Serengeti Safari

Serengeti Safari

A Serengeti safari tour is high up on the wish list of most travellers seeking an African wildlife safari that will really knock their socks off. The Serengeti has been the subject of so many nature documentaries that it’s little wonder it has become one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa, if not the world.

The Serengeti is vast covering an area of 30,000 km², making it the second largest protected area in Tanzania after Nyerere National Park (formerly The Selous Game Reserve). It has some of the best, and oldest, ecology in Tanzania and is the Africa of your imagination – think vast open plains studded with umbrella shaped acacia trees, vast herds of plains game, and intense predator action from an all-star cast including lions, leopards and cheetahs.

What wildlife can I expect to see in the Serengeti?

No Serengeti safari tour can guarantee sightings of every creature that inhabits the region, but wildlife concentrations are so high that almost everyone who visits can expect to see a significant number of iconic species including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hippo, leopard and cheetah. Small populations of rhino do still exist in the Serengeti but sightings are very rare. If you are set on seeing a rhino your best bet is to combine your Serengeti safari tour with a trip to the Ngorongoro Crater or hop over the border to Kenya, where they thrive in certain well protected pockets.

Those who are extremely lucky may spot the super-rare aardwolf or pangolin in the Serengeti – keep your eyes peeled!

For more on the wildlife of the Serengeti, please head to our blog – 10 Species You’re Likely to Spot on Your Serengeti Safari

When is the best time to travel to the Serengeti?

Most travellers time their Serengti tour around the great wildebeest migration, which marches its way on a continuous loop between the lush grassy plains of the south and then north again and over the border and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

From January to March the wildebeest are calving in the south creating incredible sightings and intense predator action. Despite what you might expect, this is a wonderful time to visit the north, where there is so much resident game you won’t notice that the migration isn’t there, and you’ll share it with far fewer visitors.

From July to mid-November the herds are in the north and can be seen returning to their time worn river crossing points for thrilling sightings as, driven by instinct and palpable adrenalin,  they plunge in to crocodile infested water and struggle against the current to reach pastures new on the other side, then return again a couple of months later.

Timing is everything if you want to really maximise your Serengeti safari experience. For the full low down on seasons head to our blog – ‘when to visit the Serengeti’.

What activities can I enjoy during my Serengeti Safari Tour?

There is so much to see and do in the Serengeti. One of the simplest pleasures comes from simply being in the environment – waking to the sound of exotic birdsong, catching the scent of rain on the breeze, or sitting round a crackling campfire as darkness falls and the night comes alive with geckos and whooping hyenas. Very few holiday experiences can match settling into a comfortable armchair, gin and tonic in hand, and watching a herd of elephants amble past, completely unhurried and at peace.

Beyond enjoying the stillness, those enjoying a bespoke Serengeti safari tour can expect to enjoy:

• Game drives in rugged 4x4s, heading out into the plains in search of big mammal discoveries
• Bush walks with specialist guides, when the grass is short and safe to move through, to discover the intricacies of the ecosystem
• Photography with experienced guides who will know exactly how to find the best sightings for photographers and the inherent ability to position the vehicle perfectly
• Hot air balloons offer a whole new birds eye perspective and a magical experience floating over huge herds of elephants and wildebeest.
• Cultural encounters with local people, both by visiting remote communities, but by engaging with your guide, waiting team, cleaner and so on.
• A bush spa treatment is a wonderfully cathartic way to unwind surrounded by nature. Most draw on local ingredients and techniques to bring a sense of authenticity to the relaxation.

For more see our blog – 10 Reasons a Serengeti Safari Tour is a ‘Do Before you Die’ Experience

What will the weather be like on my Serengeti safari tour?

The Serengeti’s climate is actually very pleasant and moderate. It seldom gets uncomfortably hot, with the maximum temperature range sitting around 25-30 °C.

The main rainy season in the Serengeti is from March to May (long rains), and this is when temperatures also reach their highest. The dry season runs from June to October, and this is when temperatures tend to be at their lowest, although they hardly ever dip below 13 °C on a cold early morning.

Where should I stay in the Serengeti?

We design all our bespoke Serengeti safari tours with accommodation to match your personal style, physical requirements, and budget.

Those seeking an action packed adventure might enjoy staying in mobile safari camp such as Alex Walker’s Mobile Serengeti South  or Serengeti Safari Camp while those who enjoy sleeping under canvas but prefer a little more luxury will enjoy Dunia Camp or Namiri Plains.  If you prefer having four solid walls around you, you might opt for a permanent lodge such as Singita Sasakwa, and if you are travelling with children or a small group then a self contained private house such as  Mkombe’s House might suit you down to the ground.

There are so many different possibilities from that it is best to contact us and we can chat you through the options that might work best for your tailormade Serengeti safari tour.

 

We specialise in bespoke travel and tailor made Serengeti safari tours. Contact us to chat through some ideas and start planning!