Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti comes from the Maa word ‘Serengit’, which translates to ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. It is the far-reaching, endless savannahs that inspired the Lion King, and is now the most popular safari destination in the world.
Popular Trips to the Serengeti
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
The best of northern Tanzania and Zanzibar. This is one of our most popular itineraries. The camps here are the best value for money camps you will find in Tanzania and Brilliant has exclusive access at the best rates.…
- 11 Days
- $6,695
The ultimate northern Tanzania circuit. Stay in our personal favourite safari camps and lodges in the best locations to see the wildlife. Because we love them so much, Brilliant has exclusive access to these camps at the best rates. …
- 10 Days
- $6,870
Spend 3 nights on safari in the magical Serengeti National Park. The camp will be in different locations within the Serengeti depending on what time of year you are visiting. Private vehicle and guide included as standard.…
- 4 Days
- $3,570
Stay in luxury tented camps as you explore the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, before spending 4 nights on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Private vehicle and guide included as standard on safari.…
- 11 Days
- $8,684
Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park over 10 days. Stay in luxe accommodation that puts experience first - placing you in the heart of the Tanzanian wilderness - whilst providing exceptional value for…
- 10 Days
- $9,293
The classic northern safari circuit in Tanzania. From the verdant slopes of the Ngorongoro crater to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, there's enough wildlife experiences here to last a lifetime. Close out your adventure on the island paradise of…
- 10 Days
- $7,349
The northern circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. Explore the national parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, before meandering northwest to the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater. Finally, you'll arrive in the world's most famous safari destination, the endless…
- 10 Days
- $5,490
The annual wildebeest migration in northern Tanzania and Kenya is one of the most incredible wildlife events in the world. Head to the Serengeti and stay in mobile tented camps to follow the action.…
- 7 Days
- $5,287
The complete northern safari circuit in Tanzania combined with the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Explore Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti before spending four nights on Zanzibar's pristine beaches.…
- 13 Days
- $9,235
Explore the northern parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro, before heading to the Ndutu region during the wildebeest calving season. Around 500,000 calves are born in just six weeks in the early months of the year, and the majority of the…
- 9 Days
- $7,009
Combine the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti with luxury tented camps keeping you close to nature. From your vantage point at Entamanu, you'll have views of the crater to your left, and the vast Serengeti to your right.…
- 6 Days
- $6,710
Combine the northern safari circuit with the vast, remote Ruaha National Park. Stay in some of East Africa's most exceptional lodges and camps, and explore two sides of Tanzanian safari. This is one of our favourite adventures.…
- 9 Days
- $7,674
The ultimate luxury safari and beach adventure combining Tanzania's best luxury lodges. Spend 4 nights in a private reserve in the Serengeti before flying southeast to Mnemba Island, a private island off the coast of Zanzibar with some of the…
- 12 Days
- $17,760
Explore the northern safari circuit of Tanzania, head to the stunning Kilimanjaro viewpoint at Moshi, and stay in mobile tented camps that follow the action of the great migration, giving you the best seats in the house to witness Africa's…
- 8 Days
- $5,287
Romantic lodges in the heart of the Serengeti National Park combined with beach retreats on the Zanzibar archipelago. East Africa safari meets tropical island paradise.…
- 7 Days
- $5,336
Combine the wilder side of Tanzania with the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Journey through the southern safari circuit of Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, before a short flight brings you to the border between Africa and the Indian…
- 10 Days
- $5,500
Explore Tanzania's most extraordinary national parks as you head from the Serengeti to Ruaha National Park. The size of these parks create exclusivity that's unmatched in East Africa, and the stunning camps make for a picture-perfect safari experience.…
- 10 Days
- $9,495
Explore the northern parks of Tanzania before crossing the border into Kenya to discover the Masai Mara. Travel during migration months and follow the herds as they make their epic journey from the Serengeti northwards into the Mara.…
- 11 Days
- $12,396
The ultimate East African adventure. Starting in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, work your way south through the Serengeti towards Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. Close out your trip with a couple of days on the island paradise of Zanzibar.…
- 13 Days
- $11,062
Tanzania's southern national parks are vast, untamed wilderness areas with extraordinary biodiversity and staggering landscapes. The exclusivity found here is unique among African safaris, and you'd be forgiven for being blown away by the sheer scale of it all.…
- 8 Days
- $4,222
Explore the northern safari circuit of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The ultimate honeymoon experience, combining some of East Africa's best wildlife destinations with luxury accommodation along a perfectly-paced itinerary.…
- 9 Days
- $11,802
Tanzania has been looking after honeymooners for many years. Combine the stunning national parks and wilderness areas in the north of the country, before jetting off to Zanzibar for a few nights R&R on the beautiful tropical beaches. Romantic lodges…
- 11 Days
- $6,922
From the bustling capital of Nairobi, head south through the Mara Naboisho Conservancy before crossing the border into Tanzania to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Beautiful safari camps keep you more than comfortable at night, and the great East…
- 13 Days
- $15,257
Combine boutique lodges with luxury tented camps on safari, before ending the trip with ultimate luxury on the beach. A trip of contrasts, with enough wildlife experiences to last a lifetime. This is one of our favourite ways to do…
- 11 Days
- $7,639
Combine Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti along a breathtaking 9-day circuit. Stunning luxury lodges keep you comfortable at night, and the Tanzanian countryside takes care of the rest.…
- 9 Days
- $7,972
Tanzania is famous for the quality of luxury tented camps. These camps keep you close to nature while still providing the comforts you need out on safari. The service at these camps is second to none, and they have a…
- 6 Days
- $8,651
Explore the Serengeti from Faru Faru, a luxury lodge set in a private reserve. Then, leave the savannah behind and fly southeast towards the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar. But we're not stopping here. A few kilometres offshore, Mnemba Island…
- 11 Days
- $16,416
A combination of some of Tanzania's most beautiful luxury lodges and camps. Perfect for honeymooners, or for those who love a touch of luxury. The Honeymoon Suites at Nimali are stunning, and Tulia is one of our favourite options in…
- 10 Days
- $9,509
A unique way to experience the great migration on the plains of the Serengeti. Stand amongst giants, and experience the migration of 2 million wildebeest as you hike from central Serengeti to the southern plains. …
- 7 Days
- $8,430
Travel with Brilliant Africa
We custom-build every trip we run to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for luxury and adventure.
So, if you're interested in exploring the wonders of East Africa, get in touch with our expert team and let's get planning.
What Our Customers Say
Brilliant Africa helped us plan an unforgettable week in Tanzania. They listened to what we were looking for and then created a custom itinerary that perfectly fit what we wanted. We absolutely loved our accommodations, guides, and entire trip! All of our transfers and logistics were seamless and it was so helpful having contacts within country (via Whatsapp) to answer any questions. Thank you again to Brilliant Africa for designing and coordinating an amazing trip!
- Melissa, travelled September 2022
The Serengeti, at a glance
One of the most famous destinations in Africa, this UNESCO world heritage park is the stage for the dramatic wildebeest migration that takes place each year.
Tanzania’s oldest park, covering a whopping 1.5 million hectares, it is home to an incredible diversity of animals.
The park borders Kenya in the northwest, and is connected to the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
The Serengeti is one of the best places for safari in Africa thanks to the huge numbers of big game that reside here.
Wildlife in the Serengeti
The rich grasslands of the Serengeti allow it to support the millions of wildebeest that live here, before the dry season forces them north towards the Mara in southern Kenya.
Woodlands and acacia trees dot the landscape, as do ‘koppies’, large granite outcrops rising up from the plains.
As well as the famous wildebeest migration, the park is home to the Big Five: rhino, lions, leopards buffalo, and elephant.
The Serengeti is home to some of the world's fiercest predators: cheetah, spotted hyena (usually in the morning), jackal, bat-eared-fox, and wild dog. The park has the highest concentration of predators in Africa.
Alongside these you'll find giraffes, mongoose, baboons, aardvarks, colobus monkeys, monitor lizards, and giant Nile crocodiles.
The park also has the highest ostrich population in Africa, and more than 350 species of birds.
There are at least four endangered animal species; the black rhino, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah.
During the dry season, when the short grasses and reduced watering holes make wildlife sightings much easier, it's not uncommon to return from a safari in a state of silent disbelief. The abundance of wildlife, the beauty of the park, the sheer scale of it all.
The Wildebeest Migration
The annual wildebeest migration takes place from late January through to September each year.
This incredible natural phenomenon sees over two million wildebeest, as well as herds of zebra and gazelle, migrate through the Serengeti, cross the Grumeti and Mara river before arriving at the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
It is at the Grumeti and Mara river that some of the most famous shots of the wildebeest migration have been taken. Here, the animals are not only faced with the possibility of being swept away by the fierce water, but from attacks under the water from crocodiles, and above on the plains as they wait to cross, by lions and leopards.
It is a perilous journey, and one of nature’s most incredible migratory events.
Searching for greener pastures
The migration occurs out of necessity. The animals must make this long, treacherous and circuitous route in search of food. In the short rain season (October to December), the animals can graze in the southern Serengeti, but as the water levels run low by April, they are forced to find more pastureland, or risk starvation.
For two million animals, this becomes a race against hunger and thirst. Herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle cover the plains and stretch out across the horizon, moving towards the Grumeti River in the west, and then to the Mara River in the north via the Seronera bypass.
They then stay in the Masai Mara National Reserve for three to four months, until the rains resume in October, and they can return to the Eastern Lobo Serengeti.
The Great Migration, a perilous journey.
Safari in the Serengeti
There are three popular regions for safari in the Serengeti: the southern plains, the central Seronera Valley, and the western corridor.
The southern plains are flat, open areas of short grassland. This is the quintessential Serengeti landscape, and what you probably picture in your head when you think of safari.
The central Seronera Valley is a network of river valleys whose rich grazing grounds attract the largest numbers of wildlife in the region. This is the most popular area to visit.
The western corridor is an area of land stretching west from Lake Victoria. It follows the path of the Grumeti river, the first of the wildebeest’s perilous crossing.
A particularly interesting area is the Serengeti hippo pool in the east of the park, where giant hippos pile on top of each other in small pools, bathing in the water.
Most safaris leave early in the morning, around 06:30 and return at midday for lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, you'll head back out and return for sundowners at the end of the day. Night drives are not possible in the Serengeti.
Getting to the Serengeti
By Air
There is an airstrip located in the park itself – the Seronera Airstrip receives flights from Dar es Salaam (with flights times from 2.5-4 hours depending on the size of plane you book), Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and Ruaha.
Most planes flying to the Serengeti are small bush planes, and so we recommend you keep your luggage as light and small as possible.
By Road
You can drive from Arusha, which takes 8 hours but is a safari ride in itself; you will pass much wildlife and beautiful scenery, along a rather bumpy road.
This trip takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation area, so you might want to drive through here, stopping overnight and finishing in the Serengeti the next day after a three-hour drive.
You could also fly one way and drive back.
When is the best time to visit the park?
The best time to see the migration is from July to October. This is the dry season, and in June and July the herds will be facing their biggest challenge: the Mara river crossing.
If you are keen on seeing the predators in action, go in January or February, when there is a hiatus in the annual rains and the wildebeest calve.
The average temperature in the park during the year is 25-28 degrees Celsius.
Note that travelling in the peak seasons naturally comes with higher costs, and there's a certain beauty about the country during or just after the rains.
Ready to explore the Serengeti?
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
The best of northern Tanzania and Zanzibar. This is one of our most popular itineraries. The camps here are the best value for money camps you will find in Tanzania and Brilliant has exclusive access at the best rates.…
- 11 Days
- $6,695
The ultimate northern Tanzania circuit. Stay in our personal favourite safari camps and lodges in the best locations to see the wildlife. Because we love them so much, Brilliant has exclusive access to these camps at the best rates. …
- 10 Days
- $6,870
Explore the northern parks of Tanzania before crossing the border into Kenya to discover the Masai Mara. Travel during migration months and follow the herds as they make their epic journey from the Serengeti northwards into the Mara.…
- 11 Days
- $12,396
The northern circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. Explore the national parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, before meandering northwest to the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater. Finally, you'll arrive in the world's most famous safari destination, the endless…
- 10 Days
- $5,490
Spend 3 nights on safari in the magical Serengeti National Park. The camp will be in different locations within the Serengeti depending on what time of year you are visiting. Private vehicle and guide included as standard.…
- 4 Days
- $3,570
Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park over 10 days. Stay in luxe accommodation that puts experience first - placing you in the heart of the Tanzanian wilderness - whilst providing exceptional value for…
- 10 Days
- $9,293
The complete northern safari circuit in Tanzania combined with the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Explore Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti before spending four nights on Zanzibar's pristine beaches.…
- 13 Days
- $9,235
Explore the northern parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro, before heading to the Ndutu region during the wildebeest calving season. Around 500,000 calves are born in just six weeks in the early months of the year, and the majority of the…
- 9 Days
- $7,009
The ultimate East African adventure. Starting in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, work your way south through the Serengeti towards Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. Close out your trip with a couple of days on the island paradise of Zanzibar.…
- 13 Days
- $11,062
The classic northern safari circuit in Tanzania. From the verdant slopes of the Ngorongoro crater to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, there's enough wildlife experiences here to last a lifetime. Close out your adventure on the island paradise of…
- 10 Days
- $7,349
A unique way to experience the great migration on the plains of the Serengeti. Stand amongst giants, and experience the migration of 2 million wildebeest as you hike from central Serengeti to the southern plains. …
- 7 Days
- $8,430
Combine the northern safari circuit with the vast, remote Ruaha National Park. Stay in some of East Africa's most exceptional lodges and camps, and explore two sides of Tanzanian safari. This is one of our favourite adventures.…
- 9 Days
- $7,674
The ultimate luxury safari and beach adventure combining Tanzania's best luxury lodges. Spend 4 nights in a private reserve in the Serengeti before flying southeast to Mnemba Island, a private island off the coast of Zanzibar with some of the…
- 12 Days
- $17,760
Explore Tanzania's most extraordinary national parks as you head from the Serengeti to Ruaha National Park. The size of these parks create exclusivity that's unmatched in East Africa, and the stunning camps make for a picture-perfect safari experience.…
- 10 Days
- $9,495
Explore the northern safari circuit of Tanzania, head to the stunning Kilimanjaro viewpoint at Moshi, and stay in mobile tented camps that follow the action of the great migration, giving you the best seats in the house to witness Africa's…
- 8 Days
- $5,287
Tanzania's southern national parks are vast, untamed wilderness areas with extraordinary biodiversity and staggering landscapes. The exclusivity found here is unique among African safaris, and you'd be forgiven for being blown away by the sheer scale of it all.…
- 8 Days
- $4,222
Explore the northern safari circuit of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The ultimate honeymoon experience, combining some of East Africa's best wildlife destinations with luxury accommodation along a perfectly-paced itinerary.…
- 9 Days
- $11,802
From the bustling capital of Nairobi, head south through the Mara Naboisho Conservancy before crossing the border into Tanzania to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Beautiful safari camps keep you more than comfortable at night, and the great East…
- 13 Days
- $15,257
The annual wildebeest migration in northern Tanzania and Kenya is one of the most incredible wildlife events in the world. Head to the Serengeti and stay in mobile tented camps to follow the action.…
- 7 Days
- $5,287
Romantic lodges in the heart of the Serengeti National Park combined with beach retreats on the Zanzibar archipelago. East Africa safari meets tropical island paradise.…
- 7 Days
- $5,336
Tanzania has been looking after honeymooners for many years. Combine the stunning national parks and wilderness areas in the north of the country, before jetting off to Zanzibar for a few nights R&R on the beautiful tropical beaches. Romantic lodges…
- 11 Days
- $6,922
Combine boutique lodges with luxury tented camps on safari, before ending the trip with ultimate luxury on the beach. A trip of contrasts, with enough wildlife experiences to last a lifetime. This is one of our favourite ways to do…
- 11 Days
- $7,639
Combine the wilder side of Tanzania with the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Journey through the southern safari circuit of Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, before a short flight brings you to the border between Africa and the Indian…
- 10 Days
- $5,500
Combine Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti along a breathtaking 9-day circuit. Stunning luxury lodges keep you comfortable at night, and the Tanzanian countryside takes care of the rest.…
- 9 Days
- $7,972
Combine the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti with luxury tented camps keeping you close to nature. From your vantage point at Entamanu, you'll have views of the crater to your left, and the vast Serengeti to your right.…
- 6 Days
- $6,710
Tanzania is famous for the quality of luxury tented camps. These camps keep you close to nature while still providing the comforts you need out on safari. The service at these camps is second to none, and they have a…
- 6 Days
- $8,651
Explore the Serengeti from Faru Faru, a luxury lodge set in a private reserve. Then, leave the savannah behind and fly southeast towards the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar. But we're not stopping here. A few kilometres offshore, Mnemba Island…
- 11 Days
- $16,416
Stay in luxury tented camps as you explore the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, before spending 4 nights on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Private vehicle and guide included as standard on safari.…
- 11 Days
- $8,684
Ready to plan your African adventure?
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