Serengeti National Park is a well-known safari destination in the Eastern African country of Tanzania. This Tanzanian National Park is one of the best national parks in the world.
The Serengeti is one of the oldest ecosystems that hosts a spectacular wildlife show on the planet- the Wildebeest Migration. There is no better experience than enjoying a Serengeti National Park Safari that brings you close to nature and wildlife.
The Mecca of National Parks, Serengeti, is home to millions of wildlife, famous for its natural wonders, and world-class accommodation facilities.
Here are the best things to know about the iconic Tanzania National Park to enjoy memorable Tanzania Safari Tours!
Best Time for Serengeti Safari to Explore Wild Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park Tour ensures phenomenal wildlife spotting all year round.
It has got two seasons: wet and dry. June to March is the dry season in Serengeti National Park. The dry season is optimal for wildlife spotting in the Serengeti. Shorter grass and dry vegetation make it easy to watch wildlife.
The River Crossings
The river crossing is one of the attractions of the Wildebeest Migration that attracts visitors to a Serengeti Safari. One of the best times for a safari in the Serengeti is during the Grumeti and Mara River crossings. It is during this time that millions of wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested waters to reach the Masai Mara Reserve.
These river crossings occur from June to October. Many camps close to the river crossings offer the best views of the river crossings in Serengeti during the peak dry season.
A Bird Lover’s Paradise
If you want to skip the crowds, consider a Serengeti safari during the wet season. The Serengeti National Park experiences overcast skies and rain during April and May.
It is the perfect time for bird enthusiasts to enjoy a Serengeti safari. You can spot more than five hundred migrant and resident bird species in the Serengeti.
What Makes the Serengeti Safari So Special?
For many, the main attraction of the Serengeti National Park Tour is the Great Wildlife Migration. The most spectacular event is the movement of over two million wildebeests. The migration movement happens across the landscape in search of fresh water and grass. Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a mesmerising sight.
The wonderful thing is that the Great Migration is never-ending. It follows a circular path around the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Reserve. You can witness most of the Wildebeest Migration action in Serengeti National Park.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most iconic land-based wildlife migration!
The Great Migration consists of millions of animals like wildebeests, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles.
Seeing The Big Five on A Serengeti Safari
The African Big Five refers to the leopard, lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhino. Most safari enthusiasts are keen to spot all of the Big Five in Serengeti National Park.
On a game drive in Serengeti, there is a better chance of seeing as much wildlife as possible.
Elephants, Lions, and buffalo are easy to spot! You have a high chance of seeing them during a Serengeti Safari. Serengeti National Park has a high density of wildlife.
This Tanzania National Park has more lions than other reserves or national parks. The lion population in Serengeti is around 3,500.
Leopards and black rhinos are a bit harder to spot. With an experienced guide, you can manage to track and spot the rhinos and leopards.
The Big Five is not because of the size of the animals. The name Big Five is for the difficulty and fierceness of hunting the animals. Wildlife in Tanzania is well protected to keep the Big Five safe in their natural habitat.
Wear Perfect Clothing For The Safari
Why wear earth-tone and khaki-colored clothes on a Serengeti safari? The neutral colours help you disguise and repel heat. Blue and black colored clothes attract pesky tsetse flies! Wear light, comfortable, breathable clothes on a game drive in Serengeti.
Stay Protected from the Sun
On a game drive, you have to spend many hours outdoors! Consider using sunscreen lotion and a cover-up. It provides the best protection from the sun while on a game drive. Wear a round hat, sunglasses, zip-off trousers, and a long-sleeved top. Covering yourself also protects you from mosquito bites.
It Gets Cold at Night
When the sun sets in the Serengeti, it gets cold! Pack the right to stay comfortable during the entire Serengeti vacation in Tanzania.
Do you know why the Masai people wear red? They believe that the red colour scares away dangerous animals. You can ask your guide to learn more about the local beliefs!
The Right Equipment that can capture the Actions of Serengeti
You require the best photography and video equipment to capture wildlife in the vast plains of the Serengeti. On a Serengeti Safari, you can see plenty of wildlife from close. If you want distant shots, use a lens with a focal length of 200mm or digital zoom equipment.
Viewing the wildlife with your naked eyes gives you an authentic experience on a safari drive. Put down the phone or camera to soak up the magnificent views of pristine nature and wildlife. You can watch safari videos online! When you are on the ground, enjoy wildlife viewing.
Is it hard to stabilise shots from the larger lenses? Use a small bean bag to place the lenses and take the perfect pictures on the safari vehicle. Sandbags are also helpful!
Remember: Drones are prohibited in Serengeti National Park
Safety During The Serengeti Safari
On a guided game drive, you are always safe. There are a few things to follow for safety during a Safari in the Serengeti.
Say NO to feeding the animals: By feeding animals, you can unknowingly introduce them to unhealthy foods. Feeding animals can risk to safety, as animals may approach every tourist vehicle for food!
Stay inside the Safari Vehicle: A safari vehicle has windows and a pop-top roof to allow you to take photos and view the animals. Never stick your head or arm outside the safari vehicle without permission.
Never Walk Alone: If you have to use the bush toilet, follow the instructions and avoid walking alone.
When walking around your camp at night, get accompanied by a ranger or armed guard. Stay within the boundaries of the lodge or camp.
Never walk alone after dark!
If travelling with children, stay with your child at all times. Do not allow your child to roam unattended.
Maintain Silence: Talking loudly or shouting on a game drive can agitate the animals and drive them away. Maintaining silence is good etiquette while on a safari.
Delicious Picnic Lunches
On your Serengeti safari, you get the chance to travel with a delicious packed lunch. It helps you enjoy a game drive all day long without returning to the lodge for lunch.
Picnic lunches depend on lodge requirements! You can find a few combinations mentioned below in a delicious packed lunch:
- Water
- Fruit juice
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Boiled eggs with salt
- Fresh fruit
- Biscuits, cakes, or muffins
- Pasta or rice
- Chicken drumsticks
WHAT DO TRAVELLERS SAY ABOUT SERENGETI SAFARI TOURS?
Great experience, highly recommended!
I found African Scenic Safaris on TripAdvisor, and after reading all the reviews, it was chosen as our tour operator for a safari in Tanzania. We went through Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro parks, and I never regretted my choice. 1. While planning and getting ready for the trip, you never wait for the answers, Whenever you have a question, Nembris was always there with the answers, ideas, and recommendations. 2. Very clear and very friendly cancellation policy (I checked it as well because you never know what COVID brings 3. Unbelievable guide Emmanuel, who took care of us for 6 days. Great sense of humour, outstanding English, knows everything about Tanzania, national parks, and the animals. He is a great driver too, please believe me, you need it there. Great people, great experience, highly recommended to anyone planning safari tours in beautiful Tanzania.
– Patimat
Best Places To Stay On Serengeti Safari
Serengeti Lodges
If you want home comfort, Serengeti is home to many lodges with luxury amenities and conveniences. You can get hot water, reliable WiFi, and other comforts during your stay at one of the Serengeti lodges.
When travelling with children for a Serengeti Safari vacation, a lodge stay proves to be worth booking.
Tented Camps on the Serengeti
You can find many tented camps located in the Serengeti. The tented camps offer a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Staying at a tented camp is the best for a memorable Serengeti Safari. At a tented camp, you have a private bedroom and bathroom.
During your stay, you can hear the distant trumpeting of the elephants and every rustle in the tall grass.
A Few Lodges & Camps To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay!
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Serengeti Serena Lodge is a beautiful hotel located in the park. The small huts of the lodge allow space for privacy and provide a bush stay experience. The Serena Lodge is perfect for staying a few days on a Serengeti safari.
Migration Camp
Migration Camp is a luxury lodge located in the North Central area of the Serengeti. It is the perfect place to stay for the migration around early July.
Serengeti Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a luxurious lodge in the North of the park. It is beautiful and well-crafted with essential amenities. It is the best place to enjoy a vintage safari experience.
Kiota Camp
Kiota camp is in central Serengeti! It allows year-round game viewing, especially spotting the big cats.
The small Kiota camp offers an authentic safari experience.
Chaka Camp
Chaka Camp is a semi-permanent mobile camp in the Serengeti. In the Swahili language, Chaka means Bush. The Chaka Camp offers an intimate and authentic bush experience in the middle of the Serengeti. Twice a year, the camp moves to provide guests with the perfect platform to view the Wildebeest Migration.
What Does The Serengeti Safari Cost?
A one-weekSerengeti National Park Tour can cost around
- From USD 2,500 – budget (Adventure Camping)
- From USD 3,500 – Mid Range Tented Camps
- From USD 7,500 – Luxury
Booking a Serengeti Safari Package eliminates the expenses of park permits and other essential things for the tour.
Serengeti National Park Entry Fee
- $82.60 per Adult/day
- $23.60 per Child (5-15 years)/day
- $70.80 Lodge/Tented Camp Concession Fees
- $35.50 Camping Fees
Children under five can enter the Serengeti National Park for free.
Top Attractions Of Serengeti Safari
Apart from the Wildebeest Migration and Big Five, there are many attractions of a safari in Serengeti National Park!
Hot Air Ballooning
Do you want to get the most stunning view of the park? On a hot air balloon in Serengeti National Park, you can get a breathtaking aerial view of the park. Witnessing diverse wildlife on the vast plains of the Serengeti from the sky is a treat for every safari lover! Your hot air balloon adventure starts before sunrise and gets complete with a luxury English breakfast.
Visiting the Moru Kopjes
Are you looking for a thrill while in the Serengeti? Visit the Moru Kopjes! The rock formation Moru Kopjes in the centre of the Serengeti provides shade and hydration for animals. The Moru Kopjes is a top-rated animal viewing area to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Experience the Masai Culture and Lifestyle
The Masai People are a group of semi-nomadic tribes living in Tanzania for many years. Spending a few hours at a Masai Village can help you learn and experience their lifestyle and culture.
Do you want to know more about planning your Serengeti Safari adventure? Contact African Scenic Safaris at +255 (0) 784 413 801 or email: info@africanscenicsafaris.com to get information about customised Serengeti Safari Tours!
Conclusion: – Return With Memories
The Serengeti Safari experience will always stay in your heart. Even after you return, you will be with you a lifetime of memories. Come to Serengeti, and be a part of this surreal land full of nature and wildlife. Serengeti means the land that runs forever, and the name rightly justifies it.
