inviting you to extend your stay to really enjoy everything the Serengeti has to offer. From hot air ballooning, to exclusive conservation tours, fly camping, nature walks, photographic game drives and more. Not to mention basking in your Serengeti safari camp indulging in the relaxing spa services, outdoor infinity pool and delicious al fresco dining.
Serengeti Safari Camp Infinity Pool
3. How much does a luxury Serengeti safari cost?
A luxury safari in the stunning Serengeti can cost anywhere between $1500 per day to heights of more than $7500 per person per day depending on the accommodations as well as experiences you choose to do. As a company who offers private as well as customizable adventures within Tanzania, including the breathtaking Serengeti, it's important to know that the price point for private game drives isn't what will increase the overall price for your luxury safari.
Exclusive Serengeti safari camps, villas and lodges will escalate the costs dramatically, as well as the varied activity options that you opt for. Selecting privileged experiences such as hot air ballooning, fly camping with your very own team of staff, tailored wildlife walks, exclusive conservation tours will all elevate your safari cost from a mid-range safari adventure to a truly deluxe experience.
Traveling at your own pace, choosing your focus point on game drives and being able to enjoy unobstructed wildlife views without the hindrance of other passengers is a luxury within itself when you travel privately. Not to mention having your very own driver / guide throughout your safari, to ask as many questions as you wish will add to your overall experience.
If you do decide to book a lavish Serengeti safari camp, price points will typically start at $650 per night reaching up to eye-watering prices of $10,000 per person per night and more.
An agile cheetah stands alone on a trunk of a fallen tree. The Serengeti is known for its Big Cat inhabitants - including the speedy cheetah / Image: @notsphinx
4. How to book a luxury Serengeti Safari?
When traveling to the awe-inspiring Serengeti, the choice is endless on where you can stay and what you can choose to experience. It can be difficult to know where to start, so here is a short guide before you book:
Think about the dates you would like to travel. Seasons can give you a preview into what you can expect your adventure to look and feel like.
Spend time seeking a reputable adventure company that excels in offering private and customizable safaris within the Serengeti region. You will expect to come across a pool of safari operators but aim for a trustworthy adventure company that has great reviews as well as certified guides that know the area well. It's important they are knowledgeable about the area as well as know how to keep you safe within the company of wild animals.
The price can reflect the service you pay for. If a safari is relatively cheap you can expect that someone or something is being compromised along the way.
Once you have an adventure company picked, it's time to start thinking about how you would like your Serengeti itinerary to look like in detail. There are an array of incredible activities and experiences to choose from.
Name your budget. If you have an ideal amount you would like to spend, now is a great time to convey this information to your tour operator.
The adventure company will start weaving your requests into creating the perfect safari for you.
Lastly, If you would like to book within peak season, it's best to book as far in advance as you can. The biggest reason to book in advance is because of accommodation, so that you get your desired lodge or camp. The urgency to book during low seasons isn't as crucial. To book at a comfortable pace, we recommend booking in advance of around 4 to 5 months upwards.
In terms of creating your ideal itinerary with your chosen adventure company, this can typically take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks depending on how many revisions you would like to make.
Singita Grumeti Lodge is located alongside the Grumeti River in the heart of the Serengeti - one of the most luxurious places to stay on your Serengeti Safari
5. Best Serengeti safari itineraries
If you feel ready to invest in a luxury Serengeti safari tour, it's a good idea to establish a safari experience that suits you perfectly. To help you choose your adventure, we have hand-picked two of our best Serengeti safari trips for you to browse and explore at your leisure.
AFRICAN LION SAFARI
7 DAYS / 4 LOCATIONS
Our first safari that includes the stunning Serengeti, is our groundbreaking African Lion Safari. During this incredibly unique 7-day adventure we will be introducing you to 4 wonderful locations situated on the northern circuit of Tanzania’s dreamland of national parks. Your luxury safari will highlight the Serengeti in the most exciting way. You will be staying in luxurious lodges coupled with maximizing your days observing wildlife across Tanzania’s most remarkable savannahs. Experience the central and northern parts of the Serengeti - in other words the most exceptional spots for wildlife viewing.
Highlights:
Witness the Great Migration
Exclusive lion conservation talks
Luxurious tented camps in stunning locations
Private guide / driver for all journeys and game drives
Incredible big cat viewing throughout the Serengeti with our knowledgeable guides
Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Olmoti Crater
Best suited for:
Families, groups of friends, couples, honeymooners
CUSTOMIZABLE SERENGETI SAFARI
5 DAYS / 1 LOCATION
Our second safari is a beautifully customizable luxury Serengeti safari tour exploring this magnificent national park in all its glory. Enrich your Serengeti experience by letting the most luxurious camps encompass you after an exciting day's game drive. Your very own guide will take you on a breathtaking journey to see those long awaited animals you’ve been waiting for. Sunrise game drives, hot air ballooning, fly camping, photographic safaris, nature walks, conservation talks - whatever your heart desires, we will happily weave into an incredible journey for you. Not to mention wandering off the beaten path and exploring routes you have never seen before. Enjoy this dream destination in style whilst letting its majestic charms fill you with fascination.
Highlights:
Explore the very best of the Serengeti
Sensational wildlife viewing within your own private safari vehicle
Exclusive and luxurious tented camps and lodges in stunnig surroundings
An array of exclusive experiences and activities to choose from
Fantastic Big 5 sightings
Best suited for:
Families, groups of friends, couples, honeymooners
Asilia Jabali Ridge / Ruaha National Park