Serengeti National Park Tours: Explore Africa’s Untamed Wilderness

The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers, the Serengeti is synonymous with vast savannahs, incredible wildlife, and the dramatic Great Migration. Whether you're a first-time traveler or an experienced adventurer, Serengeti National Park tours promise unforgettable moments in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about planning a tour in the Serengeti—from what to expect, where to stay, when to go, and why it continues to be one of the most beloved safari destinations on the planet.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?

1. The Great Wildebeest Migration
   The Serengeti hosts one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa—the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with 200,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles. This epic journey involves dramatic river crossings and predator-prey encounters, especially in the Grumeti and Mara Rivers.

2. Big Five Safari
   The Serengeti is one of the few places on Earth where you can spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—in their natural habitat.

3. Incredible Biodiversity
   The park is home to over 500 bird species and more than 70 species of large mammals, including cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, and more.

4. Iconic Landscapes
   From golden grass plains and acacia-dotted savannahs to rock kopjes (granite outcrops) and riverine forests, the Serengeti offers breathtaking scenery and photographic opportunities.

Types of Serengeti National Park Tours

1. Game Drive Safaris

These are the most common tours, involving guided drives in 4x4 safari vehicles.

• Morning and Evening Game Drives: Best for spotting active wildlife

• Full-Day Game Drives: Allow exploration of more remote regions

• Private or Shared Vehicles: Depending on your budget

2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Float silently above the plains at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below. This premium experience ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush.

3. Walking Safaris

Offered in certain designated areas with a trained guide and armed ranger. Great for exploring smaller flora and fauna.

4. Photographic Safaris

Led by expert wildlife photographers, these tours focus on positioning, lighting, and timing for the perfect wildlife shots.

5. Mobile Camping Safaris

Move with the migration and sleep under canvas in remote wilderness areas with all necessary amenities provided.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary depending on the season:

✅ Dry Season (June to October)

• Ideal for general game viewing

• Animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot

• Great Migration usually in the northern Serengeti during this time (July–September)

✅ Wet Season (November to May)

• Lush landscapes and bird watching

• Fewer tourists

• Calving season (January–March) in the southern Serengeti—ideal for predator action

Serengeti Safari Regions

1. Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)

   • Best for year-round wildlife viewing

   • Well-developed with many lodges and airstrips

   • High chances of spotting big cats

2. Western Corridor

   • Includes the Grumeti River

   • Great for river crossings during the migration (May–July)

3. Northern Serengeti

   • Borders Kenya’s Masai Mara

   • Best for viewing dramatic Mara River crossings (July–October)

4. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Area)

   • Ideal during calving season (January–March)

   • Excellent for predators like lions and cheetahs

Where to Stay in Serengeti

The park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly camping to luxury safari lodges.

🏕️ Budget Options

• Public campsites (bring your own tent or book a budget tour package)

• Basic tented camps outside the park

🏡 Mid-Range Options

• Tented lodges and mobile camps with ensuite facilities

• Often located inside the park boundaries

🌟 Luxury Lodges

• All-inclusive safari lodges and tented camps

• High-end amenities: hot showers, gourmet dining, Wi-Fi, and guided activities

• Examples: Singita Mara River Camp, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops

Getting to Serengeti National Park

✈️ By Air

• Domestic flights connect from Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Zanzibar to airstrips inside the park (Seronera, Kogatende, etc.)

🚙 By Road

• A 6-8 hour drive from Arusha to the park entrance

• Often combined with a tour of the Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park

What to Pack for Your Tour

• Neutral-colored clothing (lightweight and breathable)

• Binoculars and a camera with zoom lens

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Insect repellent and anti-malaria medication

• Power banks and adapters

• Reusable water bottle

Safari Tips for First-Time Travelers

1. Book Early: Especially for peak migration months and luxury lodges.

2. Hire Certified Guides: Their tracking skills can make a big difference.

3. Respect Wildlife: Maintain silence, avoid flash photography, and never feed animals.

4. Go Slow: The best sightings come with patience.

5. Travel Light but Smart: Conditions vary—layering helps for morning chills and afternoon heat.

Conservation and Sustainability

The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Visitors support conservation through park fees and sustainable travel practices. Many lodges and tour operators are eco-certified and contribute to local community development, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection.

Popular Serengeti Tour Operators

• Asilia Africa

• Nomad Tanzania

• Thomson Safaris

• Easy Travel Tanzania

• Elewana Collection

• &Beyond Tanzania

These companies offer everything from luxury safaris to budget group tours, with options to combine the Serengeti with Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Manyara.

Final Thoughts

Serengeti National Park tours are more than just a holiday—they’re an experience of life in its rawest, most magnificent form. From heart-stopping predator hunts to peaceful sunrise balloon rides, the Serengeti offers something for every traveler, photographer, and nature lover.

Whether you're chasing the Great Migration or simply soaking in the golden plains at sunset, a journey through the Serengeti is sure to leave you changed forever. It’s not just a destination—it’s a living, breathing spectacle of nature at its finest.