Home to the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park easily makes its way into most bucket lists. This fascinating park presents all kinds of ecosystems which allow it to host a variety of plants, birds and animals.
The sheer diversity makes it one of the most unique national parks in Africa. Over the years, Serengeti National Park has attracted people from all walks of life, including movie stars, celebrities, writers and poets, and it easily ranks as one of the most coveted safari destinations in Africa.
The Serengeti is one of the areas in Tanzania that offers good game viewing all year round, although you might want to avoid the heavy rains in April and May.
However, depending on your sightseeing priorities (wildebeest calving, wildebeest river crossing, best time to see predators, birding, etc.), you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. This park has for sectors and it’s up to your choice to visit any of these sections.
- The Southern plains area of the Serengeti is easy to access and offers a great place to see the herds from about December to March and the calving season in February is particularly rewarding, but wildlife is generally much scarcer during the dry season.
- The Central Serengeti and Seronera area is the most visited as wildlife viewing is good here year-round and it has the most lodging options, but it is also the most crowded section of the park.
- The Western Serengeti area or Western Corridor offers decent wildlife viewing all year round with the migration reaching the Grumeti River around May or June and the river is also a great place to view crocodiles and hippos.
- The Northern Serengeti area (Kogatende, Lobo, Loliondo) is the least visited and most remote section of the Serengeti but also offers some of the top luxury camps and lodges in the country. Possibility to see Mara River crossings here around July and August and several camps in the north offer walking safaris and off-road experiences.
Attractions in the Park
The Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world; however, there are a number of things to do in the Serengeti other than game drive.
The Serengeti fits well into most people’s dream of an African safari with its abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny umbrella acacia trees, kopjes, and sausage trees, and its crocodile and hippo-filled rivers.
The Serengeti has earned the titles of one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa” and one of the “Ten Natural Travel Wonders of the World” for being the site of the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world (about 2 million animals!).
However, even without the Great Migration, the park sports the densest lion population in the world and is home to all members of the Big Five and almost 500 bird species.
When planning your time to this amazing place, you’ll want to take into account its large size and the timing of your visit to ensure the best viewing experience.
In addition to the traditional daytime game drives, you might consider seeking out an alternative view of this beautiful ecosystem on walking safaris, night drives, and even from atop of a horse, hot air balloon, or plane! Including education and cultural activities such as visiting a local Maasai village or learning about the important pale anthropological findings at Oldupai Gorge can also enhance a visit to this region.
Where to stay
There is a wide range of accommodation available in the Serengeti National Park, from public campsites to luxury lodges. There are a number of public campsites, special campsites, tented camps, and lodges in the Serengeti.
While some camps are permanent and open year-round, others are mobile and some are seasonal. The largest number and greatest variety of lodging exists in the Central Serengeti region around Seronera.
Whether you want to camp on the cheap, sleep in a remote luxury tented camp, or stay in a large lodge with all the familiar Western amenities, you should be able to find something in the Serengeti suiting any lifestyle or budget. You should book accommodations well in advance, especially in peak season.
Asanja Africa
Overlooking the scenic plains of the Serengeti, Asanja Africa offers tented accommodation and features a restaurant and parking on site. The camp is exclusive and set amidst the Moru Kopjes.
Overlooking the garden, all tents feature a private veranda with scenic views of the Serengeti and have a mosquito net and seating area. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilets and hot showers.
Each tent represents a special Maasai Ceremony and thus has unique and personalized style. Staff can organize balloon safaris, bird watching and visits to the Maasai village. Ngorongoro Crater is 80 km away. The Arusha Airport is 300 km from Asanja Africa.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Nestled within the Serengeti National Park boasting panoramic landscape views and a variety of wildlife, lies the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. It offers a spa, and the outdoor Maji Bar overlooks the infinity swimming pool and savannah.
The elegant and air-conditioned rooms feature African décor and come complete with a sofa, flat-screen TV, minibar and a safe. All rooms have an en suite bathroom with a bath and shower.
At Four Seasons Safari Lodge, the Boma Grill offers a cultural Maasai experience with an authentic African feast and Maasai dancing.
With spectacular views, the Kula’s Restaurant has dishes with local flavours and international wines. There is also a wine cellar where guests can experience food and wine pairings.
The Serengeti features a variety of wildlife such as elephants, lions and cheetahs. The lodge offers guided walks and safaris which must be arranged upon advance request for a surcharge. Airstrip transfers can also be arranged for a fee.
Kananga Special Tented Camp
This offers accommodation in Seronera, in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The tents are carpeted and equipped with bedside tables and luggage racks.
A very comfortable and reasonably priced tented camp in Seronera, in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. Hidden in an enclave, surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife, our special tented camp sits at the foot of the Banagi hills, overlooking a beautiful savannah dotted with the emblematic East African Thorn tree.
Each tent, comprising twin beds dressed in the finest traditional Indian cotton, warm duvet and Masai blanket, is furnished with carpets, bedside tables and luggage racks.
An en suite toilet & open air shower and your very own veranda are standard for each tent, in addition to ambient LED reading lights provided by the camp’s solar energy facility.
Watching the Zebras crossing Banagi Plain at sunset while sipping a cold glass of South African wine, enjoying a delicious three course dinner to the sounds of the African night or sitting back in our comfortable sofas after an exciting day’s safari, are now even more enjoyable in our new, spacious Mess tents.
For guests without their own transport we can provide full board packages. Our talented chef and our professional and enthusiastic camp staff will be glad to attend to any special needs.
One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti
Located at the heart of the Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti is a luxury camp surrounded by breath-taking views of the endless plains and offers a sun terrace with a plunge pool and a hot tub.
With views over the savannah, the elegantly decorated tents include a seating area with a fire stove, a bathtub, an indoor and outdoor shower.
Meals are served at the dining area or at the lounge area and guests can enjoy a drink at the cosy candle lit bar. You can play badminton and table tennis at the property. Massages can be arranged on request.
Ikoma safari Camp
It is located in Banagi and offers accommodation with a terrace and free Wi-Fi, 26 km from Serengeti National Park and 23 km from Banati River.
Some units include a dining area and/or a balcony. A car rental service is available at the lodge. Frankfurter Zooligischer Institut is 39 km from Ikoma safari Camp, while Shop is 41 km away.
Serengeti Wildebeest Camp
This Camp offers accommodation in Banagi, 400 m from Serengeti National Park. The property has mountain views, plus is 3.7 km from Banati River.
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available each morning at the property. Frankfurter Zooligischer Institut is 13 km from the tented camp.
Serengeti Savannah Camps
A shared lounge and a bar are featured at Serengeti Savannah Camps, which is situated in Banagi, 18 km away from Serengeti National Park and 8 km away from Frankfurter Zooligischer Institut.
The property is 10 km from Shop and 10 km from Balloon House (After Hours). A continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. A car rental service is available at this property. Banati River is 21 km from the tented camp.
Serengeti Tortilis Camp
This provides accommodation in Banagi. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered. Guests at the tented camp can enjoy a continental breakfast. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Banati River is 2.1 km from Serengeti Tortilis Camp.
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Serengeti Safari Lodge is situated in Banagi, 5.9 km from Shop. Balloon House (After Hours) is 5 km from the property. Free private parking is available on site. Towels are featured. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. The property also offers packed lunches. Frankfurter Zooligischer Institut is 5 km from Serengeti Safari Lodge.