When you think of an African safari, chances are the first image that comes to mind is the vast, golden plains of the Serengeti dotted with elephants, lions, and massive herds of wildebeest. Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on Earth. Offering some of the best safari experiences in Africa, Serengeti National Park tours attract thousands of travelers each year in search of adventure, nature, and raw beauty.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planning a Serengeti tour — including top attractions, tour types, wildlife highlights, best times to visit, and practical travel tips.
🦁 Why Visit Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, covers over 14,700 square kilometers (5,700 square miles). It’s home to more than 70 large mammal species and over 500 bird species.
Reasons to choose Serengeti National Park tours:
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
Spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)
Experience diverse landscapes: grasslands, woodlands, and river valleys
Enjoy luxurious and eco-friendly safari lodges
Participate in unique activities like hot air balloon safaris
Serengeti offers not just wildlife viewing, but an immersive, unforgettable connection with nature.
🌍 Where Is Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti is located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the north and Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast. Most Serengeti tours begin in Arusha or from nearby airstrips accessible by domestic flights.
🐘 Top Attractions & Wildlife Highlights
1. The Great Migration
This is arguably the most spectacular wildlife event on the planet. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing land.
Calving Season: January–March (southern Serengeti)
River Crossings: June–August (Grumeti and Mara Rivers)
Return Migration: October–November (back to Serengeti plains)
Seeing the migration in action — especially a dramatic river crossing — is a bucket-list experience.
2. Big Five Sightings
The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to see the legendary Big Five:
Lions (many in prides)
Leopards (often spotted in Seronera Valley)
Elephants
Buffalos
Black Rhinos (rarer, found in Moru Kopjes)
3. Moru Kopjes
Scattered rock formations that serve as lookout points for predators and are home to ancient Maasai rock paintings.
4. Seronera Valley
Located in central Serengeti, it’s a year-round wildlife hotspot thanks to its permanent water sources.
5. Grumeti River
Known for dramatic crocodile-infested crossings during the migration.
🚙 Types of Serengeti National Park Tours
There are many ways to explore Serengeti based on your budget, time, and travel preferences.
1. Game Drive Tours
Traditional 4×4 safaris with professional guides
Available in full-day, half-day, or multi-day formats
Include park entry fees, meals, and accommodation
2. Fly-In Safaris
Ideal for luxury travelers or those short on time
Fly from Arusha, Zanzibar, or Kilimanjaro directly to Serengeti airstrips
Saves time and offers stunning aerial views
3. Camping Safaris
Budget-friendly and immersive
Choose between basic public campsites or luxury tented camps
Perfect for backpackers and adventure seekers
4. Balloon Safaris
Hot air balloon rides at sunrise over the plains
Followed by champagne breakfast in the bush
Available in central and northern Serengeti
5. Private and Custom Tours
Tailored itineraries for families, photographers, or honeymooners
Flexible schedules and exclusive vehicles
📅 Best Time to Visit Serengeti
Serengeti offers exceptional wildlife year-round, but your experience may differ based on the season.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Best wildlife visibility, river crossings |
| Green Season | November to March | Calving, lush scenery, fewer tourists |
| Rainy Season | April to May | Low season rates, less crowded, green |
Tip: For migration crossings, aim for July to September (northern Serengeti).
🏕️ Accommodation Options
Serengeti offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all preferences:
🏨 Luxury Safari Lodges
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
🏕️ Mid-Range Tented Camps
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
⛺ Budget Campsites
Nyani and Pimbi public campsites (bring your own gear or rent via tour operator)
Note: Most lodges and camps include full-board meals, game drives, and bush walks.
✈️ How to Get to Serengeti
From Arusha: 6–8 hour drive or 1-hour flight to Seronera Airstrip
From Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: Direct domestic flights to Serengeti airstrips
Closest International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Most tour companies handle transfers and internal flights as part of your safari package.
💡 Travel Tips for Serengeti National Park Tours
Visa: Most nationalities can get a Tanzanian visa on arrival or online
Vaccinations: Yellow fever (if coming from an endemic country); consider malaria prophylaxis
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh); USD accepted in lodges and tour bookings
What to Pack:
Neutral-colored clothing
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Binoculars and camera
Power bank (some camps have limited charging options)
🔐 Responsible Tourism in Serengeti
Stick to marked roads and trails during game drives
Never feed or disturb the animals
Support eco-lodges and community-run safari companies
Respect Maasai traditions and ask before photographing locals
✅ Conclusion
Serengeti National Park tours are more than just wildlife safaris—they’re transformative journeys that connect you to one of Earth’s last remaining natural wonders. From watching lions prowl the plains to witnessing the Great Migration thunder across rivers, the Serengeti offers a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild.
Whether you opt for a luxury fly-in safari, a camping adventure, or a family-friendly wildlife tour, the Serengeti will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
