Serengeti Safari: Best Safari in Tanzania

With 21 national parks to choose from, you might be wondering which national park to choose for your Tanzania safari. While many travelers visit more than just one park, Serengeti is the top choice for tourists who only have time to make it to one place.

Serengeti is one of the largest national parks in Africa. With endless activities and accommodation choices, it’s by far the best safari in Tanzania. 

This guide will go over all the best reasons to visit Serengeti. And if you have more time, why not visit all the parks in the northern circuit? 

Combining Serengeti with other northern parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular safari itineraries. 

Tanzania’s Safari Superstar 

Mention the word safari and the first place people think of is the Serengeti. Home to the Big 5 and the Great Migration, Serengeti is not just famous for being the backdrop of the movie The Lion King. 

Imagine waking up from your campsite or lodge and seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. Hundreds of wildebeests are making their journey across the savanna to Kenya. Hippos are bathing in the local watering hole to cool off from the hot African sun. 

Serengeti offers all these views and more! Many people who have been to national parks all over the world don’t hesitate to say that Serengeti is their favorite. 

See the Great Migration 

One of the top experiences in Serengeti is the Great Migration. Ready to see one of the natural wonders of the world? Over 2 million wildebeests make this journey every year starting in the Ngorongoro Crater, going through Serengeti, and ending in Masai Mara in Kenya. 

About half a million gazelles and over 200,000 zebras also take part in the Great Migration. The migration starts during the calving season when thousands of calves are born every day. 

Nothing is more special than seeing a baby wildebeest taking its first steps with its mother. 

The wildebeests are the main part of the migration because they are seeking safe homes for their new babies. As they head northwest to Masai Mara, they make a dangerous journey including crossing the Grumeti River. 

You can also see zebras crossing the Mara River as they begin their journey to Masai Mara. The river has one of the top concentrations of flora and fauna. It’s also home to all of Tanzania’s famous predators. 

You might even get to see one stalking its prey. Will they be successful? You’ll have to go to Serengeti to see for yourself! 

Where the Big 5 Call Home 

The Big 5 are the greatest beasts that Serengeti has to offer. Most safari travelers bring their binoculars and the best camera lenses to ensure the best views of these magnificent animals. 

Not sure what the Big 5 animals are? Here is a little more about each animal:

African Leopards: These animals can be black, cream, or cream with black spots. They are often hard to see because they only come out at night. Serengeti has more big cats than other parks though, so seeing them here is your best bet! 

Lions: The ruler of the savanna is found all over the Serengeti. You’ll see them sunbathing, hiding in the bush, and catching their prey. 

Cape Buffalos: The only one of the Big 5 that is not considered an endangered species. There are plenty in the Serengeti. 

African Elephants: Although there are more elephants in Tarangire, Serengeti still boasts an impressive population

Black Rhinos: This animal weighs between 1,760 to 3,090 pounds. It’s one of the most endangered species in the world and Serengeti is one of the only places you can see them. 

Huge Density of Wildlife

With over 430 different species of animals, Serengeti is one of the top places in the world for wildlife viewing. Make sure you bring your best camera with plenty of extra memory cards as the park is full of picture-perfect backdrops. 

Your safari guide can take you to different parts of the park depending on which animal you want to see. The guide usually asks you and your safari members which animals they’re most keen to view and then tries to find them in the park!

Many Ways to Explore the Ecosystems 

Serengeti has more ecosystems than any of the other parks in Tanzania. Northern Serengeti is full of wooded areas and mountains. It’s the best part to see elephants and giraffes. 

The Serengeti plains are famous for their grasslands that are full of animals. Since there are no trees, you can see for miles and miles. The plains are some of the best places to see wildlife with an open view. 

The western part of Serengeti has the Grumeti River and all the special species that like to live in the black clay soil near the water. You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys. 

Because of its diverse plant and animal life, Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

What makes Serengeti so special is that you can explore it in many different ways. Take a game driving safari if you want to sit in the back of a jeep and drive to all the best parts of the park. 

You can also take a walking safari with an experienced guide who will take you through the bush and the plains. 

If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can even take a hot air balloon ride high in the skies of Serengeti. 

Easy Starting Point for Zanzibar 

Other than Serengeti. Zanzibar is one of the top places that brings so many travelers to Tanzania every year. Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose between Serengeti and Zanzibar. You can easily go to both! 

Safaris are specially designed to bring you from the island or take you to the island once your safari is over. 

Serengeti even has two landing strips so the safari company can fly you directly to Zanzibar after your safari ends. 

Many people choose to do Serengeti first and then head to Zanzibar after so they can enjoy the turquoise water and sand. However you choose to plan your trip, our company is here to help you fine-tune the details and the itinerary. 

Since Zanzibar doesn't have any national parks of its own, spending time in mainland Tanzania to see Serengeti or other national parks is important. Luckily, transportation to and from the island is convenient and affordable. 

If you’re ready to see Tanzania’s best park and endless wildlife, a Serengeti safari is the best choice in East Africa. Combine it with other northern circuit parks to get a bigger picture of Tanzania's best landscapes. 

What makes Serengeti so great is that it can easily be combined with other parks and then you end your journey in Zanzibar where there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.