What does a typical safari in the Serengeti look like?

As you are planning your first safari to Serengeti, we know you are filled with excitement and you might be curious about what your safari days will look like. Although your Serengeti experience can vary slightly from camp to camp, there is generally a day – plan most lodges follow, simply because the rhythm of wildlife and weathers conditions keep changing.

Worry not, if you are not much of a morning person, there is plenty of time for napping later in the day. Also, we can guarantee that the minute you are awakened by the sound of birds and far-off cry of a scavenging hyena or roaring lion, you will become an early bird yourself.

Drive-In, Fly-In or Combo Safari?

Many of the roads lead to the iconic Serengeti National Park. So which one should you choose? This really depends on your interests, needs and further travel plans. If you are looking for a fast and convenient way to travel or just have a few days to spend in the region, a fly-in safari is the best option for you.

If you are planning to visit some other Tanzania safari destinations as well as well as looking to save some money on transportation, a drive-in safari is your best option.

Combining these two is a popular option, starting with a drive-in safari from Arusha, with an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Crater along the way. From the crater it is just an three our drive to Serengeti National Park. After your Serengeti Safari you can fly out from one of the airstrips, saving you at least eight hours of driving to Arusha.

Fly-In Serengeti Safari

 On arrival at one of the Serengeti Airstrips, a guide from our USOKE SAFARIS will pick you up and take to your lodge. Some of the most exclusive lodges in Serengeti even have their own airstrips, giving you the opportunity to maximize your time to enjoy the splendours of the savannah and the lodge.

You will spend the coming days exploring the Serengeti with one of the guides from the lodge.

Drive – in Serengeti Safari

When you choose to book a drive-in safari, a drive/guide from Arusha will take you to your lodge in the Serengeti in a 4×4 safari vehicle (and other places to visit depending on your itinerary – along the way).

In general, the driver/guide will also be your guide in the Serengeti and take you on the game drives through the park.

Serengeti Cuisine and Sundowners

A four-course dinner of delicate dishes, with magnificent views over the vast plains, under a tree lit by lanterns, or fuelling up on freshly made macarons during a high-tea before the afternoon game drive. After an exhilarating day, unwind with a buffet of appetizers and a glass of full-bodied African wine. Although the highlight of your Serengeti Safari is of course wildlife viewing, what is a safari day without delicious meals in between you activities?

You will be pleasantly surprised by the high standards the Serengeti lodges live by when it comes to dining and drinks, even though they are all located in remote places of the park. This will definitely be something to reminisce about once back at home. There is no lack of fresh produce, local specialist, as well as international dishes, sometimes with a twist personal to the chef. Also, it is a reassuring though that all meals, as well as coffee and tea and often local brand drinks are included in the price.

Dietary Requirements and arrival

If you have any dietary requirements, please inform your tour consultant who will pass on the information to the lodge accordingly. The chefs are more than happy to oblige.

Arriving late? Please call ahead to the lodge, so they can prepare a late night dinner for your and you don’t have to go to bed hungry.

Packing list for a Serengeti Safari

Upon deciding to go on a safari to Serengeti, the next step is packing. If you don’t want to be distracted packing inconveniences of other irrelevant obstacles.

We answer all your questions about what to pack and how to pack it. Although it depends on how you are traveling and where you are going, there are some general guidelines. If you are flying in for a short stay, you do not need to pack too much. Do note that smaller chartered planes allow 12 to 15 kg for carry-on luggage, and soft bags are strongly recommended.

What clothes to pack for a Serengeti Safari?

For a Serengeti Safari, you do not need a new wardrobe but if you need an excuse to shop, you can do so. Just leave the brightly coloured clothes at home, and don’t pack too much.

• Bring light fabrics and loose-fitting clothing that dries fast, in tranquil colours. Laundry is offered daily in most camps and lodges, so you don’t have to worry about not having any clean clothes.
• Pack a warm sweater (or jacket) and a scarf. Temperatures plummet in mornings and evenings; warm clothes during a game drive are necessity. If you still find yourself shivering during a game drive, camps also provide bush babies and blankets.
• Shorts are perfect for a safari drive and bush walk for both men and women, but (lighter) longer trousers are preferred in rural villages.
• It is accepted to dress casually in safari camps
• A hat and sunglasses with good (polarised) UV protection are essential during your Serengeti Safari Trip.
• Leave all your trendy camouflage or military themed clothes at home, in Africa they are not considered appropriate and the police might question you.
• Wear lightweight footwear with ankle support if possible. Make sure the shoes feel comfortable and that you can walk on them for a while. We recommend trying them at home for some longer walks to make sure they don’t hurt your feet.
• Bring a few pairs of thin socks that dry fast, rather than one pair of thick socks. Wearing several layers of thing socks is often more comfortable.
• Bring your own binoculars to view animals from your private deck or wherever you may be
• Sunblock and lipsalve with high UV protection
• High-quality insect repellent