Serengeti National Park
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
The Serengeti is worth the trip if you want to see large-scale wildlife movement. Go between June and October for the driest conditions and the best viewing. Plan for at least four days to cover enough ground to see the animals.
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Four to five days is the standard time to see the main areas without rushing.
Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and take a light aircraft flight or a long drive to the park gates.
You must pay a daily entry fee plus a mandatory concession fee for every night you stay inside park boundaries.
The concession fees add up quickly and are often not included in the initial quote you receive from tour operators.
The reality of the drive
Expect to spend many hours inside a vehicle. The roads are unpaved, dusty, and often bumpy. You will see more wildlife from the car than on foot.
The park is vast. You will not see everything in one day. Most people spend their time scanning the horizon for movement while driving between different sectors of the savanna.
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Timing your visit
June through October is the dry season. Animals congregate near water holes, making them easier to spot. The grass is shorter, which helps with visibility.
If you visit during the rainy season, some roads become impassable. You might find yourself stuck in mud. The wildlife is still there, but you will have to work much harder to find it.
Common mistakes
Many travelers underestimate the distance between park gates. You cannot drive across the entire area in a few hours. It takes a full day to reach the deeper sections from the main entry points.
Do not assume the animals are always in the same place. The migration follows a loop. Check where the herds are before you book your accommodation for the night.
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Concession fees are charged per night on top of park entry.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
The Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 km2 (5,700 sq mi). It is located in eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region and contains over 15,000 km2 (5,800 sq mi) of savanna. The park was established in 1940. The Serengeti is known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million western white-bearded wildebeest and 250,000 Grant's zebra, along with between 400-500,000 Thomson's gazelle and smaller herds of common eland. The national park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa. It is under threat from deforestation, population growth, poaching, and ranching.
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Questions people ask
Is a private safari better than a group tour?
A private tour gives you control over your schedule and stops. Group tours are cheaper but you have to follow the group's pace.
Do I need anti-malaria tablets?
Yes. The park is a high-risk area for malaria. Consult your doctor for a prescription before you leave.
Can I walk around outside the vehicle?
No. You are only allowed to exit the vehicle in designated areas like campsites or picnic spots. Staying inside is for your safety.
How much does a day in the Serengeti cost?
Expect to pay around 500 USD per day for a mid-range experience. This covers your guide, fuel, food, and the daily park fees.
Are the animals dangerous?
They are wild and unpredictable. Keep a safe distance and never feed them or try to attract their attention.