Stretching across northern Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa. Our Serengeti safari holidays take you on thrilling game drives to witness some of the greatest animals on earth.
It’s believed that there are up to two million wildebeest, one million gazelle and 200,000 zebras as well as large numbers of elephant and a wonderful selection of bird life that can be found in the Serengeti. Lions are often seen roaming the wilderness in large numbers and there are around 2,000 inside the park itself. The terrain of the national park varies from treeless plains to stretches of savannah dotted with flat-topped acacia trees. Granite rock outcrops, known as ‘kopjes’, blend with riverine bush and thick scrub in the area around the Seronera River. On a Serengeti safari, you’ll also learn about the ecosystems as well as going in search of the wildlife.
If you want to go on Serengeti holidays during the wildebeest breeding season, the best time to visit is in January and February. They then move to the north and west of the Serengeti between April and June. From July to October the animals begin their move further north to the Masai Mara in Kenya, before starting to return to the southern and central plains of the Serengeti in November.
You’ll also explore the vast plain on our Serengeti safari holidays, where you can go in search of the park’s most impressive game, before camping out beneath the stars and experiencing the wilder side of Africa.
Top 5 Wildlife Experiences on Serengeti Safari Holidays
Seronera: In the heart of the Serengeti National Park is the wildlife-rich area of Seronera. During the rainy season, between December and April, confusions of wildebeest head to Seronera. The area is also famous for being the predator capital of the world and there’s a good chance you’ll spot animals such as lions and cheetahs here, with rare sightings of the leopard. On a Serengeti safari you can explore the diverse habitats of Seronera where game congregate around the various water sources. Game drives along the Seronera River give you the opportunity to look for lions and the more elusive leopard, which is more likely to be found lurking among the sausage trees.
Visit the Ngorongoro Crater: This vast volcanic caldera is a must-see destination on any Serengeti safari. Created by a volcanic eruption, the Ngorongoro Crater was formerly the tallest mountain in Africa but now it is home to forest, grassy plains and a soda lake where flamingos and flocks of other birds gather. As you stare over the rim into the crater, you’ll see steep cliffs tumbling to the floor and extinct craters surrounding the valley. Bar the wildlife, this is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll witness on Serengeti holidays. While you’re here you might also be lucky enough to see the Big Five, consisting of the Black Rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard.
The Great Migration: If you haven’t heard of the Great Migration, this is one of the most dramatic spectacles in the animal kingdom that you’ll witness on Serengeti safari holidays, and it lures wildlife lovers from all over the world. Between January and March, millions of wildebeest, zebras, elands and gazelle begin their epic journey from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of wetter grasslands. This is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes Serengeti holidays so unique.
Stay in a Tented Camp: If you want to truly immerse yourself in Serengeti safari holidays, camping in the national park brings you closer to the wild side of Africa. Being exposed to the sights and sounds of the wilderness lets you experience nature at its finest. And the best campsites are those that aren’t protected by fences to keep the animals at bay. Imagine waking to the sound of an African Cape buffalo grazing by your tent or listening to the distant roar of a lion – this is a wildlife adventure you’ll never forget.
Watch Animals Drink from Water Holes: The Serengeti National Park provides vital water sources for animals, and they are often seen congregating around the waterholes at different times during dry periods. Whether it’s day or night, you’ll find one of the many different species of animals gathering by the water, and you might even get a glimpse of a leopard here during your Serengeti safari. These much-needed sources of water can be one of the best places to get up close to game in their natural habitat.
FAQs about Serengeti Safaris
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti for a safari?
The best time to go on a Serengeti safari is during the dry season, between June and October. During this period, the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife such as the famous Great Migration of zebras and wildebeest. The dry season also provides optimal game viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources. Temperatures are also moderate during this season and there is less chance of rain. The dry season coincides with the breeding season for many animals, so there are plenty of opportunities to watch courtship displays and territorial disputes.
What wildlife can be seen in the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is home to a diverse ecosystem, which is world-renowned for its extraordinary wildlife population. You’ll find a wide array of animals, including the famous Big Five, which is made up of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses and buffaloes. The Serengeti is also known for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes go in search of greener lands. This is without doubt one of nature’s greatest spectacles. The diverse array of wildlife in the Serengeti pays testament to the importance of conservation efforts to protect and preserve this remarkable ecosystem.
What types of safari experiences are available in the Serengeti?
On our Serengeti tours, you can choose from a variety of safari experiences that will take you closer to the unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Thrilling game drives steer you across the vast plains to go in search of the Big Five and other iconic animals. For a more immersive experience, a 4×4 drive into the Ngorongoro Crater let you get up close with nature and see game, hippos and brown kites. Hot air balloon rides give you the opportunity to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the landscape and witness the wildlife from above. Camping in the Serengeti is an unforgettable experience where you can truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild.
How long do I need for a safari holiday in the Serengeti?
The ideal duration for a safari trip in the Serengeti can vary depending on personal preferences and interests. However, we recommend spending at least 4-7 days in the Serengeti as part of a longer tour to fully experience the diverse wildlife and vast landscape of the national park. This will allow you to embark on several game drives and gives you the opportunity to witness the Great Migration (depending on travel dates), spot the Big Five and immerse yourself in the local culture. Extended tours in the Serengeti increase the chances of encountering rare wildlife sightings and allows for a deeper connection with the African wilderness.
What kind of accommodation options are available in the Serengeti?
The Serengeti offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxury tented camps and lodges to mobile camps and budget-friendly campsites. These accommodations are strategically located within or near the park, providing easy access to wildlife viewing areas while offering comfortable amenities, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
What should I pack for an African safari?
When preparing for an African safari trip, it’s important to pack the right essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Start with lightweight, breathable clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against the sun and insects. Don’t forget sturdy hiking boots for walking and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Other important items include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera with extra batteries, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent and any necessary medications. We also recommend packing a torch and a portable charger.
Do I need vaccinations for a safari trip to the Serengeti?
Although vaccinations aren’t essential for a safari trip to the Serengeti, due to the risk of exposure to various diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and hepatitis A, we do advise that you are vaccinated to protect against these and also polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningococcal disease, cholera, rabies and tuberculosis. Anyone travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever will also need a vaccinations certificate. Malaria prophylaxis is crucial, along with vaccines for yellow fever and hepatitis A. Additionally, it is advisable to protect yourself from mosquito bites which can prevent dengue fever.
The 14 day experience was truly amazing for me and my son. The whole experience including the organisation, camping and hotels was outstanding. The trip involved some long days, long drives and early morning but you soon forgot about this as you were rewarded with amazing sunrises, stunning wildlife in at least five different national parks or wildlife area and beautiful scenery. Our local guides and Exodus team were extremely friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
The final few days in Zanzibar allowed us to chill out on a beautiful white beach and enjoy the Indian Ocean. The optional trips including the Serengeti Balloon Experience, the snorkelling in Zanzibar and the Maasia people tour were brilliant.
This trip exceeded all expectations in terms of the iconic wildlife we saw and the spectacular scenery, with a wonderful guide and crew. Also we had a good group of only 7, and being outside peak season camp sites were quiet, and there was less competition between safari vehicles for prime viewing spots.
This was my fifth trip to Kenya and my second to Tanzania and it didn’t disappoint. It was a small group of seven and we had a great team to lead us. There were several changes to the itinerary and all enhanced the trip. We camped the first night near Lake Naivasha and had a great boat trip the following morning, seeing hippos, fish eagles and other water birds. When it came to game watching in Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro we couldn’t have done better. We saw a pride of lions devouring the buffalo they’d just taken down, a cheetah and prey, a leopard up a tree with its impala prey as well as vast herds of zebra and wildebeest between the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Our two days at Cristal Resort at the end provided a relaxing end to the trip, apart from a noisy first night. We ate very well throughout thanks to our cook, Dan, who provided a wonderful range of freshly cooked meals, many of them vegetarian together with African specialties such as mandazi and ugali. Ben was an excellent driver and he and Godfrey were ever helpful, putting up and taking down our tents most efficiently. Caroline was an excellent tour guide, always cheerful and informative, always striving to improve our experience.
