Overview–tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a vast national park located in northern Tanzania, covering an area of approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles). It is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which include grasslands, savanna, riverine forests, and woodlands. The park is situated in the eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region and is bordered to the north by Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The park was established as a game reserve in 1930 and later proclaimed a national park in 1951. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its exceptional natural beauty and significant wildlife populations. The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word “siringet,” meaning “the place where the land runs on forever.”

Game Drives / Game Viewing

Game drives are one of the most popular activities in Serengeti National Park. They allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. The game drives can be categorized into four main types:

Morning Game Drives: These typically start at sunrise and are considered the most rewarding time for wildlife viewing. Animals are more active during this time, especially big cats like lions and leopards, as they hunt or sunbathe.
Afternoon Game Drives: Conducted after lunch, these drives may not be as fruitful as morning drives since many animals seek shelter from the heat of the day.
Full-Day Game Drives: These involve exploring various parts of the park throughout the day with packed lunches, allowing for extensive wildlife viewing opportunities.
Night Game Drives: Although not common within the national park itself, night drives can be arranged in nearby conservancies. They offer a unique chance to see nocturnal species and experience the sounds of wildlife at night.

Birding Activities

Birding is another prominent activity in Serengeti National Park, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. The park is home to over 500 bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. Birding trips often involve slow movements through different habitats to observe various species, particularly during the breeding season from November to April when migratory birds are present.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a unique perspective of the Serengeti’s endless plains, hot air balloon safaris provide an unforgettable experience. These flights typically take place early in the morning and offer stunning aerial views of wildlife below. After landing, participants often enjoy a bush breakfast amidst nature.

Guided Nature Walks

Nature walks allow visitors to explore areas of Serengeti that may not be accessible by vehicle. Accompanied by armed rangers, these walks enable tourists to closely observe flora and fauna while learning about the ecosystem.

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Rates

From: $500 to $5000 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)

High Season

From: July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)

Size

From: 14,763km² / 5,700mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Serengeti National Park offers what many consider the essence of an African safari. Massive animal herds march across the wide-open savannah as far as you can see, while predators never fail to add drama to this idyllic scene. You won’t need to drive far to spot lions. Cheetahs are common too. Imagine seeing the world’s fastest land animal in a full sprint. Leopards are secretive, but you might find one lazing in one of the big trees along the Seronera River.

Wildlife Highlights

The Serengeti is famed for its annual wildebeest migration when some 8 million hooves cross the open plains. More than 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the trek for fresh grazing grounds. Predators follow the migration and sightings of big cats hunting are exhilarating. Spotted hyenas, golden jackals, and black-backed jackals are never far off.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Serengeti offers amazing wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are great months for seeing the migration and a possible crossing of the Grumeti River. The more famous river crossings of the Mara River can be witnessed around August and September in the north of the park. January to February is the best time for the wildebeest calving.

General Wheather

The climate in Serengeti National Park is usually moderate and pleasant. It never gets very hot, but it is consistently cool to cold at night and in the early mornings. Don't forget to wear warm clothing.

Serengeti's Dry season is from June to October. The Wet season consists of two rainy periods: the short rains (November to December) and the long rains (March to May), with a dry spell in between. It rarely rains all day during the Wet season, but afternoon thundershowers can be expected.

Dry Season –June to October

Afternoon temperatures are usually around 26°C/79°F. The sky is clear most days. It gets cold at night with minimum temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

June, July, August & September – Occasional cold fronts are possible, with temperatures close to freezing. It's usually chilly early in the morning.
October – The short rains might start at the end of October if they are early.

Wet Season –November to May

As in the Dry season, temperatures are moderate. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 27°C/81°F, and nighttime temperatures are around 15°C/59°F.

November & December – 'Short rains' – An unpredictable period of about a month of rain occurs sometime between November and December. The rains will be unlikely to interfere with your safari.
January & February – There is usually a dry spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing is unpredictable.
March, April & May – 'Long rains' – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day. It is often cloudy.

Prons

Annual wildebeest migration (January to October)
Top wildlife viewing all year round
Endless plains feels like authentic Africa
Superb for spotting predators
Excellent mid-range and luxury lodges
Hot-air balloon safaris

Cons

The Seronera area is usually crowded
It gets very crowded at the Mara River crossings
The exact timing of the migration is unpredictable

How To Get There

1. Accessing Serengeti National Park by Air

The most convenient way to reach Serengeti National Park is by air. The recommended point of entry for international travelers is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the park’s southern entrance. Various airlines operate flights into Kilimanjaro, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. There are also daily connections with Nairobi (NBO), which can provide additional international flight options.

Once at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport (ARK), travelers can take a regional flight to one of the seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. Local airlines such as Grumeti Air and Coastal Aviation operate these flights, which typically take between 1 to 5 hours depending on the destination airstrip. Upon arrival at an airstrip in the Serengeti, lodge staff will usually be available to transfer guests to their accommodations.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, some lodges have their private airstrips and can arrange direct charter flights from Kilimanjaro or Arusha.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Domestic and charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Domestic flights to Serengeti can be booked with several local carriers:

2. Accessing Serengeti National Park by Road

Travelers can also reach Serengeti National Park via road through a drive-in safari. Most commonly, this journey begins in Arusha, where it takes approximately eight hours to travel to the park. Due to the long duration of travel and rough road conditions, it is common for itineraries to include overnight stays at wildlife sites along the route. Self-drive safaris are possible but not recommended due to safety concerns and the need for careful planning. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the park’s roads year-round.

3. Entry Points and Fees

Serengeti National Park has four main access gates:

Naabi Hill Gate: The busiest gate is located approximately 45 kilometers from Seronera.
Ndabaka Gate: Main access point for the Western Corridor area.
Klein’s Gate: Located in the far northeast of the park.
Bologonya Gate: Currently closed due to border restrictions with Kenya.

Upon entering through any of these gates, visitors must pay park fees which vary based on age and time of year. For example:

From January 1 - June 30, 2021:

Adults (16+ years): US$70.80 per person per day
Children (5-15 years): US$23.60 per child per day
Children under 5: Free

Payment methods accepted include Mastercard, Visa, or Tanapa Smartcard; cash is not accepted.

4. Immigration and Visa Information

Most international travelers require a visa upon arrival in Tanzania, which can be obtained at major airports or arranged beforehand through local Tanzanian embassies or consulates. Visa fees range from US$50 to US$100 depending on nationality.

In summary, whether traveling by air or road, there are multiple options available for reaching Serengeti National Park that cater to different preferences and budgets.