By Safari Vehicle

Most safaris in Northern Tanzania start in Arusha, the nearest big city from Kilimanjaro International Airport. After arriving in Arusha, travelers rest and start their safari the next day.

Before getting to the Serengeti, visitors usually go through smaller parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro, which are on the way. Going straight to the Serengeti from Arusha can be tiring and takes about 8-9 hours. If you drive directly, you might not see many animals and would arrive at the Serengeti around 4-5 PM. You need to be at your hotel by 6 PM because staying out in the park after that is not allowed.

It's better to combine your Serengeti visit with other parks in Tanzania. This way, you can see the main safari spots of Northern Tanzania and end your trip in the Serengeti.

By Plane

If you only want to visit the Serengeti, flying is the best way. There are regular flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports directly to the Serengeti. You can also book a charter flight that departs when you want and is only for you. The flight takes about 1-2 hours. When you arrive, a safari guide will meet you and start your adventure in the famous park.

The Serengeti has several airstrips. If you’re going to the central part of the park, you'll land at the Seronera airstrip. For the western part, use the Grumeti airstrip. The northern part has the Kogatende and Lobo airstrips.

Traveling from Lake Victoria

Most travelers go from Lake Manyara to Tarangire, then Ngorongoro, and finally the Serengeti. However, some start from Lake Victoria in the west and visit the Serengeti first. If you’re coming from Mwanza near Lake Victoria, it takes about 2-3 hours by off-road vehicle to get to the Ndabaka gate, the western entrance to the Serengeti.

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s third-largest national park. It’s usually split into four areas: Seronera (the central part), the Western Corridor, the southern part, and the northern part. To explore the park comfortably, it’s best to plan for four to six days. Spend two to three days in Seronera and the rest in areas where the Great Migration happens, depending on the season.

This time allows you to visit all the important spots and enjoy the most interesting places. You might want to add an extra day for relaxing at the hotel, especially if you have kids, as safaris and game viewing can be exciting but tiring.

If you just want to see Tanzania’s wildlife, you don’t need to go to the far-off parts of the Serengeti where the Great Migration isn’t happening. Most animals can be seen around the Migration areas, so a safari in these parts will give you a great experience without traveling too much across the park.

A safari can cost from $1,500 to $5,000. The price depends on how many days you go, where you stay, and what you do. Some safaris are cheaper and some are more expensive.

You can visit the Serengeti any time of the year, but it’s good to know how the seasons affect your trip:

Rainy Seasons

Tanzania has two rainy seasons. The "short rains" are from early November to early January, and the "long rains" are from late March to the end of May. Rain usually starts in the late afternoon when people are heading back to their hotels. Some days might be dry, while others can be rainy all day. During these times, the savanna becomes lush and green with new waterholes, and animals spread out across the park. However, thick vegetation can make it harder to spot smaller animals like servals, caracals, and dik-diks.

Safari lodges often offer discounts during the rainy season, making trips cheaper and less crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, this might be a good time to visit.

Christmas Holiday Season

The holiday season starts on December 20th in Tanzania. Even though it might rain, hotel prices are highest during this time, and it’s best to book your stay six months in advance.

Dry Seasons

From mid-January to the end of February and from mid-June to early October, Tanzania has dry seasons. Animals usually gather around water sources during these times. The Great Migration peaks in July and August, with many wildebeests and zebras crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers.

Dry seasons are popular with visitors, so expect to see many other safari vehicles alongside yours.

Interseason

In March and June, the weather is relatively dry and clear, with fewer visitors compared to the dry seasons. This period offers a mix of both wet and dry season benefits and can be a great option if your travel dates are flexible.