3-Day Tanzania safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its spectacular wildlife and is especially famous for the Great Migration—an annual event where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in northern Tanzania, is one of the best places in the world to witness large-scale predator-prey interactions, with lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards frequently seen. The park’s name, derived from the Maasai word “Seringit,” means “endless plains,” reflecting its vast, breathtaking landscape.

The best time to visit Serengeti National Park largely depends on what you want to experience. For witnessing the Great Migration, different times of year offer different views of the event. From December to March, herds gather in the southern Serengeti for calving season, attracting predators. June and July are ideal for viewing the dramatic river crossings in the western corridor, while August to October offers excellent sightings in the northern Serengeti. Outside of the migration, the park is teeming with resident wildlife year-round, and the dry season (June to October) is particularly favorable for game viewing due to sparse vegetation and limited water sources.

Serengeti National Park boasts an incredibly diverse range of wildlife. It is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can spot all of the “Big Five” animals: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Beyond these, the park is home to cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, and a wide array of antelope species like impalas, elands, and topis. Birdwatchers will also find paradise here, with over 500 bird species, including ostriches, secretary birds, and various eagles and vultures.

Yes, Serengeti National Park is generally safe for tourists. It is one of the most visited parks in Africa and is well-managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Visitors are accompanied by trained guides and rangers during game drives and walking safaris, and strict park rules help ensure both human and animal safety. However, as with any wilderness area, it is important to follow all safety guidelines—such as staying inside vehicles during safaris and not wandering alone at night in or around camps and lodges.

Serengeti National Park can be accessed by road or air. By road, many visitors travel from Arusha, which is the main hub for safaris in northern Tanzania. The drive takes about 7–8 hours and offers scenic views and opportunities to visit other parks along the way, such as Ngorongoro Crater. For a faster option, there are regular flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport to several airstrips within Serengeti National Park, including Seronera, Kogatende, and Grumeti. These flights are often arranged as part of safari packages by tour operators.

Yes, Serengeti National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options inside the park, catering to all types of travelers—from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury seekers. There are public and private campsites, mid-range lodges, and high-end tented camps that provide a comfortable, immersive safari experience. Many lodges and camps are strategically located near key wildlife viewing areas, such as the Seronera Valley or the Mara River. Staying inside the park allows for early morning and late afternoon game drives, maximizing wildlife sightings and the overall safari experience.