SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Tour

Setting out on a safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is a bucket-list adventure that promises awe-inspiring wildlife sightings and unforgettable landscapes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and expert guides suggest it’s a well-rounded, immersive experience perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

What we appreciate most about this tour is its focus on witnessing the Great Migration, with tailored routes to see the animals in their seasonal habitats. The inclusion of the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara adds layers of diversity to the landscape and animal sightings. Plus, the mention of knowledgeable guides and flexible options like optional visits to Hippo Pools makes this an attractive choice.

One potential consideration is the long travel days—around 5 to 7 hours between locations—which might be tiring for some travelers. However, if you’re eager to maximize your time in Tanzania’s iconic parks, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers who love wildlife photography, are comfortable with multiple game drives, and want a structured yet flexible itinerary to see Tanzania’s best natural sights.

Key Points

• Focused on the Great Migration: Offers the chance to see one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.
• Expert guides and private tours: Ensures personalized attention and rich insights during game drives.
• Includes Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara: Adds variety to landscapes and animal encounters.
• Long travel days but immersive experience: Perfect for those eager to see multiple parks with minimal fuss.
• Cost reflects a comprehensive 6-day safari: Balances price with in-depth exploration and authentic encounters.
• Flexible options for day visits and optional excursions: Such as Hippo Pool viewing.

An In-Depth Look at the Serengeti Tour

The Journey Begins: From Arusha to the Serengeti

The adventure kicks off early in the morning with a scenic drive from Arusha or Moshi, covering approximately 372 km in around 5 to 7 hours. This route is described as a “private route,” emphasizing comfort and efficiency, with a stop for breakfast at Mto wa Mbu—a good chance to stretch and enjoy local flavors before heading into the wilderness.

The drive itself is a significant part of the experience, offering glimpses of Tanzanian countryside and rural life. The transition from lush farmland to open plains signals the start of your wildlife adventure, where many travelers find the journey just as memorable as the game drives themselves.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to the Serengeti

Once you arrive at the Ngorongoro entrance, you’ll enter the Serengeti—a vast, endless plain that’s the heartbeat of Africa’s wilderness. The tour specifically mentions the importance of spending at least 4 nights here, allowing enough time to witness both the central Serengeti and the seasonal migration corridors.

This initial day sets the tone for your safari, with the possibility of spotting animals like elephants, giraffes, and perhaps your first lions. The focus on the Great Migration from December to March in the Southern Corridor (Ndutu area) or July to November in the Northern Corridor is a major highlight.

Day 2: Sunrise Game Drive and Central Serengeti

A sunrise game drive offers the best chances to see predators like cheetahs, lions, and leopards in the cool early hours when animals are most active. The included bush breakfast adds a sense of adventure, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the wild plains.

The day continues with a tour around Central Serengeti, where the landscape is open, and wildlife is abundant. Reviewers mention the “endless plains,” which truly capture the essence of this iconic ecosystem. Guides are praised for their knowledge, with one reviewer highlighting how the guides “know the terrain and animals well,” boosting your chances of sightings.

Day 3: Hippo Pool or Northern Migration

This day offers flexibility—either heading toward the Serengeti Hippo Pool or following the migration toward the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross during their seasonal trek. The Hippo Pool is a popular spot to observe massive pods of hippopotami and crocodiles lounging in the water, with some reviews mentioning that viewers find the experience captivating.

Traveling across the Serengeti with packed lunch, you’ll witness the migration’s dramatic river crossings, where animals face the danger of crocodile-infested waters. One reviewer called the sight of the migration crossing the Mara River “magical,” emphasizing how special these moments are.

Day 4: Final Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters

On your last full day in Serengeti, you’ll revisit areas where the migration might still be visible, maximizing your chances to see predators stalking prey or herds grazing peacefully. The day ends with a return to camp for a hearty dinner and reflection on the day’s sightings, which many travelers find to be the highlight of their trip.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Early start with a 4 to 5-hour drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dense concentration of wildlife. The crater’s unique bowl shape creates a natural wildlife sanctuary—you’re likely to see lions, elephants, buffalos, and possibly black rhinoceros.

Travelers mention that the crater offers a “game-rich” environment, with one reviewer noting many lions and a variety of antelopes, making it a photographer’s paradise. The tour includes the park fee, and you’ll leave by 6 pm, returning to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Day 6: Lake Manyara and Departure

The final day involves a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and diverse flora and fauna. It’s a great way to wrap up your safari with some last-minute wildlife sightings before heading back to Arusha or Moshi.

Travelers appreciated the full-day game drive here, with some describing it as a “nice relaxing way to end the trip.” The tour ends around 6 hours after departure, providing ample time for travel and reflection before departure.

Practical Insights and Value

Transportation and Comfort

The long drives are a notable aspect of this tour, with some days covering up to 12 hours of game viewing and travel. While this maximizes your park time, it also means you’ll need to be prepared for extended hours in a vehicle, often with a private guide. The tour is designed for those comfortable with long days, but travelers with back issues or fatigue might want to consider this.

Guides and Personalization

One of the consistent praises in reviews is the knowledgeable guides. They’re described as well-informed about animal behavior and landscape features, significantly enhancing the safari experience. Since it’s a private tour, your group will receive tailored attention, increasing opportunities for spotting elusive animals and enjoying personalized explanations.

Cost and Value

At approximately $3,487 per person, this tour offers an all-encompassing 6-day experience, including park entrance fees (for Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara), and guided game drives. Considering the extensive itinerary, private transportation, and expert guides, this price represents good value for travelers seeking a comprehensive safari adventure.

Accommodation and Meals

While specific lodges are not detailed, the tour mentions staying at camps and lodges like Pimbi Camp and Seronara Lodge, which are likely comfortable and well-situated for game viewing. The inclusion of breakfast, lunch boxes, and dinners ensures you’re well-fed during long days of exploration.

Reviews and Authentic Experiences

Reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise and the breathtaking scenery, with some describing the Serengeti as “infinite plains” and “the archetype symbol of all life on earth.” Others mention experiencing the migration firsthand, calling it “magical” and “extraordinaire.” These reviews reinforce that, despite some long travel days, the core wildlife encounters are memorable and worth the effort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers who want an in-depth experience across multiple parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long hours in vehicles, eager to see the Great Migration, and interested in guided, private adventures. Families or groups seeking flexibility and expert knowledge will find this tour particularly appealing.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The tour covers park entrance fees for Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, guided game drives, private transportation, and some meals. It offers a private, tailored experience.

How long are the driving days?
Travel days can range from 5 to 7 hours, with some days involving multiple game drives. It’s a good way to maximize wildlife sightings but can be tiring.

Are accommodations included?
While specific lodges are mentioned, the tour likely includes overnight stays at camps and lodges like Pimbi Camp and Seronara Lodge, providing comfortable bases for your adventures.

Can I see the Great Migration?
Yes, depending on the time of year. The Southern Corridor (Ndutu area) is best from December to March, while the Northern Corridor offers migration viewing from July to November.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the long driving hours and early mornings suggest it’s best for travelers who enjoy extended safaris and are physically prepared.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of antelopes. The migration crossing the Mara River is a standout event.

How flexible is the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, guides can adapt certain activities, especially optional visits like Hippo Pools or additional game drives, based on your interests.

What is the best time to book this tour?
The tour is designed around the migration seasons, with detailed options for timing—December to March or July to November—so plan accordingly based on your wildlife viewing priorities.

Final Thoughts

This Serengeti National Park tour offers an immersive, well-structured experience that balances wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and expert guiding. The focus on the Great Migration and visits to iconic sites like Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara make it an excellent choice for travelers who want to see the best of Tanzania in a relatively compact schedule.

While the days are long, the sights and stories you’ll gather are priceless. The knowledgeable guides ensure you’re well-informed and engaged, maximizing your chances of memorable animal encounters. The private nature of the tour means it’s tailored for those who prefer a personalized experience, without the crowded bus atmosphere common in group safaris.

If you’re ready for a journey through Africa’s most famous landscapes and wildlife spectacles—this tour will give you plenty of opportunities to capture awe-inspiring moments and connect with nature on a profound level.