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Plan your Serengeti Safari based on the season
The first thing to consider when planning your Serengeti Safari is which season to book; wet or dry. Tanzania has two main seasons and they have a big impact on your safari experience.
Dry Season
January – March, June – September
The dry season is by far the more popular choice, but it is also generally busier, too. Popular spots like Seronera can feel crowded and you may find your accommodations noticeably full at dinner time or when visiting the pool.
During the dry season, animals will generally be spotted at watering holes or rivers.
Drawbacks: The January- March dry season can feel very hot and dusty.
Wet Season
March – May, October – December
While the rainy season has become increasingly unpredictable, there are still general months when rain can be expected.
This doesn’t mean that it rains all day, every day in the Serengeti, but it does mean you can expect green savannahs and happy wildlife in the lush forest areas. Spotting the Big Five during the rainy season is a whole different adventure, and the photography is simply stunning during the wet months.
Sometimes, you can even get a discount on your safari or accommodations during the wet months, as this is a ‘low season’. Low season has other perks, of course: you might discover you have the whole lodge to yourself, and you don’t need to wrestle with other safari cars for viewing space when a lion or leopard has been spotted.
Drawbacks: the wet season means it might rain for part of your game drive, or even that some roads are flooded and therefore impassible. While flooding affects parks like Manyara National Park more acutely, it can still be a bother in Serengeti, too.
Consider the pros and cons of each season when deciding which time of year to book your Serengeti safari, because it will make a very big difference.
Be prepared for early mornings
To truly get the most out of your safari tour Serengeti, you should head out on game drives early in the morning. The best wildlife viewing occurs before the heat of the day, and around sunrise are the best chances to spy on cheetahs and hyenas.
If you decide you prefer your cosy bed and a long lodge breakfast, that’s fine, but you have to be aware you may be sacrificing seeing some of the coolest African animals, in the wild.
Bring binoculars and an extended lens for your camera
Some tour operators provide a set of binoculars in every safari jeep, but even this isn’t so great for sharing between a couple or a group.
If you bring an extra set of binoculars, you may have the advantage of seeing the shy black rhino before the rest of your group.
An extended lens for your camera is a must for photographers. You will not be permitted to get out of the safari jeep for a better angle of that leopard lying in the tree, or the lions relaxing in the shade. If you have an extended lens you can zoom in for that perfect shot, all from the safety of the Landcruiser.
Wear the “Safari Uniform”
Have you ever made jokes about the elderly couple walking around in their khaki safari uniform? The beige or grey-toned outfit, head to toe, complete with hats.
Well, actually, that’s exactly what you should wear. Here’s why:
Neutral tones are better while on safari:
- They won’t show dust (and you’ll probably be getting very dusty)
- Help you blend with nature (florescent colours make you stand out too much)
- Will help reduce biting insects like tsetse flies (which are attracted to dark colours)
- Neutral tones, like beige and khaki will feel much cooler in the heat than black
- Generally, the ‘safari uniform’ is comfortable, and you’ll be seated in the jeep for a while, so tight-fitting, heavy denim isn’t advised.
You don’t have to wear these clothes, of course – but they are a good idea. And there is no rule that you can’t pack a nice dress or comfy trousers for relaxing at the lodge at the end of the day.
Wear Insect Repellent
Serengeti is infamous for the nasty tsetse flies. Other insects that are unavoidable are mosquitoes.
While tsetse flies are known to spread Dengue Fever, it is safe to say the tsetse flies of the Serengeti do not carry this disease. They do bite, and the bites might sting, but no worries about getting ill.
Nevertheless, for your comfort, it’s a good idea to spray your clothes with strong insect repellent containing 30% DEET or higher. You can give your clothes a spray of the powerful stuff before departing (and make sure NOT to wash your clothes until you return), or bring a more mild insect repellant with you and spray on your arms and neck before and during the safari drive.
Don’t worry about mosquitoes at night, as long as you book with a reputable tour operator, the lodge and hotels where you sleep will provide adequate mosquito netting for each bed.
Book with a Reputable Tour Operator
What makes or breaks a Serengeti safari is the tour operator; so make sure you book with a good one!
Your tour operator is who decides on your driver-guide, and your safari car and selects your accommodations throughout your entire safari. Because they are responsible for planning your safari in Serengeti, you must do your research and book with a reputable tour operator.
You could use a travel agent, but this is a middle-man who takes a cut and may not have ever visited Tanzania personally! It’s better to look for a local, Tanzania-based tour operator with good independent reviews, instead.
What to look for
Positive reviews
Active Instagram page with frequent photos added
A transparent tour operator – they will be open about their business license and fees structure, and willing to answer any questions you have
Certificates and awards on their website – Don’t just look for ‘Best Safari Company’; but look deeper, if they have been reviewed for their ethics and business practices and if they are members of groups like KPAP or not.
Reach out – go ahead and send an email, and ask some questions. How a tour operator responds and communicates can also tell a great deal about how they run as a company, and how accommodating they will be if you have any issues while on safari.
One safari company we know checks all the boxes and can highly recommend is Altezza Travel. They have a staff of local Tanzanians as well as dedicated ex-pats, have an excellent record in terms of ethics and fair treatment of employees, and are quick to respond to any questions.
If you want to plan something extra-special during your Serengeti safari (like… say, a marriage proposal or special birthday surprise) they go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. They have plenty of experience in safaris and mount climbs in Tanzania and have hundreds (thousands, now?) of positive, independent reviews.
More info for your Serengeti safari
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania and go to Serengeti National Park?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Tanzania.
The cost is USD 100 for US citizens and USD 50 for nationals of other countries. You may get a visa on arrival, but the fastest method is to fill out the e-visa before you depart and pass right through immigration upon arrival.
You don’t need a visa to visit Serengeti National Park, as it is a park, not a separate nation. The park entry fee for tourists (non-East African Citizens) is USD 70 per adult, per day and $20 USD for children aged 5-15. Children under 5 are free.
Is a Safari in the Serengeti Safe?
Yes, a Serengeti safari is safe! You will view wildlife from the safety of the safari car and are only permitted out of the Landcruiser at designated locations.
No worries here, you’ll have the time of your life in Serengeti.
Is a safari a good trip to do with kids?
Do your kids like animals?
Would your kids like to see animals out in the wild, instead of in the zoo?
Do you want to get your kids off electronics and view the world?
Do you want to make memories with your kids, experiencing the “world of the Lion King” for real?
Of course, a safari is good for kids! Kids love safaris. Safari jeeps are quite comfortable and when the car is paused for viewing animals, kids have the freedom to jump from one seat to another, to move about the car; they won’t be seated the whole day.
Most lodges and accommodations on safari have swimming pools and nature trails, and some have kids’ playrooms, too.
Your kids will have plenty to do during their safari in the Serengeti.
How do you go to the bathroom while on safari?
There are public toilets situated throughout the parks. Just tell your driver guide you need a stop and they will go to one of these toilets.
The designated picnic sites, where you will probably enjoy your lunch, also are equipped with bathrooms for both men and women.
Ready to book your Serengeti safari? Remember to select your safari dates based on the season, pack neutral-coloured clothing and be ready to wake up early if you want to have the best experience on safari.
Your tour operator handles most of the details; your driver guide, car and accommodations, so do your research and make sure you book with a reputable tour operator who can offer you the best safari experience.
We recommend Altezza Travel based on their years of experience and excellent reviews.