Serengeti FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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Access to Serengeti National Park

Travelers can reach the Serengeti by car (transfer, self-drive, or guided safari) or by flying on a light aircraft to one of the Serengeti airstrips within the national park. Your journey typically begins from Arusha, known as the gateway to the Serengeti, or from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For further details, please visit our ‘getting here’ page.

The main entrances open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. We suggest arriving at any gate no later than 15:00 to ensure you reach your final destination (lodge or camp) in good time.

The current park fee is US$ 70.80 per adult per day (valid until 30 June 2021). During high season, park fees rise to US$ 82.60 per adult per day, applicable from 1 July 2021 to 14 March 2022, and from 16 May 2022 to 30 June 2022. The fee for children (aged 5 to 15 years) is US$ 23.60 per day, regardless of the season. Children under 5 enter the Serengeti free of charge. All main entry gates accept credit cards.

Most safaris to the Serengeti commence from Arusha Airport (ARK), with flights landing at various Serengeti airstrips. Flights from Arusha to the primary airstrips in the Serengeti take between 1 hour and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the airstrip location. Keep in mind that departure times and routes may vary based on traveler needs and local weather conditions. As these flights serve multiple lodges and airstrips, multiple stops may occur en route to your destination (up to three landings). If departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), add approximately 30 minutes to the flight times mentioned above. Discover more about flights to the Serengeti.

The Serengeti has several entry gates, with the most significant being Naabi Hill Gate, Ndabaka Gate, Klein’s Gate, and Bologonya Gate. Your entry point depends on the lodge where you will be staying. Lodges and camps located in the Seronera sector of the Serengeti can be accessed via Naabi Hill Gate.

About Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park spans 14,750 square kilometers, approximately 5,700 square miles, making it slightly larger than The Bahamas. The park is unfenced and shares an open border with the Greater Serengeti ecosystem, including the Masai Mara in Kenya. The entire Serengeti ecosystem covers approximately 30,000 square kilometers or 12,000 square miles, roughly the size of Belgium.

Serengeti National Park was originally established in 1951 as a protected area within the larger Serengeti ecosystem. In 1959, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was separated from the national park, and its boundaries were extended to the Kenyan border. In 1961, Kenya established the Masai Mara National Reserve, and in 1965, the Lamai Wedge between the Mara River and the Kenyan border was added to Serengeti National Park, creating a permanent corridor for wildebeest migration from the southern Serengeti plains to the Loita Plains in the north. The Maswa Game Reserve (southern Serengeti) was established in 1962, and a small area north of the Grumeti River in the western corridor was added to serengeti plains, in 1967.

Although Serengeti National Park was formally established in 1951, its history as a wildlife protection area dates back further. The foundation for the national park was a much smaller game reserve, approximately 3.2 square kilometers in size, established in 1921 by the British to protect the dwindling lion population in the area. Lions faced severe threats due to hunting activities.

The Serengeti is world renowned for the wildebeest migration, also known as the Great Migration, the largest mammal migration on land. An estimated 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 gazelles, and 200,000 zebras traverse the Serengeti ecosystem in search of lush pastures. This massive herd supports a vast number of large predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It is a true spectacle of nature in its rawest and most beautiful form, which is why so many wildlife documentaries and nature films have been shot here. The park is also renowned for its incredible biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of species in its diverse habitats.

The name Serengeti is derived from the Maa word “seringit,” meaning “endless plains,” a fitting name for the region. Maa is the local language of the Maasai people.

Staying in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti ecosystem provides exceptional wildlife experiences throughout the whole year round. However, many travelers aim to witness the renowned Great Migration. The winter months are ideal for observing the herds in the Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are popular during the summer and autumn. Be aware that during peak seasons, the park can become quite crowded, and accommodation costs may rise. Many Serengeti lodges offer reduced rates, often called ‘green season’ rates, in April and May. During these off-peak times, the park is less crowded, yet wildlife viewing remains excellent. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences. That said, most travelers (and it’s hard to argue with the majority) choose the dry season (late June – October) for a Serengeti safari, when the Great Migration is at its peak, offering the best chances to witness a river crossing. Explore more about the ideal time to visit the Serengeti.

The Serengeti is a vast region with distinct seasonal variations in weather and climate. Serengeti National Park experiences a cool and dry season from May to August, a dry and warmer period in September and October, and a hotter, wetter season from November to April. Average daytime temperatures from dry season in May to August range from 15°C / 59°F to 27°C / 81°F; in September and October, they range from 15°C / 59°F to 82°C / 77°F; and from November to April, they range from 16°C / 61°F to 29°C / 84°F. Learn more about the Serengeti’s weather and climate.

Serengeti National Park has two rainy periods each year. The unpredictable short rains break the dry season’s hold in November and December. The long rains, occurring from March to May, are the months with the highest rainfall. It rarely rains all day during short rains, but keep in mind it may rain on most days. This period transforms the landscape into lush greenery, often referred to as the ‘green season.’ It’s advisable to bring warm clothing during this time, as mornings and evenings can be chilly during game drives. Discover more about the Serengeti’s weather and climate.

Wildlife Viewing in Serengeti

In wilderness areas like the Serengeti, specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals roam freely across vast expanses. However, as you may know, Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its abundant wildlife, including big cats, lions and the Great Migration, the largest wildlife event on the planet. Serengeti National Park is home to all the Big Five species (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard), and the likelihood of encountering these species is high. The Serengeti ecosystem supports more species and individuals than any other wildlife area in Africa.

Bringing a pair of binoculars is highly recommended for enhancing your safari experience! They improve visibility during your stay in the Serengeti, bringing distant animals closer (which can make a significant difference). Some lodges provide binoculars in safari vehicles, but this is not guaranteed.

Yes, leopards are the big cats indeed found in the Serengeti. Possibly the most beautiful of the big cats, they are elusive yet not rare. Exact numbers are unknown due to their secretive nature, but they are frequently spotted in the Seronera Valley.

Serengeti National Park boasts over 300 mammal species, thanks to the diverse habitats within the Serengeti ecosystem. This incredible diversity results from the Serengeti being a transition zone: poorer soils in the north and richer soils in the south support a variety of habitats and vegetation types. The Serengeti sustains massive herds of ungulates and the highest concentration of large predators globally. Explore more about Serengeti’s wildlife species.

An impressive 540 bird species have been documented in Serengeti National Park. You’ll encounter all the ‘usual suspects,’ such as ostriches, rollers, and eagles, as well as local specialties like the grey-crested helmet shrike and Schalow’s turaco. Learn more about Serengeti’s bird species.

No, tigers do not inhabit the Serengeti. Your chances of seeing tigers are much higher on the Asian continent.

Serengeti Safari Lodges & Camps

Serengeti National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, including safari camps and lodges. These range from permanent semi-tented bush camps to ultra-luxurious design properties and mobile tented camps, catering to diverse preferences.

Not always. Safari activities are not always included in the accommodation rate at every lodge. Serengeti safari lodges typically offer two rate options: one all-inclusive (including safari activities) and another on a ‘driving in’ basis. The latter means you arrive with your own driver/guide who conducts game drives during your stay. Note that not all lodges in the Serengeti offer ‘in-house’ activities, but most do. Rates on this website usually reflect an all-inclusive basis (including safari activities), representing the true cost of a Serengeti safari. If safari activities are not included (or cannot be included), we clearly indicate this.

All meals (breakfast and/or brunch, lunch, and dinner) are included in your stay, regardless of your lodge choice. Whether drinks are included depends on the lodge: some include all drinks (including premium drinks, champagne, and alcoholic beverages); some include local drinks only (including alcoholic beverages); some include non-alcoholic drinks only. At a minimum, tea and coffee are always included.

Check-in time at the lodges located in the Serengeti is from 13:00. Check-out time is between 10:30 and 11:00 (usually after a morning safari activity and breakfast).

No, not all lodges offer private plunge pools. Generally, more exclusive safari lodges provide private hot tubs or plunge pools.

Planning Your Stay in the Serengeti

Lodges in Serengeti National Park often operate at high occupancy levels, especially during peak periods. We recommend planning your Serengeti safari 8 to 12 months in advance. For peak periods (e.g., Christmas, Easter, June – October), consider planning 12 to 18 months ahead. Some Serengeti lodges may be fully booked two years in advance during peak times. If traveling with family (children) or in a group, plan early, as lodges have a limited number of suitable rooms due to their modest scale.

A limited number of Serengeti lodges and camps offer wheelchair-friendly rooms.

Yes, some Serengeti lodges provide reduced (honeymoon) rates or special offers. These specials can be reviewed on this page.

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