Serengeti tour refers to a safari adventure in the Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, East Africa. The park is known for its vast savannah plains, diverse wildlife, and the annual wildebeest migration. 

A Serengeti tour typically involves game drives through the park to observe the wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many other species. Visitors can also take hot air balloon rides over the park for a unique perspective. The Serengeti National Park covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers and is home to over 3 million large mammals. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. A Serengeti tour can be arranged through various tour operators and travel agencies. These tours typically include transportation to and from the park, accommodations, meals, and guided game drives.  Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including luxury safaris with high-end accommodations and amenities or more budget-friendly options.

Park entrance fees for Serengeti national park

These fees are for entrance into the park and do not include additional costs such as camping fees or fees for guided tours and the entrance fees for Serengeti national park are as follows; For non-East African residents: – Adult: $70 per day – Child (5-15 years old): $30 per day For East African residents: – Adult: 10,000 TZS per day – Child (5-15 years old): 2,000 TZS per day

Activities to do in Serengeti national park

There are many activities to do in Serengeti National Park that allow visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife up close.

Game Drives: 

One of the most popular activities in Serengeti National Park is a game drive. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park in a 4×4 vehicle, allowing them to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.  Game drives in Serengeti national park are typically offered in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Wildlife species which can be seen in Serengeti national park include the big five such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos as well as giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, hartebeests, gazelles, topi, elands, hippos among others. 

Hot Air Balloon Safaris: 

For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. This allows for a bird’s eye view of the park and its wildlife, and is often followed by an English breakfast. Hot air balloon safaris in Serengeti national park typically take place early in the morning when the winds are calmest and the wildlife is most active. They usually last for around an hour, during which time passengers can take in the stunning scenery and snap photos of the animals below.

Walking Safaris: 

Walking safaris are another popular activity in Serengeti National Park. Visitors can take a guided walk through the park with an experienced guide, allowing them to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the park. In Serengeti national park, walking safaris allow visitors to explore the park on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide. This allows for a more intimate and immersive experience, as visitors can get up close and personal with the wildlife and natural surroundings. During a walking safari in Serengeti National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife species including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.  Walking safaris in Serengeti national park can take between 2-4 hours and cover a distance of 5 km to 10 km. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and good hiking shoes, as well as bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.  It is also important to follow the guide’s instructions at all times and avoid approaching or disturbing the wildlife during the walking safari. Routes used for walking safaris in Serengeti National Park include the Seronera River Valley which has lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and hippos.  Another popular route for walking safaris in Serengeti national park is the Moru Kopjes, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is home to a large population of lions.

Wildebeest migration in Serengeti national park

This annual migration is considered one of the most spectacular natural events on earth, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.  The wildebeest migration is a continuous cycle that starts in the southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania, where the wildebeests give birth to their young ones between January and March.  After calving, the herds start moving northwards towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, where they cross the Grumeti River between May and June. The herds then move further northwards towards the Mara River, which they cross between July and August. This river crossing is one of the most dramatic events of the migration as crocodiles lie in wait for the wildebeests as they attempt to cross.  The herds then move into the Masai Mara National Reserve in south western Kenya, where they stay until October before starting their journey back to Tanzania.

Best time to visit Serengeti national park

The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is during the dry season, which runs from late June to October. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around water sources. Additionally, the grass is shorter, which makes it easier to see animals in the distance. The wildebeest migration also takes place during this time, with millions of wildebeest and other animals moving across the plains in search of food and water. The dry season is also the busiest time in Serengeti National Park, with large crowds and higher prices for accommodations and tours. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or November to December.  During these times, there are fewer tourists and lower prices, but you may encounter some rain.

How to get to Serengeti national park

To get to Serengeti National Park, one can take a flight or drive from Arusha, Tanzania. The closest airport to Serengeti National Park is the Seronera Airstrip, which is located in the heart of the park.  Many airlines offer flights to Seronera Airstrip from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and other major cities in Tanzania. Alternatively, one can also drive from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, which takes approximately 8 hours. When driving from Arusha, one can take the Great Northern Road towards Mto wa Mbu and then head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.  From there, one can enter Serengeti National Park through the Naabi Hill Gate. It is important to note that a 4×4 vehicle is required for driving in the park.