One of the biggest national parks in the world and one of the top ten safari locations in Africa, the Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with pristine savannah grasslands that highlight the true wilderness.

You can’t go wrong if you decide to spend a few days of your African safari along the Serengeti Plains because it’s the best park for its amazing game viewing, which can be enjoyed on a Serengeti Safari Tour. It also hosts the Great Annual Wildebeest Migration herd, which includes over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 gazelles, zebras, and a variety of other predators.

The Maasai word for “Endless Plains” is “Serengeti.” The park is located in Tanzania’s northwest and spans 14,750 square kilometers. The Serengeti’s overall ecosystem is bounded to the north by the Tanzania-Kenya border, to the southeast by the Ngorongoro (NCA), to the southwest by the Maswa Game Reserve, and to the west by the Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves.

With an astounding number of predators spread across the Savannah plains, Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most famous animal sanctuaries and the ideal location for Serengeti Safari Tours. The Great Migration, in which wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebras move from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai-Mara, is the Serengeti’s wildlife highlight. Every year, more than 250,000 zebras, 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and more than 2 million wildebeests migrate across the Mara River to Kenya’s Masai-Mara.

The park is also home to sizable herds of giraffes, buffalo, and elephants. Since they roam the plains and may be seen hunting their prey, big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are a must-see. While it’s an amazing experience, it’s not for the faint of heart. Grant’s gazelles, Topis, Impalas, Elands, Black and White rhinos, and Kongoni are among the other creatures that may be found here.

 

Great Migration Safari in the Serengeti
Migration of Serengeti Wildbeests

Every year, 350,000 wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and over 1.5 million wildebeests migrate across Kenya’s Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. The primary highlights of this migration are the calving season and the river crossings where the animals avoid the voracious gigantic crocodiles. Due to this yearly migration, the Serengeti sees a large influx of tourists, and lodging establishments like the Four Seasons Safari Lodge fill up quickly, especially during the busiest times of the year.

The finest months to go on a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari are June, July, and August. On its way back to the Masai Mara in Kenya, the herd of migratory wildebeest passes the Grumeti and Mara rivers, which are teeming with ravenous gigantic crocodiles. Since this is the most spectacular time of year for the migration, there are a lot of tourists in the park. As a result, it is strongly advised that vacationers plan their safari as early as possible to ensure that there will be lodging available.

What to do when on safari in the Serengeti?

Visitors can take game drives through various tacks, which are excellent locations for wildlife, to see wildlife at its best. You can get up close and personal with the animals while on the game drive. Since lions and other fierce predators hunt in the morning, the best time to go on a Serengeti game drive is between 6:00 and 11:00 am.

There is a lot of animal activity during this time, including cheetahs, zebras, eland, and many others. Game drives in the afternoon are held from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Game drives are open all day from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Safari via Balloon in the Serengeti
Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

Another option is to take a balloon safari, which gives you a chance to see the Serengeti and all of its amazing species and landscapes from above. You must reserve your safari in advance because the balloon excursions require a minimum of 12 to 16 passengers, depending on the size of the balloon basket. These rides start at around five in the morning, and they end with a champagne breakfast.

The price of a hot air balloon flight in the Serengeti ranges from $499 to $599 USD for each adult.

Witness the Migration of Wildebeests
Migration of wildebeests

The calving season and the river crossings, where the animals avoid the hungry huge crocodiles in the river, are the highlights of the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration, which sees over 2 million wildebeests, 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and over 250,000 zebras. Since this herd is frequently attacked by predators, you can expect a lot of drama as millions of animals march together.

Walking safari with a guide
Safari on foot

Another choice is a guided walking safari, in which you follow an armed park ranger across a gentle terrain at a leisurely pace. This allows you to get a close-up look at plants, reptiles, insects, and birds, among other things, that are difficult to observe from a car during a game drive—something that over 60% of visitors miss. A group of six to eight persons, aged twelve and up, go on a walking safari in the Serengeti. In upscale safari camps, the price is roughly $500 per night.

Serengeti Bird Watching Serengeti bird watching

A fantastic, well-known park for birdwatchers is Serengeti National Park. The Kori bustard, Grey-breasted spurfowl, Rufous-tailed weaver, Grey-headed sparrow, Variable Sunbird, Secretary bird, Purple Grenadier, Black-headed Heron, Yellow-throated sandgrouse, White-bellied go-away bird, White-crowned shrike, Red-backed scrub, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Decken-Toko Tockus, Dark Chanting Goshawk, and many more are among the 542 bird species which can be found in the park. You must go between November and April to witness the migratory birds. Eleven of the approximately 100 bird species that are restricted in the Serengeti are endemic.

Accommodations in the Serengeti A monthly hotel accommodation guide The Serengeti

Because Serengeti National Park is such a large area, where you choose to stay depends on the time of year you are visiting, the activities you are doing, and the locations you are seeing. Because the Serengeti Park Safari Lodge offers both budget camps and luxurious lodges, you should base your reservation decisions on your financial situation. Therefore, depending on your preference, we have included below the many areas where you can stay during the various months of the year;

January to March

Since the wildebeests are calving during this time, you are welcome to stay in the Ndutu region. Yes, you have the opportunity to witness the full Migration during this time, even though you might not be able to observe the wildebeests crossing. Since over 10,000 baby wildebeests are born during this time, predators are also active everywhere in an effort to get food for themselves.

Among the lodging options are

For travelers on a tight budget: Kenzan Ndutu Camp

Ndutu Safari Lodge is ideal for families.

Travelers in the middle range: Kirurumu Mobile Camp

Luxury adventurers: Angata Migration Camp or Ndutu Under Canvas Safari Camp

Luxury vacationers and honeymooners: Sanctuary Kusini or Lake Masek Tented Camp.

Please be aware that some of the lodges in this area are seasonal and may close from April to October each year. Additionally, personal camping is not permitted in the Ndutu Region.

April to May

Tanzania is experiencing its rainy season at this time, and the wildebeests start their northward migration towards Kenya via the Grumeti Region or the Western Corridor. In actuality, this is an excellent location for game viewing, and because it’s the rainy season, guests can take advantage of opulent lodging options at a significantly reduced cost. During the rainy season, tented camps and camping are not advised, and several opulent lodges, such as Sopa, Four Seasons, and Serena, also reduce their rates.

Facilities for lodging include

Travelers in the middle: Mbugani Migration Camp or Grumeti Migration Camp

Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Serena Kirawira Tented Camp, Mbalageti Serengeti, or Melia Serengeti, adventurous luxury tourists

June

The ideal time to see game is in the Seronera region (Central Serengeti), and this month marks the beginning of the Serengeti’s peak season. The Seronera area in the center of the Serengeti is worth seeing during this time of year since you can see many lions, cheetahs, and leopards. As the wildebeests continue their journey north, you can still witness their migration.

You can stay at: While in the Central Serengeti

For those on a tight budget, Seronera Campsite

Mid-range tourists: Kat Kati Tented Camp, Kiota Tented Camp, Kenzan Tented Camp, or Sopa Serengeti

Luxury adventurers: Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge, Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, Serena Serengeti, Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, or Angata

July to September

More people visit the Serengeti between July and September. At this point, the Mara River in the Northern Region, close to the Kenyan border, is being approached by wildebeests, which causes the river to cross more dramatically.

During these months, several lodes and camps are open, including

For tourists on a tight budget: Lobo Campsite

Mid-range tourists can stay at Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Kenzan Mara Tented Camp, Chaka Tented Camp, or Mara River Kati Kati.

Luxury adventurers: Beyond Klein’s Camp, Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, Angata Bologonja Tented Camp, or Bologonya Under Canvas

Safari from October to November

The majority have already moved to Kenya’s Masai-Mara region, so there aren’t many tourists in the Serengeti. However, this shouldn’t deter you from visiting the park because it is open year-round. Enjoy wildlife viewing in the Seronera region; the Serengeti remains unique even in the absence of the wildebeest migration.

In actuality, the Serengeti is home to numerous creatures, including antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and huge herds of elephants. Thus, any of the opulent lodges or tented camps in this area are suitable for your stay.

Safari in December

The wildebeest migration circuit is complete by this point, and by December, they have returned to the Ndutu Region. The Wildebeest are starting to calve again during this period, so you may start the New Year or enjoy your Christmas in a very special way.

Safaris in the Serengeti: The Price

As mentioned below, there are several factors to consider while discussing Serengeti safari costs that will affect the total cost of your safari:

the desired degree of comfort; the more comfortable your accommodations are, the more your safari will cost, whether you decide to stay at a mid-range or luxury lodge like Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or a less expensive one.

The second factor is the time of year you go: if you go between June and October, when most tourists travel, you should anticipate paying more for your safari because even the cost of lodging will be greater. Because lodging costs are lower during the off-peak travel season, which runs from November to April, safari costs are also lower.

The extra activities you will be doing are listed last: Activities include guided hikes, spa treatments, cultural visits with the Maasai people, and a hot air balloon safari, which costs between $500 and $600 USD.

The expected cost of lodging during the busiest and slowest tourist safari seasons is displayed in the table below.

	Budget Accommodation Safari Cost	Mid-range Accommodation	Luxury Accommodation
Off-Peak Season	$450 – $600	$600 – $750	$850 – $1200
Peak Tourist Season	$ 500 – $650	$700 – $1050	$1100 – $1650

What to pack for a safari in the Serengeti

We strongly advise that you dress appropriately for the various activities since this is primarily a wildlife viewing location.

Warm Serengeti Safari Jacket, scarf, and sweatshirts, particularly for the early game drives

Ankle-supporting hiking boots that are ideal for nature walks

For travelers during the rainy season, rain jackets

Additionally, a camera is strongly advised, such as a bridge camera with a 400mm focal length and a zoom.

Lightweight clothing is also appropriate for the daytime once the sun has risen.

When returning to the lodge, sandals and flip-flops are appropriate footwear.

Use sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun.

A Serengeti safari is best experienced during the best season.

Although the Serengeti is generally thought of as a year-round destination, we can offer you advice on the ideal time to go on safari in this area based on the activities you want to partake in. Based on the various activities, the optimum time to visit the Serengeti is outlined below.

The best time to witness the crossing of the wildebeest river is:

The migratory herd of wildebeest returns to the Masai Mara in Kenya in June, July, and August, crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers, which are teeming with ravenous gigantic crocodiles. Since this is the most spectacular time of year for the migration, there are a lot of tourists in the park. As a result, it is strongly advised that vacationers plan their safari as early as possible to ensure that there will be lodging available.

When is the best time to observe birds in Serengeti National Park?

While bird watching is possible throughout the year in the Serengeti, November through April is the ideal time of year. Both the native bird species’ nesting season and the arrival of migratory birds from North Africa and Europe occur during this time.

When is the best time to see wildlife in the Serengeti?

There is year-round wildlife viewing along the Serengeti Plains. However, there are certain seasons and periods of year that offer superior wildlife watching. Since June through October is a dry season, these are generally the greatest times to watch games. The greatest dates to see the migration vary from year to year, but the wildebeests’ calving season in late January and early February and June to July are the finest times to do so.

The Serengeti National Park: How to Get There?

Arusha town is where the majority of safaris to Serengeti National Park begin. Nonetheless, the park is reachable via air or road.

By Air: Flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is about 6 kilometers from Arusha Town, is the most convenient route to reach the Serengeti. Additionally, there are flights to the many airstrips in the park from Arusha and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). This facilitates combining safaris from Arusha to the Serengeti throughout Kenya.

By Road: It takes eight hours to drive 325 kilometers (202 miles) to reach the park via road. The ride is a little bumpy, but you will see a variety of species. Driving through the well-known Ngorongoro Conservation Area will allow you to view the Ngorongoro Crater Area. After three hours, you will travel 140 kilometers to the middle Seronera area of the Serengeti.