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Serengeti Safari Tours

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Vast golden plains of the Serengeti stretching to the horizon under dramatic African skies
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Discover The Serengeti

Why the Serengeti is Africa's #1 Safari Destination

The Maasai call it Siringit — “the place where the land runs forever.” Spanning 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 sq mi) of pristine wilderness, the Serengeti is the last place on Earth where land migrations still occur on a grand scale.

The Great Migration

Two million wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains annually — the largest wildlife spectacle on the planet.

Predator Capital of the World

Home to over 3,000 lions and the highest density of cheetahs in Africa. Big 5 sightings are virtually guaranteed.

Year-Round Wildlife

Unlike seasonal destinations, the Serengeti offers exceptional game viewing every month of the year.

Did You Know?

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on Earth. The climate, vegetation, and fauna have barely changed in the past million years — it's exactly how early humans would have seen it. A true living museum of our planet's natural heritage.

THE GREAT MIGRATION

Migration Calendar:
Where to Go & When

The herds are always moving. Use our seasonal guide to plan your Serengeti dates and catch the action at its peak.

The Calving Season - Southern Plains & Ndutu
8,000 Births Daily & Peak Predator Action

The Calving Season

January – MarchSouthern Plains & Ndutu

The mega-herds gather on the nutrient-rich plains of Ndutu. It is the circle of life in action: thousands of wildebeest calves are born every single day.

Key Highlights

Off-road driving permitted in Ndutu—get closer to the cats
Highest probability of witnessing live predator hunts
Emerald green grass creates stunning photography backdrops
Newborn calves take first steps within minutes of birth
Get a Calving Season Quote
The Trek North - Central & Western Corridor
The Long March & Mating Season

The Trek North

April – JuneCentral & Western Corridor

As the plains dry up, the herds begin their massive trek North. By May/June, the columns reach the Grumeti River, facing their first water challenge.

Key Highlights

Quietest, most private time to visit the Serengeti
Excellent "Green Season" luxury rates—save up to 40%
Wildebeest columns stretch to the horizon
First dramatic river crossings at Grumeti
Check Green Season Rates
The River Crossings - Northern Sector (Mara River)
The World's Greatest Wildlife Spectacle

The River Crossings

July – OctoberNorthern Sector (Mara River)

The main event. Millions of wildebeest face the swollen Mara River, braving giant Nile crocodiles to reach the lush grazing on the other side.

Key Highlights

Witness the legendary Mara River crossings
Dry, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights
Peak Big Five viewing in optimal conditions
Book 12 months ahead—camps sell out fast
Book River Crossing Safari
The Return South - Central & Eastern Regions
The Short Rains & Renewal

The Return South

November – DecemberCentral & Eastern Regions

The herds sense the short rains falling in the South and begin their rapid journey back home. The park turns lush and green again before Christmas.

Key Highlights

Thousands of migratory birds arrive
Easier to secure top lodges than peak season
Fast-paced herds moving through Lobo area
Lush green landscapes perfect for photography
Plan a Holiday Safari

Quick Reference: Migration at a Glance

SeasonMonthsLocationBest For
Calving SeasonJanuary – MarchSouthern Plains & Ndutu8,000 Births Daily & Peak Predator Action
Trek NorthApril – JuneCentral & Western CorridorThe Long March & Mating Season
River CrossingsJuly – OctoberNorthern Sector (Mara River)The World's Greatest Wildlife Spectacle
Return SouthNovember – DecemberCentral & Eastern RegionsThe Short Rains & Renewal
Premium Add-on

Sunrise Balloon Flight

The ultimate bucket-list experience. Float silently over the endless plains as the African sun paints the sky, followed by a champagne bush breakfast beneath the acacia trees.

Flight Duration

~1 Hour

Sunrise launch

The Experience

Bird's eye view

See the migration scale

Breakfast

Bush setting

Full English + champagne

What's Included

Pre-dawn hotel pickupSparkling wine toast at sunriseFull English bush breakfastCertificate of flight

Add to any safari from

Hot air balloon floating over the Serengeti plains at sunrise with wildebeest below
Bucket List

From

$599

GETTING THERE

Arusha to Serengeti:
Drive vs. Fly-In

Most travelers choose the classic “Northern Circuit” drive, but flying saves time. We recommend combining both for the ultimate experience.

Best for Scenery

The Classic Drive

The legendary route from Arusha takes 7–8 hours, but it's a game drive in itself. Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with stunning Crater rim views. Perfect for combining with other parks along the way.

Travel Time

7–8 hours from Arusha

Cost

Included in standard packages

Bonus

Visit Tarangire & Ngorongoro en route

Best for Comfort

The Express Fly-In

Skip the bumpy roads. A light aircraft flight takes just 45–60 minutes, landing directly at Seronera or Kogatende airstrips. You'll be on a game drive within 15 minutes of landing.

Travel Time

45–60 minutes flight

Cost

+$300–$500 per person

Bonus

Aerial views of the endless plains

Pro Tip

“Drive In, Fly Out” — The Best of Both Worlds

Don't choose just one. We recommend driving into the Serengeti (so you can see the Ngorongoro Crater and changing landscapes) and flying out (back to Arusha or straight to Zanzibar). This maximizes your experience and eliminates the backtracking drive.

SERENGETI SAFARI COSTS

2026 Pricing Guide:
Private Trips & Park Fees

All-inclusive private safari rates per person, per day. Park fees included.

Budget AdventureValue

$250 – $400

Stay:Public Campsites (Tents)

Best for:Backpackers, Students

Mid-Range ComfortPopular

$450 – $600

Stay:Tented Lodges & Hotels

Best for:Families, Couples

Luxury / Fly-InPremium

$800 – $1,500+

Stay:Private Luxury Camps

Best for:Honeymoons, Seniors

Based on 2-person private safari. Groups of 4+ save 15-20%. Full cost guide

Get a Custom Quote

WHERE TO STAY

Choose Your Safari Style

From authentic camping under the stars to exclusive luxury lodges with private pools. We handpick properties that offer the best wildlife access at every budget level.

Adventure Camping
Adventure

From

$250

per person/day

Adventure Camping

Authentic & Immersive

Perfect for the young at heart. Sleep in dome tents at designated public campsites inside the park. Private chef included.

What's Included

  • Dome tents at public campsites
  • Shared bathroom facilities
  • Private chef & game drives
  • Campfire dinners under stars

Full price range

$250 – $400/day

Get Quote
Tented Wilderness
Most Popular

From

$450

per person/day

Tented Wilderness

Glamping in the Bush

Our most popular choice. Walk-in canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and real beds. Often located in the heart of the Migration.

What's Included

  • Spacious walk-in canvas tents
  • En-suite bathrooms & hot showers
  • Mobile camps follow migration
  • Best value for experience

Full price range

$450 – $800/day

Get Quote
Luxury Lodges
Luxury

From

$800

per person/day

Luxury Lodges

Exclusivity & Views

For those who want it all. Solid-structure suites, infinity pools, and gourmet dining in private areas like Nomad or Singita reserves.

What's Included

  • Solid-structure luxury suites
  • Infinity pools & spa facilities
  • Private concession locations
  • Fly-in access available

Full price range

$800 – $2,500+/day

Get Quote

Plan your Serengeti safari

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SERENGETI FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about planning your Serengeti safari adventure.

A Serengeti safari tour typically costs $300–$450 per person per day for a private mid-range safari. Luxury Serengeti safari tours usually range from $600 to $1,500+ per person per day, depending on lodge quality, season, and itinerary design.

These prices generally include park entrance fees (which are substantial), a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a licensed driver-guide, accommodation, and all meals. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and tips are usually excluded.

Pricing insight: Based on over 500 Serengeti safari tour requests processed through GetSafariTours.com, the average daily rate for a private mid-range Serengeti safari is around $350 per person. Traveling during the Green Season (March–May) or the shoulder season (November–December) can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing wildlife quality.

The best time to visit the Serengeti for a safari is during the Dry Season, from late June to October. Wildlife viewing is excellent during this period as animals gather around water sources, and road conditions are at their best.

This season also coincides with the Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti, one of Africa's most dramatic wildlife events.

Seasonal highlights:

  • January–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area)
  • June–October: Peak safari season and river crossings
  • April–May: Long rains; fewer visitors but more challenging driving conditions

The Great Migration is a year-round cycle, not a single event. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move continuously through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

Migration timing by area:

  • January–March: Southern Serengeti (calving season)
  • April–June: Central and western Serengeti
  • July–October: Northern Serengeti (river crossings)
  • November–December: Herds move south again

Choosing the right camp location for your travel month is far more important than the month itself.

Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. It lies northwest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and covers approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of protected savannah.

Because the park is vast, safari itineraries are carefully planned to match where wildlife is concentrated during your travel dates, rather than covering the entire park.

There are two main ways to reach the Serengeti:

  1. By air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), then take a 60–90 minute scheduled or charter flight to one of the Serengeti's airstrips, such as Seronera or Kogatende.
  2. By road: Drive from Arusha via the Northern Safari Circuit. This is an 8-hour journey but allows visits to Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater en route.

For most travelers, flying saves time and maximizes game-drive hours.

Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main international gateway for northern Tanzania. From there, safari operators arrange either a domestic flight into the Serengeti or an overland transfer.

Some travelers use Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic connections. Direct international flights do not land inside the Serengeti.

The Serengeti offers some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa. On a typical Serengeti safari tour, you can expect to see:

  • Lions, leopards, cheetahs
  • Elephants, buffalo, giraffes
  • Wildebeest and zebra (especially during the migration)
  • Hippos and crocodiles
  • Over 500 bird species

The Serengeti is one of the few places in Africa where large predator encounters are common year-round.

Yes. The Serengeti is considered very safe for tourists when visiting on guided safari tours. Crime within the park is virtually non-existent, and wildlife incidents are extremely rare when guests follow guide instructions.

The most common health concern is malaria, as the Serengeti is a malaria zone. Standard precautions include anti-malarial medication, insect repellent, and long sleeves in the evenings.

Your licensed driver-guide is trained in wildlife behavior and safety and remains with you throughout the safari.

The Serengeti has a mild, pleasant climate year-round.

  • Daytime temperatures: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
  • Night temperatures: 14–18°C (57–64°F)
  • Dry Season: June–October
  • Rainy Seasons: March–May (long rains), November–December (short rains)

Even during the rainy months, rainfall usually comes in short bursts rather than all-day rain.

A Serengeti safari tour typically requires at least 3–4 full days inside the park to be worthwhile. This allows time for varied game drives and different wildlife areas.

  • 3 days: Highlights and big cats
  • 4–5 days: Deeper exploration and migration focus
  • 6+ days: Combined Serengeti + Ngorongoro or Tarangire

Longer stays significantly improve wildlife sightings and overall experience.