Tanzania Safari FAQs
Your guide to every question before you set off on the journey of a lifetime.
The Serengeti National Park spans over 14,000 square kilometers, but different areas offer unique experiences depending on the season and wildlife activity.
Central Serengeti (Seronera region):
This is the heart of the park, known for its year-round wildlife density and consistently high predator activity. Visitors to the Seronera area can expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas actively hunting, along with large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. Its relatively flat terrain and network of rivers and kopjes make it one of the best regions for game drives at any time of year, ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking the “classic Serengeti safari” experience. Luxury lodges and permanent tented camps are concentrated here, offering comfort and accessibility.
Northern Serengeti (Mara region):
The northern Serengeti is quieter and more remote, offering a sense of wilderness away from the crowds. Its rolling hills, river valleys, and savannah plains create dramatic landscapes that are as photogenic as they are wild. Northern Serengeti is famously home to the Mara River crossings, which occur between July and October during the Great Migration. This region is ideal for travelers who want to witness the spectacle of wildebeests navigating crocodile-filled rivers, or who simply want a more serene safari experience with fewer vehicles and intimate wildlife encounters.
Night drives are not allowed in all parks, but possible in Lake Manyara, Tarangire (private concessions) and Nyerere National Park (Selous) offering a rare chance to see nocturnal animals.
It’s about 325 km (202 miles). The drive takes 7–8 hours, but you can also fly in just 1 hour from Arusha to various airstrips within the park.
Drones are strictly prohibited without government and park authority permits due to privacy and wildlife protection regulations.
The Serengeti National Park offers a remarkable range of accommodation options, thoughtfully designed to match every traveler’s style from the lavish to the adventurous.
For those seeking refined luxury, the park features a selection of high-end lodges and boutique tented camps, each offering spacious suites with private verandas, elegant dining, infinity pools, and panoramic views over the sweeping plains. Guests enjoy the comfort of modern amenities while remaining surrounded by pure wilderness where the sounds of lions roaring or hyenas calling at night become part of the experience.
For travelers who prefer a more authentic safari atmosphere, the Serengeti’s tented camps provide the perfect balance between comfort and immersion. These semi-permanent camps are designed with classic safari charm canvas tents, lantern light, and the scent of the savannah breeze offering an intimate connection to nature without sacrificing warmth or hospitality.
Then there are the mobile migration camps, a truly unique concept. These eco-conscious camps move seasonally to follow the Great Migration, ensuring guests are always close to the herds as they journey across the plains. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife event up close, while still enjoying en-suite tents, fine dining, and personalized service.
Whether you sleep under the stars in a tented camp or wake up to sunrise views from a luxurious lodge terrace, every stay in the Serengeti blends comfort, adventure, and the raw rhythm of nature creating memories that stay long after the journey ends.
Yes, cultural visits can easily be arranged. Meeting the Maasai people gives guests an authentic glimpse into Tanzania’s living traditions and ancestral connection to the land.
Yes but only in designated areas and always with an armed ranger or guide. Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands, and parts of Tarangire offer guided walking safaris and crater rim hikes.
Serengeti is known for vast open plains and the Great Migration, while Tarangire is famous for its massive baobab trees, ancient elephant herds, and peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.
A classic Northern Circuit includes Arusha – Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro – Serengeti, with an optional extension to Zanzibar. It’s Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich route.
Absolutely. Many travelers end their safari with relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches. The short flight from Serengeti or Arusha makes it a perfect safari-to-sea combination.
