A Serengeti safari is the ultimate African adventure, drawing thousands of travelers each year to witness breathtaking landscapes, the legendary Great Migration, and encounters with the Big Five.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another amazing journey, this 2025 guide covers everything you need—costs, best time to visit, safari packages, and insider tips to make your trip seamless.
Let’s dive in!
Best Time to Visit the Serengeti
Season | Months | Highlights
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Great Migration (River Crossings) | June- September | Witness the dramatic Mara River crossings as over a million wildebeest and zebras migrate
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Calving Season | January –February | See thousands of newborn wildebeest and predator action.
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Dry Season | June – October | Best for spotting the Big Five with minimal vegetation.
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Green/Wet Season | November – May | Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and great birdwatching.
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For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, the June to September period is the most sought-after for the Serengeti Great Migration safari.
Serengeti Safari Costs in 2025
Planning a Serengeti safari in 2025 means understanding how pricing works so you can budget wisely.
The cost of your trip will depend on factors such as travel season, type of accommodation, safari duration, transportation method, and whether you choose a private Serengeti tour or a group package. At Kevic Tours, we handle all things concerning pricing to offer the best rates to our clients.
Contact us today for more information about Serengeti Safari costs.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect for different safari styles:
Safari Type | Example Package Details
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Budget | 7-day group safari, shared vehicles, basic accommodation
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Mid-Range | 7-day private safari, comfortable lodges or tented camps
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High-End | Luxury lodges and camps, price varies based on package and number of travelers
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To secure the best Serengeti safari deals, book at least 6–12 months in advance with Kevic Tours, especially if traveling during the Great Migration or holiday peak seasons. Early bookings often come with discounted rates and guaranteed access to the most sought-after lodges and camps.
Top Serengeti Safari Experiences
A Serengeti tour is far more than just thrilling game drives. While spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino—is a highlight, the park offers a variety of historic activities that allow you to experience Tanzania’s wilderness from different perspectives.
Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping adventures or immersive cultural encounters, these Serengeti safari experiences will elevate your trip in 2025.
#1. Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
One of the most iconic activities on a Serengeti safari is a sunrise hot air balloon ride. As the sun casts golden light over the endless plains, you’ll glide silently above herds of wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
From the air, you can truly appreciate the vast scale of the Serengeti National Park and capture spectacular photos of wildlife from a unique vantage point.
Best Time: June to September during the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the landscape.
After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush with our professional safari tours, a tradition that adds a touch of luxury to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
#2. Walking Safaris for a Close-Up Wilderness Encounter
Walking Safaris for a Close-Up Wilderness Encounter
A Serengeti walking safari offers a completely different perspective from the comfort of a vehicle. Accompanied by armed rangers and experienced guides, you’ll explore off-road trails on foot, learning to identify animal tracks, native plants, and bird calls.
Walking safaris allow you to experience the park’s sights, sounds, and scents at ground level, making you feel part of the ecosystem.
Best Locations for walking safari are the Northern Serengeti and private concession areas where walking is permitted.
#3. Night Game Drives under African Skies
Night Game Drives under African Skies
Most wildlife activities take place during the day, but a night game drive reveals an entirely different world. After sunset, the Serengeti comes alive with nocturnal predators like leopards, servals, hyenas, and African civets.
With the help of spotlights, our guide will track these elusive creatures as they hunt and roam the darkened savannah.
You’ll be able to see unique sights such as owls, porcupines, bush babies, and other rarely-seen species.
.#4. Cultural Tours with the Maasai People
Cultural Tours with the Maasai People
No Serengeti safari itinerary is complete without a cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their colorful attire, warrior traditions, and rich heritage.
Here, you’ll learn about Maasai customs, participate in traditional dances, and gain insight into their sustainable way of life in harmony with wildlife.
Why It Matters: Cultural tours support local communities while offering travelers a meaningful connection to Tanzania’s living traditions.
#5. Safaris and Private Game Drives Photographic
For photography enthusiasts, a Serengeti photographic safari provides tailor-made opportunities to capture perfect wildlife shots. With private vehicles and expert driver-guides, you can position yourself for the best angles during dramatic moments like a lion hunt or a wildebeest river crossing.
One of the special features about this safari is the longer game drives at golden-hour lighting and the freedom to wait patiently for action shots.
Safari Types to Consider
Planning a Serengeti safari 2025 involves more than just picking dates—you’ll also need to decide what type of safari experience matches your travel style, budget, and comfort level.
From private luxury adventures to adventurous self-drive trips, each option offers unique benefits.
Here’s a closer look at the most popular Serengeti safari types and what to expect.
Private Serengeti Safari – Tailored Luxury and Flexibility
A private Serengeti safari is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking a personalized and exclusive experience. Your itinerary is fully customized, and you’ll enjoy a dedicated 4×4 vehicle, a professional driver-guide, and private accommodations.
This safari is best for honeymooners, families, photographers, or anyone looking for privacy and comfort.
Group Serengeti Safari – Affordable and Social
For travelers on a budget or those who enjoy meeting new people, a group Serengeti safari is an excellent choice. You’ll share a vehicle and guide with other travelers, making it a cost-effective way to explore the park.
Best For: Solo travelers, small groups of friends, or families seeking a social experience.
Self-Drive Serengeti Safari – Adventure at Your Own Pace
For seasoned adventurers, a self-drive Serengeti safari offers the thrill of exploring Tanzania’s vast wilderness independently. You’ll rent a 4×4 vehicle and navigate the park’s roads on your own.
Best For: Experienced drivers, long-term travelers, or those seeking maximum freedom.
Regardless of the option you choose, booking through reputable Serengeti tour operators like Kevic Tours, ensures safety, expert guidance, and access to the best wildlife viewing areas in 2025.
Where to Stay: Best Serengeti Lodges & Camps
Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most exciting—and important—parts of planning your Serengeti safari 2025. The park offers a wide range of lodging options, from budget-friendly campsites to ultra-luxurious safari lodges, each providing a different way to experience the magic of Tanzania’s wildlife.
Whether you’re seeking close encounters with the Great Migration, panoramic savannah views, or a romantic escape, KEVIC TOURS & TRAVEL LTD will help you achieve your dream.
Travel Tips for 2025 & Beyond
Planning a Serengeti safari 2025 requires more than just booking flights and lodges. To make your adventure seamless and stress-free, you’ll need to consider everything from visa requirements to packing essentials and eco-friendly practices.
Below are expert tips to help you enjoy a safe, budget-conscious, and unforgettable trip to the Serengeti National Park.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Tanzania Visa: Most international travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. In 2025, tourists can apply for an eVisa online and it is valid for 90 days.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and contains at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Health & Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you’re traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.
The Serengeti is a malaria-prone region. Bring malaria prophylaxis, mosquito repellent, and long-sleeved clothing for evening game drives.
Ensure you are up to date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations before your trip.
Best Time to Book Your Safari
Peak Season: June–October and December–March are the most popular months for Great Migration safaris, meaning prices and demand will be higher.
Low Season: April–May (the rainy season) offers significant discounts and fewer crowds, ideal for photographers who love lush, green landscapes.
Booking Timeline: Reserve lodges, flights, and Serengeti safari packages at least 6–12 months in advance for the best rates and availability.
Money & Payment Options
Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in lodges and safari camps.
ATMs & Cards: ATMs are available in major towns like Arusha, but bring enough cash for park fees and tips, as remote areas may not accept cards.
Packing Essentials for a Serengeti Safari
Pack light but smart to stay comfortable during game drives and bush walks. Must-have items include:
Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) to blend with the environment. Avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for Serengeti walking safaris.
Gear: Binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera with extra batteries.
Tech: Power banks and universal adapters for charging devices in remote lodges.
Safety & Security Tips
Wildlife Safety: Always remain inside vehicles during game drives unless instructed otherwise by your guide.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Local Guidance: Listen carefully to your driver-guide’s instructions, especially during walking safaris or when staying in unfenced camps.
Sample 8 Days 7 Nights Lake Manyara Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Safari Package
Day 1: Arusha- Lake Manyara National Park
The drive from Moshi to Lake Manyara National Park takes about 4 hours. After having a picnic lunch in Manyara, you start a late afternoon game drive, which is the best time to view animals in this park.
When you approach it from the east, the Rift Valley escarpment looms on the horizon forming an impressive backdrop to the lake. In the tall trees of the ground water forest, monkeys leap from branch to branch, and on the escarpment, elephants stand in the shade.
Other animals frequently seen are zebras, impalas, monkeys, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, and others. Overnight at the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or the twiga lodge and campsite.
Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
The drive to Serengeti National Park via Oldupai Gorge takes 3 to 4 hours. Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site located in the eastern Serengeti plains, in which early human fossils were first discovered.
It has an amazing landscape that resulted from the same tectonic forces that created the Great Rift Valley millions of years ago. Then, in the late evening drive to and overnight at the Serengeti Seronera Wildlife Camp or Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge.
Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, venture into the Serengeti’s wilderness corners for a full day of game viewing in the park. With a picnic lunch beside you, take your leisure while exploring this world heritage site, where earths largest concentration of plain game still roams free!
In the late evening, overnight at the Serengeti Seronera Wildlife Camp or Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge.
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for game drives. This is the best place in Tanzania to see black rhino as well as prides of lions that include the magnificent black-manned males. There are lots of colorful flamingos and a variety of water birds.
Other game that you can see includes leopard, cheetah, hyena, other members of the antelope family, and small mammals. In the late afternoon. Drive to SIMBA Campsite or Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, overnight.
Day 6 & 7: Ngorongoro Crater
At 7a.m check out of the lodge with a packed picnic lunch and depart for a tour to the rim of the crater. Later ascended for a game drive to look for numerous plains games and the big five.
Spend the day within the crater and have lunch at one of the famous picnic spots in the park. In the evening you will return to the SIMBA Campsite or Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, overnight.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
After an early breakfast, check out of the lodge with a packed picnic lunch and depart for a tour of the crater floor, which is home to numerous plains games and the big five. Spend the day within the crater and have lunch at one of the famous picnic spots in the park.
In the late afternoon drive to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport in time for your onward flight. Alternatively continue to your booked hotel for overnight.
FAQs
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
July to October for river crossings; January to March for calving.
How do I book a Serengeti safari?
Book through reputable Serengeti safari tour operators at least 6–12 months ahead.
Conclusion
A Serengeti safari remains one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife adventures. With the right timing, budget, and planning, you can witness the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your 2025 Serengeti tour today to secure the best experiences and deals.