Home
Maps of Tanzania, game reserves & islands
Northern Tanzania Safaris
Tanzania Safari
>Serengeti<
Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Manyara
Tarangire
The Great Migration
Southern & Western Tanzania Safaris
Mount Kilimanjaro
Other Indian Ocean Islands
Mainland Indian Ocean locations
Zanzibar
Honeymoon ideas
Itineraries
References
Dar and Arusha hotels
ALL LODGES - VIDEO, PRICES, PICTURES AND LINKS
Video Console
Other Countries
When to go
Blog




Don't go without this guide written by one of our consultants





The Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris and Where to Stay


The Serengeti National Park is one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world.

This phenomenal National Park, created to preserve the path of the world’s largest migration circuit, covers nearly 15,000 square kilometres.

The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai name meaning ‘endless plains’, and these rolling distances of short grass plains provide an exceptional landscape for wildlife viewing; it is ultimate safari country.

Click here for Serengeti Lodge Reviews

Serengeti: The Wildlife

This land is justifiably famous for its huge concentrations of wildlife, especially the big cats, as well as being the stomping ground of the Great Migration, a massive accumulation of 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 350,000 gazelles stretching their legs over 1,200 miles in an annual race to find enough water and green grass for their survival.

Have a look at our video of the Serengeti.

Serengeti: Regions Explained

The National Park is broadly divided into three distinct areas, the Seronera Valley and Seronera River, the Western Corridor and the Northern Lobo area that extends northwards through the Lamai Wedge to the Maasai Mara.

Central Serengeti: Seronera Valley

Most visitors enter the Serengeti through the southern Naabi Hill Gate, which opens onto the Seronera Valley; a vibrant wildlife area at the heart of the Serengeti.

This is the region in which the migration commonly calve in march each year. The Seronera region is mainly wide open grassy plains and rock kopjes, patched together within a network of rivers that ensure year-round water supplies and keep this region incredibly rich in wildlife throughout the year. All other areas of the Serengeti are more seasonal and much of the time wildlife viewing is dependent on the path of the migration.

Serengeti: The Western Corridor

This follows the path of the Grumeti River up towards Lake Victoria. This region provides superb wildlife viewing action when the migration crosses the crocodile infested waters of the Grumeti; at this point camps such as the CCA Grumeti River or Kirawira come into their own. It is also possible to arrange mobile camping in this region in order to optimise your location.

Serengeti: The Northern Reaches

The Northern reaches of the Serengeti remain fantastically quiet and unvisited, due to their relative inaccessibility. Previously inaccessible swathes of National Park at Wogakuria, close to the Masai Mara border, have been opened up with flying safari options to superb permanent tented camps such as Sayari. (see details below). This region has been described as 'ultimate paradise' for keen safari buffs.

Serengeti Lodges

There is a great range of choice for Serengeti safari accommodation, which can be combined to create individual, tailored itineraries. We have included all the lodges below ordered by our ranking, and by price. Clicking on any of the links will bring up more information; our detailed view of the lodge, video, photos, key facts etc.
However, we know these lodges well and it is worth telephoning us to discuss, or send us an email to help you to decide where to go. This is especially true of the Serengeti, where it is key to choose your lodge according to where the Great Migration is expected to be when you wish to travel.

Ranking

- Outstanding
- Very good
- Good
- Average
- Poor
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kleins
Kleins gets our 5 paw rating due to the sheer quality of this camp, the guiding and the game-viewing. Located outside the reserve, but with good resident game, the lodge also offers walking and night driving. But Kleins comes into its own when the Migration passes around it; if you can coincide your stay here with the Migration, there are few places in Africa that beat it.
 
Kleins
$1000pp More info & Video >


Sabora Plains Tented Camp
Sabora gets 5 paws because this camp epitomises everything that the Serengeti is so famous for; rolling plains to the horizon, beautiful remote atmosphere and superb accommodation. We have yet to decide which is better, Faru Faru or Sabora... but the location is superb and, ultimately, the main reason for the rating.
 
Grumeti Reserves - Sabora
$950pp More info & Video >


Faru Faru River Lodge
Faru Faru gets 5 paws solely due to the camp raising the standards for supremely fine safari accommodation in Africa. Arguably the camp is over-luxurious, but for those of us who like a bit of extra finesse, it earns its rating with aplomb. With a superb pool and communal area, we love Faru as a camp, but prefer Sabora's location.
 
Grumeti Reserves - Faru Faru
$950pp More info & Video >


Sasakwa
Do we give Sasakwa 5 paws? We continue to debate it. There is no doubt that this lodge is seriously good, but the price is seriously high. Therefore due to the lodge not offering excellent value we have opted to give Sasakwa to 4 paws. But the views, the rooms and the food are notching up to 5.
 
Grumeti Reserves - Sasakwa
$1500pp More info & Video >


Migration Camp
The camp has received our 4 paw, 'very good' rating due to its location and camp style. With a great pool and good access to remote areas, the lodge is certainly one of the Serengeti's best and is one of the best when the Great Migration herds pass through.
 
Migration Camp
$895pp More info & Video >


Nomad Tented Camp
With some of the best guides, private vehicles and great camp positions in the Serengeti, Nomads are at the forefront of mobile safaris in this region. However, with a slightly rustic feel, it does not suit everyone, and duly receives 4 paws. A fantastic option if you want to see the herds in adventurous style!
 
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
$790pp More info & Video >


Olakira Camp
Olakira gets 4 paws due to its value, if nothing else! Many would argue that Olakira is one of the best mobile camps. At approximately $200pppn more, Nomads would be our choice, as they include a private safari, but Olakira can certainly bring an itinerary cost down and still offer a top quality trip.
 
Olakira
$635pp More info & Video >


Sayari Camp
Newly revamped the New Sayari camp is a permanent camp in the extreme North of the Serengeti. This used to be a mobile camp that tracked the migration, however they now stay put all year round. Definitely worthy of a 5 paw rating, and the best place to be in the Serengeti in from mid-July to mid-October
 
Sayari
$695pp More info & Video >


Ndutu
If Ndutu were more luxurious, we would consider giving it a better rating. There is no doubt that this camp is the best place to see the migration from January through to early March, and it is rare to find such a good value, charismatic lodge. However, the rooms are somewhat basic with a utilitarian style, earning Ndutu just 4 paws.
 
Ndutu Lodge
$650pp More info & Video >


Lemala Serengeti Camp
A stunning mobile camp that moves between the southern plains and the northern Lamai Wedge areas of the Serengeti. Although the camp had a few teething problems in its first year, we have now upgraded it from 3 paw rating to 4. Great value at $600pppn, with probably the most luxurious tents of all the mobile outfits.
 
Lemala Serengeti
$600pp More info & Video >


Grumeti
Grumeti has great potential, and really should be a No.1 seasonal favourite for migration followers. This camp has a seriously good location but is just simply not up to the standard of CCAfrica's other Tanzania lodges and therefore over the years we have downgraded Grumeti to 3 paws…a good lodge which should be brilliant... but sadly falls short.
 
Grumeti
$1000pp More info & Video >


CCA Serengeti Under Canvas
There has been debate whether this camp should be given 4 paws. However, due to a lack of private safari and the fact that it costs far more than similar mobile safaris (see Nomads and Sayari) means that 3 paws is right…but, again, it has potential for 4 paws once CCAfrica have the product (and locations) nailed down.
 
CCA Serengeti Under Canvas
$905pp More info & Video >


Nomad Nduara
Nduara is set over to the east of the Serengeti. While the camp is beautifully designed, we give it a relatively middling rating due to the apparent confusion as to its focus. Set in a community concession, it offers walking and night driving but, due to the communities, there is limited wildlife in the area.
 
Nomad Nduara
$790pp More info & Video >


Suyan Camp
Suyan receives 3 stars for the same reason that Nomads Nduara gets 3 stars…..the resident game here is just not good enough! A good camp but in an average game viewing area.
 
Suyan
$800pp More info & Video >


Kusini Tented Camp
Kusini is owned and operated by Abercrombie & Kent (Sanctuary Lodges) and so has a good standard of presentation in camp. Very good for Migration viewing around the beginning of the year, it struggles for the rest…A good camp but poor game out of season.
 
Kusini
$765pp More info & Video >


Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuzi Mawa very nearly got only 2 paws but the fact that this camp actually offers good value for money means that we have raised it to a 3 paw rating. But it is a close call…..and certainly not our favourite tented camp.
 
Mbuzi Mawe
$700pp More info & Video >


Mbalageti Lodge
There are so few lodges in the Western corridor that any lodge there earns some merit for location alone; this is a seriously good area for wildlife viewing. Mbalageti itself is a little too large to receive top marks but is still a great lodge with a reasonable price and great views.
 
Mbalageti Lodge
$700pp More info & Video >


Serengeti Serena
This hotel is arguably the best of the Serena hotel chain. Be under no misconception, this is not a luxurious option. The Serena's are 4* hotels that offer a good price and a good base for safaris in a good location. Too large to get our 4 paw rating... but a very good option for quality, good value wildlife-watching throughout the year.
 
Serengeti Serena
$650pp More info & Video >


Kirawira Camp
Another lodge in the Western Corridor that deserves a good rating solely due to its location… However the price of Kirawira is remarkably high, and, considering the Serengeti's best mobile camps are roughly the same price, Kirawira is over priced and cannot escape its position as the smartest incarnation of a large hotel chain (Serena).
 
Kirawira
$850pp More info & Video >


Sopa
The Serengeti Sopa is the last hotel in the Serengeti any of us would like to stay in. in all fairness, the views are utterly beautiful but this is a hotel showcasing mass tourism at its tackiest…..we shudder at the thought!
 
Serengeti Sopa
$650pp More info & Video >


Bilila Lodge
This really is a spectacular hotel that operates at the utmost height of luxury. You are pampered throughout your whole experience and the sheer quality of the facilities, views of the Serengeti and romantic approach make Bilila Lodge a hot spot at very competitive prices.
 
Bilila Lodge Kempinski
$500pp More info & Video >


Nomads Charlie Camp
Charlie is the ultimate way to do a safari on a budget. It offers a rare chance for roving adventure and true mobility; something that is found less and less these days. And now Charlie comes at a truly affordable cost with our new 5 night/6 day set departure safaris.
 
Camp Charlie Nomads
$600pp More info & Video >


Dunia Camp

Sister camp to Olakira and Sayari, Dunia really is another Gem of the Asilia product. Perfectly located to get the best balance of the Serengeti all year round, situates at the Moru Kopjes, just South of Seronera, nicely tucked into the trees at the foot of a large kopje, with a panoramic view of the plains from each of the 7 tents. Hidden from the crowds, Dunia offers superb privacy from the crowds but certainly not from the game; in amongst the wildlife action all year round!

 
Dunia Camp
$635pp More info & Video >


Alex Walker’s Serian

Alex Walker’s Serengeti Serian Camps are a mobile camp outfit similar in style to Nomad Tanzania’s Serengeti Safari Camp. With Alex you can find yourself immersed in the African plains, waking early to witness the sunrise, walking amongst the giant herds. Taking note of even the tiniest of absorbing sights, smells and sounds!
 
Alex Walker's Serian
$750pp More info & Video >


Home | Map of Tanzania | Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater | Lake Manyara | Tarangire | Selous | Ruaha | Mahale | Katavi | Kilimanjaro | Mafia | Pemba | Mnemba | Stone Town | Zanzibar | Honeymoons | About Us | All Lodges | Video Console | All Lodges | Blog