SERENGETI SAFARI: A TRAVELERS MOST WANTED GUIDE

Serengeti Safari / Image: @kilosierra


The Serengeti is often referred to as Africa’s gem, which is not surprising considering it boasts magnificent scenery and landscapes. This national park is something you cannot miss when you book a trip to Tanzania. Including a Serengeti Safari in your itinerary is simply a must if you want to experience the best of Tanzania.

This national park is a picturesque spot where you will see glorious savannas and lavish grasslands. Its ambiance is magnificent and cannot be compared to anything you have seen in pictures or watched on the big screen. This awe-inspiring scenery needs to be felt and experienced in person to discover its true magic. Therefore, a Serengeti safari trip is an absolute must when visiting Tanzania or even Africa.  

There are a lot of Tanzania and Serengeti activities to choose from, so it may be challenging to decipher which ones to go for first. We have created this helpful guide to assist you in planning your itinerary for a thrilling adventure!

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Serengeti Safari / Image: @jackyoung

Where are the best regions to do a Serengeti Safari?

The Serengeti is one of the largest and most protected ecosystems in the world. Namely, different regions of the Serengeti are all spectacular to visit for a real African adventure. Every corner of the Serengeti is uniquely striking. Let us tell you about each region in full…… 

CENTRAL SERENGETI

If you decide to do a Serengeti Safari in its most central part, you will stay in the bustling heart of this amazing national park. This centralized region is a great spot for a variety of camps and lodges to choose from, which can also make it a busier location than the other parts of the Serengeti. It can be especially crowded during peak season - June to October. 

However, Central Serengeti is known for having great access to the best Migration spots and Big 5 sightings. You will be surrounded by beautiful wooded hills and grassy plains - which is a magnet for other wild animals giving you optimum observations of wildlife. Opting for Central Serengeti is a great choice if a Serengeti Safari is at the top of your list. 

NORTHERN SERENGETI

The northern part of the Serengeti is the most remote and the least crowded. It is an ideal spot to see amazing wildlife as well as enjoy the miraculous landscapes. What’s great about northern Serengeti is that it is on the border of Kenya which makes it a fabulous location to continue your adventure in another country. One of the highlights of Northern Serengeti is the Mara River as well as the Great Migration that happens right across it. Just make sure you are in town at the right time to see it. 

The northern region offers you a chance to see one of the rarest animals in the world - the rhino. This region is a great place to spot it! 

WESTERN SERENGETI

If you want a luxurious Serengeti safari, head to the west. Luxurious accommodations and camps are upon you in this upscale region of the park. The western part is also ideal for traditional safaris as well as an array of experiences to match, like photography safaris, sleeping under the stars and private group safaris. It's also an ideal spot to witness the Great Migration as well as visit the Grumeti River. This area is an ideal setting for a Serengeti Safari with outlooks and views to behold. This is why many of the more exclusive lodges and overnight stays are based here. It is a gorgeous part of the Serengeti.

EASTERN SERENGETI

The eastern part of the Serengeti is a good choice if you want to avoid tourist crowds. It is the least visited area of the park, and it is also the quietest one. If the idea of a Serengeti safari is up your street but you want a quieter adventure - the eastern region is an ideal choice. It is also closer to Lake Natron as well as the Ngorongoro Crater too. If you love wild cat species, especially cheetahs - a larger number are found in east Serengeti. Here you will get to observe wild cats as well as wild animals in abundance. A quieter side of the Serengeti but amazing to visit. 

Serengeti Safari / Image: @artemisdesign

What Month Is The Best Month To Visit The Serengeti?

The Serengeti is a marvelous place to visit throughout the whole year - you won’t go wrong with whatever month you choose to visit. When picking the season to visit this national park, you should consider your preferences and priorities. Ask yourself, “What do I want to see most on my trip to the Serengeti?” Below we have a few key insights in helping you pick the right month: 

For instance, if you would like to witness the Great Migration, going on a Serengeti safari between July and September is ideal. On the other hand, January to March is perfect timing if you have the desire to watch the new born calves as well as spot birdlife. If crowds aren't your thing, then consider visiting the Serengeti during our winter months of October and November. These are two of the least crowded months, and you will still get exactly what you desire from your Serengeti safari adventure. 

Take a look at our detailed month to month weather report to help you decide which month is best for you to travel here: The Ultimate Guide To Safaris In Tanzania 

Where do you fly into for Serengeti National Park?

When it comes to picking the right flight for your Serengeti Safari, you have several options. What most international travelers do, and the option that is most convenient, is to travel to the town of Arusha. The town of Arusha is a famous starting point to most safaris within the region. The quickest way to reach Arusha is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is only a short drive away from the town center. However, you can also consider flying internationally to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi Kenya (NBO). 

What Is Special About The Serengeti?

The Serengeti is a captivating destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. It contains some of the most unique and spectacular landscapes and savannahs the world has ever seen. The Serengeti is unmatched by anywhere else in the world which is why it's so special. 

The sheer variety and number of wildlife, wild bird species and wild animals is colossal and is humbling to witness them all in their natural habitat. 

The Serengeti offers a multitude of incredible adventures, excursions and activities to enjoy. From sleeping under the stars to hot air ballooning, to nature walks, sunset safaris, natural phenomenons, rock formations, African lion safaris, wild camping and dinners al fresco - there really isn't much that the Serengeti can't offer. Even if you just opt for a traditional three day safari - the Serengeti will capture your heart and put you under its charms. 

Serengeti Safari / Image: @ray30

What Months Are The Best For The Great Migration?

If you have your heart set on watching the Great Migration, this iconic phenomenon cycles clockwise between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It stretches from the most southern part of the Serengeti to the most northern part of the Maasai Mara. The Great Migration takes place between May and December. Get in touch with our travel designers to get advice on where to go and which month to visit to get the best sightings. 

How Many Days Is Enough For Serengeti?

The Serengeti is vast. The question is - How long do you have? 

It's possible to get a taste of the Serengeti within a three day adventure, however some travelers choose to stay two weeks to experience everything the Serengeti has to offer. However long you decide to do your Serengeti safari, it will be a wonderful experience. We advise you to stay at least 4-5 days to really enjoy the region, wildlife and game drives as well as relish in some fun excursions. 

We offer an incredible nature walk on our African Lion Safari - Take a look at it here! 


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How Much Does It Cost To Enter Serengeti?

The entry fees to the Serengeti National Park are referred to as conservation fees because they are there to help fund the protection of this incredible park and its wild animals who roam within it.  

The fees can vary depending on the season in which you visit. During peak season, the fees are the following: 

  • $70 per person above 16 years old per day 

  • $20 per person between 5 and 15 years old per day

  • The conservation fee is free for persons under the age of 5

What Would You See On A Safari Through The Serengeti?

During your Serengeti Safari, expect to see a whole lot of wildlife. This amazing national park is home to over two million hoofed animals, 4 thousand lions, 1 thousand leopards, 500 wonderful bird species, over 500 cheetahs and around 150 rhino. Not to mention all its other marvelous wild species. The Serengeti also offers historical and cultural intrigue, astounding rock formations, gorgeous rivers, the Great Migration, an array of fun excursions to enjoy and so much more! You will be spoilt for choice. 

We have a fascinating guide on 7 Amazing African Wild Animals To See That Aren't The Big 5

Serengeti Safari / Image: @denisi_z

What Is The Most Common Animal In The Serengeti?

The most common animal in the Serengeti is the gnarly wildebeest, also named as the ‘Gnu’. Wildebeests are prey to different kinds of predators, like lions and cheetahs. Wildebeest play a popular role in the Great Migration where you can see them hoofing through river and land crossings in their thousands. Both male and female Gnu’s grow horns which make them hard to distinguish apart from each other. Because of their shaggy appearance they may seem like they could be aggressive but the Gnu is one of the most gentle African animals you will find in the Serengeti. 

Serengeti Safari / Image: @dennisgroom

Can I go solo on a Serengeti drive?

You can drive solo on a Serengeti Safari, but it is not recommended. If it is your first time within a wildlife environment of such vastness of the Serengeti national park, you might risk your safety due to a lack of knowledge. Namely, if you do not know the areas or routes, you might easily get lost among wild animals and put yourself in danger. Therefore, we do not advise solo Serengeti drives throughout the national park. 

Can I step outside of my safari vehicle on a Serengeti Safari?

When going on a safari in the Serengeti, you will be accompanied by a guide who is knowledgeable of the surroundings. They will most probably not allow you to get out of the vehicle because it can be extremely dangerous, unless they have advised and you are under supervision. The national park prohibits such actions unless you are accompanied by an armed ranger.


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