There is no doubt in my mind that Serengeti National Park is home to the best wildlife safari in East Africa. I have worked as an overland tour leader for many years throughout East Africa and nothing compares to this region. I even say a Serengeti safari is much better than the Masai Mara in nearby Kenya. But why exactly do I say this? Let me explain why you should consider this safari…
Quick Answer – Serengeti Safari Including Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire
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Why You Should Take a Serengeti Safari in East Africa
1. The Greater Sense of Wildness in Serengeti National Park
The trip into Serengeti National Park is a long one and this is how you will first experience the vastness of the region. This vastness is much more apparent than when you travel into the Masai Mara for example and largely because of the immense open landscapes you encounter in Serengeti National Park. This space will create a greater sense of remoteness and wildness on your journey.
2. You Should Encounter The Big Five
It takes time to locate the wildlife, but this is all part of the journey, and the animals are most certainly there. On a 3-day safari, you should encounter ‘the big five’. This is never guaranteed but it is rare to spend this amount of time in the region without ticking all the boxes.
3. The Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Many first-time visitors to East Africa will not have heard about Ngorongoro Crater. This is often one of the highlights of a trip to Tanzania. You will drive down into this immense caldera (extinct volcano) and go in search of the wildlife down below. This usually happens at either sunset or just before sunrise and the spectacle is unrivalled in terms of wildlife safaris in East Africa. I would say the addition of Ngorongoro Crater alone makes this tour worthy of the title of best safari in East Africa.
4. You Can Take a Side Trip to Old Duvai Gorge
Never heard of it? Nicknamed the Cradle of Humankind, Old Duvai Gorge is an archaeological site next to Serengeti National Park. This is where the remains of some of the first humans to roam the earth were discovered. It is a spectacular gorge, but the importance of this discovery makes for a very interesting visit. Please note that not every safari will include a trip to Old Duvai gorge.
5. Travel Arrangements are Straightforward for a Serengeti Safari
You can begin your Serengeti Safari in Arusha Tanzania which is easy to reach via Kilimanjaro Airport. However, you can also find itineraries which will begin in Nairobi, Kenya which receives hundreds of international flights every day. I will outline the best travel itineraries for a Serengeti safari below and include options which begin/end in both Arusha and Nairobi. I always recommend the following tour operator because I believe they are the most competent company and they really set the standard in terms of the quality of transport, crew and accommodation.
Safari tour operators require that you have personal travel insurance on the day of departure. I always use World Nomads and suggest you at least get an idea of the cost by getting a quote on the link below. It takes just a few seconds…
My Picks for Your Serengeti Safari in East Africa
Now: Let me outline the best options for your Serengeti Safari. The first option is the most affordable and you get to see a lot more for a lower fee. But if you want to meet other travelers, I suggest you consider option 2 or 3 which would see you join a group safari tour with G Adventures.
Option 1: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Camping Safari
Trip Duration – 6 Days
This 6-day tour starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. You take a trip to Lake Manyara National Park en-route and enjoy an incredible wildlife safari in Ngorongoro Crater. The tour includes ample time in Serengeti National Park and then takes you to Tarangire National Park before returning to Arusha.
Option 2: Serengeti Safari Incl. Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
Trip Duration – 6 Days
This 6-day tour also starts and ends in Arusha but does not include Tarangire National Park. You take a trip to Lake Manyara National Park en-route and enjoy a safari in Ngorongoro Crater. The tour includes ample time in Serengeti National Park and returns to Arusha.
Option 3: Serengeti Safari Incl. Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
Trip Duration – 7 Days (Starting in Nairobi, Kenya)
This 7-day tour starts in Nairobi, Kenya and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. You take a trip to the stunning Lake Manyara National Park en-route and enjoy a safari in Ngorongoro Crater. The tour includes ample time in Serengeti National Park and finished up in the town of Arusha, Tanzania.
