Luxury Safaris in the Serengeti National Park
made for you
Start PlanningThe greatest wildlife show on earth
A Serengeti National Park safari is truly a spectacle to behold. This world heritage site in Tanzania is home to the Big Five, which you can spot on expertly guided game drives, or roaming past your luxurious hand-picked lodge during a luxury Serengeti safari with Jacada.
At 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles), roughly the same size as Connecticut, its name derives from the Maasai word siringet which means ‘the place where the land runs on forever’ – an apt way to describe its panoramic savannah plains. Dotted with umbrella acacia and tumescent baobabs, wandering giraffes, dozing lion prides, lumbering elephant herds and cheetahs on the lookout from atop termite mounds, it is the quintessential East African landscape.
Witness the jaw-dropping numbers of animals, some 250,000 zebras and over one million wildebeest, that migrate around the Serengeti from the neighbouring Maasai Mara in Kenya throughout the year, we suggest travelling during the calving season from January to March. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily into the lush green landscapes, creating a hive of activity as predators are drawn to the scene.
Our knowledgeable travel designers will enhance your journey with a selection of luxury Serengeti safari lodges, including those in the Lamai Wedge area such as Wilderness Usawa Camp, which are primely placed to witness the migration in a quieter setting. Get in touch with our Africa travel experts to start planning your luxury safari to the Serengeti.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The Serengeti for me is one of the ultimate safari destinations in Africa. It's a pristine wilderness that seems so vast, full of such incredible wildlife, it’s hard to comprehend. For me, hearing the thundering roar of a lion echoing through the night while tucked up in my safari tent is a Serengeti memory I’ll never forget.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Serengeti National Park safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in The Serengeti National Park. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Serengeti example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Discover more of Tanzania
Arusha
Arguably the Safari Capital of East Africa, Arusha is a bustling city in northern Tanzania and the main hub for those who are going to be embarking on a safari in this extensively game rich country.
Katavi National Park
For safari experts, the isolated Katavi National Park comes highly recommended. With a combination of grassland plains, marshland, rugged hills, woodland, lakes and rivers, this multifaceted region of Tanzania is home to a dense and varied wildlife quotient - including predators.
Kilimanjaro Climb
The mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, or ‘The Roof of Africa’, is the continent’s highest mountain. To reach this dormant volcano’s snow-capped peak, hikers have to embark on a challenging yet epic journey. As you ascend the mountain you will camp from point to point, enjoying staggering sights along the way.
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara has an abundance of animal species ranging from baboons, blue monkeys and bushbuck in its evergreen forests, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra on its flood plains. Its acacia woodland is popular amongst its leopards and tree-climbing lions. One of the main draws to the park is its variation of birdlife.
Mahale Mountains
Sitting right by the longest freshwater lake in the world, Mahale Mountains is the best place to visit for spotting chimpanzees in Tanzania. The region also offers plenty of opportunities to spot birds and aquatic life of all kinds.
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve
Marking the southernmost point of the wildebeest’s migration loop, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is where the herds spread out across the wider region to calve between January and March. There is only one permanent camp option so you’re guaranteed unbeatable privacy and exclusivity. There is also the possibility of setting off on night drives.
Ngorongoro Crater
Extending almost 20 kilometres in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Outdoor expeditions bring you close to some of Africa’s iconic Big Five. It is also arguably one of the best places to visit in Tanzania for birdwatching.
North Serengeti
The North Serengeti forms the border with the equally famous Maasai Mara of Kenya. This is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated during the migration, and it’s where you’ll see the infamous river crossings.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is the largest game reserve in all eastern Africa. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region remains relatively untouched by humans but expect to see a huge concentration of elephants (almost half of all of Tanzania’s). With the mighty Rufiji River flowing through the reserve, visitors can also spot crocodiles and hippos.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and East Africa. This pristine area has the same wildlife density and diversity of the Kruger, but with only around 1% of the visitors, so privacy is a given.
Singita Grumeti
Singita Grumeti is Tanzania’s largest private reserve. The reserve is exclusive to Singita properties, which means privacy is a given. The region offers unrivalled game viewing experiences, and especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration between the months of June and July.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is home to huge herds of elephants. There are also over 550 bird species including the Yellow-collared Lovebirds and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. Depending on the time of the year, you can also see the migratory wildebeest.
Zanzibar
White sand beaches and a laid back atmosphere are the perfect combination to any adventurous safari. Beachfront hotels, nestled in spice gardens and shrouded in palms are the backdrop to your island activities.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit the Serengeti
The migration is usually in the area from July through to September. However, the Serengeti still an excellent place to go right through to November.
River Crossings
July - August
Safari
June - October
Green Season
April - May
Calving Season
December - April
Plan your trip to the Serengeti
Whatever you want from your luxury Serengeti tour, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Ask our experts
Where is the Serengeti National Park?
The Serengeti National Park is located in northwestern Tanzania, in East Africa, and stretches all the way to the border with Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the south, it’s bordered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Why is the Serengeti so important?
The Serengeti is so important because as part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, it’s considered the last intact savannah ecosystem on earth, and supports massive numbers of wildlife. An estimated 1.5 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebras traverse the Serengeti each year during the largest land animal migration on the planet. Their movement helps to balance the ecosystem by sustaining predator numbers, dispersing seeds and fertilising grasslands.
Is the Serengeti suitable for family safaris?
Yes, the Serengeti is a great destination for family safaris because it offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities as well as excellent luxury family-friendly safari lodges. Private safari vehicles allow families to customise their schedule, although you should bear in mind that age restrictions apply, and most safari lodges will only allow game drives for children aged six and over.
Is Malaria present in the Serengeti?
Yes, malaria is present in the Serengeti, although taking the correct precautions will allow you to safely enjoy your time there. Before your trip, you should consult with your travel doctor regarding anti-malarial medication. During your stay, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and use mosquito nets and insect repellent to minimise the chance of bites.
How many days do you need in the Serengeti?
We recommend spending at least three nights in the Serengeti as part of a longer trip to Tanzania in order to properly experience its wildlife. The park itself covers 5,700 square miles (14,750 square kilometres), so plenty of time is needed to explore different parts and spot the vast array of wildlife.
What experiences can I do on a luxury safari in the Serengeti?
The main experience on a luxury safari in the Serengeti is a game drive, consisting of travelling across the savannah with a tracker guide to spot some of the area’s wildlife. You may see the Big Five, as well as huge populations of wildebeest and zebras. You can also experience a hot air balloon safari, allowing you to spot animals from above, and witness the vastness of the Serengeti plains.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
