Tanzania

Serengeti Safari

The endless plain — the stage of the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.

14.763
km² park area
1,5M
wildebeest in Migration
Big 5
all present
UNESCO
World Heritage 1981

The four zones of the Serengeti

Seronera Valley

Highest predator densityYear-round

The centre of the Serengeti — lions, leopards, cheetahs and hippos in the Seronera River. The most reliable wildlife area year-round.

Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)

Calving season — most dramaticDecember–March

Up to 8,000 calves are born per day in the Ndutu plains. Lions, hyenas and cheetahs in action. This is the most intense wildlife spectacle in Tanzania.

Northern Serengeti (Mara)

Mara river crossingsJuly–October

The most famous spectacle in the world: wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-spotted Mara River. Chaotic, overwhelming and unforgettable.

Western Corridor (Grumeti)

Grumeti River crocodilesJune–July

Less visited but impressive — the largest Nile crocodiles in Tanzania wait for the migration stream. Up to 5 metres long.

When to go?

Jan
Ndutu
Calving
Feb
Ndutu
Peak calving
Mar
Seronera
Rains begin
Apr
Seronera
Low season
May
Seronera
Low season
Jun
Grumeti
Grumeti crossings
Jul
North
Mara crossings
Aug
North
Peak
Sep
Seronera
Excellent
Oct
Seronera
Short rains
Nov
Seronera
Green landscape
Dec
Ndutu
Trek to Ndutu

What do you see in the Serengeti?

Chances are based on our own experiences in the park. Nature never guarantees anything.

Lion
95%
Leopard
70%
Cheetah
80%
Elephant
85%
Rhino
20%
Buffalo
90%

Staying overnight in the Serengeti

In the Serengeti three types of accommodation are available. We help you make the right choice for your budget and style.

Permanent tented camps

€€€

Luxury canvas tents with wooden floor, en-suite bathroom and sometimes an outdoor shower. Authentic bush feeling with comfort. The most popular choice for the Serengeti.

Mobile camps (semi-permanent)

€€€€

Move with the migration. Exclusive, intimate (max 8 guests) and ideal for the real bush experience. Limited availability — book early.

Serengeti lodges

€€€–€€€€€

Fixed infrastructure with restaurant, pool and views over the plain. From comfortable to ultra-luxury. Some lodges have their own airstrip for fly-in safaris.

"The Serengeti is the only park where after 15 years I still wake up every morning with excitement. You never know what you will see — and that is exactly why it is so special. Even the empty plains are not truly empty; you learn to read them."

— Jonas, Simba Tours gids

Frequently asked questions about a Serengeti safari

How many days do I need for the Serengeti?+
Minimum 3 nights in the Serengeti to truly enjoy it. With 3 nights you have 4 game drives. 4–5 nights is ideal — giving you room for the vast parks and multiple zones.
When are the river crossings?+
The famous Mara river crossings occur mainly in July and August in northern Serengeti. There is no guarantee — this is wild Tanzania. But with a guide who follows the herds, you have a good chance.
Can I combine the Serengeti with other parks?+
Yes, this is the standard approach. Most trips combine the Serengeti with Ngorongoro (2 hours drive), Tarangire and Lake Manyara. We plan the optimal route based on your trip duration and budget.
How do I get to the Serengeti?+
There are two options: drive from Arusha (5–6 hours via the gate) or a domestic flight to one of the airstrips in the park (45 minutes). Fly-in is more comfortable and saves time — we arrange both for you.
What is the best zone to stay in?+
That depends on your travel period. Seronera Valley is excellent year-round for predators. Ndutu (southern) is best December–March for calving. The north (Mara) is optimal July–October for river crossings. We plan your locations based on your travel date.