Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Serengeti is from June to October, during the dry season, when vegetation is sparse and wildlife is easiest to spot. This period also coincides with the Great Migration across the plains, as millions of wildebeest and zebras move north toward the Mara River. January to February is another excellent time to visit, when calving season attracts predators. March to May is the long rainy season, making the park lush but roads muddy, while November and December see short rains and fewer crowds.
Ideal Duration & Popular Itineraries Serengeti safaris usually last 3 to 5 days, often combined with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Zanzibar. Popular formats include:
3 Days: Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) game drives and Big Five sightings.
4 Days: Adds western or northern Serengeti for migration tracking.
5 Days: Combines Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara for a complete northern circuit.
Top Things to Do
Witness the Great Migration (June–October) or calving season (January–February)
Take game drives in Seronera Valley, known for lions, cheetahs, and leopards
Visit the Mara River to see dramatic wildebeest crossings
Experience a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise over the plains
Visit a Maasai village for cultural interaction and traditional dance
Enjoy a sundowner in the wilderness with panoramic views of the savannah
Spot over 500 bird species, including secretary birds and crowned cranes
Top Destinations Combined with Serengeti Serengeti packages are often combined with:
Ngorongoro Crater for scenic drives and dense wildlife populations
Lake Manyara National Park for flamingos and tree-climbing lions
Tarangire National Park for elephants and baobab landscapes
Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension after the safari
Why Book a Package for Serengeti National Park
Park logistics handled: Packages include permits, licensed guides, and 4x4 vehicles needed for game drives.
Migration coordination: Packages plan stays in the correct park zones based on migration movement each month.
Stay arrangements: Packages secure lodges or tented camps inside the park, which book out months in advance during peak season.
Safe transfers: Packages arrange flights or overland transfers from Arusha, Ngorongoro, or Zanzibar.
Multi-destination ease: Serengeti is part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and packages ensure smooth connections with nearby parks or the coast.
Value and safety: Inclusive rates for stays, meals, safaris, and transport ensure a seamless, secure, and cost-efficient experience.
Serengeti National Park Travel Essentials
Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Serengeti is from June to October, during the dry season, when vegetation is sparse and wildlife is easiest to spot. This period also coincides with the Great Migration across the plains, as millions of wildebeest and zebras move north toward the Mara River. January to February is another excellent time to visit, when calving season attracts predators. March to May is the long rainy season, making the park lush but roads muddy, while November and December see short rains and fewer crowds.
Ideal Duration & Popular Itineraries Serengeti safaris usually last 3 to 5 days, often combined with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Zanzibar. Popular formats include:
3 Days: Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) game drives and Big Five sightings.
4 Days: Adds western or northern Serengeti for migration tracking.
5 Days: Combines Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara for a complete northern circuit.
Top Things to Do
Witness the Great Migration (June–October) or calving season (January–February)
Take game drives in Seronera Valley, known for lions, cheetahs, and leopards
Visit the Mara River to see dramatic wildebeest crossings
Experience a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise over the plains
Visit a Maasai village for cultural interaction and traditional dance
Enjoy a sundowner in the wilderness with panoramic views of the savannah
Spot over 500 bird species, including secretary birds and crowned cranes
Top Destinations Combined with Serengeti Serengeti packages are often combined with:
Ngorongoro Crater for scenic drives and dense wildlife populations
Lake Manyara National Park for flamingos and tree-climbing lions
Tarangire National Park for elephants and baobab landscapes
Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension after the safari
Why Book a Package for Serengeti National Park
Park logistics handled: Packages include permits, licensed guides, and 4x4 vehicles needed for game drives.
Migration coordination: Packages plan stays in the correct park zones based on migration movement each month.
Stay arrangements: Packages secure lodges or tented camps inside the park, which book out months in advance during peak season.
Safe transfers: Packages arrange flights or overland transfers from Arusha, Ngorongoro, or Zanzibar.
Multi-destination ease: Serengeti is part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and packages ensure smooth connections with nearby parks or the coast.
Value and safety: Inclusive rates for stays, meals, safaris, and transport ensure a seamless, secure, and cost-efficient experience.
What types of accommodations are available in Serengeti safari packages?
Accommodation options in Serengeti safari packages range from luxury lodges and tented camps to more budget-friendly options. You can choose the level of comfort that best suits your preferences and budget.
What city is closest to Serengeti?
Arusha, Tanzania, is the closest city to Serengeti National Park, situated about 320 kilometres (199 miles) east of the park. It's a key starting point for safaris and provides easy access to Serengeti's captivating wildlife and landscapes.
How can I go to Serengeti from India?
You can reach Serengeti from India by taking a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. From there, it's about a 5 to 6-hour drive to Serengeti National Park. The total travel duration depends on layovers and flight availability. Costs vary, but flights from India to Kilimanjaro can range from approximately $600 to $1,200 or more, depending on the airline and season.
Is Serengeti better than Masai Mara?
Both Serengeti and Masai Mara offer incredible wildlife experiences; the choice depends on individual preferences. Serengeti is larger and hosts the Great Migration longer, while Masai Mara offers concentrated wildlife sightings in a smaller area.
How many days is enough for Serengeti?
A minimum of 3-4 days is recommended to fully explore Serengeti National Park and have a good chance of witnessing its wildlife wonders, including the Great Migration. However, many travellers opt for 5-7 days to delve deeper into the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife experiences.
How to do Serengeti on a budget?
To experience Serengeti on a budget, consider packages with camping in public campsites, which are more affordable than lodges. Join group safaris to share costs, and visit during the low season for discounted accommodation rates.
Is Serengeti Tanzania safe?
Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, is generally safe for tourists. However, it's essential to follow safety guidelines provided by park authorities, such as staying within designated areas, not approaching wild animals, and taking precautions against insect bites.