Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

On a Serengeti wildlife safari you can see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, jackals and a huge variety of antelope, from topi and eland to Thomson's gazelles. The Great Migration adds more than a million wildebeest and zebras. Black rhinos are rare but present in protected areas such as Moru Kopjes. With more than 500 bird species, the Serengeti also delights birders, and experienced guides help you find wildlife in every season of the year.

Yes, the Serengeti is home to all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino. Lions, elephants and buffalo are seen on most game drives, and leopards are often spotted resting in trees in the Seronera Valley. Black rhinos are rare and shy, so sightings are not guaranteed. For the best Big Five chances, many travelers combine the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater, where rhinos are easier to spot. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris can build this combination into your itinerary.

The best time for a Serengeti wildlife safari depends on what you want to see. June to October is the dry season, with excellent game viewing and Mara River crossings from about July in the northern Serengeti. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, when predators are very active. The Central Serengeti offers good wildlife viewing all year. April and May bring the long rains, fewer visitors and lower prices, making it a good value time to travel.

The Great Migration moves in a roughly circular route. From December to March, herds graze and give birth on the southern plains and Ndutu. From April to June they move through the central and western Serengeti, with Grumeti River crossings around June. From July to October they reach the northern Serengeti and Mara River, crossing between Tanzania and Kenya. In November they return south with the short rains. Timing changes yearly with rainfall, so expert guides track the herds closely to find the best sightings.

Three to four days in the Serengeti is enough to see its highlights, while five to seven days allows you to explore more than one region and follow the Great Migration. Many travelers choose a seven to ten day northern Tanzania safari that combines the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Flying into Serengeti airstrips saves time on shorter trips. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris recommends at least three nights in the Serengeti for relaxed game drives and better wildlife sightings.

The cost of a Serengeti wildlife safari depends on the season, length, accommodation and group size. Budget camping safaris are the most affordable, mid-range lodge safaris cost more, and luxury tented camps with fly-in transfers are the most expensive. Prices usually include park fees, accommodation, meals, a private vehicle and a professional guide. Park fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and can change. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris provides a clear, detailed quote for your chosen dates with no hidden costs or surprise charges.

Each part of the Serengeti is best at different times. The Central Serengeti and Seronera Valley offer year-round wildlife and superb big cat sightings. The southern plains and Ndutu are best from December to March for calving season. The Western Corridor is ideal around May to July for Grumeti River crossings. The northern Serengeti is best from July to October for Mara River crossings. Your guide will recommend the right region for your travel dates and the wildlife you most want to see.

Yes, a Serengeti wildlife safari is excellent for families. Children love seeing lions, elephants and giraffes up close, and private vehicles let you set your own pace, with breaks whenever needed. Many lodges offer family rooms, swimming pools and child-friendly activities. Shorter game drives and flights between parks keep travel comfortable for younger travelers. Some activities, such as walking safaris, have age limits. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris designs family Serengeti safaris with safe vehicles, experienced guides and flexible, child-friendly itineraries.

Yes, combining the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater is the most popular northern Tanzania safari. Ngorongoro Crater lies between Arusha and the Serengeti, so it fits naturally on the drive in or out. The crater offers a dense concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, while the Serengeti offers vast plains and the Great Migration. A five to seven day itinerary can include both, often with Tarangire or Lake Manyara too. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris creates tailor-made Serengeti and Ngorongoro wildlife safaris.

Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, then either drive to the Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater or take a short scheduled flight to a Serengeti airstrip such as Seronera or Kogatende. The drive takes most of a day but passes Lake Manyara and the crater, while flights take about one to two hours. Many travelers drive in and fly out to save time. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris arranges all airport pickups, flights and road transfers for a smooth journey.

A Serengeti hot air balloon safari is a sunrise flight over the plains that lasts about one hour, giving a bird's-eye view of herds, predators, rivers and kopjes. Balloons launch at dawn from areas such as Seronera, the western Serengeti and the northern Serengeti, depending on the season. Flights end with a champagne bush breakfast. Balloon safaris are weather dependent and book up early in peak season. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris can add a balloon safari to any Serengeti wildlife itinerary on request.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors such as khaki, beige and olive, plus a warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable closed shoes and a reusable water bottle. Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens greatly improve wildlife viewing. Use a soft duffel bag if you are taking light aircraft flights, as luggage limits apply. Avoid bright colors and camouflage clothing. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris sends a detailed packing list after booking.

Yes, a Serengeti wildlife safari is safe when you travel with a reputable operator and follow your guide's instructions. Game drives take place in sturdy safari vehicles, and guides keep a safe distance from wildlife. Lodges and camps have staff to escort guests after dark. Malaria is present, so speak with a doctor or travel clinic about prevention before you travel, and consider travel insurance. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris uses experienced, licensed guides and well-maintained vehicles, with 24/7 support throughout your safari.

Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is a Tanzania-based safari operator specializing in private, tailor-made Serengeti wildlife safaris. Our experienced local guides know where to find the Great Migration, big cats and the Big Five in every season. We handle everything, from airport transfers and flights to park fees and carefully chosen lodges. Every itinerary is built around your travel dates, budget and interests, with transparent pricing and 24/7 support. Our aim is to give you a safe, seamless and unforgettable Serengeti wildlife safari experience.

Yes, every Serengeti wildlife safari with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is tailor-made. You choose your travel dates, trip length, accommodation style and pace, and we design a private itinerary around them. Options include budget camping, mid-range lodges, luxury tented camps, fly-in safaris, family safaris, honeymoon safaris and photographic safaris. We can also add Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, a Kilimanjaro climb or a Zanzibar beach stay. Contact our team to start planning your perfect Serengeti wildlife safari today.

A Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris Serengeti wildlife safari usually includes airport transfers, a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, an English-speaking professional guide, park and conservation fees, accommodation, meals and drinking water on game drives. Fly-in safaris also include scheduled flights. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and optional activities such as balloon safaris are normally excluded. Exact inclusions depend on your chosen itinerary, and we confirm everything clearly in your written quote before you book.