Your Ultimate Serengeti Safari Itinerary

The Serengeti’s vast plains, teeming wildlife, and dramatic landscapes make it one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. This comprehensive Serengeti safari itinerary will guide you through must-see attractions, top lodges and tented camps, and essential safari trip preparation tips—so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive in Central Serengeti

Morning arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport; charter flight or 4×4 transfer into the Central Serengeti
Check-in at a camp lodge—choose from classic tented camps or luxury safari lodges in Seronera
Afternoon game drive: watch lions lounging by the river and spot elephant herds grazing on the open plains

Day 2: Witness the Great Migration

Early morning departure to the Northern Serengeti (Grumeti or Mara River region)
Observe thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they cross crocodile-filled rivers
Enjoy a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, followed by sunset photography over rolling savannah

Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast

Pre-dawn hot air balloon ride to float above the golden grasslands
Champagne breakfast in the bush, then a guided walking safari with Maasai-led bushcraft lessons
Evening at a luxury tented camp with panoramic views of the Serengeti sunset

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Drive south to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descend into the crater for an all-day game drive—look for black rhino, hippo-filled lakes, and flamingo colonies
Overnight at a crater-rim lodge with spectacular views into this natural amphitheater

Day 5: Southern Serengeti & Cultural Visit

Explore the Southern Serengeti’s kopjes and dense woodlands—ideal for leopard sightings
Visit a local Maasai village to learn about traditional beadwork, customs, and community life
Camp under the stars at a mobile safari camp for an authentic wilderness experience

Day 6: Final Game Drive and Departure

Early game drive en route back to Seronera airstrip
Charter flight to Arusha/Kilimanjaro; connect to international departure
Carry home unforgettable memories—and plenty of wildlife photographs!

Top Things to See in the Serengeti

Great Migration river crossings at Grumeti and Mara Rivers
Predator action around watering holes in the Central Serengeti
Birdwatching hotspots near Kopjes and wooded riverbanks
Ngorongoro Crater’s dense wildlife population in a single natural enclosure

Where to Stay in the Serengeti

Luxury tented camps near Seronera: gourmet dining and heated plunge pools
Mid-range safari lodges along the Grumeti River: bush walks and night drives
Mobile camps in the Southern Serengeti: move with the herds for remote wildlife encounters
Crater Rim Lodges: panoramic crater views at sunrise

Packing & Safari Trip Preparation

Proper planning ensures your Serengeti safari is safe and comfortable. Here’s what to pack and know before you go:

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons)
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Sturdy walking shoes and warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives
Binoculars, DSLR or mirrorless camera, extra batteries and memory cards
Insect repellent, basic first-aid kit, and any personal medications
Respect local customs: ask before photographing people, follow guide instructions, and tip responsibly

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Exploring the Serengeti: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Dream Safari