When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
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- Northern Safari Circuit – the most popular Tanzania safari route comprising the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro.
- Tanzania Coast and Islands – the country’s beaches, especially those on islands like Zanzibar, are breath-taking and very accessible.
- Southern Tanzania – includes the wonderfully wild and underrated Nyerere (previously Selous) and Ruaha, some of the best-kept Tanzania safari secrets.
- Western Tanzania – head to the far-flung corners of Katavi and Mahale for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safaris.
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Focus on Serengeti national Park:
Voted best national park in Africa for 6+ years in a raw at the prestigious World Travel Awards
The Serengeti, a true symbol of adventure and wilderness, stands as one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Spanning 14,000 of square kilometers in northern Tanzania, this all-year-round paradise, offers endless opportunities for exploration. The name “Serengeti,” from the Maasai word “Siringet,” meaning “endless plains,” perfectly describes the vast, awe-inspiring landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. At its heart is the legendary Great Migration – a breathtaking spectacle that sustains the region’s delicate ecological balance. Serengeti is also one of the few places in Africa where you can witness the Big Five. With so much to see, from dramatic river crossings to abundant wildlife and tranquil savannas, the Serengeti never loses its magic. This is why we focus on the Serengeti; it is a destination that never ceases to amaze and offers endless exploration for all who visit.
Serengeti national Park Regions:
The Serengeti is a year-round safari destination, with resident wildlife in every region. While each area has its peak season aligned with the Great Migration, the off seasons are equally rewarding. With the off seasons you’ll still have the chance to see incredible wildlife, with fewer vehicles around, giving you a more intimate and private safari experience. Whether you visit during the migration or the quieter months, the Serengeti promises unforgettable wildlife encounters throughout the year.
Known For: Seronera Valley’s diverse resident wildlife, bird species, and black rhinos.
Top Locations: Seronera Valley, Retina Pool, Moru & Maasai Kopjes, Simba Kopjes, Long Grass Plains.
Topography: Long grass plains, savannah, riverine areas, lakes, granite kopjes.
Wildlife: All-Year Round
Main Wildebeest Migration: April to May, herds head north through Moru Kopjes and Seronera.
Closest Airstrip: Seronera Airstrip.
Proximity to Cities: Mwanza (320KM, 6Hrs), Ngorongoro Highlands (160KM, 3.5Hrs), Arusha (310KM, 5.5Hrs).
Central Serengeti, especially Seronera Valley, is the heart of the region’s wildlife action. Here, diverse species thrive, making it perfect for year-round game viewing. The area’s rolling long grass plains, savannahs, and iconic granite kopjes offer a classic safari experience. As you journey through these landscapes, every sighting feels like a scene from a nature documentary, bringing the Serengeti’s wild wonders to life.
Getting There
- By Road from Arusha: 325 km, 7 to 8 hours
- By Air from Arusha: 50 minutes to Seronera Airstrip
- By Air from Dar/Zanzibar: 1 hour 40 minutes to Seronera Airstrip
The Seronera Valley
The Seronera Valley, nestled in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, is a dynamic paradise teeming with wildlife. Sweeping plains where acacia trees dot the horizon, casting long shadows in the golden sunlight. This region, often referred to as the “big cat capital,” is a stage for thrilling predator-prey interactions offering a front-row seat to nature’s raw drama. Year-round water sources like the Seronera River attract an astounding variety of wildlife. Each day in the Seronera Valley is a vivid, breathtaking chapter in the unending story of the wild.
Known For: Great Migration river crossings, rare Oribi antelope & black rhinos, and big cat viewing.
Top Locations: Lobo Valley, Mara River, Lamai Triangle, Wogakuria, Bologonja Springs.
Topography: Savannahs, open woodlands, riverine areas, hills, and valleys.
Main Wildebeest Migration: July to mid-November, herds migrate north in dry conditions.
Closest Airstrip: Kogatende & Lobo Airstrip.
Proximity to Cities: Mwanza (320KM, 6.5Hrs), Ngorongoro Highlands (305KM, 6Hrs), Arusha (450KM, 8.5Hrs).
The Northern Serengeti is where the Great Migration’s epic Mara River crossing unfolds. This region’s savannahs, valleys, and riverine areas set the stage for thrilling wildlife encounters. Spot elusive Black Rhinos and the rare Oribi antelope, while Lobo Valley offers unforgettable big cat sightings. Journey through open woodlands, where every turn reveals nature’s raw beauty. It’s an adventurer’s paradise, capturing the Serengeti’s untamed spirit.
Getting There
- By Road from Arusha: 410 km. Requires a night in Central Serengeti due to long driving distances.
- By Air from Arusha: 1 hour 15 minutes to Kogatende (North) Airstrip.
- By Air from Dar/Zanzibar: 1 hour 45 minutes to Kogatende (North) Airstrip.
The Mara River
Serengeti’s 10 stunning viewpoints along the Mara River, offer front-row seats to the thrilling Great Migration. Some are a short drive from popular lodges, while others require a bit more travel time, rewarding you with intimate, uncrowded views of the crossings. Viewpoints 1 to 5, closest to accommodations, can fill up by 9 AM, so arriving early is key. For quieter experiences, the more remote viewpoints showcase the breathtaking savannas and river crossings in peaceful solitude. Even in the off-season, these spots offer serene landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, making the Serengeti a must-visit safari destination year-round.
Known For: Remote wilderness, the highest concentration of cheetahs, and beautiful landscapes.
Top Locations: Sametu Marsh, Naabi Hill, Gol Kopjes, Barfafu Gorge, Lemuta Hill, Lake Natron.
Topography: Short grass plains, granite kopjes, mountains, valleys.
Wildlife: All-Year Round. Close to Serengeti -Central
Main Wildebeest Migration: In December, herds move south with short rains.
Closest Airstrip: Seronera & Ndutu Airstrip.
Proximity to Cities: Mwanza (350KM, 7Hrs), Ngorongoro Highlands (190KM, 4Hrs), Arusha (320KM, 6.5Hrs).
The Eastern Serengeti’s remote wilderness invites you to explore its uncharted beauty. Known for its high concentration of cheetahs, this area’s stunning landscapes are filled with short grass plains and rugged granite kopjes. Each sunrise reveals a new adventure, as you traverse these pristine terrains. Fewer tourists mean intimate, unspoiled encounters with wildlife, making every moment feel like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Getting There
- By Road from Arusha: 325 km, 7 to 8 hours
- By Air from Arusha: 50 minutes to Seronera Airstrip
- By Air from Dar/Zanzibar: 1 hour 40 minutes to Seronera Airstrip.
Semetu Marsh
The Semetu Marshland, located in the eastern Serengeti, is a captivating wetland oasis that teems with life. This lush marsh is a crucial water source, drawing a diverse array of wildlife to its verdant banks. Picture herds of elephants splashing in the shallow waters, hippos lounging in mud pools, and flocks of flamingos creating a vibrant pink carpet across the landscape. The marshland supports a unique ecosystem, making it a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Predators, including lions, leopards and hyenas, are also drawn to this area, taking advantage of the plentiful prey. The Semetu Marshland is a testament to the Serengeti’s rich biodiversity and the intricate web of life that flourishes in these wetlands.
Known For: Migration crossing the Grumeti River, rare colobus monkeys, large herds of elephants & giraffes.
Top Locations: Ruwana Plains, Grumeti River, Mbalageti River Valley, Musabi Plains, Ikoma.
Topography: Floodplains, open woodlands, riverine areas, hills, valleys.
Wildlife: All-Year Round
Main Wildebeest Migration: In June to July, herds cross the Grumeti River, facing crocodiles.
Closest Airstrip: Ikoma Airstrip.
Proximity to Cities: Mwanza (200KM, 4Hrs), Ngorongoro Highlands (250KM, 5Hrs), Arusha (380KM, 7Hrs).
In the Western Serengeti, the Grumeti River crossing becomes a battleground during the Great Migration. As wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters, the tension is palpable. This region also boasts serene floodplains, where elephants and giraffes roam freely. The open woodlands offer a peaceful contrast, home to rare colobus monkeys. Every safari here is a mix of intense action and serene moments, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Getting There
- By Road from Arusha: 410 km. Requires a night in Central Serengeti due to long driving distances.
- By Air from Arusha: 1 hour 15 minutes to Ikoma (West) Airstrip.
- By Air from Dar/Zanzibar: 1 hour 45 minutes to Ikoma (West) Airstrip.
The Grumeti River
The Grumeti River, a vital artery flowing through the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, is a lifeline for myriad species. This river is famed for the dramatic and often perilous crossing of the Great Migration, where throngs of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile infested waters. The riverbanks are lush, providing ample grazing ground and shelter for various wildlife, including hippos that wallow in its deeper pools. Predators, such as lions and hyenas, patrol the vicinity, drawn by the abundance of prey. The Grumeti River, with its blend of beauty and danger, epitomizes the raw, unfiltered essence of the African wilderness, making it a focal point for both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Known For: The calving season of the Great Migration, prime viewing for filmmakers & photographers.
Top Locations: Hidden Valley, Lake Ndutu, Kusini Plains, Olduvai Gorge, Matiti Plains.
Topography: Short grass plains, lakes, small hills, valleys.
Wildlife: All-Year Round
Main Wildebeest Migration: From December to March, wildebeest calve in this area.
Closest Airstrip: Seronera & Ndutu Airstrip.
Proximity to Cities: Mwanza (370KM, 6.5Hrs), Ngorongoro Highlands (115KM, 2.5Hrs), Arusha (260KM, 5Hrs).
In the Southern Serengeti, life begins anew during the calving season. From December to March, witness thousands of wildebeest births on the vast short grass plains. This region, dotted with majestic granite kopjes, is a photographer’s dream. The tranquility of these landscapes contrasts with the vibrant life they support. Every visit captures the essence of renewal and the circle of life in this iconic safari destination.
Getting There
- By Road from Arusha: 275 km, 5 to 6 hours
- By Air from Arusha: 50 minutes to Seronera Airstrip and Ndutu Airstrip.
- By Air from Dar/Zanzibar: 1 hour 40 minutes to Seronera Airstrip and Ndutu Airstrip.
Kusini Plains
As you approach the Serengeti, the Kusini Plains stretch out before you like a vast, unending sea of golden grass. The horizon seems to dissolve into the sky, creating an almost surreal sense of boundless space. This southern gateway to the Serengeti is an iconic introduction to the park’s breathtaking grandeur. Herds of wildebeest and zebras graze across the plains, their silhouettes framed by the rising sun. The air is alive with the sounds of nature, from the distant call of a lion to the rustling of grasses in the gentle breeze. The Kusini Plains are a true embodiment of the Serengeti’s endless beauty, a perfect start to an unforgettable journey.
