Serengeti National Park Tanzania
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti National Park is undeniably one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations in the world. Serengeti is the epitome of most people’s vision of Africa wildlife safaris and its endless rolling plains perfectly define the meaning of its name which is derived from the Maasai word “siringet” meaning “the Endless Plains” or “the place where the land runs on forever”.
This classic Tanzania safari destination is renowned for its annual migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeests, tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles in search of greener pasture. This natural wonder is popularly known as the ‘Great Migration’ and it is the largest movement of animals on the planet. Waves of zebras arrive first, moving through the tall, coarse grass stems that shot up during the rains and exposing the green leafy grasses preferred by the wildebeests following behind them. It is indeed one of the most spectacular shows on the planet and the one thing that travellers must visit Tanzania during their safari in Africa.
Apart from migratory species, Serengeti National Park provides year-round habitat for all major safari animals. Cheetah and four of the Big Five animals are easily seen but rhino sightings are rare. Aside from the big cats, many other predators can be spotted including spotted hyenas, jackals and bat-eared foxes. Serengeti is also an incredible destination for a traveller on a Tanzania birding safari. It hosts more than 500 species of birds include the ostriches; the world’s largest flightless bird.
Size and location of Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Serengeti covers an area over 14,763 km² of predominantly rolling grasslands, savannah, riverine forest, and woodlands. The park lies in northwestern Tanzania, bordered to the north by the Kenya border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the southeast of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area; to the southwest lies Maswa Game Reserve; to the west are the Ikorongo and Gumet Game Reserves and to the northeast and east lies the Loliondo game Control Area. Together, these areas form the larger Serengeti ecosystem; one of the oldest on the planet.
History of Serengeti National Park Tanzania
According to history, Maasai people had been grazing their livestock in the open plains of the eastern Mara Region for around 200 years. Despite the fertile grazing land and abundant natural wildlife, the area was little known to outside political interests until 1913. At this time professional hunters started entering the region, drawn to the vast herds of rare and valuable animals. The first American to enter the Serengeti, Stewart Edward White, recorded his explorations in the northern Serengeti in 1913. He returned to the Serengeti in the 1920s and camped in the area around Seronera for three months. During this time, he and his companions shot 50 lions. Because the hunting of lions made them scarce, the British colonial administration made a partial game reserve of 3.2 km2 in the area in 1921 and a full one in 1929. These actions were the basis for the establishment of Serengeti National Park in 1951.
After the area was declared a National park, the Maasai people who were for centuries left peacefully with wildlife were evicted and resettled to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a move that is still questioned up to today as having been compulsion and deception by British administrators.
The park gained more fame after the initial work of Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael in the 1950s. Together, they produced the book and film “Serengeti Shall Not Die”, widely recognized as one of the most important early pieces of nature conservation documentary.
Tanzania Safari Attractions in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
1)Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
Mammals: Serengeti National Park is arguably the best destination for Tanzania wildlife safaris. The migratory wildebeests, zebras and gazelles, as well as numerous resident species, make this park an incredible wildlife-watching destination. The constant annual migration of over 1.5 million individuals, constitute the largest population of big mammals that still roam the planet. They are joined in their journey through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem by 250,000 plains zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle.
Serengeti also harbours the entire Big Five, a variety of carnivores, reptiles, and some primates. It contains thousands of topi, elands, Coke’s hartebeest, giraffes, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, and abundant hippos. Some rarely seen species of antelopes are also present in Serengeti parks such as common eland, klipspringer, roan antelope, bushbucks, greater kudus, fringe-eared oryxes, and dik-dik. Other animals in the park include aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, ground pangolin, crested porcupine, three species of hyraxes and cape hare.
Perhaps the most popular animals among tourists are the Big Five (lions, African leopard, African bush elephant, African buffalos, and Eastern Black Rhinoceros). Serengeti is believed to hold the largest population of lions in Africa due to the abundance of prey species. More than 3,000 lions live in the Serengeti ecosystem.
Leopards are commonly seen in the Seronera valley region but are present throughout the national park. They are numbered around 1,000 individuals. There are also over 5000 elephants particularly numerous in the northern region of the park. Eastern black rhinoceros are mainly found around the Kopjes in the centre of the park. African buffalos are the most numerous of the Big Five, with around 53,000 individuals inside the park.
Carnivores besides Big Five, include 225 cheetahs, about 3500 spotted hyenas, 300 wild dogs, two species of Jackals, African golden wolves, striped hyenas, serval cats, honey badgers, seven species of mongooses, two species of otters and bat-eared foxes. Also, primates such as yellow and olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus are also seen in the forested areas of the Grumeti River valley.
Reptiles: The vast plains of Serengeti also harbour reptiles such as Nile crocodiles, leopard tortoises serrated hinged terrapin, rainbow agama, Nile monitor, chameleons, African python, black-necked spitting cobras, puff adder and Black mamba; the African fastest, deadliest and longest snake.
Birdlife: Serengeti National Park has also great ornithological interest, boasting about more than 500 bird species. Notable species to see by travellers on their Tanzania birding tour include the Masai ostrich, secretary birds, Kori bustards, helmeted guinea fowls, grew breasted spurfowl, southern ground hornbill, crowned cranes, Marabou storks, yellow-billed stork, lesser flamingo, Black crake, Ashy starling, Hartlaub’s turaco, martial eagles, love birds, oxpeckers red and yellow barbet plus many species of vultures and various small finches, and very.
2) Lobo Valley in Serengeti National Park
Lobo Valley is one of the most astonishing areas in Northern Serengeti. The valley provides travellers with amazing wildlife views during their Tanzania wildlife tours in the park. The dry season is the best time for wildlife watching in Lobo; from mid-July to late November and peaks at the end of the dry season from about mid-September to late November when animal concentrations are at their highest.
Migratory herds of wildebeests tend to pass through or stagnate in the Lobo Valley during their southward migration. Resident animals also tend to gather around the permanent water sources in the valley providing excellent game viewing opportunities to tourists. It is interesting to note that Lobo Valley is one of the few places in East Africa where visitors will see species of big cats (lions, Leopard, and Cheetahs) on a single game drive.
The lion pride called ‘Lobo Pride’ in the Valley is the second-largest pride in Serengeti National Park with about 26 individuals. This family of the lion is mostly seen resting on the smooth granite Kopjes during the sunny day. The abundance of resident preys such as buffaloes and gazelles in the area is the major reason why lions thrive in this area. During the dry season when the great migration is passing through, the hungry pride stalks the migratory wildebeest and zebra, allowing the resident herbivores some relief.
Leopards in the Lobo Valley are commonly seen in shadowy branches of yellow barked acacia trees that line the rivers and springs of the Valley. The Lobo springs is the best area to leopards in the Lobo Valley. Cheetahs are also regularly seen gracing the tawny grassland of Lobo during the dry season due to the presence of Thomson Gazelles which is their primary prey, During the green season, the cheetahs follow the migrating gazelles south and east.
The largest remaining population of elephants was also recorded in the Lobo Valley. In a 1992 census, approximately 38% of the elephants counted in the Serengeti ecosystem were located in and around the Lobo Valley. This same study in 1992 noted a general migration pattern in that elephants moved into Lobo during the green season and dispersed during the dry season, which is opposite to that of the wildebeest and zebra migration. There are two populations of Serengeti elephants including a northern one (North Serengeti, West Serengeti, and Masai Mara) and a southern one (Kusini, Ndutu, Masawa, and Edulen).
The Great Migration in Lobo Valley in Serengeti National Park
The legendary wildebeest migration thunders through Lobo twice a year including July and August (during the northward migration) and September through November (during the southward migration.) The southward wildebeest migration is much more pronounced than the northward migration at Lobo since the animals seem to linger in the valley for longer periods of time on their southern journey. Throughout the dry season, one can usually see a few scattered herds of migratory wildebeest even when the main masses have moved on. The migratory zebra herds are more easily seen grazing in the Lobo area during the dry season as they tend to linger long in the valley, seemingly captivated by its beauty.
One of the more interesting sightings we have had in Lobo was coming across a lion, leopard, impala kills and several baboons all in one large green thorn acacia tree located approximately 1-mile south from Lobo Lodge. Apparently, a female leopard had killed an impala and dragged the carcass to a branch halfway up the tree. A troop of baboons must have forced the leopard off the kill to scavenge (baboons are mainly herbivores but do eat meat on occasion).
An opportunistic female lion had come across the situation and the ‘king of scavengers’ attempted to climb the tree. An awkward standoff ensued with the lion unable to climb past the first branch, the baboons unable to descend from their mid-level perches, while the leopard sought the highest refuge at the very top of the tree.
3) Upper Grumeti Woodlands in Nothern Serengeti
The Grumeti River flows in a westward movement across the top half of the Serengeti National Park before emptying into Lake Victoria. The Upper Grumeti refers to the section of the river that cuts across the Northern Serengeti, as opposed to the Lower Grumeti, which flows through the Western Serengeti. Two distinct types of woodlands are found in the Upper Grumeti area; a lush gallery forest shades the river banks while acacia woodlands flourish throughout the valleys and hills. Both of these two distinct habitats play host to unique flora and fauna making a Tanzania tour to this area highly rewarding.
Unique species of trees such as fig, mahogany, date palm and tamarind trees dominate this area. Enormous groups of hippos can be observed snorting and splashing in the shadowed river waters. The cheerful vervet monkeys and large groups of inquisitive baboons can also be observed in the neighbouring forests.
The seasonal Grumeti river and its permanent deep pools of water are home to huge crocodiles. The Upper Grumeti Woodland is a perfect spot a Tanzania bird-watching safaris. The woodland provides a good habitat for colourful turacos including Harlaub’s and Ross’s which are a vivid green and blue with crimson wings. Several species of Kingfishers can also be seen flitting about showing off their shiny feathers and vibrant colours. The awesome fish eagles are also commonly seen in riverine forest.
These acacia woodlands areas also support a myriad of herbivores including elephants, Thomson’s gazelles, topis and buffalos. Of particular noteworthy interest are the large groups of impala and giraffe that can be seen in this region. Africa’s great predators also lurk in the shadows of these shady woodlands. All three majestic species of big cats are present here including leopard, lion, and cheetah.
Giraffe, in particular, seems to dominate Upper Grumeti Woodlands as they feed exclusively on the tender leaves of acacia trees, which happen to flourish here. The species occurring in the Serengeti is the Maasai giraffe. Since giraffe does not compete for food with grazing animals, and barely overlap browsing zones with other browsers because of the height at which they feed, they are able to share their habitat with a wide range of animals.
Although normally elegant in stature and graceful in movement, Giraffe have difficulty in bringing their heads down to ground level, so when drinking they have to splay their forelegs out sideways in a rather awkward looking position. A mature male giraffe weighs about 2,200 pounds and stands approximately 11 feet at the shoulders. For all its great length the giraffe’s neck has only seven vertebrae, as in man. Twiga, as the giraffe is known in Swahili, is the national emblem of Tanzania.
Great Migration in the Upper Grumeti Woodlands in Serengeti National Park
The legendary wildebeest migration thunders through the Upper Grumeti River Woodlands twice a year including July and August (during the northward migration) and September through November (during the southward migration.) The southward wildebeest migration is much more pronounced than the northward migration in this area since the animals seem to linger for longer periods of time on their southern journey. Throughout the dry season, one can usually see a few scattered herds of migratory wildebeest even when the main masses have moved on.
4) Mara River in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
The mighty Mara River snakes across the northern tip of the Serengeti National Park on its westward flow into Lake Victoria. The Mara River is most famous for the legendary wildebeest crossing, a dramatic event, which is featured in countless wildlife documentaries. Hippos abound in these dark waters, along with massive Nile crocodiles looming just below the murky surface. Large herds of buffalo graze on the verdant floodplains and groups of giraffe glide through the shady groves of acacia trees. Mile after mile of vast pristine wilderness awaits the more adventurous Tanzania safari traveller, as this part of the Serengeti is way off the beaten path. Actually, Mara River and the bordering Lamai Triangle is a must-see if you’re undertaking a Tanzania tour to Serengeti in the late dry season during August, September or October.
The Mara River supports a unique canopy forest and the surrounding floodplains sustain an abundance of wildlife. Groups of hippos numbering over 50 individuals are commonly seen in the Mara at the oxbow, which is approximately 1-mile east of the bridge at the Kogatende ranger post. One can walk along the sandbank in front of the oxbow to capture great pictures of the hippos as they submerge, resurface and sometimes battle over this prized territory.
The riverbank above the oxbow makes a fantastic spot for a scenic bush lunch. Large herds of giraffes are commonly seen feeding on the acacia trees that dot the floodplains along the river. Lumbering elephants and graceful elands are also regular visitors to the Mara River. Shimmering bands of resident impala melt in and out of the surrounding forest and are abundant here as they are throughout the woodlands of the Serengeti.
As mentioned above, the Mara River also contains a healthy population of Nile crocodiles. Although these grinning reptiles are extremely shy, most people are able to glimpse these prehistoric animals basking in the sun on the tops of boulders in the river. They are surprisingly well camouflaged but are more noticeable with careful observation through binoculars. Amazingly, these crocodiles feed only once or twice a year during the wildebeest crossing; it is thought that some of these mottled green giants are over 50 years old! Birding along the Mara is also very good. Common species to look for include fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, weavers and some guests have reported seeing the colourful and rare turaco.
Mara River Crossing during the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park
During the dry season, massive herds of wildebeest and zebra will be thundering across the river. The ultimate destination for the migratory herds is the Lamai Triangle, which is a triangular-shaped watershed area just north of the Mara River. The river forms the bottom of the Lamai Triangle, which is a critical refuge for the migration during the long dry season. Depending upon the length of the preceding green season, the great migration usually begins arriving at the Mara River in early August. The herds then cross and re-cross the river in a restless ebb and flow, pursuing the scattered thundershowers during August and September. The onset of more widespread downpours usually commences sometime in October.
These cloudbursts initiate the southward migration as the wildebeest lift their heads toward the rain-washed skies and embark on their long journey to the southern plains. The southward migration is an extraordinary event as mile after mile of wildebeest march southwards in single file fashion, marking another season in their unending pilgrimage in search of food and water.
Myles Turner wrote in 1966: ‘when the wildebeest move on across the Mara River into Lamai country, spectacular deaths occur at the river crossings. The herds build up on the banks in huge numbers while dust clouds churned up by their constant movement swirl overhead and vultures gather in ominous clusters in nearby trees. As more animals continue to arrive, those at the front begin to fling themselves from the steep banks and plunge into the river. More follow until the movement becomes a wild stampede with hundreds of wildebeest struggling to swim across. Inevitably, casualties are high. Some animals become stuck in the mud. Others are crushed by wildebeest jumping off the steep banks on to those already in the water. Sometimes it is as if they are intent on committing mass suicide. At one crossing place, I counted more than 500 bodies floating in the Mara river with several huge crocodiles enjoying the feast.’
5) Lamai Triangle in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
This triangular-shaped watershed lies just north of the Great Mara River in the northern section of Serengeti National Park. The area is endowed with freshwater and verdant grasslands that attract migratory wildebeests and Zebras during the late dry season.
In fact, the majority of the migration usually resides here from early August until November. It’s one of East Africa’s best secrets that during the dry season, the secluded Lamai Triangle holds more of the migration than the more heavily touristed Masai Mara National Reserve just to the north in Kenya. A documented study conducted by the Serengeti Research Institute revealed that only about 15% to 35% of the migratory wildebeest and 10% to 20% of the migratory zebra populations in the Serengeti ecosystem utilize the Masai Mara reserve.
Lamai also supports an abundance of resident wildlife including ostrich, topi, buffalo, warthog, elephant, and giraffe. Lamai is perhaps the best spot in East Africa during the dry season to see the giant eland, which is Africa’s largest antelope. Massive yet elegant, these powerful antelopes have been known to gracefully leap fences over 10 feet tall. Male elands can exceed a remarkable 2,000 pounds in weight and it’s difficult to appreciate their immense size unless they are seen grazing next to a 500-pound wildebeest or a 50-pound gazelle. Their large size provides protection against most predators with the exception of the Serengeti’s largest lions and also the man. Elands are prized for their meat and are heavily hunted throughout Africa. Even the Maasai, who being pastoralists do not typically hunt wildlife, are fond of eland as they are rather cowed like in appearance. Accordingly, elands are often difficult to approach closely and quickly to amble away. Elands like the other three migratory species in the Serengeti (wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra) utilize the woodlands in the dry season and plains in the green season.
6) Seronera Valley in Serengeti National Park
The central Serengeti is home to the specular Seronera Valley one of the best areas for a Tanzania wildlife safari in the park. Several perennial rivers run through this valley enabling many resident animals to thrive year-round. The combination of location and resident prey attracts the largest populations of predators in Africa. It is this amazing abundance and diversity of easily seen large predators that attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of researches to the Seronera River valley each year.
There is simply no better place in Africa to observe these large carnivores and since many are residents, excellent encounters are available year-round regardless of the season or where the great migratory herds are located. It is not unusual to see all four large predators (lion, hyena, leopard, and cheetah) during the course of a day in the central Serengeti.
Game viewing in central Serengeti is at its best during the dry season (June – November) as resident animals are more concentrated in the immediate area due to the lack of water on the plains. Resident herbivores include impala, buffalo, hippo, warthog, topi, hartebeest, and giraffe. Resident carnivores include lion and leopard.
In addition to the resident wildlife, significant concentrations of migratory animals are found in the Central Serengeti during the dry season including cheetah, Thomson’s gazelle, and hyena.
During the wet season, there is still plenty of resident animal action but most of the migratory gazelles, cheetahs and hyenas have left for the plains. There are 12 documented resident lion prides within a one-hour game drive radius from Seronera. All these prides are resident and can be seen year-round. The Seronera Valley in the Central Serengeti is also one of the best areas in Africa to spot the elusive leopard.
The only drawback with game viewing in the central Serengeti is the fact that the majority of the lodging is located in this area. The immediate game circuits around the Seronera valley are well-travelled and, depending on the month, you will likely encounter several other vehicles. The months of July, August and December see the most visitors and careful planning is important if you are travelling during these months.
7) Retina Hippo Pool in Serengeti Park Tanzania
The Retina hippo pool is about 5 miles North of the Magnificent Seronera Valley. The flowing Seronera River and Orangi River converge to form the deep Retina pool commonly known for hippopotami. The pool is also the best spot where travellers on a Tanzania wildlife tour in the Serengeti will see enormous and fascinating animals such as crocodiles, baboons, impala, giraffe, elephants, and topi. At the pool, visitors are permitted to leave vehicles and view hippos on foot. The riverbank here is about 10-feet above the pool and it is possible to climb to only a few feet away from the approximately 200 hippos that inhabit the pool. Great photography opportunities abound here as the large groups of hippos huddle together, spouting and grunting in the water.
Crocodiles are commonly seen basking in the sun along the far shores of the hippo pool. One must approach quietly or else these shy reptiles will quickly hide. Elephants are also common visitors to this section of the park. Accompanied by your guide, you may walk as far as 300 feet to the west of the viewing terrace at Retina Hippo Pool to see the Seronera River. There is a good chance to see elephants quenching they’re thirsty here. Visitors on a Tanzania birding trip in Serengeti are also catered for in this area as many bird species including egrets, herons, crowned cranes, Egyptian geese, bare-faced go-away birds, kingfishers, hoopoes, and the very colourful lilac-breasted roller can be spotted here.
8) Maasai Kopjes in Serengeti National Park
The Maasai Kopjes form the eastern boundary of the magnificent Seronera River Valley. Massive stacks of boulders seem to have been heaped upon one another and rise above the landscape, abruptly interrupting the smooth skyline of the surrounding plain. These heavily vegetated kopjes stand like sentinels overlooking the broad entrance to the infamous Seronera River Valley. The craggy hollows and smooth granite crests of these towering kopjes are the home base to one of the Serengeti’s most legendary lion prides called the Maasai Lion Pride.
The Maasai Lion Pride, along with the Sametu Lion Pride to the southeast, make up two of the biggest pride in the Serengeti. Many generations of lions from these pride have been continuously studied by scientists since 1966 when the Serengeti Lion Project was formed. The Maasai Kopjes is a must-see on any safari in Tanzania as tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities exist here.
The kopjes are also a good area for the world’s largest flightless bird. The Ostriches dance their courtship tango in the shadow of the kopjes, bobbing their heads in the air and flashing their ornate plumage in dramatic style. Several other species of animals may be seen on this game loop including the black-backed jackal, leopard, waterbuck, gazelle and spotted hyena.
9) Moru Kopjes in Serengeti National Park
Moru Kopjes is simply a stunning area of Serengeti National Park that any traveller on a Tanzania vacation would wish to see. The Moru Kopjes (elevation of 5,368 feet) are located in the southern area of the Central Serengeti. An ocean of golden grasses waves in the sunlight as far as the eye can see. Smooth granite boulders rise from this sea of grass just as they have for millions of years, adorned by ornate candelabra trees that stretch their lofty arms to the heavens. An isolated wilderness of timeless beauty, Moru is an excellent place to lose yourself in the magic of the Serengeti. And when the migration thunders through the area, Moru Kopjes is simply unbeatable! Among the many highlights at Moru is the chance to encounter the rare black rhino and climb the gong rocks to see the Maasai paintings. Our recommendation is to include some time on every safari to explore this secret gem of the Serengeti.
A short walk up one of the kopjes at Moru leads to a series of Maasai paintings and gong rock. A shield, elephants, and people are painted on the walls in colours that are seen on Maasai shields; the white and yellow come from clays, the black from the ash of a wild caper and the red is clay mixed with juice from the wild nightshade. Presumably, the artists were a band of young Maasai warriors (called il-moran) who wandered for several years before settling down to their pastoral life. A couple of hundred feet away from the paintings is gong rock, which consists of a large rock with circular holes that may have been used as a communication device. Both the paintings and gong rock offer a chance for a pleasant walk and the views from the kopje are spectacular. This is certainly a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Moru Kopjes is situated at the mouth of the Mbalageti River valley where there is water, some shade, and abundant grazing. With such plentiful resources, the migration tends to stall here during its northward and southward movements. Eventually, however, the great herds do exhaust the food supply and are forced to move on.
The Mbalageti River Valley links the plains to the woodlands and forms a natural corridor that the wildebeest and zebra migration follow each year. During May-June (northward migration) and November-December (southward migration), Moru Kopjes offers phenomenal game viewing as it lies directly on the main wildebeest and zebra migration route.
Resident herbivores include black rhino, elephant, giraffe, impala, buffalo, waterbuck, topi and warthog. Large bands of elephants have been seen here, mothers and offspring of various ages, gliding through these tree-studded grasslands. Resident carnivores include hyenas, leopards, and several lion pride. Rock hyrax and baboons are commonly seen clambering on the kopjes. Moru is a critical water catchment area for the Mbalageti River, which flows northwest from the plains to the woodlands.
10) Lower Grumeti Woodlands in Serengeti
The Grumeti Woodlands play host to the most amazing wildlife spectacle in Africa. Every year, thousands of wildebeest taking the cold plunge to cross the glittering waters of the Grumeti River, the centrepiece of the Grumeti Woodlands. The river itself is renowned for its population of gigantic Nile crocodiles. Some of these pre-historic monsters measure up to 17-feet long and are 70-years old. The lush riparian forest that shades the river is home to the magnificent black-and-white colobus monkey.
11) Lake Ndutu in Serengeti National Park
At the heart of the South Serengeti lies the world-famous Ndutu. Offering consistently the best wildlife viewing during the green season, Ndutu is strategically situated at the centre of the southern plains although the immediate area is blanketed with a forest of acacia trees. Since the 1960s, Ndutu had been a favourite destination for many distinguished authors, filmmakers, and wildlife biologists. Researchers Jane Goodall and Hugo van Lawick used Ndutu as a base for much of their research.
12) Kusini Plains in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Kusini is a unique combination of habitats with grasslands fading into woodlands. Many different species are able to coexist in this area due to the overlapping of habitats. Besides the migratory animals, this area boasts an abundance of resident animals including elephant, giraffe, buffalo, and two lion pride. However, the crown jewel here is a secret spot nicknamed ‘Kusini Crater’, a circular grassy plain completed encircled by dense acacia trees, which is known for large wildlife concentrations including cheetah.
13) Gol Kopjes in Serengeti National Park
The Gol Kopjes boast the highest concentration of cheetahs in Africa. The world-famous Gol Kopjes complex, called the world’s largest Japanese rock garden, offers the finest game viewing in Africa during the green season. Hundreds of game loops bisect the constellation of kopjes and photographic opportunities abound (perhaps the best in the park). With a little patience, there is a good chance to witness the world’s fastest land animal sprinting across the plains in pursuit of the fleet-footed Thomson’s Gazelle.
14) Barfafu Gorge and Kopjes Serengeti
The long journey to Barfafu is rewarded with one of the most extraordinary vistas in Africa! Barafu Gorge dissects the remote eastern plains. Rising above the gorge is the Barafu Kopjes Complex, a series of seven pinkish granite kopjes that straddle the eastern border of the Serengeti. The word Serengeti originates from the Maasai word ‘Siringit’, meaning ‘endless plains’, and the area around Barafu best exemplifies this with mind-boggling 360-degree panoramas of rolling plains peppered with tens of thousands of gazelles.
15) Simba Kopjes in Serengeti National Park
Simba means lion in Swahili Langauge. The giant Simba Kopjes which are the tallest kopjes in the park are indeed known for their resident lions. The highest kopje is called Soit Naado Murt (in Maasai, the Long-necked Stone). There are several game loops that encircle the kopjes and there is a small hippo pool to the south. To the west lies the shallow and saline Lake Magadi. The glass-like waters of Lake Magadi are a great spot for pink flamingos to gather.
17) Makoma Hill in Serengeti National Park
In the central Serengeti lies the Makoma hill that is famous as a hunting ground for lions, cheetahs and hyenas. This is a fantastic spot for a wildlife tour in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park as a tourist will see the dramatic conflicts between cheetahs, lions and the greedy hyenas as they compete for food in this small prey rich area.
The wooded Makoma Hill is a great habitat for giraffes, elephants and buffalos. Directly in front of the hill lies a small but idyllic plain, which is used extensively by cheetahs and hyenas. The centrepiece of this plain is the beautiful Thatch Kopjes, a den site for the local lion pride.
18) Matiti Plains Serengeti National Park
Imposing above the Matiti Plains is a Serengeti landmark called Twin Hills. The alluring Matiti plains that envelope the Twin Hills worth a trip during your safaris in Tanzania. The plains provide a refugee to huge female herds of wildebeest during the green season. This is the main plain that the wildebeest use for calving from January to March. Unlike most antelopes who seek cover when giving birth, pregnant wildebeest gather on the most open terrain available. Newborn calves can stand within 7 minutes. The Matiti plains are also a particularly good area to view cheetahs.
19) Olduvai Gorge in Serengeti National Park
While on your Tanzania holiday to Serengeti Park, Visit Olduvai Gorge and learn about archaeology, history and our ancient hominid ancestors at Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge is a canyon carved by water through the southern Serengeti plains. Its chief claim to fame is the rich treasure-trove of human and animal fossils that it has yielded. Few places in the world can match the Serengeti’s long human history and this fact has earned this part of Africa the title ‘Cradle of Mankind’. There is a museum and visitor’s centre overlooking the gorge as well as a daily lecture by a department of Antiquities guide.
20) The Maasai Mara people in Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti was first inhabited by the ancient hunters and gatherers, and more recently pastoralists. The plains were controlled by the Maasai. The Maasai Mara people are one of the mainstays of the Serengeti National Park. Many guests to Serengeti can take a day Tanzania cultural tour to their villages to learn more about this enigmatic person who has called the area home for centuries.
The Maasai Mara tribe has a rich history and culture worth exploring during safaris in Tanzania. They struggle to keep their culture as pure as possible, however, this remains a challenge for them as the modern world keeps intruding on their pastoral lives.
Animals in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
- a) Lions in Serengeti National Park
Locally known as Simba in Swahili language, lions are among the most thought after animal species for many travellers while their Tanzania wildlife tours. Tanzania’s lion population is, by far, the largest in Africa. Serengeti Park is perhaps the world’s greatest lion sanctuary with some 3,000 lions. The simple truth is that if you want to see lions, Serengeti National Park is the place to be. Nowhere else in Africa supports quite such a concentrated abundance of hoofed meat, amid such open landscape – therefore the Serengeti is a glorious place for lions and an ideal site for a Tanzania safari.
The lion or the King of the jungle is the second-largest living big cat after tigers. A lion is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a reduced neck, and round ears plus a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. Its fur varies in colour from light buff to silvery grey, yellowish red and dark brown. The tail of all lions ends in a dark, hairy tuft. The tuft is absent at birth and develops at around 5 1⁄2 months of age. Males lions can reach a shoulder height of around 1.2 meters and weigh around 150 – 225 kg. Females are around 1 meter in shoulder height and weigh between 110-152kg (av. 126kg).
Lions are the only members of the cat family that displays obvious sexual dimorphism. Mature males develop a mane (the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads). which helps in distinguishing them from the females. The mane grows downwards and backwards covering most of the head, neck, shoulder, and chest. The lion’s mane is the most recognizable feature of the species. It starts growing when lions are about a year old. The mane darkens with age, and the thicker and darker a mane is the healthier the cat. The main purpose of the mane is thought to be the protection of the neck and throat in territorial fights with rivals. The male’s distinctive mane also plays a role in making it look much larger and more intimidating to other lions and spotted hyenas – the lion’s main rivals.
They say that cats have nine lives, but they don’t say that about the Serengeti lion. Life is hard and precarious in this unforgiving landscape. For the greatest of African predators as well as for their prey, life spans tend to be short, more often terminating abruptly than in graceful decline. An adult male lion, if he’s lucky and tough, might reach the advanced age of 12. Adult females can live longer, even to 19.
Unlike other cats, lions are very social animals. They live in groups called pride or coalitions. An intricate balance of evolutionary costs and benefits determines the size of a lion family unit – namely the availability of food and water. In well-placed areas of Serengeti, the pride of over 30 lions does occur. Pride usually consists of up to three males, a dozen related females and they’re young.
Pride requires territory to flourish and it’s the job of the males to establish and defend their pride’s territory. A large pride may control a territory of 250 sq. km (100 sq. mi.). Pride communicate a lot – there is nothing more exciting than the roar of a Serengeti lion, heard up to 8 km away.
Lions work as a team to survive. The females are the primary hunters, being more agile and smaller than males. Witnessing a lion pride on the hunt is a rare and exciting show of nature’s wonder.
After a successful hunt, the pride shares the meal in a very distinct pecking order. It’s the males that eat first (even though they rarely helped in the hunt). Then it’s the lioness’s turn, followed by the cubs. When they are encountered enjoying a meal, the sights and sounds are amazing. Lions are lazy cats, spending up to 20 hours a day sleeping.
- b) Cheetahs in Serengeti National Park
Cheetahs are locally known as Duma in the Swahili language. They are among 10 wild animals in the world declared on the verge of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Serengeti Park host about 225 cheetahs which makes it one the best Africa safari destination where tourists can see cheetahs. Cheetahs belong to the cat family called feline and in Uganda, they can only be found in Kidepo National Park. Cheetahs are famously known as the world’s fastest land animal and Africa’s most endangered big cat. The cheetah is capable of reaching a speed greater than 110kmp/h in just 3 seconds and at top speed, their stride is 7 meters long. With a hunting success rate in excess of 50%, cheetahs are amongst the most successful of Africa’s large carnivores when it comes to hunting efficiency, second only to painted wolves.
Cheetahs are active mainly during the day especially in the cool early mornings and evenings with hunting as their major activity. They are mainly found in the flat savannah plains where they can run their prey to exhaustion to make it easier for them to make their kill.
Cheetah mainly preys on antelopes which they stock within 100-300 meters, charge towards them and kill them by tripping them down during the chase and biting their throats to suffocation. Though they are the fastest animals, cheetahs are not the strongest, they are the weakest animals in the big cat family. Lions, leopards, and hyenas frequently rob cheetahs of their hard-earned meals and even kill adult and baby cheetahs.
Cheetahs have beautiful tear marks that run down the face and usually reflect light from the sun. This separates them from somewhat similar leopards. They have a yellowish tan or rufous to greyish white skin, that is covered with nearly 2,000 solid black spots. The underbelly is completely white. It has a slender body, deep chest, a small rounded head, black tear-like streaks on the face, long thin legs and a long spotted tail. Adult cheetahs average 70–90 cm at the shoulder and weigh 21–72 kg. Its lightly built, slender form is in sharp contrast with the robust build of the big cats. It is taller than the leopard, which stands nearly 55–70 cm at the shoulder. Saharan cheetahs have narrow canine faces. Small, short, and rounded, the ears are marked by black patches on the back; the edges and base of the ears are tawny. Every cheetah has a unique pattern of spots on its coat; hence, this serves as a distinct identity for each individual.
Surprisingly, the gestation period of cheetahs is three months and give birth to 1-8 and weaned by six months. What makes cheetahs the fastest animal is its unique body structure, it’s long legs, flexible spine, semi-retractable claws, and its long tail allow them to achieve unbelievable speed. Female cheetahs tend to be solitary (when not with dependent young), whereas males tend to form coalitions of two or four (often littermates), a social organization that is unique amongst cats. Sometimes brothers accept unrelated males and such unions last often a few weeks.
- c) Leopards in Serengeti National Park
About 1000 leopards reside in Serengeti Park. A leopard is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera, a member of the Felidae family. Leopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. Compared to other wild cats, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. Most leopards are light-coloured with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in colour because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.
Hunting Skills of leopards
The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.
Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.
Leopards are the most silent and secretive of the cat family. They usually move alone and maybe even more importantly they are silent. You do not hear a leopard roar like a lion. Often leopards are not seen since they use a lot of stealth in moving around.
Breeding in leopards
Female leopards can give birth at any time of the year. They usually have two greyish cubs with barely visible spots. The mother hides her cubs and moves them from one safe location to the next until they are old enough to begin playing and learning to hunt. Cubs live with their mothers for about two years—otherwise, leopards are solitary animals.
- d) Spotted hyenas in Serengeti National Park
Spotted hyenas also are known as laughing hyenas are intriguing creatures that can be encountered by tourists during their trips to Tanzania. Serengeti hosts about 3500 spotted hyenas. They belong to neither the dog nor the cat family. In fact, they are more closely related to mongooses than to either a cat or dog. They have their own family of Hyaenidae, which is shared with brown hyenas, striped hyenas, and the elusive aardwolf. The spotted hyena is the largest in the family. Adults measure 95–165.8 cm in body length and have a shoulder height of 70–91.5 cm. Adult spotted male hyenas weigh 40.5–55.0 kg while females weigh 44.5–63.9 kg.
They are fairly large in build and have relatively short torsos with lower hindquarters, and sloping backs. They have excellent night-time vision and hearing. The spotted hyena (crocuta) is associated with being a scavenger, when in fact the majority of its food (up to 90%) is actually hunted. Whereas the lion, perceived as the most capable hunter, is actually more of a scavenger with about 50% of its food coming from carrion, often animals killed by hyenas. Contrary to popular belief they don’t have the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. The jaws of the orca maybe 20 times as powerful.
Behaviours and diet of spotted hyenas
These carnivores are one of Africa’s top predators; however, there is a common misconception that they are primarily scavengers. On the contrary, about 70 per cent of their diet is composed of direct kills. They consume animals of various types and sizes, carrion, bones, vegetable matter, and other animal droppings. Their jaws are among the strongest in relation to the size of any other mammal. Their jaws and digestive tract allow them to process and obtain nutrients from skin and bones. The only parts of prey not fully digested are hair, horns, and hooves — these are regurgitated in the form of pellets. The high mineral content of the bones makes their droppings a highly visible, chalky white. According to campers, these animals have even been known to consume aluminium pots and pans.
They have a great sense of humour
Hyenas make a variety of vocalizations, including wailing calls, howling screams, and the well-known “laughter,” which can be heard up to five kilometres away (three miles) and is used to alert other clan members of a food source.
Hyena cubs stick close to their mothers
They usually bear litters of two to four cubs. Cubs begin to eat meat from kills near the den at about five months, but they are suckled for as long as 12 to 18 months, an unusually long time for carnivores. This is probably a necessity, as most kills are made far from the den, and hyenas, unlike jackals and hunting dogs, do not bring back food and regurgitate it for their young. At about one year, cubs begin to follow their mothers on their hunting and scavenging forays. Until then, they are left behind at the den with a babysitting adult.
They are very territorial
Spotted hyenas are organized into territorial clans of related individuals. The centre of clan activity is the den, where the cubs are raised, and individuals meet. They mark and patrol their territories by depositing a strong-smelling substance produced by the anal glands on stalks of grass along the boundaries. “Latrines,” places where members of a clan deposit their droppings, also mark territories.
- e) Honey badgers in Serengeti National Park
The honey badger (Mellivora capensis), also known as the ratel, is a mammal widely distributed in Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They are easily identified by their striking colouration: jet black with a grey mantle, and a white stripe running from the head down to the base of the tail. The mantle and the stripe may vary in colour and thickness from one individual to the next. Because of its wide range and occurrence in a variety of habitats, it is listed as Least concern on the UCN Red List.
It is the only species in the genus Mellivora and in the mustelid subfamily Mellivorinae. Despite its name, the honey badger does not closely resemble other badger species; instead, it bears more anatomical similarities to weasels. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin, strength and ferocious defensive abilities. It is listed as the “world’s most fearless animal” in the 2002 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
The honey badger has a fairly long body but is distinctly thick-set and broad across the back. Its skin is remarkably loose and allows it to turn and twist freely within it. The head is small and flat, with a short muzzle. The eyes are small, and the ears are little more than ridges on the skin, another possible adaptation to avoiding damage while fighting.
The honey badger has short and sturdy legs, with five toes on each foot. The feet are armed with very strong claws, which are short on the hind legs and remarkably long on the forelimbs. The tail is short and is covered in long hairs, save for below the base.
Females are smaller than males. In Africa, males weigh 9 to 16 kg while females weigh 5 to 10 kg on average.
Behaviours
The honey badger is mostly solitary but has also been sighted in Africa to hunt in pairs during the breeding season in May. It also uses old burrows of aardvark, warthog and termite mounds. It is a skilled digger, able to dig tunnels into the hard ground in 10 minutes. These burrows usually have only one entry, are usually only 1–3 m long with a nesting chamber that is not linked with any bedding.
The honey badger is notorious for its strength, ferocity, and toughness. It is known to savagely and fearlessly attack almost any other species when escape is impossible, reportedly even repelling much larger predators such as lions and hyenas.
Bee stings, porcupine quills, and animal bites rarely penetrate their skin. If horses, cattle, or buffaloes intrude upon a honey badger’s burrow, it will attack them.
- f) Wildebeests and the great migration in Serengeti park
Locally known as Nyumbu in Swahili local language, wildebeests are among the most tourist attractions in Serengeti National Park. Wildebeest are even-toed, horned, greyish-brown ungulates resembling cattle. They are also called a gnu and they belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates. Males are larger than females and both have heavy forequarters compared to their hindquarters.
They have a large, box-like head with curving horns. The front end of their body is heavily built, while the hindquarters are slender with spindly legs. They have a grey coat and a black mane as well as a beard that can be black or white. There are several races of wildebeest. The species forming the large herds of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania is known as the western white-bearded wildebeest, while the eastern white-bearded races inhabit Kenya and Tanzania east of the Gregory Rift. The brindled, or blue, race occurs south of the Zambezi River.
The ungainly gnu (pronounced “g-new” or simply “new”) earned the Afrikaans name wildebeest, or “wild beast,” for the menacing appearance presented by its large head, shaggy mane, pointed beard, and sharp, curved horns. In fact, the wildebeest is better described as a reliable source of food for the truly menacing predators of the African savanna: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas.
Wildebeests can reach 8 feet in length, stand 4.5 feet tall at the shoulders and weigh up to 600 pounds. Both males and females grow horns.
Behaviour & Diet
Wildebeest are driven by their appetites. These large mammals are continually on the move, as they seek favourable supplies of grass and water. The famous Serengeti population of wildebeest is a very large nomadic group. This group makes a migratory circle of 800 to 1,610 kilometres (500 to 1,000 miles) each year, beginning right after the calving season at the start of the year. They are relentless in their advance and many are injured, lost (especially calves), or killed. By the end of the dry season, the wildebeest have almost exhausted the grazing lands and return to the Serengeti plains as the rains begin.
They are noisy creatures
Bulls have a wide array of loud vocalizations, from moans to explosive snorts.
The majority of female wildebeest give birth around the same time.
About 80 per cent of the females calve within the same two- to three-week period, creating a glut for predators and enabling more calves to survive the crucial first few weeks.
Habitat and Range
Their habitat comprises the grassy plains and open woodlands of central, southern, and eastern Africa, particularly the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya. They travel in large herds and are active day and night, grazing constantly.
Migration
Their spectacular northward migration in search of greener pastures is dictated by weather patterns but usually takes place in May or June. It is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, involving up to 1.5 million wildebeests as well as hundreds of thousands of other animals, including zebra and gazelle.
Population
Up to 500,000 calves are born in February and March each year, at the beginning of the rainy season. Calves learn to walk within minutes of birth and within days are able to keep up with the herd. Wildebeests can live to be 20 years old.
The Great Migration: The Great Migration is an annual continuous movement of vast numbers of wildebeests accompanied by large numbers of zebras and gazelles searching for food and water. The movement happens in different sections of Serengeti but the most recognized one is the one of trans-destination between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve passing through Mara River East of Grumeti River valley through Lobo.
This Great Migration is the major highlight of a Tanzania wildlife safari. It attracts millions of tourists to witness this spectacular event of life were more than 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and 300,000 gazelles migrate to Serengeti National Park, driven by an instinct of survival. The migration is more dramatic as the wildebeests and other grazers are seen throwing themselves into waters of the Mara River with giant mouth gaping crocodiles. During this moment, every animal has a dream to cross the river and survive, yet the crocodiles also count on them for their lunch and dinner. The high cliffs of the river make it difficult to make a u-turn. Therefore, once you enter the water, there is no turning back making everything survival for the fittest.
Actually, the Great Migration is the biggest migration of land animals on earth and is considered as one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world frequently featured in wildlife documentaries of the National Geographic channel. The wildebeest migration in Serengeti happens in different regions and each happens at different times of the year.
Southern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration: This starts in late December with its climax in January before the Wildebeests start coming back in March to the central part of Serengeti. This migration is known as the “calving season migration” and happens in the southern part of Serengeti and the northern part of the Ngorongoro conservation area in the Ndutu region. The wildebeest together with zebras, kobs and other grazers gather on the plains to build up a strong team after giving birth to young ones. It is on record that over 1000 young ones are born on a daily basis which attracts a lot of predators as food is plenty through taking advantage of newly born staggering animals.
Western Serengeti Wildebeest Migration: This occurs at around April to early June during the rainy season. Large herds of grazers such as elands, Zebras, gazelles lead by wildebeest move around the western corridor of Serengeti south of Grumeti River. This is one of the deadliest Migration in Serengeti due to the high concentration of predators both on water (crocodiles) and on land and hundreds lose their life during this migration than any other.
Northern Serengeti wildebeest migration: This happens from July to September as animals cross Mara River to Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. This is the most spectacular migration, the most famous and counted as one of the seven wonders of animals on earth. It takes place in the extreme north of Serengeti national park around Lamai Triangle and it is the largest and the mass wildebeest migration. Wildebeest throw themselves in water amidst Nile crocodiles. This migration is more interesting in that humans cannot tell the exact date of migration but predators can camp there in time just waiting for the great opportunity to start. One can follow the full wildebeest migration by visiting Tanzania’s Serengeti National park in July and return back to Masai Mara in October to witness the full episode.
About 250,000 wildebeest die during the journey from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, a total of 800 kilometres. Death is usually from thirst, hunger, exhaustion, or predation.
Tourist Activities in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Game drives are the main activity for the visitor during their Tanzania wildlife tours in Serengeti. Some would say they’re the reason to come to the Serengeti. Other Tanzania safari activities in Serengeti park include walking safaris, Bird watching, Balloon Safaris, Bush Meals, Cultural and historical site visits as well as Filming and Photographic Safaris. All these activities are conducted after paying a park entry fee which is US$60 for non-East African citizens of or above the age of 16, US$20 for non-East African citizen citizens between the age of 5 and 15. East African citizens, Expatriates/residents of Tanzania of or above the age of 16 pay US$30 and those between the age of 5 and 15 pay US$10.
1) Game drives in Serengeti National Park
A wildlife drive, whether self-drive, as part of an organized safari or as operated by your lodge, is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Serengeti National Park. Exploring the Serengeti’s four major areas (Seronera and the South, Grumeti and the Western Corridor, Central Serengeti and Northern Serengeti) requires careful planning; understanding what each area has to offer and at what time of year will determine how you experience this wonderful place. There are morning game drives, full-day game drives, and night game drives.
- a) Morning game drives in Serengeti
Morning is done either before or after breakfast based on the arrangement of the tour operators with their guests. These are the most common and the most rewarding in Serengeti park. This is the best time to observe big cats on a hunting mission and sunbathing plus various early morning birds. Most animals are also the most active in the early morning during the dry season when water is scared and most animals depend on the morning due. The Sonorera area which is the central circuit is where most morning game drives are done.
- b) Afternoon game drive in Serengeti park
These are done after lunch commonly during transit on the first day when transferring from Arusha to Serengeti via Ngorongoro where one first gets his lunch at the Nabbi gate before heading inside the Sonorera area of Serengeti. Some of these game drives are not much rewarding as the morning ones, especially for big cats. They will be already hiding taking shelter due hot sun but still lucky ones can still enjoy much as the morning ones.
- c) Full day game drives in Serengeti National Park
This is the most done safari activity by the visitors on the second day of safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. During this safari, visitors wake up early to explore most corners of the park. It is these game drives that one fully feels the beauty and excitement of Serengeti National Park. A lot of animals can be seen, for example, lions, giraffes, zebras, leopards, Elephants and many more.
- d) Night game drives in Serengeti
These are not common game drives in Serengeti park. They are available on request and they come with extra fees. Night game drives are only conducted by registered and authorized camps in Serengeti at a fee of US$50 per person. They are the best drives for observing nocturnal species.
2) Bird Watching in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the top spots for Tanzania bird watching tours. The park is a birders’ paradise with more than 500 species. Birding in Serengeti is one of the most popular activities next to wildlife viewing. The diversified ecosystem of the park has an added advantage to Tanzania biding safaris as the park host different kinds of birds including raptors including, waterbirds, songbirds, and migrants from Europe, Afro-tropic and other regions. Serengeti harbours the most endemic birds in Tanzania and there are five species that can be found anywhere else.
Tanzania birding tours in Serengeti can be done throughout the year although the most recommended months from November to April which is the breeding period for most birds and there are a lot of migratory birds from Europe and Africa.
In Serengeti, birding trips start early in the morning and may take the whole day. The most commonly sighted birds are Masai ostrich, secretary birds, Kori bustards, helmeted guinea fowls, grew breasted spurfowl, southern ground hornbill, crowned cranes, black-headed genolek, Marabou storks, yellow-billed stork, lesser flamingo, Black crake, Ashy starling, Hartlaub’s turaco, martial eagles, love birds, oxpeckers red and yellow barbet plus many species of vultures and various small finches.
3) Balloon Safaris in Serengeti National Park
Balloon safaris are a romantic and iconic way to experience the wilderness of Serengeti while on your Tanzania holiday. Visitors have an opportunity to fly silently over the plains teeming with herds of wildlife in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari begins around 6 am and lasts for around 1-2 hours. Balloon safaris in the Serengeti take off from designated sites in the nearby Seronera area. The safari is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, a fitting end to a memorable flight over the wild.
Gets the Bird’s eye view experience in a Balloon while enjoying the wildlife and the natural environment of the Park. This is the best opportunity to take photos and have a panoramic view of the beautiful Serengeti plains, viewing the great migration and big cats hunting.
Hot air balloon rides leave from three sites in this prime national park. In Central Serengeti, wildlife gathers year-round in the Seronera River Valley where there is permanent water. The Great Migration passes through May and June. The Western Serengeti includes the Grumeti River, scene of theatrical crossings during the Great Migration in June and July, when hundreds of thousands of gnu, brave the giant Nile crocodiles, and many perish while others detour to avoid the perilous river.
In South Serengeti plains, the wildebeests assemble from December onwards, to calve in February, producing 8000 newborns every day on a three-week marathon, a sight not to be missed on your personalized nature travel in Serengeti. The plains of the Serengeti are particularly suited to balloon flights which are particularly convenient, letting you get aerially closer and distinctly accessible to the action than you could be by a game-viewing safari vehicle
Conditions are favourable early every morning, but you are advised to pre-book this popular activity for your safari holiday to East Africa due to its limited seating availability. Unfortunately, only children over seven-year, old and fit and active adults can be accommodated. Because weight is a crucial safety consideration, passengers weighing over 120 kilos (265 pounds) may need to reserve two places.
Serengeti Balloon Safari starts at 06:30 a.m. When you arrive, you will meet your pilot and witness your balloon being inflated and prepared for launch. After a thorough safety briefing and demonstration of boarding and landing positions, you will board your balloon and take-off. The schedule has been designed to fit in with all standard safari itineraries visiting the Serengeti National Park, hence the return at 9:30 a.m. allows clients to continue with other planned activities for the rest of the day.
Each balloon can carry up to 16 people per flight. Only two balloons fly each day, hence reservation is necessary.
4) Walking Safaris in Serengeti Park
There are few activities more exhilarating than a walking safari in a park that’s full of lions, elephants, and other big game. A new development in the Serengeti is the introduction of walking safaris. Led by Way Africa, multiday camping trips are available in the Moru Kopjes, at Kogatende (by the Mara River) and in other areas of the park, and they can be as relaxing or as adventurous as clients prefer. Prices start at US$1650 per person per day for a two-day, two-night expedition; expeditions can also be combined with other safaris.
5) Cultural Tours in Serengeti National Park
Experience a traditional Maasai lifestyle. The Serengeti is home to the Maasai tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe that has lived in Tanzania and Kenya for many centuries. There are quite a few Maasai villages in and near the Serengeti, and if you want to witness how the tribe engages in traditional ways of living, you should definitely visit one of these villages (known as bomas).
Many of these villages are happy to invite visitors! You can learn about Maasai customs, rituals and traditions, visit a few of their living spaces, and even purchase handicrafts made using traditional methods.
Tanzania Safari Accommodation in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park has accommodations located in five specific migration focused areas as noted below. The park also has various seasonal mobile accommodations located in distinct areas of the park that tracks the wildebeest migration movement.
1)Tanzania Safari Lodges in Central Serengeti National Park
- a) Meliá Serengeti Lodge-Luxury
The lodge is located in the heart of Serengeti Park, overlooking the River Mbalageti valley. It is situated 36 km (50 minutes) from Serorena airport and 335 km from Arusha and access to Kenya and Lake Victoria. The premium all-inclusive package of the lodge includes three daily meals and a selection of drinks, as well as an incredible half-day safari trip. The lodge’s elegant rooms and suites inspired by local Masai traditions with colonial details and terraces that offer breath-taking views Magnificent facilities made from sustainable architectural materials, offering a pool, gym, spa, Kids&Co and meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. The experience of discovering the world’s most sensual continent through an extraordinary fusion of international cuisine and local flavours
Rooms at Meliá Serengeti Lodge
The spectacular rooms and suites at the Meliá Serengeti Lodge blend elegant and contemporary design with influences from the traditional Masai culture and classic colonial details. All the rooms have been decorated in soft warm tones using natural materials that create a peaceful and placid atmosphere with views of the valley below. The doors and windows close with special screens that stop insects from entering yet allowing you to discover the magical sounds of the Serengeti nights.
Melia Lagoon view
Located on the ground floor, these rooms measuring 33 m2 provide every service and facility that you may desire. Spacious and comfortable, they are safe havens where care has been taken of every last detail and offer an atmosphere of calm and wellbeing. Choose from a king-size bed or twin beds, or connecting rooms, on request.
In-room amenities
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
Melia Lagoon View Interconnected Rooms
The ideal choice for unforgettable family vacations. Two magnificent connecting rooms allowing you both to share the experience and enjoy your privacy.
Located on the ground floor of the hotel, these 33 m2 rooms have a bedroom with a king-size bed and another bedroom with two single beds (or king-size on request), both with their own bathrooms with rain shower and luxurious amenities and organic cosmetics.
The elegant interior design enhances the brightness to create a sense of spaciousness based on neutral colours and organic, natural materials. The room also has the latest technology and efficient ventilation, air-conditioning and sanitation systems to make you feel at home while also fully respecting the environment.
The beautiful views over the Savannah are an invitation to stop time and admire the miracle of nature as you savour a drink from your minibar
In-room amenities
- King-size bed or two single beds
- Private terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Coffee maker and kettle
- Minibar
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito net
- Phone
- Umbrella
- Separate shower
- Hairdryer and mirror
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Bathroom amenities
- Weighing scales
Suite Two Bedroom Suite Lagoon View
The chance to share an authentic African adventure with the ones you love most in a sustainable luxury hotel. An option with double the advantages comprising two spacious 33 m2 rooms, each with a full range of comforts mindful of our eco-philosophy: from natural ventilation and air-conditioning to efficient electrical systems.
A private terrace allows you to relax and admire the magical sunset over the savannah from the most privileged location. Serve yourselves and accompany the moment with the drink from the minibar that you prefer.
The bedrooms are decorated in neutral colours with details that evoke Masai culture to create an atmosphere of calm and peacefulness. The furniture is simple and made from natural materials inspired by the surrounding landscape. The windows are protected with insect screens to guarantee trouble-free rest. Both bathrooms provide modern shower cubicles and organic amenities that respect both your skin and the environment.
In-room amenities
- King-size bed or two single beds
- Private terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Coffee maker and kettle
- Minibar
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito net
- Phone
- Umbrella
- Separate shower
- Hairdryer and mirror
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Bathroom amenities
- Weighing scales
Melia Savannah Panoramic
Luxury without limitations is the objective of these exclusive rooms with private terrace. The views are quite simply breath-taking: life stretching at dawn, the bright midday, the fiery red sunsets, all reserved for those who have the privilege to visit this fascinating part of Africa. The room measures 33 m2 and is located on the first floor.
The beauty of the surroundings inspires the eco-philosophy of the resort which opts for natural ventilation and heating with the use of ceiling fans and sliding doors and windows with anti-insect screens, effective glazing and pretty latticework that protects the rooms from the heat of the sun and at the same time allows the sunlight to filter through.
The interior space exudes warmth. The soft tones reflect the colours of the Masai homeland and the carefully selected furniture responds to the criteria of practicality and distinction. Every single detail has been designed to offer comfort and rest.
The unique style and personality of the Meliá Savannah Panoramic room extend into the bathroom, authentic temples of beauty and wellness with exquisite bathroom amenities.
In-room amenities
- Air-conditioning
- King-size bed
- Private terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Coffee maker and kettle
- Minibar
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito nets
- Telephone
- Separate shower
- Hairdryer and mirror
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Bathroom amenities
- Bathroom scales
- Umbrella
Melia Savannah Panoramic Interconnected Rooms
The chance to share an authentic African adventure with the ones you love most in a sustainable luxury hotel. An option with double the advantages comprising two spacious 33 m2 rooms, each with a full range of comforts mindful of our eco-philosophy: from natural ventilation and air-conditioning to efficient electrical systems.
A private terrace allows you to relax and admire the magical sunset over the savannah from the most privileged location. Serve yourselves and accompany the moment with the drink from the minibar that you prefer.
The bedrooms are decorated in neutral colours with details that evoke Masai culture to create an atmosphere of calm and peacefulness. The furniture is simple and made from natural materials inspired by the surrounding landscape. The windows are protected with insect screens to guarantee trouble-free rest. Both bathrooms provide modern shower cubicles and organic amenities that respect both your skin and the environment.
In-room amenities
- King-size bed or two single beds
- Private terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Coffee maker and kettle
- Minibar
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito net
- Phone
- Umbrella
- Separate shower
- Hairdryer and mirror
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Bathroom amenities
- Weighing scales
Two-Bedroom Suite Savannah Panoramic
Make your dream come true – and that of your whole family – with a stay in this spectacular two-bedroom suite on the first floor. 144 m2 of space in which every detail has been carefully designed to ensure you enjoy an experience that goes beyond all expectations.
In-room amenities
- Flat-screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Minibar
One-Bedroom Suite
If you want extra space and comfort, this spectacular 111 m2 suite offers every kind of detail to make your stay a really great experience.
In-room amenities
- Flat-screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Minibar
Suite Safari Experience
A home away from home. Feel a part of nature when you book our Suite Safari Experience package. The two-bedroom suite overlooks the African horizon and measures almost 144 m2, providing two bedrooms with full bathrooms, a separate lounge with an extra bathroom with a shower, a dining table and a unique ambience that will enchant the whole family.
In-room amenities
- Flat-screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
Two-Bedroom Suite Savannah Panoramic Safari Experience
The first floor of the hotel is home to one of our most spectacular suites. 144 m2 of space to be shared in the best company while also guaranteeing privacy and independence.
The suite comprises two bedrooms with exquisite decoration. Both have king-size beds and all the comforts required by modern travellers without ignoring the magic of Africa, whose cultural and scenic wealth can be seen in colours, materials, furniture, and details inspired by the local Masai people.
In-room amenities
- Flat-screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
One-Bedroom Suite Safari Experience
Adventure in Africa brings unforgettable surprises. Beginning with this wonderful 111 m2 suite which is the perfect base for setting out to discover the savannah wildlife and a dream refuge at sunset. Everything about it – from the decoration in natural colours inspired by local culture to the exquisite selection of organic amenities – is focused on ensuring you enjoy a superior rest experience.
In-room amenities
- Flat-screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
Melia Lagoon View Interconnected Safari Experience
The best thing about a great experience is being able to share it. And that is precisely what this option offers: two magnificent 32 m2 connecting rooms. Share unique moments with the family while also enjoying your own separate space and intimacy.
Located on the ground floor of the hotel, both rooms allow you to choose between a king-size bed or two single beds. Each of them has a full minibar and its own bathroom, equipped with a modern shower and exquisite amenities and organic cosmetics that reflect the care that is taken with every detail.
The decoration combines contemporary style with colonial inspiration and details that reflect the local Masai culture. The colours are soft and neutral to enhance brightness and luminosity. Natural materials and fabrics reflect the integration of the architecture with the natural environment that is a hallmark of the hotel. Efficient ventilation, air-conditioning and sanitation systems reinforce the commitment to sustainability.
And although the views from the rooms are extraordinary, our Safari Experience package invites you to go even further and fully immerse yourself in the savannah environment. Arise with the sun to take part in an exciting half-day safari in a shared vehicle including a delicious picnic. Other exclusive activities and services include the transfer to the Seronera landing strip and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the fantastic Savannah buffet restaurant. The Silver package also includes a selection of drinks during the safari and stay, plus minibar drinks.
In-room amenities
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
Melia Savannah Panoramic Interconnected Safari Experience
The ideal choice for travellers seeking even richer experiences and exclusive activities and services. Treat your family to two luxurious connecting rooms where you all feel entirely at home. Each of the 33 m2 rooms has a spectacular bedroom with king-size or single beds and a full bathroom with a shower and amenities and organic cosmetics.
- Air conditioning
- Garden view
- Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
- Ironing facilities
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
Melia Lagoon View Safari Experience
Make you stay in the Serengeti one to remember when you book our Safari Experience Package with a Meliá Lagoon View Room. The rooms are on the ground floor and measure 33 m2 plus a balcony. They provide all of the services and facilities required by guests.
In-room amenities
Flat-screen TV
Garden view
Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
Ironing facilities
Hairdryer
Minibar
Melia Savannah Panoramic Safari Experience
Enjoy some of the best views the Serengeti plains have to offer from the comfort of your room when you book our Safari Experience package with the Melia Savannah Panoramic Room.
In-room amenities
Flat-screen TV
Garden view
Extra-long beds (> 2 meters)
Ironing facilities
Hairdryer
Minibar
Facilities and services at Meliá Serengeti Lodge
Restaurants and bars; The Meliá Serengeti Lodge offers magnificent restaurants and bars that allow guests to discover the local culinary techniques and enjoy traditional recipes fused with the finest international cuisine in the most spectacular setting.
Savannah Restaurant,
Savannah Restaurant offers an intense gastronomic experience that immerses a fascinating world of flavours, one restaurant with 2 areas and 4 food theme concepts changing night by night. Textures and aromas in an overwhelming natural setting. An original fusion of international cuisine with an African touch.
A buffet that allows guests to enjoy their own tailor-made culinary journey at a table on its wonderful terrace. And even though breakfast and lunch become something special here, nothing beats the end of the day when our chefs from all over the world prepare themed dinners inspired by Africa, the Far East or the Mediterranean right in front of your eyes in open kitchens, while you are surrounded by the magic and beauty of the Serengeti nights.
Theme nights may be offered in the separate Savanna Grill area. The restaurant spills out onto a beautiful terrace with fantastic views over the Serengeti park
Boma Restaurant
Boma reveals its sophisticated and cosmopolitan personality in each of its culinary creations. A superb a la carte restaurant with African dishes that display all its charm in the seductive atmosphere of a typical Masai building with a fireplace. The fine dining and the exquisite service combine with the idyllic setting as you enjoy an unforgettable dinner overlooking the valley of the River Mbalageti under a starry night.
The Bar
This charming colonial-style bar is open all day to enjoy an incredible choice of Tanzanian coffees or local teas. Discover an exotic liquor from different parts of the continent or a gin and tonic prepared from local gin. The essence of Africa is present in every detail, from the beautiful wooden furniture upholstered in natural fabrics to the unique decoration in earthen tones, recreating the atmosphere of an exclusive Victorian all-male club. It is, without a doubt, the perfect place to take a breather amidst so much adventure.
The Terrace,
The Terrace is the closest thing to being in paradise, almost a mirage. A tempting Pool Bar adorned by the beautiful African horizon that will transform your moments of rest into an unforgettable memory. Enjoy the terrace at any time of the day, especially at dusk to admire the spectacular sunrise and sunset. The fascinating landscape of the Serengeti, a delicious tapas menu, and a carefully selected choice of beers, cocktails and fruit juices are just some of the ingredients for an unforgettable poolside experience. Do not miss its impressive wine menu, with exquisite wines from the Eastern part of the continent.
Extra-large washing machines for laundry
Pool with sunbeds and sunshades
Fitness centre
TV area
The Spa; Body, and mind find their balance at The Spa. A concept based on an essential plan for well-being: beauty, harmony, water, vitality, balance, nature and nutrition. The result is a space full of pure leisure and relaxation, where you can dissolve the tensions caused by everyday life and unwind with the pure air of the savanna.
Fitness Centre; A modern 24-hour gym with stunning views of the bush.
- b) One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti-Luxury
One Nature Nyaruswiga, Serengeti is an ultra-luxurious safari camp, perfectly situated at the heart of Central Serengeti, surrounded by breath-taking views of endless plains and embraced by the majestic Nyaruswiga Hills.
Accommodation at One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti include;
One Nature has 14 ultra-luxurious safari tents that offer a sensational connection with their surrounding breath-taking nature. The camps feature 12 luxury and 2 luxury family tents.
Propped up by poles made from solid African Eucalyptus wood, and capped with the most elegant brass crown befitting royalty, the upscale canvas tents were designed to incorporate luxury into an exciting African safari camping experience, using only eco-friendly material and FSC-certified hardwood.
Luxury Tent | Bedroom
The extravagant bedroom facing the African savannah, adorned with handcrafted furniture and magnificently lit up with an elegant silver chandelier, features a divine emperor sized teak bed, exquisitely draped to ensure that your sleep is as peaceful as your surrounding.
To further ensure your utmost comfort, the uniquely designed bed is topped with a deluxe, custom-ordered Perfect Sleeper mattress from Serta® – makers of the world’s best mattresses, silky linen and duvet covers made from 100%, 400 thread count Egyptian cotton, and four pure white, luxuriously plush, European goose down pillows with varying firmness.
Amenities
- Indoor lounge area
- Spacious indoor shower and a sensational outdoor shower
- Emperor-sized bed with fine linen mosquito drape
- Finest European, pure white goose down duvet and pillows with three varying firmness
- Walk-in closet
- Contemporary wood-burning stove
- Private bar
- Vintage desk with stationery
- Complimentary WIFI access
- 24/7 power supply
- Wooden-decked private veranda with genuine Italian leather campaign chairs, genuine mahogany table & day lounger
- Vanity kit
- In-room massage service
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- Emergency air horn
- Emergency torch and walkie talkie
- Mosquito repellent
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
Luxury Family Tent | Bedrooms
The 2-bedroom luxury family tent is designed to comfortably accommodate up to four guests and is the ideal choice should you wish to bond or reconnect with your loved ones.
The bedrooms in this family tent are like treasure troves filled with unexpected gems, such as handcrafted furniture, silver chandeliers and customized emperor-sized canopied beds, which can be converted into two king-sized single beds. For your utmost comfort, we have custom-ordered our deluxe Perfect Sleeper mattresses from Serta® – makers of the world’s best mattresses and provide only the finest linen and duvet covers made from 100%, 400 thread count Egyptian cotton, and pure white European goose down pillows with varying firmness.
And even when the temperature drops late at night and early in the morning, you will still remain enveloped in a cocoon of warmth emanating from the wood-burning stove inside your room.
Amenities
- Family Living Room
- Emperor-sized bed with fine linen mosquito drape
- Finest European, pure white goose down duvet and pillows with three varying firmness
- Walk-in closet
- Contemporary wood-burning stove
- Private bar
- Vintage desk with stationery
- Complimentary WIFI access
- 24/7 power supply
- Wooden-decked private veranda with genuine Italian leather campaign chairs, genuine mahogany table & day lounge
- Vanity kit
- In-room massage service
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- Emergency air horn
- Emergency torch and walkie talkie
- Mosquito repellent
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
Facilities and services at One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti include;
Plunge Pool & Jacuzzi: Should you wish to take a moment and just absorb the awesome beauty that surrounds our camp, you may do so while luxuriating in a relaxing dip in the heated plunge pool located near the Main Guest Lounge and Dining area.
Gourmet Cuisine & Bar: All the culinary creations that come from the kitchen are meticulously prepared and presented to satisfy our Guests’ most discerning tastes. From mouth-watering meals to delicate desserts and sumptuous snacks, your stay with us will surely be filled with not only breathtaking sights but also with mouth-watering gastronomic delights.
Main Guest Lounge & Bar: The lounge is uniquely fitted with solid European Oak flooring, exquisitely designed with interiors that reflect both comfort and luxury, and meticulously furnished with several clusters of designer brands and custom-crafted indoor lounge sets. Here, you will also find the camp’s well-stocked Bar, where you can partake your drink of choice from a selection of the world’s finest and premium liquor and wine, or signature cocktails concocted specially for One Nature by our top mixologist.
Astral Observation Deck: The Astral Observation Deck is equipped with a 2-meter high-powered telescope and is strategically situated at an area of the property where the land offers a perfectly unobstructed view of the majestic night skies.
Trading Post: At the camp boutique, you can purchase traditional gift items, One Nature products, as well as simple accessories and basic safari necessities that you may have forgotten to bring with you like sunglasses, jackets, hats, and sunscreen, among others. Photography enthusiasts who prefer not to travel with heavy camera equipment may also opt to rent a DSLR camera along with various lenses and photographic accessories here.
Wellness Treatments: This is a better way to complement your day’s adrenaline-filled adventures than indulging your body and soul with one of our signature wellness therapy treatments. Whether it is to relax, rejuvenate or revive your spirit, the camp has expertly trained therapists are always available to pamper you with an incomparable wellness experience.
- c) Serengeti Simba Lodge-Luxury
Serengeti Simba Lodge, named after the lion (Simba in Swahili) a symbol of strength, pride, and royalty sits high on a hill with endless vistas of the great Serengeti plains. The ‘Serengeti Migration’ passes the lodge twice a year, around June-July and again in October when millions of ungulates make their annual trek through the Serengeti eco-system. With awe-inspiring panoramic views of the vast savannah, the Lodge is home to prolific birdlife and a stunning array of large games including lion, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, elephant, bushbuck, zebra, gazelle, and hartebeest.
Accommodation at Serengeti Simba Lodge include;
Tents’
The lodge has fifteen uniquely designed “tents” which are more of a more permanent structure; using canvas in the construction, but built on solid stone foundations with thatch roofs, attached concrete baths and outdoor showers plus a private deck from which to enjoy the endless views of the Serengeti. There are five twin and ten queen tents; triples are possible. They contain twin rooms and an outdoor shower.
Stone House’
Serengeti Simba Lodge’s six-room Stone House features two twins, two queen and two family rooms– each with two queen beds. The family rooms are large enough to add an additional twin bed for a child. Amazing views across the Serengeti savannah to the distant Grumeti River add to the ambience of the rooms. You can sit and watch the wildlife drift across the Serengeti plains from the private comfort of your room in the Stone House. The house includes a family room, a stone house room, and a Stone House View
Every en-suite tent and room has a magnificent view of the Serengeti; most enjoy a view of either sunrise or sunset. All rooms are beautifully and simply decorated with local fabrics and hardwood furniture; the beds all have mosquito nets. Full amenities are provided and rooms are solar powered with solar-heated water; there is a power strip for battery charging that’s life when the lodge generator is on (approximately 6 hours per day). There’s also a 24-hour charging station at reception.
- Each room has a torch (flashlight) and umbrella for use during your stay with us.
- There’s a secure safe for your valuables.
- A whistle is also provided in case you need to alert the security guards.
- As the solar lighting may be dimmer than you’re used to, we highly recommend you bring a headlamp or book-light for reading in bed at night.
- Due to our solar electrical system, it’s not possible to use a hairdryer at Serengeti Simba Lodge. We kindly request that you don’t attempt to plug in a hairdryer as in all likelihood it will blow the system resulting in loss of power to the entire lodge.
Facilities and services at Serengeti Simba Lodge include;
The common area of the lodge houses reception, lounge, bar, dining room, viewing deck, pool with sun deck and the campfire area. There is free wireless Internet in the inside common areas.
Bar: Relax at the bar with a soft drink, Serengeti Beer or perhaps a nice glass of wine from South Africa.
Infinity’ pool: Take a dip in the ‘infinity’ pool, perfect for cooling off after a long, hot dusty day of game drives and with the added bonus of uninterrupted views of the savannah below.
Food: The serve continental food.
In-Room Amenities
- Free wifi
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Bathroom with self-contained shower
- Fan
- Room service
- Private balcony
- Iron and ironing board on request
- 24-hour hot water
- Dedicated tent steward
- Laundry
- Mineral water and toiletries
- Hairdryers
- 24-hour electricity and power points
Facilities and services at Kwirawira Serena Camp include;
Restaurant: Kindly note that our restaurant caters to any special dietary requirements our guests may have. There are also extensive menus feature full English breakfasts and five-course luncheons and suppers comprising delicate soups, lavish roasts, classic salads, homemade sorbets, local cheese boards, and fresh-brewed Arabica coffee whilst the extensive wine cellar reflects the best of both European and South African choices.
Swimming Pool & Sundeck: Enjoy a drink or a meal by the pool as you watch the animals going about their daily chores – grazing, hunting and avoiding predators.
Massage Services: After a long tiresome drive on the Serengeti roads, enjoy one of the soothing massage treatments by the masseuse. Massages are offered on the balcony of your tent.
- d) Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti-Luxury
Nestled in the heart of Central Serengeti amid wide-open plains, the Lodge is just a 45-minute drive from the Seronera Airstrip. It is perched on a series of elevated platforms and walkways and sits next to an animal watering hole, where you can watch a family of elephants stops for their morning drink as you sip your own out on your room’s private balcony.
Accommodation at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti comprise;
Presidential Villa
This is perfect for family vacations. It is extra-spacious and has thatched-roof villa that will let you gather together for a meal prepared by your private chef, spend a lazy day lounging in and around your infinity-edge pool and recounting the day’s adventures on any one of your private balconies under a vast, star-lit sky.
It contains two king beds, Sleeper sofa, three full bathrooms and two with deep soaking tubs and outdoor showers plus one powder room. It offers elevated Serengeti views with animal watering hole
Extra amenities: Staying in a villa sure has its perks. Enjoy the dedicated, around-the-clock service of a personal attendant, two complimentary spa treatments and a special in-villa poolside barbecue.
Two-Bedroom Villa
A living and dining room and an expansive pool deck separate the two bedrooms in these residential-style villas, creating enough privacy for when you need it, as well as plenty of places to come together when you want. It contains two king beds, or one king and two twin beds plus one cot. There are also two full bathrooms, plus one powder room and an outdoor shower.
Extra amenities: Staying in a villa sure has its perks. Enjoy the dedicated, around-the-clock service of a personal attendant, two complimentary spa treatments and a special in-villa poolside barbecue.
One-Bedroom Villa
Indoors or out? You won’t have to choose when you stay in these villas, with wall-to-wall windows that open onto elevated terraces and views as far as the eye can see, letting you fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature or block out the sun for a midday nap. They feature a king bed and a sleeper sofa. It also contains one full bathroom, plus an outdoor shower.
Terrace Suite water view
This is ideal for families with two trundle beds in the large, separate living room, these suites let you admire our animal neighbours as you relax on the deck or float in your private pool. There are one king and two twin trundle beds, Double trundle beds in the living area. It contains two full bathrooms, one with a deep soaking tub, plus an outdoor shower.
Horizon Room Waterhole View
Recline under a thatched roof on your private balcony and enjoy a direct view onto our animal watering hole, where elephants and other wildlife are frequent visitors. This room contains one king or two twin beds, No supplement applied for an extra bed for one child aged 2 – 10 years. It also features one full bathroom with a separate shower and deep soaking tub.
Savannah Room Waterhole View
Watch as a herd of elephants, baboons, impalas, and much other local wildlife stops for a drink at our central watering hole, as you lounge on your room’s private balcony or gaze out the window from your deep soaking tub. This room features one king or two twin beds, No supplement applied for an extra bed for one child aged 2 – 10 years. It also contains one full bathroom with separate shower and deep soaking tub plus a flat-screen television with cable
Savannah Room
This room has contemporary African-design elements and a shaded private terrace capture the essence of the untamed plains outside, while a deep soaking tub, a refrigerated bar, and a flat-screen TV provide all the comforts of home. The room features one king or two twin beds and no supplement applied for an extra bed for one child aged 2 – 10 years. It has one full bathroom with separate shower and deep soaking tub plus a refrigerated private bar
Facilities and services at Four Seasons Safari Lodge include;
- Discovery Centre: There is a unique Discovery Centre which is part museum and part lecture theatre, offering an interactive experience where you can learn about the wildlife, history, and people of the Serengeti. Situated in the Lodge’s main building, the Centre’s focal point is an interactive map of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which highlights the movements of the Great Migration. You’re welcome to explore on your own time or with the assistance of one of our local guides, who will happily lead you through the exhibits.
- Free-form infinity pool
- Business Centre
- Fitness Centre
- 24-Hour On-site Doctor
- 24-Hour On-site Doctor and a bar
- 2 Boutiques
- e) Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp –Luxury
Located in South Central Serengeti – Tanzania – (within the Moru Kopjes area), Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally situated to offer superlative access to the annual migration and the ‘Big 5’ with sweeping views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the endless plains.
Accommodation at Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp include
Comprising of twelve tented accommodations – inclusive of one 2-bedroom family tent – Serengeti Pioneer Camp evokes the very best of an era long-gone but certainly not forgotten.
The enclosed tents with a canvas-covered floor adorned with throw carpets, luxuriant soft furnishings, a writing desk, and a stationery set. Each tent has en-suite facilities including a flushing toilet, vanity basin, and period-style hot showers.
Additional Facilities within your tented room include:
- Queen size mattress beds with mosquito nets
- Bedside tables, and period-style lamps
- Clothes dresser and hat stand
- Hot water via solar heating
- Canvas covered awning with outdoor furniture
- Indoor Lounge chairs
- f) Soroi Serengeti Lodge-Luxury
Soroi Serengeti Lodge is set high on a natural plateau with endless views over the vast plains of Musabi, giving you a truly unforgettable African experience.
With its unique architecture and design elements, Soroi is a stunning lodge located in a prime spot in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park.
The luxurious Soroi Serengeti Lodge is an eclectic combination of architectural shapes, textures, and colours combined with modern style interiors.
The main lounge and dining area offers ample seating with several decks as well as a small library. One of the main features is the unique infinity ‘rock’ pool where guests can relax between game drives whilst still enjoying views of the game scattered on the plains.
The lodge’s large open fireplace deck, also overlooking the plains, creates an inviting ambience.
Tantalizing meals are served from an interactive open plan kitchen or under the star-filled skies and the exceptionally high standard of service adds to the delight of this tranquil spot.
Accommodation at Soroi Serengeti Lodge include;
25 individual thatched chalets complete with hardwood floors are linked to the main lodge pathways by raised timber walkways. Each chalet has a furnished, private veranda.
The chalets are comfortably furnished with fabrics and finishes in traditional earthy tones and feature large expanses of glass and spacious viewing decks for better game viewing.
There are 20 Standard Chalets each with a writing desk and chair, mini-fridge, power points and en-suite bathroom with a stand-alone bath, an outside shower for the more adventurous and a full range of guest amenities.
Five Suites additionally feature an extended lounge area with WIFI and satellite TV.
Facilities & Services at Soroi Serengeti Lodge comprise;
The main lounge and dining area, a masterpiece of thatch and wood, designed around the large rocks and fig trees with views over the Serengeti, boasts several hardwood decks, reading lounge, a separate fireplace deck, large open-air viewing deck and open plan kitchen. Other facilities include an infinity swimming pool, two sun decks with sun loungers and umbrellas, wireless internet, laundry, and spa facilities.
- g) Kati Kati Tented Camp-Luxury
Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in central Serengeti, ideal for exploring the extensive Serengeti plains. The camp offers comfortable accommodation together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents, one will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and one can enjoy the rich animal life and vegetation of the area.
An original form of accommodation that resembles the old camps of the first explorers in Africa, with all the commodities of today.
Located a two-hour drive along a panoramic route from the Olduvai Museum and the river Grumeti, two of the indispensable visits for all travellers to Tanzania.
The camp has been designed to cause a minimum impact on the environment. All of the infrastructures are mobile and the philosophy of the company is not to leave anything behind.
Accommodation comprises 10 tents with en-suite facilities and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. In the evening you can enjoy snacks and drinks around the campfire, sharing stories of the safari adventures with your fellow guests. Or you can sit on your private veranda during the day while looking out for passing wildlife. This camp is basic but has everything you need for a real bush experience
- h) Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge-Midrange
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an award-winning gem of a hotel in one of the most beautiful settings in Tanzania. Seamlessly blended high into an acacia-lined ridge, our African-style lodge, and infinity pool offer panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, endless grasslands, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape in a relentless search for fresh grazing grounds.
Accommodation at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge include;
65 guest rooms and one suite are housed in clusters of traditional domed “rondavels” arranged around the lodge’s stunning infinity pool.
Set high on a hill with the rolling plains below forming a natural amphitheater, your room offers a ringside seat for the greatest show on earth, the annual migration of the wildebeest. Sweeping views, traditional stone-built, and thatched architecture and private balconies immerse you in the stunning beauty and solitude of Serengeti National Park like no other accommodation can.
Decorated in warm earth tones punctuated by pops of brightly coloured fabrics and ornate Makonde carvings on the walls, all rooms feature their own private entrance, hand-made wood furniture, spacious bedrooms, and natural stone bathrooms. Amenities like complimentary wireless Internet and 24-hour room service along with personalized touches like standing/table fans and comfortable robes enhance the guest experience.
Standard room: Standard Room boasts a King bed with a hand-carved wood headboard and a private balcony with stunning wilderness views.
In-Room Amenities
- King bed
- Complimentary wireless Internet
- Tea/coffee making facilities
- Private balcony
- Standing/table fan
- Mineral water
- Bathrobe and slippers
- A work desk and chair
- Eco-Boutique bath amenities
Serengeti Suite
The suite offers a spacious bedroom appointed with a King bed with a walk-in mosquito net, sumptuous furnishings, a dressing area, and a marble ensuite bathroom. The elegantly appointed sitting room, meanwhile, enjoys panoramic views and is both tastefully and relaxingly furnished while offering a fully stocked mini-bar, a digital multi-channel TV and a direct dial telephone. In addition, 24-hour room service is available and fruit and wine will be laid out to welcome our guests. The suite is set slightly apart from the rest of the rooms and enjoys its own private access.
In-Room Amenities
- Master bedroom with King bed
- Sitting area with minibar and a flat-screen TV
- Welcome amenity of fruit and wine
- Complimentary wireless Internet
- Tea/coffee making facilities
- Private balcony
- Standing/table fan
- Mineral water
- Bathrobe and slippers
- A work desk and chair
- Eco-Boutique bath amenities
- i) Seronera Wildlife Lodge-Midrange
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is located on the migratory route, and it provides front-seat viewing of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Seronera Wildlife Lodge is artfully constructed around a rocky outcrop from glass and wood elements, perfectly blending into its surroundings; next to the lodge, several waterholes attract, day and night, the most amazing animals, providing a unique opportunity for a close encounter with the Big Five. Seronera Lodge is only 5 minutes from the departing point of the hot air balloon safaris, which offer a thrilling bird’s-eye wildlife perspective of the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Accommodation at Seronera Wildlife Lodge include;
Seronera Wildlife Lodge has 75 spacious guestrooms, all of them affording stunning views over the Serengeti plains.
Elegantly decorated in authentic African style, the modern rooms offer King-size beds and are fully equipped with ensuite bathrooms, central heating and a host of luxury amenities. The rooms’ air vents also have mosquito nets placed over them.
Among the 75 rooms, Seronera Wildlife Lodge offers twin rooms (with twin beds), double rooms (King–size bed), two Presidential Suites and one Junior Suite.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge facilities comprise;
The Chui Restaurant, elegantly featuring the safari atmosphere, made of rock and wood elements, perfectly combines the international high standards of hospitality and service with exquisite exotic touches of the local lifestyle. The professional chefs make the delights of the most demanding gourmets both in international as well as local recipes.
The Pango Indoor Bar is a friendly meeting point where guests can relax with a cocktail in hand and exchange stories of their day’s adventures, or play different sorts of board games.
The Ikoma Sundowner Outdoor Bar affords from its wide terrace breathtaking views over the endless Serengeti plains. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset over the Serengeti.
The exclusive boutique offers local art and handicrafts to take a piece of Safari home.
Guests can afford in the well-stocked library complete information about Serengeti National Park, its natural landscapes and tribal groups.
A fully stocked dispensary is available in the Lodge.
In the TV lounge with selected DSTV channels, guests can keep informed on the events of the outside world. Also, videos are displayed with informative explanations about the amazing natural spectacle that our privileged guests are directly living
The countless services of Seronera Wildlife Lodge include full housekeeping services are provided, such as laundry and babysitting (on request), as well as communication facilities like telephone and radio. Also, services of 24 hours reception, mailing, currency exchange facilities, fax, major credit cards accepted and safes at reception are available.
- j) Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp-Midrange
Lemala Ewanjan is an authentic intimate tented camp set in a secluded part of the game-rich Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti. The camp is positioned right at the end of a blind valley, so other vehicles will not interrupt your view across the plains during the day, and in the evening, you can enjoy uninterrupted sunsets with no electric lights in sight.
Accommodation at Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp include
The camp has 12 en-suite tents that are spacious and comfortable with an outside deck offering beautiful views over the area. Each tent is fitted with two queen-size beds with warm duvets, a flush toilet, a large safari-style shower, plentiful running water, wooden storage cabinets and flooring, 24-hour solar lighting and outside loungers from which to enjoy early morning teas and coffees and refreshing afternoon gin and tonics.
The mess tent with its separate bar, sitting and dining areas is beautifully decorated with leather sofas, side cabinets, rugs, and chests. In the evening, guests can gather inside under the chandeliers or outside around the campfire under starlit skies for sunset cocktails and share their safari stories.
Facilities
- 12 tents furnished with two queen-size beds (triples available on request)
- En-suite bathroom with flush toilet and hot safari-style shower
- 24-hr solar electricity with a back-up generator
- Mess tent with a separate lounge and bar
- Complimentary internet in the lounge and bar
- Complimentary laundry (limited services only)
- Charging facilities for devices in the lounge and bar
- Open-sided 4×4 game-viewing vehicles
- The nearest airstrip is Seronera, just a 30-minute drive away
- Complimentary drinks (except for premium wines and spirits)
- Children are welcome; please contact us for more information about our Lemala Cubs
- k) Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp-Midrange
Guarded by three million-year-old granite towers in the magnificent Serengeti National Park, Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp offers the quintessential African Serengeti safari experience. The elegant tented camp is located on one of the main annual migration corridors for over one million wildebeest, half a million zebras, and gazelles and their accompanying cast of predators; the camp also offers close proximity to lions, giraffes, hippos and all of the other fascinating wildlife that inhabits this 14,763 square-kilometre park.
Our sophisticated and exclusive Serengeti safari camp accommodation offers two comfortable queen beds with mosquito netting, free Wi-Fi access, hot showers and flushable WCs in the bathroom and large private decks with gorgeous views. Start or end your day with a delicious meal in our tented dining room, or treat yourself to a feast in the bush, and dine amidst the unmatched splendour of nature. Embark on a thrilling game ride through the park, take an expertly guided bird watching tour or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of your spectacular surroundings as you rise above the plains in a hot-air balloon. Allow us to help you celebrate your wedding or honeymoon, and trust our staff to anticipate your every need as you begin your lives together as a married couple. Or spoil your family with a wonderful safari holiday, and create a lifetime of memories.
Adventure and relaxation await you here in Tanzania; Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp at the heart of the Serengeti looks forward to your visit.
Accommodation at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp include;
16 custom-made canvas tents offering spacious style and a host of home-like comforts, ensuring a restful stay. All accommodation features two queen beds, as well as free Wi-Fi and a private tented bathroom with hot water and flushing WCs.
A private terrace outside of each tent allows you to take in the splendid beauty of the surrounding glades; room service is available for your convenience.
Tents
Reachable by a winding stone path, our tents are dotted through the rocky glades of the camp; they stand on a stone platform, and each has its own thatched roof. The expansive main bedroom area boasts two queen beds, covered by mosquito nets. A relaxed seating area offers comfortable chairs and stylish lamps; unwind and read a book, or take advantage of our free Wi-Fi access.
The tented bathroom opens off of the bedroom and includes a flushing WC, twin basins and a shower with 24-hour hot water. Each tent also showcases a private outdoor terrace with safari chairs and sun loungers; have a seat and admire the panoramic views.
In-Room Amenities
- Two queen beds
- Electric lighting and 24-hour hot water
- Free Wi-Fi
- A work desk and chair
- Mineral water and toiletries
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Laundry, valet, and shoeshine services
- Room service
- Safe and hairdryer (available from reception)
- Private terrace
Facilities and Services at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp comprise;
Dining Room and Bar; The tented dining room offers a welcoming atmosphere here, as well as an expansive terrace with sweeping views of the plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served a la carte; breakfast includes international dishes, as well as a traditional full English breakfast. Lunch typically consists of meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options.
For dinner, the table d’hôte menus feature a soup and salad, an entrée, a pudding, cheese and biscuits, and fine Tanzanian tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are available as well. Choose a glass of wine or a fresh-squeezed juice to accentuate your meal.
Lounge area; Located within the camp’s central lounge area, our stylish bar is a welcome spot for a cocktail with friends after a successful day on safari.
Bush Breakfast; There are few better ways to begin your day in the Serengeti than with our bush breakfast. Allow us to awaken you with an early morning cup of tea, and then set off on a game drive, which is timed to offer you the very best chance of spotting “The Big Five”.
After your game drive, you’ll arrive at a chosen breakfast spot, where our hospitality team will be waiting for you with a glass of chilled sparkling wine and fresh-pressed orange juice. Savour a full English breakfast among stunning bush vistas before heading back to the camp on another game drive
Sundowners; Sundowners have been a hallmark of the safari experience since the 1920s, coupling the pleasure of an afternoon cocktail with the enjoyment of a majestic African sunset. Timed to commence as the sun begins to set, sundowners at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp begin with a leisurely drive to a scenic spot where chairs, lamps, campfire and a bush bar with cocktail snacks have been set up. Musical entertainment can also be provided.
Bush Dinner;
l) Naona Moru Camp-Midrange
Located on an elevated viewing point beside the famous Moru Kopjes, this tented camp allows for drive-in and game package clients to explore the resident and migratory wild game all year round. The landscape pans from the great southern plains of the Serengeti into the central hub of the most famous national park in Africa, close to Seronera Airstrip. The tented suites cater to honeymooners with private bush dinners, a small group of friends and even families with large tents to place bedding for two adults and up to three children.
Accommodation & Amenities
- 10 tented suites (including 1 honeymoon suite)
- Children: aged 5 and up
- Potential for disabled guests (please contact us)
- Solar & generator power
- Battery-charging facilities
- Wifi available
- m) Serengeti Sopa Lodge-Midrange
Located on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the south-western Serengeti National Park, home to many thousands of wild and rare animals, Serengeti Sopa Lodge lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty. An oasis of cool relaxation from the equatorial sun. The lodge allows its guests to experience magnificent sights and enjoy the interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, whilst at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.
Accommodation At Serengeti Sopa Lodge-Midrange comprise
69 standard rooms, all with 2 queen size beds, carpeted, and tastefully furnished with local fabrics and pictures. One entering the room is a lounge with a minibar. In the front is a verandah with 2 comfortable chairs and coffee table, with glass windows facing the vast Serengeti plains which extend as far as the naked eye can see.
1 of these rooms is suitable for the physically handicapped.
4 very spacious double-story suites, with a lounge area on the ground floor where one can dine, sit out on the balcony facing the Serengeti Plains.
Upstairs is the bedroom with a king-size bed on a raised wooden platform and on one side a bathtub facing the plains. There is an outside open shower as well.
Facilities and services at Serengeti Sopa Lodge comprise;
- Bar and restaurant
- lounge
- TV room
- out-door dining,
- swimming pool
- gift shop
- WiFi in public areas
- 1 conference room, accommodates 100 people- theatre style.
- n) Kiota Camp-Midrange
Kiota Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp in the Central Serengeti, taking advantage of the year-round wildlife viewing of the Seronera Valley. The Seronera is a busy area, but well-located to explore the various regions of the centre including the Moru Kopjes, a day trip to the far eastern plain, or a day trip to the Western region.
Accommodation at Kiota Camo comprise;
Ten beautifully-designed luxury tents with separate dining and lounge areas make up the camp. The camp’s welcoming and friendly staff and highly qualified chef make this camp excellent value for money.
The tents include a king-size bed, private verandah, universal charging stations, morning coffee with butler service, writing desk, digital safe, indoor and outdoor lounge chairs, ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets, double washbasins with running water, bucket shower, and 20 meters of space between tents.
Kiota Camp facilities and services comprise;
- Private shaded veranda
- Indoor and outdoor lounge chairs
- Library
- Free public parking is possible
- Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
- Bar and restaurant
- o) Serengeti Acacia Camps-Budget
Serengeti Acacia Camps are centrally located in the Serengeti – a hunter’s Valhalla, a photographer’s paradise, a traveller’s dream destination and the home of the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World. Serengeti Acacia Camps offer 2 camps that would suit every travel purpose. Each camp features first-grade amenities that promise an unparalleled African experience.
Accommodation at Serengeti Acacia Camps comprise;
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp is a luxury thatched camp In the heart of Maasai nation and an inaccessible corner of the Tarangire, in total privacy amongst giant acacia trees and looking out yonder the plat savannah. Not only we offer guests unique safari accommodation but spectacular views of the Tarangire National Park, just located near Kuru Airstrip. Each room has super wide windows that offer panoramic views of the Tarangire National park. Enjoy your afternoons spotting wildlife from the sun deck before enjoying dinner under the African Sky. You can also look forward to Night game drive, game walks, and picnics in the bush.
The camp is one of the few luxuries, vintage safari camps in the park. With twelve fully furnished, deluxe tents, each tent has its own en-suite facilities with a shower, hand basin, and washing facilities. Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied, as well as a hairdryer. There are plug points at your disposal to charge equipment. Bathrobes are supplied in each tent, as well as ponchos with hoods and warm lining – to protect from both rain and cold weather. There are large chests on each property with lock and key for safekeeping of valuables
Acacia Central Camp
Acacia Central Camp, as the name suggests, is situated in the central part of Serengeti which is fondly called Seronera. This is a very scenic area with open plains and lined up with hills. The resident game here is phenomenal, with high densities of relaxed leopards, cheetah, and lion. What’s great about this area is that the diversity of wildlife is amazing and a lot of animals stay here all throughout the year. The migration passes through here in April/May, but Seronera is within reach of both the Southern Plains and the Western Corridor – so from about November to June, it can be used as a base to see the migration.
Truly, Serengeti Central Camp offers guests the perfect blend of old African charm and elegance in the heart of Serengeti National Park. This intimate safari camp is tucked beneath an Acacia tree and has breathtaking views of the savannah plains of the Serengeti National Park. Here, you can experience full luxury in the wild.
Double Room
Ideal for couples or even solo travellers who want to experience Africa in the most comfortable and authentic way, the Double Room comes with an en-suite bathroom, a spacious veranda and all basic amenities you could get in a normal hotel room. The environment surrounding the camp is a quintessential backdrop of the classic Serengeti where all the game and migrating herds are just within your reach.
Triple Room
Ideal for group travellers looking for an authentic and relaxing African bush experience, the Triple Room comes with an en-suite bathroom, a spacious veranda and all basic amenities you could get in a normal hotel room.
The environment surrounding the camp is a quintessential backdrop of the classic Serengeti where all the game and migrating herds are just within your reach.
Twin Room
Ideal for couples, solo travellers or friends who want to experience Africa in the most comfortable and authentic way, the Twin Room comes with an en-suite bathroom, a spacious veranda and all basic amenities you could get in a normal hotel room.
The environment surrounding the camp is a quintessential backdrop of the classic Serengeti where all the game and migrating herds are just within your reach.
Family Room
Ideal for families on a holiday who’s looking to experience Africa in the most comfortable and authentic way in an accommodation that’s also kid-friendly, the Family Room comes with an en-suite bathroom, a spacious veranda, a private lounge and first-class amenities that each family member can indulge.
The environment surrounding the camp is a quintessential backdrop of the classic Serengeti where all the game and migrating herds are just within your reach.
Amenities
The camp features 13 canvas tents including a family tent that can accommodate a family of 4 with own private lounge. All tents are furnished with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, and other essential amenities. There is a separate tented camp for the dining area and next to it is the lounge and bar area. All these are accessible in a few steps under a soaring canopy of acacias, in the front of the camp. Our camp is safe and secure with 24/7 staff.
Facilities at Serengeti Acacia Camps comprise;
- Restaurant; Serving sumptuous meals from day til night.
- Bar; Cocktail lounge for guests. With a wide selection – from wine to whiskey champagne.
- Barbecue area; Grilling stations that make opulent barbecues.
- Lounge; Cozy sitting area under a soaring canopy of acacias.
- Bonfire; Firepit with fireside seating.
- WiFi; Excellent internet access.
Thorn tree Camp facilities and services comprise;
- Lounge tent with bar
- Dining tent
- Front verandah
- Separate lavatory facilities for common area
- Evening campfire
- Full board (dinner, breakfast, and lunch in camp or picnic)
- Afternoon tea, coffee, and cake
- Water at meals
- Children over 5 welcome
- Local cell towers nearby
- Camping fees included in price
- Laundry service (regretfully not available)
- Park Entry Fees
- Game drive/transfer vehicle (not available)
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits
- p) Osupuko Serengeti camps-Budget
Osupuko is a Maasai word meaning a “Virgin Land” or “Natural Paradise. In the central of Serengeti, the mobile camp is scenically located on the slopes of Rongai Hills where sun-rise is your daily wake-up call and a beautiful sunset will always alert you to go to the campfire or sundowner.
Tents at Osupuko Serengeti camps
Fantastic Osupuko Serengeti Tented Camp! Great location in the mid-Serengeti Seronara area. Tents are huge, rooms, bedroom & bathroom, separated so private & no noise from other guests. King-size beds and mattresses, very comfortable. Tents have netting all around, so no mosquito netting needed.
The whole bedroom area has unzippable “windows” for airflow, no fans needed. Electricity by generator (couldn’t hear it) when you need it, usually morning & evening after the safari, charging stations. A greet with cold juice & hot towels after safari & “bucket showers.” You’ll just have to see. All you need to know is that you have a hot shower whenever you want it & running hot water in the sink… in the middle of the Serengeti!
Facilities at Osupuko Serengeti camps
- Welcome drinks on arrival and cold/hot face towels
- Campfire
- Sundowners
- Open Kitchen
- Solar-Inverter power 210 – 220 Volts AC
- Internet Facility
- Laundry
- 24-hour Electricity
- Baby Sitting
- Children’s Menu
- Picnic basket on request
- q) Seronera Campsites-Budget
Seronera Campsite is one of the most famed campsites in Tanzania for animal encounters. Animals will pass through the campsite at night on their nocturnal wanderings. The public campsites which are collectively called Seronera Campsite are located in the Central Serengeti area known as the Seronera.
Amenities at Seronera Campsites include;
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Pillows
- Hot Showers
- Bathrooms
- Solar Powered 220V electricity
- Eating Area
r) Thorn tree Camp-Budget
thorn tree Camp is a classic tented safari camp located in the Seronera area of Serengeti National Park, about fifteen minutes from the Seronera airstrip and visitor’s centre. The camp is open year-round; offering traditional Tanzanian hospitality and great food.
The camp is permanently based in central Serengeti, in the Seronera Valley, home to year-round wildlife due to the constant presence of water. This area is famous for spotting lion, leopard and large herds of elephant. Views from the campsite look across onto Banagi Hill and classic vistas of the Serengeti Plains. The entire camp is powered by solar including hot water and electricity.
Accommodation at Thorn tree camp comprises;
- 10 classic en-suite safari tents
- Large -10m x 4.5m with extended sitting area
- Shaded veranda
- Solar-powered lighting
- En-suite bath (flush toilets)
- Running (solar-powered) hot and cold water in the basin and shower
- Double, twin and triples available
- Solar power and hot water
- Charging strip with universal plugs in each tent
- Wardrobe, writing desk, chairs and table
- Complimentary bottled drinking water
- s) Asanja Tented Camps- Budget
Asanja is sitting in the midst of rocky Island of the Moru Kopjes in the Serengeti National Park. The camp is located on the path of migration being the good area for game viewing mostly on the Moru Kopjes which provides great shade for the lions while lazing around.
Accommodation at Asanja Tented Camps include
Asanja Camp has 5 luxury tents each representing a special Maasai ceremony during their lifetime. All the tents have en-suite bathroom, flush toilet, hot shower and private veranda overlooking the stunning views of Serengeti plains.
2) Tanzania Safari Lodges in Serengeti Western Corridor
a) Kirawira Serena Camp-Luxury-western
Kirawira Serena Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located on the Western Corridor of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The camp is 16 kilometres from the Grumeti airstrip and approximately one hour from the Arusha Airstrip. The camp was styled to replicate the elegant hunting camps of legendary hunters such as Denys Finch Hatton and Baron Bror Blixen. Kirawira Serena Camp welcomes you to a destination where unforgettable safari adventures are complemented by crisp, professional services and five-star amenities. As the finest and most exclusive of the Serena Group’s safari venues, the camp offer an experience beyond compare surrounded by the majesty of Serengeti National Park’s famous Western Corridor.
Accommodation at Kwirawira Serena Camp include;
Evoking the elegant safari camps of the early 20th century, Kirawira Serena Camp features 25 splendidly appointed tents raised on timber platforms and arranged in a manner to maximize privacy. Step past the furnished deck to find yourself in a bedroom steeped in Edwardian charm with steamer-trunks, writing desks, brass lamps, rugs, sepia photographs and four-poster beds with patchwork quilts.
Exquisite bathrooms feature carved mahogany furniture and classic black-and-white tiled floors along with a separate flushed WC, a shower, twin marble basins, and hot and cold running water. As an added little luxury, enjoy the personal attention of your very own valet to see to any request.
Tents
Offering splendid views of the Kirawira Plains, the tents features one double or two twin beds, a full bathroom, and a furnished private balcony.
b) Mbalageti Lodge-Luxury-western
Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The Lodge offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama view of the Serengeti Plain lands and the Mbalageti River, where one of the main attractions is the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Accommodation at Mbalageti Lodge comprises;
Exclusive Family Suites
With a little extra of everything in the wild, the suites offer the most exclusive way of safari living imaginable.
The exclusive family suites have 2 bedrooms. One with a king-size bed and one with a twin-bedded solution. The suites are our most luxurious accommodation, with TV Lounge & Dining Area.
All Ex-Suites have mineral water, bathrobes, slippers, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, whistle, binoculars, safe deposit boxes, and satellite Tv.
Tented Chalet (Double Bed / Twin / Triples)
The Tented Chalets are situated 12 each on either the Sunrise or Sunset side of the hill. They are semi- tented with a back wall of local rock and wooden floor. Decorated with a true ‘ bush theme’, the Tented Chalets are giving your guests a real safari living experience. All Chalets have both shower and bathtub, some of our Chalets with the bathtubs on the veranda. The Chalets are located far apart to ensure privacy and exclusivity.
Extra treats can be arranged and charged a supplement. All Chalets have mineral water, bathrobes, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, whistle, binoculars (on request), safe deposit box. The Tented Chalets are in harmony with nature.
Lodge Rooms
The Lodge Rooms (Standard Type) are not Tented but in a block building. The rooms are comfortably offering all amenities and are beautifully decorated. All Standard Rooms have en suite bathroom with a shower and its own veranda. The Standard Rooms are located approximately 500 meters from the main building. We offer Doubles and Twins, no Triple Rooms available. Our Standard Rooms are more of a “one-night stop-over” or a budget option for travellers.
All Lodge Rooms have mineral water, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, and whistles.
Facilities and services at Mbalageti Lodge Comprise;
Security: The lodge has one-armed Ranger from Tanapa stationed at Mbalageti Serengeti and a Security team on duty 24hrs a day. The friendly Security escorts the guests to and from their rooms.
Transfers and game drives: The loge also offer transfers to and from Grumeti airstrip (40min) and Seronera Airstrip (1.5hours approx.) as well as Game drives on availability of the Vehicle.
Electricity: The electricity is provided by a generator, from 5:30hrs-8:30hrs & 17:00hrs-22:00hrs. Special requests for prolonged electricity service will be granted at an additional cost of $ 20 per Hour.
Facilities for physically challenged guests: All washroom facilities in the public areas are accessible to physically challenged guests. One Tented Chalet has been prepared with adjustments. Ask for Nr 14 for your elderly or physically challenged guests and we will make sure that they will have a comfortable stay with us!
Exclusive Bush Breakfast
Group Bush Dinner
Sundowner On The Plains
c) Legendary Serengeti Camp-Luxury
While this luxury mobile camp travels around the Serengeti National Park throughout the year following the migration, Legendary Serengeti Camp always enjoys a scenic and remote setting, deep in the bush.
Eleven comfortable en-suite tents make up the accommodation here, split between two camps, each with its own private dining and bar area is also provided. Guests can overlook the vast Tanzanian plains, where the Great Migration takes place, from the comfort of their tent.
During thrilling, wildlife activities witness the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as you explore the diverse and spectacular landscape alongside expert guides. For an extra special safari adventure, at certain times of the year, you have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride to experience the wilderness from a truly breath-taking perspective, and, depending on the camp’s location, venture out on walking safaris.
Facilities and services at Legendary Serengeti Camp
- ents with en-suite facilities split between two camps
- Exclusive use of camp and vehicle
- 220v generator power
- Resturant; the lodge has safari chefs with a culinary experience
- d) Singita Faru Faru Lodge-Midrange
Faru Faru embodies a fresh take on African bush appeal and ushers in a new era of luxury wilderness safaris. Singita Faru Faru’s relaxed approach to luxury forms a golden thread throughout this easy-going lodge in the heart of the Serengeti. Its contemporary African décor and design and close-up views of a busy waterhole alongside the Grumeti River invite continuous connections with nature, while vast outdoor decks, an interactive kitchen and multiple airy enclaves for dining and drinks add personality to every culinary moment. The café-style bar at the heart of the lodge hums with a subtle sparkle that spills over to the pool area and firepit, making for magical evenings under starlit skies.
Accommodation & Amenities at Faru Faru Lodge include;
Singita Faru Faru Lodge is a mix of contemporary, organic style and the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp.
Suites
- 7 x 1-bedroom suites.
- 1 x family suite (2 adults and 2 children).
- 1 x 2-bedroom suite (4 adults) with a private pool.
Amenities
- There are two swimming pools in the main lodge area.
- Spa and fitness centre facilities are available.
- Singita Boutique & Gallery.
- There is a television in the lounge.
- This area does not have a mobile phone signal.
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however, due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
- Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family.
- In the interest of safety participation of children in the game, activities are at the discretion of your guide.
- Halaal food is available – please book in advance.
- e) Sabora Tented Camp-Midrange
Sabora Tented Camp embodies an intimate East African safari experience imbued with the elegance and romance of a bygone era while permeating a sense of nostalgic adventure. Featuring 9 en-suite tents beautifully furnished with a treasure trove of antiques and artefacts, original campaign furniture, Zanzibari chests, Persian rugs, and delicate crystal, silverware, and brass, Singita Sabora Tented Camp is modelled on a 1920s-style explorer’s camp. Masaai blankets and traditional beadwork contextualize the authentic camp’s setting, while the thrill of not much separating the comfort inside from the wonders of the bush outside adds to the appeal. Set on the annual wildebeest migration route in the heart of the Serengeti, it allows guests private access to 350,000 of untouched wilderness, ensuring unforgettable game-viewing experiences on game drives and bush walks.
Accommodation & Amenities at Sabora Tented Camp include;
Singita Sabora Tented Camp has 9 en-suite tents lavishly furnished with a treasure trove of antiques and artefacts, original campaign furniture, Zanzibari chests, Persian rugs, and masses of crystal, silverware, and brass.
Maasai blankets and traditional beadwork add an authentic local touch. The tents lead directly onto the plains where day beds are scattered to provide spots for afternoon naps and incredible game-viewing.
9 x Sabora Tents with sweeping views out across the Serengeti plains
Amenities
- There is a swimming pool in the main camp area
- Spa and fitness centre facilities are available
- The Singita Boutique & Gallery
- There is a television in the lounge tent of the camp
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however, due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each tent
- Children aged 10 and over are welcome. All normal safari activities are tailor-made to suit each family. However, in the interest of safety, the participation of children in game activities is at the discretion of your guide
- Halaal food is available – please book in advance
- f) Singita Sasakwa Lodge-Midrange
Epitomising refined splendour and old-world luxury, the lodge allows guests a front-row seat to the prolific wildlife in the 350,000-acre private Singita Grumeti Reserve, ensuring an unparalleled African safari experience. Singita Sasakwa Lodge is built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house with nine private cottages, each with its own infinity pool. From the vantage point of Sasakwa Hill, panoramic views of the Serengeti plains merge with the horizon and provide a sense of immense space and freedom.
Accommodation & Amenities at Sasakwa Lodge
A sense of grandeur is woven throughout the turn-of-the-century manor house and private cottages through a blend of authentic European style and East African influences.
Cottages
- 6 x 1-bedroom cottages, each with a private plunge pool
- 2 x 2-bedroom cottages, each with a private plunge pool
- 1 x 3-bedroom cottage with a private plunge pool
- 1 x 4-bedroom cottage with a private plunge pool
Hillside Suite
- 1 x 1-bedroom dual-level Suite with a private swimming pool (Includes dedicated butler and private game drive vehicle and Field Guide).
Amenities
- There is a swimming pool in the main lodge area.
- A fitness centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
- Pamper treatments available at the spa or in your room.
- Singita Boutique & Gallery store.
- Television in the main area of the lodge.
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is a mobile phone signal available.
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however, due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
- Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family.
- In the interest of safety, children’s participation in in-game activities is at the discretion of your guide.
- Halaal food is available – please book in advance.
- g) Singita Serengeti House-Midrange
Offering a refined yet luxuriously comfortable experience, this contemporary African home on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill was designed for exclusive use. It boasts uninterrupted views over the Serengeti plains and outdoor dining decks provide ideal vantage points from where to observe the daily wildlife activity at the busy waterhole nearby.
Designed for exclusive use, Serengeti House allows families or friends the opportunity and space to enjoy shared experiences in nature. It caters to discerning travellers seeking privacy and flexibility and all itineraries, activities, and meals are tailor-made as guests decide on the day-to-day pace of their vacation. The full staff complement ensures that every need is catered for intuitively and includes a Field Guide, chef, and host.
Each of the four boldly proportioned suites features serene views, spacious en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private terraces. Laidback luxury sets the tone in the spacious in- and outdoor living areas and features include a modern eat-in kitchen, media room, fitness centre, fire pit, an outdoor sala, and a 25-meter lap pool.
Accommodation & Amenities at Serengeti House
Up to 8 guests can feel at home at Serengeti House, with 2 suites in the main house and 2 garden suites; and daily onsite staff and management.
Amenities
- There is a 25m infinity swimming pool in front of the main house
- A private tennis court and pavilion
- A tented spa suite
- A full new fitness centre adjacent to the extended outdoor sala
- The Singita Boutique and Gallery at nearby Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Each suite has a television
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however, due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite
- Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family. Children’s participation in-game activities is at the discretion of your guide
- Please note that there are no Kosher or Halaal facilities available at Singita Serengeti House.
- h) Serengeti Simba Lodge-Midrange
Serengeti Simba Lodge, named after the lion (Simba in Swahili) a symbol of strength, pride, and royalty, sits high on a hill with endless vistas of the great Serengeti plains. The ‘Serengeti Migration’ passes the lodge twice a year, around June-July and again in October when millions of ungulates make their annual trek through the Serengeti eco-system. With awe-inspiring panoramic views of the vast savannah, Serengeti Simba Lodge is home to prolific birdlife and a stunning array of large games including lion, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, elephant, bushbuck, zebra, gazelle, and hartebeest.
Accommodation at Serengeti Simba Lodge include;
‘Tents’
The lodge features fifteen uniquely designed tents, with all the romance of a tent but the security of a more permanent structure; using canvas in the construction, but built on solid stone foundations with thatch roofs, attached concrete baths and outdoor showers plus a private deck from which to enjoy the endless views of the Serengeti. There are 5 twin and ten queen tents; triples are possible.
Stone house
Serengeti Simba Lodge’s six-room Stone House features two twins, two queen and two family rooms– each with two queen beds. The family rooms are large enough to add an additional twin bed for a child. Amazing views across the Serengeti savannah to the distant Grumeti River add to the ambience of the rooms. You can sit and watch the wildlife drift across the Serengeti plains from the private comfort of your room in the Stone House.
Rooms and tents amenities
Every en-suite tent and room has a magnificent view of the Serengeti; most enjoy a view of either sunrise or sunset. All rooms are beautifully and simply decorated with local fabrics and hardwood furniture; the beds all have mosquito nets. Full amenities are provided and rooms are solar powered with solar-heated water; there is a power strip for battery charging that’s life when the lodge generator is on (approximately 6 hours per day). There’s also a 24-hour charging station at reception.
Facilities and services at Serengeti Simba Lodge;
The common area of the lodge houses reception, lounge, bar, dining room, viewing deck, pool with sun deck and the campfire area. There is free wireless Internet in the inside common areas.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed to reception with a refreshing towel and a cool glass of juice.
The dining room is built around the rocky outcropping situated on the top of our hill providing a natural backdrop.
Enjoy an amazing view of the endless, ever-changing Serengeti panorama from our deck. During certain times of the year, the migration can be seen from the comfort of the lodge and the birds are always good for providing entertainment. Don’t miss the sunset.
Take a dip in the ‘infinity’ pool, perfect for cooling off after a long, hot dusty day of game drives and with the added bonus of uninterrupted views of the savannah below.
The campfire ring is another place where you can relax. Every evening the fire is lit at sunset; it’s a perfect place to enjoy an after-dinner drink under the African skies.
Food; The lodge serves continental food and uses only the finest local ingredients available with an emphasis on healthy food including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. On special occasions we have an outdoor bar-b-que and if you need to go with a picnic breakfast that’s no problem.
- i) Grumeti Migration Camp-Budget
Situated north of Serengeti National Park, Grumeti Migration Camp is located within the Grumeti Wildlife Reserve. This tented camp offers a year-round outdoor pool and is discretely located on the hillside, offering breathtaking views overlooking the plains. Grumeti Migration Camp features tented suites that each have a balcony/terrace and an en suite bathroom equipped with a solar-heated shower.
Guests at Grumeti Migration Camp can enjoy their professionally-prepared meals around the open-air fire or in the classic dining room. Special diet meals can be pre-arranged.
Due to Grumeti Migration Camp’s convenient location on the migration corridor, guests may experience herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles right across from the campgrounds. The property can arrange access to the Serengeti National Park, as well as balloon safari’s within the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti Wildlife Reserve, at an additional charge.
Amenities at Grumeti Migration Camp include;
- Outdoors: Sun deck, BBQ facilities, Terrace.
- Pool and wellness: Swimming pool, Outdoor pool (all year)
- Food & Drink: Game drives, Bottle of water (additional charge), Special diet meals (on request), Bar, Restaurant
- Internet: Free WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
- Parking: Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
- Pool and Spa: Swimming pool, Shallow end, Plunge pool, Pool with a view, Outdoor pool (seasonal), Outdoor pool
3) Northern Region lodges in Serengeti National Park
a) Sayari Camp-Luxury-Northern
Sayari Camp is located in the remote Northern part of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
The Camp overlooks the vast of Serengeti plains home to staggering wildlife. Sayari is also next and close to the migration Point of Mara River.
Accommodation at Sayari Camp comprises;
15 luxurious tents perfectly blend with the majestic landscape of Serengeti.
En-suite bathrooms, with spacious showers and egg-shaped baths large enough for two, offer similarly impressive Serengeti views.
Fine linens and safari-chic décor offset the wilderness that lies just beyond the canvas walls, with king-size beds and private verandas to complete the world-class experience.
Each tent is fully furnished with a king-size bed, private veranda, en suite bathroom, and a flush toilet.
At the main camp, a peaceful lounge and romantic dining room open up onto a generous deck where natural rock frames the rim-flow pool overlooking game-rich plains and the distant Mara River. With such superb luxury in the world’s premier wilderness reserve, we wouldn’t blame you for spending your entire safari in camp.
Facilities at Sayari camp include;
- Resturant
- Laundry service
- b) Lemala Mara Camp-Luxury
Lemala presents an authentic collection of intimate tented camps, classic lodges and refined villas in Northern Tanzania. With properties in Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti, the camp offers a fabulous safari experience throughout the famed Northern Circuit; a naturally splendid region of Tanzania and one of the most celebrated wildlife areas in Africa where the sheer concentration of game is simply phenomenal.
Our properties are located in isolated wildernesses and provide a superior level of comfort, style, and service, whilst retaining a connection and respect to the natural environment. Thanks to careful positioning in prime wildlife areas, our open game drive vehicles, and professional guides, Lemala’s guests enjoy fantastic game viewing at any time of the year.
Accommodation at Lemala Mara Camp include;
The semi-permanent and mobile tented camps offer generously-sized en suite tents with outside decks, and comfortable lounge and dining areas. The tented lodges offer spacious suites with private plunge pools and deck baths, well-furnished communal areas and a spa. The luxurious villas are designed to provide a ‘home away from home’ before and after a safari and feature huge suites, private terraces, and a swimming pool.
Facilities and services at Lemala Mara Camp comprise;
Restaurant; offer delectable fresh and wholesome food,
Expert guiding
- c) Serengeti Bushtops Camp-Luxury
A Tanzanian haven for serious safari seekers, Serengeti Bushtops is an oasis of 5-star luxury within one of the world’s most magical settings. Picture yourself gazing out over the stunning scenery of the Serengeti. Imagine returning from safari and watching the sunset from the comfort of your tent’s private hot tub. Consider the thrill of watching the annual migration thunder across the mighty Mara River. Or simply revel in the thought of being pampered by your butler and our friendly staff, before enjoying our fabulous cooking and fine wines in the comfort of our restaurant and shared spaces. This combination of Tanzania safari adventure, first-class facilities, and blissful relaxation has delivered Serengeti Bushtops’ unwavering promise of Wild Luxury ever since we opened in June 2010.
Accommodation at Serengeti Bushtops Camp include;
Under Serengeti Bushtops canvas lies the finest in seductive luxury and 12 of the largest, most impressive tented ensuites imaginable. None of the tents are overlooked, but all look over the Serengeti. Each faces the sunset and is open on two sides, giving you an extraordinary panoramic view of nature’s living masterpiece.
Tents
Bishop’s tents are simply extraordinary. Each boasts 120 square meters of luxurious living space, providing ample room to wander at leisure, sink into a deck lounger, soak in your private hot tub or gaze out at passing wildlife. Spacious and beautifully furnished, each offers true five-star luxury within a canvas canopy – but with space and views, no hotel could hope to match.
private butler, or perhaps purring under your masseuse’s strong fingers, after an exhilarating day on safari. Solar power and a generator back up ensure constant electricity is on tap within your tent and across the camp. Due to our location, cellphone and wifi signals come and go, but you can always stay connected. Many prefer not to – and we ask all our guests to keep their phones on silent, to keep the world at bay!
Inside each tent, beautiful interiors have been designed in a modern African style. As you sprawl across your large double or twin bed, you can scan distant horizons from a position of unalloyed comfort.
Every need is catered for: you can ring for your personal butler, at any time of the day or night, to arrange drinks, food, laundry, a hot tub, massage – or any creature comfort. With so much to write home about you may want to use the writing desk or make use of your dining table by ordering a private meal on your deck. And within a substantial en suite bathroom, you’ll find pressurized hot and cold water feeding your indoor shower. Since one side of the shower room is canvas it can be opened to bring you and your shower closer to nature.
Family tents
The 2 family tents are perfect for bigger families, especially since they are linked by a bridge to create a private family suite.
Everyone over the age of seven is most welcome at Serengeti Bushtops, so we can add two children’s beds to any tent. This means we can accommodate four adults and four children within the combined family suites. The camp can also add a single bed for a sharing adult, accommodating three people in any of our tents
Facilities and services at Serengeti Bushtops Camp include;
Cuisine: The elegant open-sided mess tent provides a mouth-watering combination of à la carte gourmet dining and striking views across the Serengeti landscape. At the end of an exhilarating day’s game viewing, it is hard to imagine a more perfect conclusion than choosing from multiple delights on the menu, before being escorted to your table.
Campfire: With a campfire glowing outside, this is life in the bush at its most sophisticated and harmonious – and the perfect place to end your perfect day, watching the hot sun sink over the vast Serengeti.
Wines: Bushtops has become famous for many things, but one of the most surprising (to the guests, at least) is wine. At Serengeti Bushtops, fine dining is complemented by a substantial wine selection, chosen from our highly unusual wine wall. The wine collection provides exceptional options to suit any taste, amongst connoisseurs and enthusiastic explorers alike.
Massage/Treatments: You can book an Aromatherapy or Deep Tissue massage with products from Terres d’Afrique.
- d) Olakira Camp-Luxury
Olakira Camp is a luxury seasonal tented camp that moves through the southern and northern Serengeti, in areas of great wildlife concentration. From December to March, the camp is in the southern Serengeti for calving season; and from June to November, the camp is in the Bolongoja region of the northern plains.
Accommodation at Olakira Camp comprises;
Olakira Camp is intimate with just 9 guest tents and 2 common area tents. Whilst the mobile nature of Olakira Camp allows it to move to the densest concentrations of wildlife, it manages to surprise with its spaciousness and comfort.
Large beds, wide private verandas, en-suite bathroom facilities, a great lounge area and wonderful food served under the Serengeti stars ensure total well-being. Bathrooms are extremely comfortable for a mobile camp, with hot bucket shower on order, washbasin and an environmentally friendly toilet.
A stay in Olakira Camp is not about 5-star luxury though. It’s about something more than that. Being in the middle of this incredible wilderness, with wild animals roaming around camp at night, is a dream come true to even the most experienced of travellers.
Camp amenities
- Number of tents: 9
- Children: above 6 years
- Triples: 2
- Suitable for disabled guests
- Distance between tents: 20-25 meters
- En-suite bathrooms
- Flush toilets
- In-room lockable box
- Laundry service
- Power: solar & generator
- Battery charging facilities
- e) Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp-Midrange
At Nasikia Mobile Camp, we have 8-12 tents that remain mobile throughout the year, depending on seasonal reservation requirements and location of the wildebeest migration. We endeavour to retain the uniqueness and intimacy of the camp, whilst being directed by the location, wildlife and other factors of responsible tourism. 01 June – 31 October – located at Kogatende, in the far northern areas of the Serengeti.
Each tent is 12m long by 4m wide made from well known heavy duty safari rip-stop canvas made locally at Morogoro, southern Tanzania, plus the additional cooling feature of shade-clothing over the entire tent.
The tents have netted windows down each side of the tent which you can fully open with only the canvas remaining at all times with the mosquito netting stitched strongly into the actual tent. Then comes the bathroom area, which can be accessed directly from the bedroom with a separate doorway.
You are met at the entrance (on the longest side of the tent) by a patio area with chairs and a table for relaxing when you have a moment. The front of the tents zips fully open, including a layer of mosquito netting and the rip-stop canvas (which zips completely closed) with both layers. Once you step into the tent into the bedroom area, you will see an arrangement of unique furniture like a desk and chair, storage chest (with extra blankets), matting, wardrobe with robes, slippers, an umbrella and laundry bag, luggage racks, torch/whistle/camp information folder, bedside tables, bed footers and beds (depending on room configuration).
All the fittings depict colours in natural tones to adhere to the intrinsic area we are located. We offer double (even a honeymoon option), twin, single, triple and family (quad) tents and each bed is fully netted for custom made protection from mosquitoes and insects. The beds are fitted with imported cotton sheets, double pillows, duvets and bed runners for your comfort.
Once inside, there is a bathroom stand with a ceramic washbasin with running water via stylish taps, a mirror, a supply of natural based bathroom products, and linen to suit. This area also displays a woven grass mat and clothes rack.
Within this area, there are additional toilet and shower areas for privacy. Inside the toilet area is a ceramic flushing toilet, encased in a wooden frame for stability. Inside the shower area, is a stand for washing behind a shower curtain under a 20 liter PVC bucket erected on a pulley system as required. From the entrance of the bedroom and onto the bathroom, each tent is fitted with an extensive solar lighting system for your convenience.
Accommodation & Amenities at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp
- 12 tented suites (including 1 honeymoon suite)
- Children: aged 5 and up
- Potential for disabled guests
- Solar & generator power
- Battery-charging facilities
- Wifi available
- f) Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti camp-Luxury
Being a part of Kichakani; translating from Swahili as ‘in the bush’; means staying in remarkable luxury tents which can be packed up and moved along in a style evocative of the pioneering explorers of the 19th century, yet with all the modern comforts. Handcrafted luggage, easy chairs with an air of mid-century modern, and characterful cabinets and desks have all been designed to be perfectly portable. This considered modern collection of the first-class furniture brings the charm of centuries-ago safari living bang up to date.
Accommodation at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti camp include;
Classic Campaign Tents
An elegant contemporary take on the classic campaign look, Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp offers accommodation under canvas with 10 five-star tents, all of which have been styled with distinction. Each tent has a wooden deck perfect for pausing for a just-brewed cup of Tanzania’s finest coffee, and ensuite bathrooms feature authentic bucket showers.
A personal tent attendant is available around the clock to fill each bucket shower to the perfect temperature. Thanks to the on-the-go nature of the whole sand-coloured canvas-constructed camp, there is little impact on the environment, casting a lighter ecological shadow.
Canopy Community
In addition to the sophisticated private tents, the camp also features a grand central canopied area where the main tent flows into lounges and dining wings. Promising awe-inspiring panoramas, the tents can be open on the sides to reveal the soul-stirring landscape. Savour international flavours alongside kachumbari (traditional Tanzanian salsa), coconut beans, paprika, cinnamon, chilli from nearby Zanzibar, conjured up by the Chef and his team. Evenings can be spent gathered by the traditional fire pit and exchanging stories under starry skies and listening to tales of wildlife encounters and historical derring-do from the passionate guides.
Facilities and services at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti camp include;
Bar: containing premium brands and champagne
Resturant
Laundry, daily housekeeping
Return transfers to and from the Airstrip to the camp (Game Package only)
- g) Mara Mara Tented Lodge-Midrange
Located in North Serengeti close to the river Mara in the Kogatende area. Situated in the heart of the Migration from June to November with an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. It has been designed and decorated in a modern African style that creates a fresh and light ambience, very welcoming but with a touch of luxury. Guests can observe the Great Migration from the comfort of their tents.
Mara mara Tented Lodge accommodation comprises;
The lodge consists of 16 tents with en suite facilities, including family rooms. It is divided into two camps, north and south. Guests at each of the two camps will use the Main House that includes lounges, restaurants, view deck and swimming pool.
Facilities and services at Mara Mara Tented lodge include;
Raised deck: The camp has two main areas built on a raised deck, which is perfect so as not to lose anything that’s happening roundabout. This is where the dining room and lounge are situated. The lounge has comfortable sofas and armchairs and a selection of board games are available.
Campfire: Every evening a fire is lit where guests can relax and enjoy the sunset whilst enjoying a drink (all the drinks, including local beers and wines, are included) and weather permitting, guests can have dinner outside under the stars.
- h) Kaskaz Mara Camp-Midrange
Kaskaz Mara Camp is located a short drive from Kogatende Airstrip and the exciting Mara River viewing area. The ten tented suites are superbly located to provide an indulgent base for optimal migration viewing throughout the year. With large netted windows and draped roofing in each suite for Serengeti-style air conditioning, cotton curtains dancing on the breeze, oversized beds, indoor and outdoor furnishings of style, expansive floor space, great hardwood double vanities, hand-carved decor with Swahili flair.
The camp is available for drive-in or game package clients, all while taking special care to illustrate the unique environment they are welcomed to. Tailoring the tents to group configurations from honeymooners to families, the camp personnel are on call 24 hours to ensure that everyone is content in their stunning environment. The camp shares an array of meal options, from early morning bush breakfasts to leisurely in camp lunches in the shade to four-course delectable dinners. A fireside Gin & Tonic is never amiss.
Accommodation & Amenities at Kaskaz Mara Camp include;
- 10 tented suites (including 1 honeymoon suite)
- Children: aged 5 and up
- Suitable for disabled guests (please contact us)
- Solar & generator power
- Battery-charging facilities
- Wifi available
- i) Kimondo Camp-Budget
Kimondo Camp in Tanzania is a mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration of Africa to offer a Serengeti safari experience of a lifetime. The spectacular Kimondo Camp in Tanzania takes guests on an unforgettable Serengeti safari. This mobile camp has a seasonal location and chases the Wildebeest migration to bring its guests memorable wildlife sightings.
Accommodation at Kimondo Camp include;
The camp has 8 safari tents, spacious and are all equipped en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, and bucket safari showers with hot and cold running water.
At Kimondo Camp the spacious traditional canvas tents feature king or twin-sized beds and have large verandahs where leisurely afternoons are spent. This Tanzania safari lodge in Serengeti National Park has a mess tent with a comfortable lounge and mini library.
Facilities and services at Kimondo Camp comprise;
Dinner at Kimondo Camp is enjoyed under the stars or the dining tent.
- j) Ikoma Safari Camp-Budget
Ikoma Safari Camp is a permanent tented camp in the Serengeti Ikoma region in Tanzania. The Camp is located on the main wildebeest migration route between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is raised up on the side of an impressive bush with broadly scattered acacia trees in the endless Savana.
Accommodation at Ikoma Safari Camp include;
The camp consists of 8 cottages 3 of them double and 5 that can afford from 1-4 guests spread out to ensure privacy and exclusivity. Each has a full en-suite bathroom and a private veranda from which you can enjoy the panoramic views of nature.
The design is modern and incorporating local materials from the area combined with comfort. The thatched roof on the verandah is working as an extension to your bedroom in the wild with fabulous sightseeing.
Facilities at Ikoma Safari Camp include;
Restaurant & Bar: The camp restaurant offers cuisine with both local and international influences and serves themed lived cooked dinners, al la carte lunches, and breakfast buffet.
All meals are served under the vaulted ceiling of the open-aired dining room, providing great views of the landscape below. The cuisine is international, using fresh local ingredients and a hint of African spices. Children can be catered for with early mealtimes, and we are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
Lunches are typically served buffet style, with a varying selection of soups, salads, and hot and cold dishes…and an assortment of delicious desserts. Dinner is a 3-course meal served at your table. There is always plenty to eat and enough variety to ensure there is something to suit all tastes.
Solar energy: All camp is run by solar energy, we have our borehole to take the water that is run by a solar pump.
- k) AndBeyond Under Canvas-Luxury
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxurious semi-permanent tented camp that moves around the Serengeti bringing guests within range of the massive herds of the Great Migration. The Mobile camp moves 5 times during the year, attempting to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration Serengeti airstrip nearest to the current position of the camps (Seronera, Ndutu, Grumeti or Kogatende)
Using only private campsites, these mobile camps are entirely intimate and exclusive, featuring just nine spacious safari tents at each of its two campsites.
The camp’s spacious safari tents, each with a double bed, ensuite bathroom and separate w.c, as well as his and hers al fresco bucket showers, lend themselves to excellent family adventures. Each family tent can cater for a family of two adults and two children, between the ages of six to 12. A private safari vehicle is at your disposal when booking your family holiday at &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas.
The guest areas include a dedicated sitting and dining tent, which provides deep sofas from which to contemplate the vastness and peace of the surrounding landscape. Custom made Indian rugs and polished brass samovars add a touch of elegance and romance.
Relax under the dark velvet night sky and sample hearty cuisine served on sparkling crystal and silver that reflects the twinkling light of millions of shining stars. Cluster around a roaring campfire to share stories of the day’s magic and listen to the African night come alive.
This ultimate luxury camping is complete with private butler service, chandeliers, silverware, crystal, ensuite flush w.c. and comfortable beds with fluffy duvets.
- l) Serengeti Safari Camp-Midrange
Serengeti Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to view the Serengeti wildebeest migration and the substantial herds of resident game. The camp is “semi-nomadic” and shadows the migration, enabling guests to get as close to the migration as possible.
Serengeti Safari Camp is a traditional mobile tented camp that moves through the season from the grassy plain to rolling wooded hills and dramatic granite kopjes, all within the national park. The camp itself is a small and built-in classic safari style, with only six comfortable walk-in tents, each with its own en suite bathroom, with flush loo and bucket shower.
It offers a wonderful “Out of Africa” experience, staying in a tented camp, waking to the sunrise and bird calls with a cup of hot tea or coffee brought to your tent, and in the evenings sitting around the campfire mulling over the day’s wildlife sightings.
The camp changes location every few weeks but not during your stay. Camp movements are pre-planned in an effort to be within reach of the wildebeest migration, but this cannot always be guaranteed given the unpredictability of nature according to weather conditions.
Accommodation at Serengeti Safari Camp
The six tents are light in their footprint, but with all that, anyone might need in their own bush home: spacious tents with deeply comfortable beds, a roomy dressing area, and then an ensuite bathroom with a low water usage bio-degradable flush toilet, and traditional safari-style bucket showers with hot and cold water on demand. One of the tents is designed as a family tent.
Facilities and services at Serengeti Safari Camp
Due to its ‘nomadic’ nature, the camp is very simple but with plenty of small details which make your stay comfortable. There is a library and lounge tent, as well as a dining tent where delicious camp cuisine is served.
Serengeti Safari Camp offers both shared games drives and also the opportunity to pre-book a private 4×4 vehicle with an experienced Tanzanian driver-guide throughout their stay, allowing complete flexibility to tailor the safari to their own particular interests. Walking safaris, bush picnics, and cookout breakfasts are a few of the many Serengeti Safari Camp experiences and are offered wherever possible, depending on the camp location.
- m) Serengeti North Wilderness Camp-Midrange
Serengeti North Wilderness Camp is a ‘seasonal’ camp located in the north of the Serengeti National Park, a short distance from the banks of the Mara River. Seasonal camps have the benefit of being able to move to some of the best game viewing areas of the park, and we work under strict guidelines with the camp being truly eco-friendly.
Comprising just 12 spacious tents, we provide comfortable beds and quality linen, with en suite flushing toilet and ‘bush shower’. Lighting is by 12-volt (solar powered) with bedside lamps provided. The tents each have a shady verandah.
An airy, central dining tent complements our comfortable lounge tent which has a small reference library, maps, some games for children and a recharging facility for cameras and videos. The safari chef at the camp will prepare sumptuous meals for your enjoyment. Evenings offer a typical safari campfire around which our guests enjoy sundowners and snacks, and relive the day’s experiences.
The camp provides a friendly, intimate quality tented bush camp, with good facilities in an amazing area, with due respect for this fragile ecosystem.
Facilities and services at Serengeti North Wilderness Camp include;
- Large central dining area
- Wireless internet
- Recharging facilities
- n) Ubuntu Camp-Midrange
Ubuntu Camp is a small mobile Serengeti safari camp located in Serengeti National Park, that provides guests with seasonal accommodation. What sets this mobile camp apart from the rest of the Serengeti camps is that it moves along with the Great Wildebeest Migration, taking game viewing to newer heights.
Exclusive tented Serengeti National Park accommodation is offered at the Ubuntu Camp, and a chance to track an abundance of wildlife. At Ubuntu camp, true Tanzanian hospitality and Ubuntuism (the act of human kindness) is experienced at the hands of the friendly and attentive staff.
Accommodation at Ubuntu Camp comprises;
Seasonal Serengeti National Park accommodation at Ubuntu Camp is provided in canvas safari tents, specially designed to provide shelter under the harsh African sun. This small, mobile camp in Tanzania moves with the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
The comfortable tents feature necessary amenities and are regularly attended to by the friendly staff. Each tent is either a double or twin (triples are also available) with toilets and safari bucket showers in en-suite bathrooms. At Ubuntu Camp, you will experience true Tanzanian hospitality in a relaxed setting.
4) Tanzania Safari lodges in Eastern Serengeti National Park
- a) Namiri Plains Camp-Luxury
This small and very exclusive camp has great views over the endless Serengeti plains that surround it. This area is ‘big cat country’ and offers East Africa’s best cheetah viewing opportunities. The cheetah numbers here are vast and there’s plenty of everything else too. Namiri Plains is extremely remote.
Accommodation at Namiri Plains Camp comprises;
Guest Tent – 2 pax
This small and exclusive haven comprises ten elegant tented suites with sweeping 360-degree views of the plains. The guest rooms at Namiri Plains have undergone a significant upgrade. Boasting a substantial increase in size, the newly built suites offer sliding doors that run the full length of the room and open out on a full-length viewing deck. The rooms are constructed from the natural calcrete from the area, they are strikingly beautiful but also plays an important role in regulating the temperature in the suites. The bathroom offers full views of the seasonal riverbed from your shower. Large, glass sliding doors give you access to the deck right from the shower. A private bathtub made entirely of resin is located on the deck, offering exceptional views from the tub as you relax.
Family Tent – 4 pax
The guest rooms at Namiri Plains have undergone a significant upgrade. Boasting a substantial increase in size, the newly built suites offer sliding doors that run the full length of the room and open out on a full-length viewing deck. The bathroom offers full views of the seasonal riverbed from your shower. Large, glass sliding doors give you access to the deck right from the shower. A private bathtub made entirely of resin is located on the deck, offering exceptional views from the tub as you relax. Similar to the double tents but slightly larger the family tent comes with an additional room with 2 single beds in it, which can be made into a double.
Facilities and services at Namiri Plains Camp comprises;
24-hour Security
Bar
Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
- b) &Beyond Klein’s Camp-Midrange
Situated on the only concession that borders on both the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Parks, &Beyond Klein’s Camp offers some of the best panoramic views of these two iconic destinations, which also play host to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on earth. Here, you can enjoy exceptional game viewing, thrilling night game drives, Maasai culture, and old-fashioned safari luxury. &Beyond Klein’s Camp embodies the very soul of the Serengeti.
This private and remote camp offers guests the spirit of wild Africa – wooded hillsides, rolling grasslands, and forested river banks, all teeming with the rich wildlife, of this natural sanctuary lie sprawled at your feet. Set in a landscape that is gentle yet rugged, &Beyond Klein’s Camp reflects the heart of this untamed land with a vintage safari style.
Accommodation at &Beyond Klein’s Camp include;
10 cottages including 1 family suite Uninterrupted views; WI-FI in cottages. In-room massage Gym, indoor shower, in-room safe, hairdryer,
Facilities at &Beyond Klein’s Camp include;
- Open fireplaces
- Stone floors and deep leather armchairs
- Dining area with fine linen, silver and china sparkle in the candlelight.
- Swimming pool; overlooking the smoky distant hills.
- Furnished bar and sitting area
- A Safari Shop that features locally-made Maasai crafts
- c) Ehlane Plains Camp-Midrange
Ehlane Plains Camp has been established in the far eastern plains of the Serengeti, a remote and wildlife-filled pocket of the savannah. ‘Ehlane’ is a Zulu word which translates to ‘wilderness’. It is a clear description of the extraordinary and newly accessible location which presents forth an unsurpassed display of predators and predator activity. It is here in the Soit le Motonyi region, far from the Serengeti transit areas, that you are able to find something wild and spectacular amongst this rough country. The area is unique; unspoiled, silent, remote and truly exciting.
Accommodation at Ehlane Plains Camp comprises;
The camp offers 8 tents designed to merge with the eco-system, all under canvas and all with clear vistas of the wilderness ahead. Each tented suite contains a lounge cove with comfortable couches and coffee table, dressing area with handcrafted cupboards, net-draped king size bed with bedside tables and lamps, mining writing desk with chair, full-length wall mirror and soft carpets to wander along. The suite flows into ensuite; a natural theme of the shower, double hand basins, and flushing toilet.
With its isolated location, the camp takes full advantage of the African night skies. Two tents have been designed as ‘star domes’; an Arabian idea of an open rooftop to recline on large cushions and fall asleep beneath a natural planetarium. The evenings are beautiful with the borderless flow of clarity from the glowing moon to glittering stars, flickering planets and a swish of the milky way: the vast, seemingly emptiness beyond stretched out for infinity; glorious and mesmerizing. The viewing of the heavens looks simple enough, yet it clearly holds every thought, dream, and secret. The early dawn rays smile and whisper softly, wishing the glittering stars away to their curious hiding spots. The camps wake for another day for discovery.
Two tents welcome families of up to five, inter-connected suites with private lounge to kick back, read, chat, write or play games – a cushioned covered floor makes it easy to drift and dream.
Facilities and services at Ehlane Plains Camp comprise;
- The dining and lounge area: located in the centre of the camp, the meeting point for exciting stories and meals by the campfire.
- Solar & generator power
- Battery-charging facilities
- Wifi available
- Bush breakfasts. picnics & dinners
- d) Taasa Lodge-Midrange
The Lodge is perched on the edge of the Oldonyo Keri Hills in the North-Eastern part of Tanzania within the Loliondo District at Ololosokwan Village. It is located in a private concession which borders the Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation at Taasa Lodge comprises;
There are 12 split-level luxury tents that can easily accommodate families, couples and solo travellers. The rooms include singles, doubles, or triples. Each tent is 50 square meters with a veranda that provides unobstructed views of Lobo Valley, a comfortable lounge area, a relaxing bedroom area, and a bathroom. En-suite bathrooms are complete with a shower, double vanity, and hairdryer, along with sumptuous robes and towels. Hot water is available 24 hours per day. For those interested in a little exercise, the lodge offers a complimentary workout basket in each room.
Taasa lodge facilities and services comprise;
- Laundry services; are available at no extra cost.
- A bar: in a unique and exquisitely furnished Guest Area, serving a selection of fine wines and spirits.
- A dining area: Where most breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served.
- A comfortable indoor lounge
- A firepit
- Swimming pool;
- A Gift Shop- that features locally-made Maasai crafts of which proceeds return directly to the women of the village.
5) Tanzania Safari Lodges in southern Serengeti National Park
- a) Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp-Luxury
This beautifully designed tented lodge is situated in Ndutu in the southeastern Serengeti plains within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a prime location for game drives and an ideal stopover to the neighbouring Serengeti National Park. The Lodge is some 5 kilometres (15 minutes drive) from Ndutu airstrip, and about 300 Kilometers or 5 hours drive / 1 hour by flight from Arusha town. Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge is conveniently situated close to the prime game viewing areas of Seronera in Central Serengeti about 80kms to the northwest and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater 90kms to the east.
Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp accommodation includes;
20 well-appointed sleeping tents with a combination of Family Suites and individual Guest Tents offering a top-notch true African safari experience.
Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge is built to blend into the natural environment dominated by acacia trees with a clear view of Lake Ndutu. All-natural vegetation is preserved and the wildlife has a natural undisturbed stroll to the site. This is an eco-friendly lodge with solar power as the source of electricity, supported by two standby generators and invertors.
Family Suite /Interconnecting Rooms
The lodge boasts of two Suites, specially designed to suit families travelling with children and young adults or for groups of friends who want to stay together, sharing the same platform with 3 tents interconnected to each other. For parents, the whole concept is to give them a relaxed feeling to enjoy the trip with children safely tucked up close to them in the connected tents.
Each of the two suites has three en-suite tented rooms opening on to each other through an interconnecting deck and sharing the same platform. Each of the three tented rooms has an en-suite bathroom with two hand basins, a toilet, and two shower facilities – an indoor shower and an outdoor shower, a private balcony and own entrance, and all other amenities provided in the individual guest tents. There is a ramp for physically challenged guests to access one of the guest tents in each of the two family suites.
Facilities and services at Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp comprise;
- Swimming pool
- Bar; The Lion’s Den Bar & Lounge is the perfect place to unwind and relax with a drink after an adventurous game drive session with spectacular lake views.
- Restaurant; The in-house restaurant features a large wooden deck of its own overlooking views of the stunning African savannah. One of the finest bush chefs and his team of waiting staff have a variety of cuisines on offer to cater for the diversity of guests visiting. These include continental with a blend of Chinese, Italian and Indian. We accommodate and welcome any special dietary requests
- 24-hour reception/concierge
- Laundry service
- Curio shop for souvenirs
- Viewing Deck with a telescope
- Evening campfire
- Balloon safaris (on pre-arrangement)
- Drivers and tour guide accommodation and meals
- b) Mwiba Lodge-Luxury
Mwiba Lodge, a secluded, sophisticated haven set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees, and acacias, overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River, is the flagship safari experience in the Legendary Expeditions portfolio. Set in harmony with this idyllic natural backdrop, Mwiba Lodge offers an unmatched experience in luxury adventure. This exclusive lodge mixes both traditional and modern design elements, creating an inviting, sophisticated hideaway.
The interiors artfully integrate the natural surroundings with layer upon layer of textured creams paired with suede, tans, and accents of chocolate and charcoal. Located in Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, a conservation concession dedicated to the balance between wildlife and communities, this area is only available to a handful of guests, facilitating an excellent, uncrowded safari experience within the greater Serengeti eco-system. This vast 129,530-acre wildlife reserve is vibrantly lush with 33 freshwater springs and a diverse array of wildlife. Game drives, bush walks and cultural excursions to the local tribe’s village are just a few of the magical experiences that begin at Mwiba, where a world of adventure awaits.
Accommodation at Mwiba Lodge comprises;
Mwiba Lodge comprises 10 tented suites, each with twin or king configuration.
2 pairs of suites are inter-leading and suitable for families or guests travelling together.
In-room Facilities
- Extra beds
- Sofa bed in each room and an infant cot available
- Air conditioning
- Mosquito nets
- Bath
- Indoor shower
- Minibar
- In-room safe
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Laundry included
- Disabled access- on request
Mwiba Lodge facilities and services comprise;
- Spa: One 45-minute spa treatment per guest is being offered as a welcome gift, additional spa treatments are also available.
- Cultural interaction: The cultural interaction with the Hadzabe, Datoga, Maasai and Sukuma tribes provide a life-changing glimpse into a world of thousands of years ago.
- Electricity- 220V
- Wi-fi
- Swimming pool & Heated jacuzzi
- Security/patrolled
- Private dinners
- c) -Woodlands camp – Midrange
Tucked within the slopes of Nabi Hills that links Lake Ndutu, Moru Kopjes and the hidden valley is the seasonal Woodlands Camp.
Accommodation at Woodlands camp comprises
Woodlands Camp features 12 canvas tents with roomy sleeping quarters. Each tent has its own private en-suite bathroom that includes running water from a marble-topped single basin vanity, a separate hot shower area elevated on teak wood flooring, an enclosed private flush toilet, and a dressing area. Each tent is furnished with a comfortable sitting area complete with a hand-carved solid wood coffee table, cosy upholstered side chairs, and a quaint writing desk for journaling about the day’s events.
The rooms at the camp include
- Single
- Double
- Twin
- Tripple
- Family
Camp Amenities include;
- Ensuite Hot Shower
- Flush Toilet
- Bathrobes
- Mosquito Netting
- Laundry Service
- Electricity
- PowerPoints for Charging Electronics
- Separate Dining Area
- Lounge and Bar Area
- Beverage Supplement Available
- Special Dietary Considerations
- Sundowner
- Nightly Campfires
- Radio Communication in Each Tent
- d) Serengeti Ndutu Safari Lodge-Midrange
Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the South-eastern part of the Serengeti ecosystem. The Lodge is surrounded by indigenous trees and shrubs which encourage a host of birds and mammals to come right to your front door. Tucked well away from the busy tourist circuit, Ndutu offers peace and tranquillity far from the madding crowd.
Accommodation at Serengeti Ndutu Safari Lodge comprises;
The lodge features thirty-four en-suite cottages which range from double, twins, triples and a quad room and all are built from local materials.
The stone and thatch cottages are naturally cool due to the thick walls and they provide simple and comfortable accommodation. Each room has an en- suite bathroom with hot showers, sink and flushing toilet.
All of the cottages have a private veranda overlooking the natural unfenced landscape of indigenous trees and shrubs outside your cottage door ensuring you are never far from the host of birds and mammals who call the Ndutu area home.
The cottages extend from a warm and welcoming central dining, seating, and bar or ‘mess’ area which has long been a gathering place for friends old and new.
Facilities and services at Serengeti Ndutu Safari Lodge;
Dining; All dining at the Lodge is in the central seating, dining and bar area which is the heart of the lodge, with views over the broad vista of the plains onto Lake Ndutu in the distance. Lunch and dinner are served at your table with a generous three-course menu of deliciously tempting options for lunch and a hearty four-course dinner served each evening.
Bar: The central bar serves mean cocktails which are a great way to start off your evening
Evening campfire: The evening campfire is a legendary part of life at Ndutu. For decades, this has been the time and place where after a day’s adventures wildlife photographers, trackers, safari guides, filmmakers and natural history experts have gathered in the evening calm after day’s exploration.
- e) Ndutu Wilderness Camp-Midrange
Ndutu Wilderness Camp is an intimate tented camp set in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti eco-system from December to March, coinciding with the calving season.
Nestled under shady trees on a private site, the camp comprises twelve spacious tents, featuring solar lighting and en-suite facilities.
Renowned for its warm service and homely food, meals are often served al fresco under starry African skies.
The central lounge/ bar area is a great place to catch up with fellow guests, with a campfire completing that close to nature safari ambience.
You’ll spot plenty of predators here: lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wildcat, caracal as well as a striped and spotted hyena. The diverse eco-systems in this area, from woodlands to plains and soda lakes, make it a unique place for bird watching. This is the perfect place to be to witness the annual wildebeest calving spectacle.
How to get to Serengeti National Park Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is located in a remote corner of our planet in the north of Tanzania. Even though this is one of the few places left where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles have been more or less unaltered, the Serengeti is fairly easy to access. The most convenient option is to fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. It is also possible to book an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park and visit one or two other parks along the way. Of course, it’s also possible to combine these options; book a one way Serengeti overland safari and fly back to Arusha. More information on the different safari possibilities may be found on going on a safari in Serengeti National Park.
Getting to Serengeti by air
International air travel
The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. The airport is located about 200 miles from the park’s southern entrance. There are a couple of international flight options such as KLM (daily), Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines (a couple of times per week). Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which offers more international flight possibilities. Additional airlines such as British Airways, Emirates and others fly into Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (DAR). Please note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may require an extra overnight and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions.
Regional air travel
The favoured route for a Serengeti fly-in safari is by flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). From here it will take approximately 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. All flights are operated by local airlines such as Air Excel, Coastal Aviation or Regional Air. Once landed at the airstrip, the lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you to your final destination where a cold drink will be ready and waiting (please allow another 45 minutes to 2 hours for road transfer – depending on the chosen lodge).
It is also possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) directly to one of Serengeti’s airstrips. When travelling from the Lake Victoria area, the favoured airport is Mwanza Airport (MWZ). There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and other national parks in Tanzania such as Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstrips)
Looking for a faster and even more convenient option to get to the Serengeti? A scheduled or private charter flight is the way to go. Some of the more exclusive lodges have their own airstrip and are able to arrange direct scheduled and/or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrip.
Getting to Serengeti National Park Tanzania by road
Serengeti drive-in safaris
The most popular way to travel to Serengeti National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari. In general, the drive-in safaris start from the town of Arusha. As it will take approximately eight hours to travel from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park, an overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites en route is usually part of your safari itinerary.
Serengeti self-drive safaris
Although not recommended, the Serengeti National Park is accessible when travelling by (rental) vehicle. Please keep in mind that careful planning is necessary when driving by yourself through the Serengeti National Park. A 4×4 vehicle is required to be able to access all roads throughout the year. Petrol is sold at Seronera in the Southern Serengeti Area but driving is not permitted in the park after 19:00.
Serengeti access gates
There are four main entry and exit points:
- Naabi Hill Gate (06:00 – 18:00): Main and most heavily trafficked access gate if coming from Arusha; 45km from Seronera.
- Ndabaka Gate (06:00 – 18:00): Main gate for Western Corridor; 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza and 145km from Seronera – last entry at 16H00.
- Klein’s Gate (06:00 – 18:00): In the far north-east, it allows a loop trip combining Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Natron – the latter just 2 to 3 hours from the park. Last entry at 16:00.
- Bologonya Gate: en route to/from Kenya, but the border is closed and unlikely to open soon.