Serengeti Safaris: Travel Style, Where To Go, Best Time To Visit, Things To Do
Serengeti Safaris By Affordable Luxury African Experts
“The Best Serengeti Safaris, Where To Go, Best Time To Visit, Things To Do. Affordable Luxury Serengeti Safaris In Tanzania With JimJam Safaris & Tours Africa.”
Serengeti safaris are among the most iconic wildlife experiences in the world, offering breathtaking encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five and the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Covering over 14,700 square kilometers, the Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its endless plains, acacia-dotted savannahs, and abundant wildlife. From amazing game drives to hot air balloon rides at sunrise, every moment in the Serengeti brings you closer to nature’s raw beauty. It’s the only place on earth where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles migrate in a circular journey every year.
Serengeti safaris are more than just wildlife viewing, they are a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Whether you’re tracking lions on a private 4×4 Serengeti tour, watching elephants bathe in riverbeds, or relaxing in a luxury tented camp beneath star-studded skies, the experience is both thrilling and deeply humbling. With expert local guides, tailored itineraries, and a range of accommodations from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, Serengeti safaris offer unforgettable adventures for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
Our Top Pick Serengeti Safaris To Inspire You
4-Day Classic Serengeti Fly-in Safari Itinerary
Fly straight into the heart of the Serengeti from Arusha and enjoy seamless game drives in Seronera, home to year-round wildlife, including big cats and grazing herds. Stay in a luxury tented camp with daily sundowners and authentic bush dining experiences. Ideal for travelers with limited time who want maximum game viewing.
6-Day Serengeti & Cultural Experience Safari
Blend wildlife and cultural experiences with this itinerary that combines central Serengeti game drives with a visit to a Maasai village and Hadzabe bushmen. Camp under the stars and experience wildlife encounters and tribal traditions, offering a deep connection to both land and people.
7-Day Great Migration & Mara River Crossing Safari
This once-in-a-lifetime journey focuses on witnessing the dramatic wildebeest river crossing between July and September. Track large herds and predators across the Northern Serengeti while enjoying luxury mobile camps positioned near the Mara River. A true spectacle of nature.
Explore Serengeti Safaris By Travel Style
Affordable Serengeti Safaris
You don’t need a luxury budget to experience the legendary Serengeti. Our Affordable Serengeti Safaris offer incredible value without compromising on adventure. Stay in handpicked mid-range lodges or comfortable campsites and enjoy captivating game drives across the vast savannah, home to lions, elephants, and the iconic wildebeest migration. Led by passionate local guides, these tours are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic wildlife experience. With flexible itineraries and great prices, your dream safari is closer than you think. Want to explore the Serengeti without breaking the bank? Discover our top affordable packages and start planning today.
Luxury Serengeti Safaris
Engage in the ultimate African wilderness experience with our Luxury Serengeti Safaris, where unmatched comfort meets untamed beauty. Picture yourself staying in world-class lodges and exclusive tented camps, waking up to golden sunrises over the plains, and enjoying private game drives led by expert guides. From gourmet bush dinners to up-close encounters with the Big Five, every moment is tailored for unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, family escape, or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Serengeti delivers sophistication in the heart of nature. Ready to elevate your Serengeti safari dreams? Discover our bespoke luxury Serengeti safaris and packages, and create a journey designed just for you.
Serengeti Safaris Cost
Serengeti safaris cost anywhere from $250 to $2,000 per person per day, depending on the level of luxury, travel season, and itinerary. Budget camping Serengeti safaris are more affordable, while fly-in or luxury lodge safaris offer premium experiences. Prices usually include park fees, accommodation, meals, and guided game drives. High season (June–October) costs more due to the Great Migration. For the best value, consider mid-range packages or traveling during the shoulder seasons of March or November.
Serengeti Safaris – Where To Go
1. Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
The Seronera Valley is the beating heart of the Serengeti and offers the best year-round game viewing. It’s famous for its dense wildlife concentrations, especially big cats like lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards. This region is home to several permanent water sources, making it a magnet for animals even in the dry season. It also boasts luxury lodges and mobile camps, making it an ideal base for first-time safari-goers and those interested in photographic safaris with stunning scenery.
2. Northern Serengeti – Kogatende & Mara River
Northern Serengeti is a prime safari location between July and October, where visitors can witness the legendary wildebeest Mara River crossings. This thrilling spectacle involves thousands of wildebeest and zebras leaping into crocodile-filled waters as they migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Aside from the migration, the region is teeming with predators and plains game, yet remains uncrowded compared to the central Serengeti. Scenic landscapes of rolling hills, woodland, and dramatic riverbanks make this area a favorite for adventure-seekers.
3. Southern Serengeti – Ndutu Plains
Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti is where the Great Migration begins its life cycle. From December to March, the area hosts the calving season, attracting hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra. This abundance of young prey also draws large predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The open plains offer unmatched wildlife visibility and breathtaking sunrises. With fewer tourists than the central Serengeti, this region is ideal for peaceful game drives and is rich with photographic and predator-prey action.
4. Western Corridor – Grumeti River
The Western Corridor is known for its dramatic Grumeti River, where parts of the Great Migration pass from May to July. This remote region is quieter and offers luxurious lodges in a wilderness setting. The river is home to massive Nile crocodiles waiting for migrating herds to cross. Beyond the migration, this area features woodlands, savannahs, and dense wildlife populations including hippos, elephants, and colobus monkeys. It’s a superb choice for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility in the wild.
5. Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock
The Moru Kopjes are majestic granite outcrops rising from the plains of central Serengeti. These rocky islands in the savannah attract big cats, particularly lions, that use them as lookouts. It’s also one of the few places in the Serengeti where you might spot black rhinos. Gong Rock, found here, features ancient Maasai rock paintings. The region combines cultural heritage, panoramic views, and excellent game viewing, offering a peaceful break from the busier central areas of the park.
6. Lobo Area – Northeast Serengeti
The Lobo area is one of the Serengeti’s best-kept secrets, a remote, rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes and resident wildlife. It sees parts of the Great Migration around September and October, yet remains relatively undisturbed by crowds. Rolling hills, woodlands, and granite kopjes provide habitat for elephants, giraffes, leopards, and more. Its solitude makes it ideal for seasoned safari-goers seeking authenticity and raw wilderness. The area’s high elevation also offers sweeping views across the Serengeti plains.
The Best/Worst Time To Visit Serengeti For Safari
The Best Time To Visit Serengeti
The best time to visit the Serengeti is June to October, during the dry season. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around waterholes, and the Great Migration river crossings in the north are a major highlight. The skies are clear, and game drives are smooth on dry tracks. It’s also the best time for predator sightings. Expect cooler mornings, fewer mosquitoes, and optimal conditions for unforgettable safari experiences across Serengeti’s diverse landscapes.
The Worst Time To Visit Serengeti
The long rainy season from March to May is considered the worst time for a Serengeti safari. Heavy rains can flood roads, making travel difficult and limiting access to key regions. Wildlife can be more dispersed due to abundant water, reducing the chances of sightings. Some lodges and camps close temporarily, and insects like mosquitoes are more common. However, if you don’t mind the wet, the landscape is lush and green, and prices are lower during this off-peak period.
Serengeti Safaris – Things To Do
1. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
The Serengeti hosts the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles move in search of greener pastures. From December to March, see calving in the south; June to July offers dramatic Grumeti crossings; and July to October showcases the iconic Mara River crossings in the north. This is a raw and thrilling spectacle of survival, predators in pursuit, and nature’s greatest show, making it the most iconic experience while on a Serengeti safari.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safari
Soar silently over the Serengeti plains in a hot air balloon at dawn for an unforgettable aerial safari. Watch the sunrise cast golden light on herds of elephants, wildebeest, and giraffes below. The experience is peaceful, surreal, and offers panoramic views not possible from the ground. After landing, enjoy a luxurious champagne bush breakfast in the wild. Ideal for couples and photographers, it’s one of the most magical and romantic ways to experience the Serengeti landscape.
3. Visit Moru Kopjes and Maasai Rock Art
Moru Kopjes are granite rock formations scattered across the central Serengeti, often called the “islands of the plains.” These kopjes are not only scenic but also wildlife-rich, lions often rest atop them for vantage points. The area is home to some of the last remaining black rhinos and ancient Maasai rock art. A visit here combines wildlife sightings with cultural history, offering a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience perfect for travelers who love nature and heritage together.
4. Night Game Drives (in select areas)
While most of Serengeti National Park prohibits night drives, some private conservancies and buffer zones offer this rare adventure. Night safaris reveal a different world, nocturnal animals like civets, genets, bush babies, and aardvarks become active. Spot predators like lions or leopards on the hunt under the moonlight. Guided by red-filtered lights to minimize disturbance, night drives provide a thrilling and intimate look into the unseen side of the Serengeti. It’s a must for true wildlife enthusiasts.
5. Birdwatching in the Serengeti
With over 500 bird species, the Serengeti is a paradise for bird lovers. From the colorful lilac-breasted roller to the massive ostrich and the rare secretary bird, birdwatching is rewarding year-round. Wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands attract both resident and migratory birds. Bring your binoculars to spot everything from vultures and raptors to flamingos and weavers. Expert guides can help you find endemic and rare species. It’s a peaceful way to explore the park’s rich and varied ecosystems.
6. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris offer an exciting, close-to-nature experience with expert armed guides leading you through the bush on foot. You’ll learn about animal tracks, plants, insects, and bird calls, making it deeply educational and immersive. Spot giraffes, zebras, and antelopes without the hum of a vehicle. These safaris often take place in buffer zones or private concessions. It’s the ultimate way to feel connected to Africa’s wild heart, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a deeper safari experience.
Travel Advice From JimJam Safaris
We cater to all ages, budgets, interests, and fitness levels. Our team can assist with queries about Serengeti Safaris & tours, Accommodations, bookings, and Affordable Luxury destinations. We will respond to your Inquiry as soon as possible. Our team of friendly and service-minded Safari Consultants is available to assist you in making a private, personalized, tailor-made Safari Itinerary and to answer all questions you might have. Are you dreaming of the Wildebeest Migration? Gorilla Trekking in Africa? Honeymoon In Africa or Africa’s Big 5 Experiences? Start planning your affordable luxury African tours with the Affordable Luxury African Safari Company (JimJam Safaris & Tours Africa). We tailor-make African Safaris for First Timers, 7-Day African Safari Tours, African Bush Safaris, and Beach Vacations.