a lion standing in a field of tall grass
two cheetah standing next to each other in tall grass
brown lion
A small bird sitting on top of a wooden bench
A lion yawns while sitting in the grass
Photo by Denice Alex on Unsplash

Holiday in Serengeti

National park in Tanzania — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇹🇿

Country

Tanzania

Type

National park

Best time to travel

June–October (Dry season, Great Migration), January–February (Calving season)

Budget/day

350–600 € (Mid-Range Lodge)

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Kilimanjaro (JRO) in 10–13 hours with a stop. Further flight to Seronera Airstrip or 8-hour drive. Safari providers organize transfers.

What makes Serengeti special as a destination?

The Serengeti in Tanzania is the epitome of the African safari and one of the last great ecosystems where the drama of the wilderness unfolds in all its intensity. Over 30,000 square kilometers of endless grasslands, interspersed with acacia forests and riverbeds, host the largest concentration of large mammals on Earth. The Great Migration is the most spectacular wildlife spectacle on the planet: Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles move in an eternal cycle through the Serengeti in search of fresh grass and water. The dramatic river crossings of the Mara River between July and October, where crocodiles lurk and the herds bravely plunge into the water, are among the most intense nature experiences imaginable. In addition to the migration, the Serengeti is home to the largest lion population in Africa, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and over 500 species of birds. Luxury safari camps and mobile tented camps follow the herds through the seasons, offering wildlife observation at the highest level. Hot air balloon rides at sunrise over the endless plains are a unique experience. The Serengeti can be ideally combined with the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Nature
100
Adventure
98
Romance
75
Safety
65
Families
60

What are the top highlights in Serengeti?

The top highlights in Serengeti include Great Migration, Big Five Safari, Seronera Valley, Balloon Safari, Ngorongoro Crater.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Great Migration

The largest animal migration in the world: 1.5 million wildebeests cross the Mara River under the watchful eyes of waiting crocodiles – July to October is peak season.

2

Big Five Safari

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – the Serengeti is one of the few places where you can see all five in one day.

3

Seronera Valley

The heart of the Serengeti: year-round high animal density, especially lions and leopards in the kopjes (granite rocks).

4

Balloon Safari

Float over the savannah at sunrise and observe herds from a bird's eye view – followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.

5

Ngorongoro Crater

The largest intact volcanic crater in the world, right next to the Serengeti: 20,000 animals live on the 260 km² crater floor.

Hotels in Serengeti

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Reise-SIM für Serengeti

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Serengeti?

The best time to visit Serengeti is June–October (Dry season, Great Migration), January–February (Calving season). Warm and dry, 25–30 °C, June–October best visibility and wildlife observation In winter: Rainy season November–May, green landscape, fewer tourists, calving season in February

Recommended travel time

June–October (Dry season, Great Migration), January–February (Calving season)

Summer

Warm and dry, 25–30 °C, June–October best visibility and wildlife observation

Winter

Rainy season November–May, green landscape, fewer tourists, calving season in February

How much does a holiday in Serengeti cost?

Budget travellers: 150–250 € (Camping Safari)/day, mid-range: 350–600 € (Mid-Range Lodge)/day, luxury: 800–2,000 € (Luxury Camp)/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

150–250 € (Camping Safari)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

350–600 € (Mid-Range Lodge)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

800–2,000 € (Luxury Camp)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Serengeti?

Flight to Kilimanjaro (JRO) in 10–13 hours with a stop. Further flight to Seronera Airstrip or 8-hour drive. Safari providers organize transfers.

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What travel tips are there for Serengeti?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The rainy season (March–May) is the cheapest time – 30-50% less, hardly any tourists, green landscape, and a bird paradise.

3 nights in the Serengeti are ideal – with less, you miss too much, with more, it becomes repetitive.

Good binoculars (10x42) are more important than an expensive camera – many animals are far away.

Early game drives (6 AM) are the best – predators are active and the light is perfect for photos.

What should you eat in Serengeti?

Typical specialities in Serengeti: Safari camp cuisine — The lodges and camps serve surprisingly good food: fresh salads, grilled meat, and local specialties under the starry sky., Nyama Choma — Grilled meat over an open fire – often served in the camps as BBQ under the open sky at sunset., Ugali — The Tanzanian maize porridge is the basis of every meal – simple, filling, and everywhere., Pilau — Spiced rice with spices, meat, and potatoes – the Swahili influence in Tanzanian cuisine., Chai ya Tangawizi — Ginger tea with milk and spices – the perfect warming drink after a cool morning on safari..

These specialties you must try!

Safari camp cuisine — The lodges and camps serve surprisingly good food: fresh salads, grilled meat, and local specialties under the starry sky.
Nyama Choma — Grilled meat over an open fire – often served in the camps as BBQ under the open sky at sunset.
Ugali — The Tanzanian maize porridge is the basis of every meal – simple, filling, and everywhere.
Pilau — Spiced rice with spices, meat, and potatoes – the Swahili influence in Tanzanian cuisine.
Chai ya Tangawizi — Ginger tea with milk and spices – the perfect warming drink after a cool morning on safari.
Suitable for:SafariGreat MigrationBig FiveWildernessNatureUNESCOAdventure

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