serengeti safari

  • Beginner’s guide to a Serengeti safari

    Vika
    June 20, 2023

    The Serengeti National Park: Tanzania’s most iconic safari destination. The savannah plains stretching all the way to the horizon are home to Africa’s most famous animals, including all of the “Big 5”, and so much more!

    The area is world-famous for the legendary Great Migration, the world’s largest annual movement of grazing animals and predators, with more than 2 million animals migrating north through the park into the Maasai Mara.

    What to do

    Depending on the time of year you arrive, the Serengeti will offer something different. But there are always plenty of things to do and places to see!

    Here are some of the activities available year-round in the Serengeti:

    • Wildlife tours: The Serengeti is famous for its incredible game viewing opportunities. You can go on a guided wildlife tour to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many others, all living their lives together in this stunning landscape.
    • Hot air balloon safari: For a unique experience, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti to see the wildlife from a different perspective. This is typically done early in the morning when the animals are most active.
    • Walking safaris: If you want to get even closer to the wildlife, you can go on a walking safari with an experienced guide. This is a great way to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
    • Maasai cultural tours: The Maasai people are an indigenous tribe that live in the Serengeti region. You can take a cultural tour to learn about their traditional way of life and see their villages.

    The Serengeti also boasts countless stunning landmarks throughout the park. Check out the unique rock formations at Moru Kopjes, the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, the dramatic Grumeti River, or the picturesque Seronera Valley.

    When to go

    The Serengeti puts on a spectacular show at all times of the year, so whenever you arrive, you will be greeted by something incredible.

    From December to July you will have the opportunity to see the best parts of the Great Migration, with the Calving Season taking place over January and February in the Ndutu region. The Serengeti leg of the migration concludes with the River Crossing, which happens from July to October.

    In April and May, the best wildlife viewing can be found in the Grumeti region, also known as the Western Corridor. This period is usually the rainy season in Tanzania, and you will find that prices are considerably lower.

    From June to September there are always a lot of animals out and about in all corners of the National Park, predators and prey alike, so it’s a great time to go for general wildlife viewing.

    The Great Migration is working its way through southern Kenya in October and November, so there are usually fewer visitors in these months. However, this presents a perfect opportunity to catch the large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and packs of big cats, who all call the Serengeti their home year-round, without the crowds!

    It’s also important to note that some roads and sites may be inaccessible during the wet season, so certain activities and accommodations may be limited in case of heavy rainfall.

    Overall, the best time to visit the Serengeti depends on your interests and priorities. The dry season is typically considered the best time for wildlife viewing, while the wet season can offer more lush landscapes and fewer crowds. It's a good idea to research the specific activities you're interested in and the conditions during different times of the year to plan your trip accordingly.
    Wildebeest Migration

    How to get there

    The typical starting point for safari trips to the Serengeti is the city of Arusha. The nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport connects the city with many other parts of the world, making this the most convenient city for international travelers to begin their Serengeti journey.

    From Arusha, travelers can make their way north to the park either on the road or by plane.

    By road, the Serengeti is 225 kilometers (140 miles) from Arusha. Depending on which entry point you go to, the trip will take between 5.5-6.5 hours by car. This drive can be done in a safari land cruiser, a mini-bus, a private car, or a shared taxi.

    Flights between Arusha Airport and the Serengeti typically take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the destination airstrip. There are daily flights available with several local airlines.

    What animals can you find in Serengeti?

    The Serengeti is a wildlife haven with an impressive range of diverse and iconic African animals calling these lands home. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, hippos, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, hyenas, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, crocodiles, and so many more, all coexist in this diverse ecosystem.

    The park's vast plains host the majestic lions and the graceful elephants, while giraffes and zebras create a mesmerizing sight as they navigate the grasslands. From the lightning-fast cheetahs to the incredible wildebeest migration, where millions of herbivores journey across the plains, the Serengeti offers a captivating safari experience.

    Whether it's encountering the elusive leopard or observing the playful antics of baboons, each wildlife encounter in the Serengeti leaves a mark on visitors' hearts.

    Ready to go to the Serengeti?

    Need to know anything else? Get in touch with Shadows Of Africa and let’s plan your Serengeti safari today!

  • 10 Things You Need to Know About a Serengeti Safari

    Chris
    July 23, 2018
    Planning a Serengeti safari? Here is all the information you'll need to make sure your Serengeti safari experience is unforgettable.

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