Planning for Serengeti Safari Tours in Tanzania? We have so many options that you can choose from. The vast and boundless Serengeti National Park spans 5700 square miles, encompassing various regions. The central area boasts short grass and Acacia trees, a haven for tree and shade lovers. Mighty lions nap on the branches as they scout new hunting opportunities.
The southern locality is dominated by short savanna grass, which can withstand the dry season. It serves as the primary food source for ungulates, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and antelopes, among others. The west and north regions are covered by Thornwood and long grasslands. As you plan for your Tanzania safaris, see some of our Serengeti safaris and tours below.
Ultimate Guide for Booking Serengeti Safari Tours in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is undeniably one of the world's best places to witness the wildebeest migration and the grandeur of Africa's wildlife.
The park is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and is home to an immense population of plain game, boasting over 1,000,000 wildebeests.
Established in 1951, Serengeti National Park safeguards one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet—the colossal migration of wildebeests and zebras.
It is a mystical protected area that encompasses the Serengeti Ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions.
Cheetah in Serengeti, Tanzania
Unlike other conservation areas, Serengeti exists in three sections:
Southern Region (Central): This area mainly comprises the Seronera Valley, known as “Serengit” by the Masai people, which translates to the land of endless plains. Serengeti National Park's central region is a magnificent savanna, adorned with acacia trees, and teeming with wildlife.
Western Corridor: This section includes the Grumeti River and features more forests and dense bush.
Northern Region (Lobo Area): Connecting to Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, this is the least explored area of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park covers an extensive area of approximately 15,000 square kilometers and boasts a unique ecosystem that has inspired renowned figures such as Peter Matthiessen, Ernest Hemingway, filmmakers like Alan Root and Hugo Von Lawick, as well as enthusiastic photographers and scientists.
The Serengeti ecosystem is not only impressive but also among the world's oldest.
It comprises captivating features of diverse vegetation, fauna, and significant historical sites like the Olduvai Gorge, providing insights into early human history.
It is a sought-after destination for witnessing the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests and over 200,000 zebras as they journey from the Northern hills to the southern plains during the short rainy season between October and November.
Subsequently, these wildebeests migrate westward after the long rainy season, starting from April, May, and June.
Their migration takes them through various parks, reserves, and habitats within the Serengeti ecosystem, allowing them to explore diverse vegetation and landscapes.
Animals to see on your Serengeti Safari
Wildebeests in Serengeti
Serengeti National Park is renowned for its astonishingly diverse wildlife and holds the prestigious status of being a designated UNESCO site.
While it's widely recognized for its staggering population of approximately 1.5 million wildebeests, the park is also home to over 200,000 zebras and 300,000 gazelles.
These magnificent creatures can be observed during their migratory journeys across various sections of this enchanting protected area, as well as in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.
The wildebeest migration is listed among the world's top ten natural wonders, drawing thousands of holidaymakers each year to savor this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The remarkable Serengeti ecosystem also boasts a multitude of other herbivores, including hartebeests, giraffes, elands, hippos, topis, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, klipspringers, roan antelopes, oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudus.
Additionally, Serengeti is a sanctuary for the complete big five game: leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and elephants.
It's estimated that the Serengeti is home to approximately 2,500 lions, making it the region with the largest lion population in Africa.
The park is also inhabited by captivating cheetahs, serval cats, wild dogs, honey badgers, jackals, mongooses, golden wolves, otters, crested porcupines, bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, ground pangolins, hyraxes, and cape hares.
Remarkably, you may also have the opportunity to spot primates like vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, which are primarily found in the forests around Grumeti River.
For those interested in reptiles, a Tanzanian holiday tour in the Serengeti offers the chance to encounter Nile Crocodiles, puff adders, serrated hinged terrapins, Nile monitors, rainbow agamas, leopard tortoises, chameleons, black mambas, and African pythons, among others.
The Birds of Serengeti
Serengeti is an absolute haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of approximately 500 bird species.
Among these avian treasures, you can find captivating species such as secretary birds, the Masai ostrich, yellow-billed storks, southern ground hornbills, vultures, lesser flamingos, lovebirds, grey-breasted spurfowls, Kori bustards, oxpeckers, helmeted guinea fowls, and crowned cranes.
Serengeti Park Entry Fees
The Serengeti National Park is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.
The park entry fees per person for Serengeti National Park are based on visitor categories, and you can make payments at the park entrance or use the smart card system.
The fees are valid for only 24 hours for multiple entry, and a day entry permit will be valid for 12 hours.
Here are the details:
Non-African citizens above 16 years: US Dollars 70.
East African citizens and Tanzanian expatriates above 16 years: US Dollars 35.
East African children between 5 and 15 years: US Dollars 10.
East African children below 5 years: Entry is free.
For vehicle entry:
Vehicles with a tare weight of a maximum of 2000kgs: US Dollars 40.
Vehicles with a tare weight between 2001 and 3000kgs: US Dollars 150.
For camp entry charges:
Adults above 16 years for public campsites: US Dollars 60.
Children between 5 and 15 years for public campsites: US Dollars 10.
Children below 5 years: No entry fee.
Walking tours:
Short walks of 4 hours for adults: US Dollars 20.
Short walks of 4 hours for children between 12 and 15 years: US Dollars 10.
Long walks over 4 hours for adults: US Dollars 25.
Long walks over 4 hours for children between 12 and 15 years: US Dollars 15.
Once you have access to the Serengeti, you can enjoy various interesting activities, including morning and afternoon/evening game drives, witnessing the annual wildebeest migration, bird watching, visiting the Olduvai Gorge, and participating in walking tours.
All these fees are subject to a 18% VAT and are liable to change in the future.
For the most current rates, you can visit the Tanzania National Parks website here.
History of Serengeti National Park
Serengeti Game Drive
In the past, the land that now constitutes Serengeti National Park was home to the Maasai people, who lived there for 200 years.
However, their displacement occurred in 1959 after the arrival of the European explorer, Austrian Oscar Baumann.
The park was officially commissioned in 1951 and garnered worldwide attention through the audacious film and book called 'Serengeti Shall Not Die,' capturing the hearts of many.
Today, Serengeti is celebrated as Tanzania's oldest national park, teeming with remarkable wildlife species.
You can encounter lions, leopards, elephants, snakes, lizards, turtles, zebras, and wildebeests.
The Mara River links Masai Mara National Park and Serengeti National Park, and it is the stage for a spectacular river crossing, lasting only 30 minutes.
This remarkable phenomenon can be witnessed between June and August or January to March. During this period, the Mara River beckons with green pastures and shimmering waters, a true paradise for the migrating animals.
Activities - Top Things to Do in Serengeti
Wildlife Viewing in Serengeti National Park
The activities in Serengeti National Park are numerous and captivating, including:
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Soar above the Serengeti in a unique hot air balloon, allowing you to witness the breathtaking grasslands and grazing herbivores. The sight is especially captivating if you embark on this journey in the morning.
Game Drives: Game drives are a favorite activity among adventurers who visit the park. They provide close encounters with wildlife from the safety of a vehicle. Game drives are conducted in shifts during the morning and late afternoon hours.
Visit to a Maasai Village: The Maasai people are welcoming and eager to share their culture. You can participate in their lively dances, witness courtship rituals, and explore their traditional homes.
Bush Meals: Enjoy a romantic meal under the open sky as the fresh breeze sweeps through the lush surroundings.
Nature Walks: For those interested in a more active approach to wildlife observation, guided nature walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with the environment.
Camping: Experience the beauty of Serengeti by spending time in nature, listening to the sounds of wildlife. Earth-toned clothing, safari hats, insect repellent, and safari jackets are recommended
Best Time to Visit Serengeti for Safaris
Lion in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is a popular destination to witness a vast concentration of wildlife species on Earth.
The best time to visit is during the dry months of the year, specifically from June to July.
This period is especially ideal for holidaymakers interested in witnessing the wildebeest migration.
Game drives are most rewarding from June to July, August, and September, extending to October.
These months constitute the long dry season of the year when the vegetation is shorter, providing clear views of wildlife.
November to April offers an exciting opportunity for birding safaris in Serengeti National Park.
Location
The Beautiful Plains of the Serengeti
Serengeti National Park is located in the northern circuit of Tanzania, extending to border Kenya's Mara Reserve.
It proudly holds the distinction of being Tanzania's oldest park.
Year after year, Serengeti lures a significant number of holidaymakers who come to witness the annual wildebeest migration.
This expansive savanna wilderness area consists of three major sections, each offering endless plains teeming with wildlife and showcasing breathtaking landscapes.
Getting There
Transportation to the park is possible via road or air:
Road Transport: The most popular means of reaching the Serengeti, starting from Arusha, is an eight-hour journey. This mode of travel allows for scenic stopovers at various points of interest.
Air Transport: The Kilimanjaro airstrip is a fast but relatively expensive option. It caters mostly to tourists on a luxury budget.
Accommodation - Choosing where to Stay in Serengeti
The Serengeti Bushtops Luxury Tented Camp
Serengeti offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to mid-range to luxury. These include:
Kati Kati Camp: This mobile camp is conveniently located in an area that offers excellent game viewing of Serengeti's diverse wildlife in the central region.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge: This lodge is renowned for its exceptional views of Serengeti plains and the opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Migration Camp: Located next to the scenic Grumeti River in the north, this luxury camp offers an amazing camping experience in the wilderness.
Other lodging options and camps to consider are Kirawira Serena Camp, Mawe Luxury Tented Camp, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Melia Serengeti Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, or Embalakai Authentic Camp.
Make the right choice today by visiting the Serengeti National Park and experiencing the serene rhythm of life in Tanzania.
