Planning Your Journey
Logistics & Costs
When to go, how to get there, what the weather does — and what a Serengeti safari honestly costs at every tier.
When to Go
Serengeti Month at a Glance
Temperature, rainfall, crowds, and migration events — all 12 months visualised.
Temp
28°
Rain
Crowds
Calving begins
Temp
29°
Rain
Crowds
Peak calving
Temp
27°
Rain
Crowds
Rains starting
Temp
24°
Rain
Crowds
Long rains peak
Temp
23°
Rain
Crowds
Rains easing
Temp
22°
Rain
Crowds
Dry season begins
Temp
21°
Rain
Crowds
Mara crossings
Temp
22°
Rain
Crowds
Peak crossings
Temp
24°
Rain
Crowds
Sustained crossings
Temp
26°
Rain
Crowds
Short rains
Temp
25°
Rain
Crowds
Short rains
Temp
27°
Rain
Crowds
Herds returning south
Getting There
Transport & Logistics
Kilimanjaro vs. Arusha
Most international travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO, you transfer by road to Arusha (approx. 1 hour). Arusha acts as the hub for the northern safari circuit.
Flying In
The most common and recommended approach for the Serengeti. Light aircraft depart from Arusha Airport (ARK) to various dirt airstrips within the Serengeti (Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu, etc.). Flights take between 45 and 90 minutes.
Driving In
You can drive from Arusha to the Serengeti, passing through Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a long, dusty, multi-hour drive (often 6+ hours to the park gate). It is only recommended if you are doing a phased overland circuit stopping at Manyara and Ngorongoro first, rather than driving directly to the Serengeti.
Domestic Airstrips
Seronera
Central Serengeti
Best for general wildlife
Kogatende
Northern Serengeti
Mara crossing access
Grumeti
Western Corridor
Grumeti Reserves only
Ndutu
Southern Serengeti
Calving season base
Lobo
Eastern Serengeti
Limited scheduled service
Luggage limit: Internal flights in Tanzania typically impose 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags. Plan accordingly — leave hard-shell suitcases in Arusha or Dar. Flight time Arusha → Seronera is approximately 1 hour.
Budgeting
What a Serengeti Safari Costs
A frequent question is: "What does a Serengeti safari cost?" The answer is entirely dependent on the season and the tier of accommodation.
Park Fees
Serengeti park fees are high and calculated per person, per day. A significant portion of your daily rate goes directly to conservation.
Logistics
Running high-end camps in remote wilderness with no infrastructure is extremely expensive. Everything from food to fuel must be trucked in.
Exclusivity
The smaller the camp, the higher the per-person cost to run it. Intimate 6-tent camps charge a premium over 30-room lodges.
Mid-Range
Per Person / Night
- › Shared vehicle (or private at some camps)
- › Park fees usually included
- › Full board at camp
- › Scheduled flights
Example Camps
Kati Kati · Kubu Kubu · Embalakai
Luxury
Per Person / Night
- › Private vehicle & guide
- › All park fees included
- › Premium wine & beverage selection
- › Fly-in option available
Example Camps
Namiri Plains · Lemala Kuria Hills · &Beyond Under Canvas
Ultra-Luxury
Per Person / Night
- › Exclusive-use options
- › Private aircraft charters
- › Specialist naturalist guides
- › Bespoke experiences throughout
Example Camps
Singita Grumeti · Four Seasons · Nomad Lamai
Park Entry Fees
Set by TANAPA, confirm current rates
Hot Air Balloon
Champagne bush breakfast included
Internal Flight
Arusha ↔ Serengeti airstrips
Private Charter
Exclusive aircraft, flexible timing
When to Book
If you are targeting the peak migration periods (August river crossings, February calving), you should book 9 to 12 months in advance. The best-positioned small camps sell out quickly. For "shoulder season" travel (November, June), 6 months is generally sufficient, though earlier is always better for securing specific preferred properties.
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