Serengeti National Park Tours: Witness the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth

Nestled in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Home to Africa’s legendary Big Five and the stage for the Great Migration, Serengeti tours offer one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on the planet.

This article explores everything you need to know about Serengeti National Park tours—from the best time to visit and safari types to what you can expect in terms of wildlife, landscapes, and lodging.

🌍 Overview of Serengeti National Park

• Location: Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara

• Size: ~14,750 square kilometers

• Established: 1951

• UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site

• Famous For: The Great Migration, Big Five sightings, endless plains

The name “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai word “Siringet,” which means “endless plains”—a perfect description of its vast golden grasslands dotted with acacia trees.

🦓 What Makes Serengeti So Special?

Serengeti isn’t just another national park—it’s the beating heart of the African safari. It hosts the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles move across the plains in search of greener pastures.

Key highlights of Serengeti tours include:

• Massive wildlife density

• Excellent predator sightings

• Dramatic river crossings

• Endless scenic plains

• Balloon safaris over the savannah

📆 Best Time to Visit Serengeti

June to October is ideal for watching dramatic Mara River crossings, while January to March offers a chance to see thousands of wildebeest calves born on the southern plains.

🐘 Wildlife You’ll See on Serengeti Tours

Serengeti boasts over 70 species of large mammals and 500+ bird species, including:

Big Five:

• Lion – Often seen lounging under acacias or hunting in groups

• Elephant – Majestic herds roam the woodlands and plains

• Leopard – Usually spotted in trees during the day

• Buffalo – Common near water bodies

• Rhinoceros – Rarer, best spotted near Ngorongoro

Other Notable Wildlife:

• Cheetahs – Especially in the eastern Serengeti

• Hyenas & Jackals – Scavengers with fascinating behaviors

• Wildebeests & Zebras – Stars of the migration

• Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles – Frequently seen near rivers

• Birds – Secretary birds, vultures, ostriches, eagles

🚙 Types of Serengeti Tours

1. Game Drives

• Duration: Half-day to multi-day safaris

• Vehicles: 4×4 land cruisers with pop-up roofs

• Best For: Wildlife photographers and first-timers

2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

• Best Time: Early morning

• Duration: ~1 hour

• Experience: Soar above the savannah, followed by a champagne breakfast

• Cost: $500–$600 per person (luxury experience)

3. Walking Safaris

• Guided By: Armed rangers and expert naturalists

• Best In: Northern and Western Serengeti

• Ideal For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers

4. Mobile Camping Safaris

• Experience: Follow the migration in luxury mobile camps

• Seasonal Setup: Moves with the herds

• Best For: Adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts

🏕️ Best Places to Stay During a Serengeti Tour

Serengeti offers a wide range of accommodations:

Budget Options:

• Seronera Campsites – Located in the central zone

• Public Campsites – Basic but in prime locations

Mid-Range Lodges:

• Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

• Kati Kati Tented Camp

• Sopa Lodge

Luxury Lodges & Camps:

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

• Singita Grumeti Reserves

• &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

• Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Each region of the Serengeti—Central (Seronera), Northern, Southern, and Western—offers different wildlife concentrations and seasonal highlights.

✈️ How to Get to Serengeti National Park

By Air:

• Daily Flights from Arusha or Zanzibar

• Main Airstrips: Seronera (central), Kogatende (north), Ndutu (south)

Flying saves time and is recommended for luxury or short-stay travelers.

By Road:

• From Arusha: ~7–8 hours’ drive

• Often combined with visits to Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara

Road trips offer scenic routes but are more tiring.

🧳 What to Pack for a Serengeti Safari

• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)

• Binoculars & camera with zoom lens

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

• Insect repellent & basic medications

• Reusable water bottle

• Lightweight fleece or jacket (cold mornings)

💲 Serengeti Safari Tour Cost

Prices depend on length of stay, accommodation level, number of travelers, and activities included (like balloon rides or park fees).

👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly Serengeti Tours

Many lodges offer:

• Family tents with multiple rooms

• Child-friendly guides and educational safaris

• Private game drives for flexibility

Tip: Kids under 6 are often restricted from walking safaris and balloon rides due to safety reasons.

🛡️ Responsible Tourism in Serengeti

Support conservation and communities by:

• Booking with eco-certified tour operators

• Avoiding off-road driving in non-permitted areas

• Respecting animal space—no feeding or shouting

• Purchasing local crafts and supporting village visits

• Minimizing plastic use during tours

📸 Photography Tips for Serengeti

• Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon

• Zoom Lens (200mm–600mm) is essential for wildlife

• Use Burst Mode for capturing movement

• Silhouettes & Sunsets: Take advantage of open skies

• Be Patient: Wait quietly, and amazing moments will come

✅ Final Thoughts

A Serengeti National Park tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re marveling at the Great Migration, watching a lion stalk its prey, or enjoying sunrise over the golden plains from a hot air balloon, the Serengeti will touch your soul.

It’s not just a destination—it’s a living, breathing wildlife spectacle that defines the spirit of Africa.