Essential Tips for Planning Your First Serengeti Safari

The Serengeti National Park, the oldest national park in Tanzania, is nearly 15,000 kilometres in size. Known for its annual wildebeest migration, the park is a fantastic destination for safari enthusiasts from around the world.

If you’re embarking on a Serengeti safari for the first time, you may have some questions about planning your trip. Not to worry! In this article, we cover everything you need to consider for an unforgettable experience.

Timing Your Trip

While the Serengeti can be visited throughout the year, most travellers prefer to visit during the dry season (June to October). During these months, you’ll experience clear skies and moderate daytime temperatures, although it can get quite chilly at night. 

The dry season also presents fantastic opportunities for game viewing as animals gather around watering holes to quench their thirst. This is also when you have the best chance of viewing the incredible wildebeest migration.

Understanding Logistics

When planning your trip, here are some logistics:

• Obtain your visa for Tanzania
• Get travel insurance
• Book your flights
• Determine how you will get to and from the airport
• Book your accommodation
• Organise a housesitter/petsitter if you need one
• Make sure you have enough medication for your trip

Accommodation Options

One of the most important aspects to consider is your accommodation. Fortunately, you are spoilt for choice, with some world-class options, including Singita Faru Faru, Grumeti River Camp, and Namiri Plains. Whether you are looking for something simple or you want to treat yourself to a luxury accommodation experience, there is truly something for everyone.

What to Pack

While each traveller will have different needs and preferences, here are a few items that we recommend packing in your suitcase when embarking on a Serengeti safari:

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Passports and important travel documents
• Lightweight clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito & insect repellent

Think About What You Want to Get Out of the Trip

It’s always good to have an objective in mind when embarking on any type of trip. Do you want to see as many animals as possible? Do you want to learn about African culture? Do you want to connect with and make special memories with your travel companions? Maybe you just want to simply relax.

In most cases, it will be a mixture of the above. But with your goals at the forefront of your mind, you can plan accordingly. For example, if you want to see as many animals as possible, you should book multiple game drives and make sure you pack binoculars.

Ready to embark on the safari of a lifetime? Allow our travel experts at Tailormade Africa to come up with a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions. Contact us to discuss your preferences, dietary needs and budget, and we will plan the perfect trip for you!