Luxury Serengeti Safaris

Serengeti Luxury Safaris – Monumental Expeditions and Safaris

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Located in northwestern Tanzania and sharing an unmarked border with Kenya’s Masai Mara, the Serengeti ecosystem covers approximately 30,000 square kilometers. It is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, which remains within Tanzania for about 8 to 9 months each year.

Serengeti National Park is the oldest national park in Tanzania and is home to over one million wildebeest, as well as numerous other animals such as zebras, gazelles, and more than 2,500 lions. A luxury safari in the Serengeti offers travelers the chance to witness incredible wildlife and explore the vast plains of this extraordinary park. Often the final stop on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, the Serengeti offers remote, pristine areas ideal for an exclusive safari experience.

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Best Time for a Luxury Serengeti Safari

Luxury safaris in the Serengeti can be enjoyed year-round. The dry season, from June to October, is particularly popular because wildlife is easier to spot during this time.

For those hoping to witness the wildebeest migration, the best times to visit are:

• April and May – when the herds are in the central Serengeti

• June and July – when they move to the western corridor

• June to August – to observe the dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers

The calving season occurs from December to early March in the southern Serengeti. During this period, over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily, attracting predators such as lions.

Travelers who prefer fewer crowds can plan their luxury Serengeti safaris during the low season, while those who don’t mind busy parks can visit during peak periods for optimal game viewing.

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How to Get to Serengeti National Park

You can reach Serengeti National Park either by road or by air. The drive from Arusha takes approximately 7 hours. For a more comfortable and faster journey, travelers can fly into the Serengeti using scheduled or charter flights.

International flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, from where you can take domestic flights to various airstrips within Serengeti National Park. These include:

• Seronera Airstrip

• Kogatende Airstrip

• Lobo Airstrip

• Grumeti Airstrip

• Fort Ikoma Airstrip

• Kirawira Airstrip

Upon arrival, you will be met by your safari guide or a lodge representative and transferred to your accommodation. It is important to choose an airstrip close to your lodge to minimize travel time.

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Activities on a Luxury Serengeti Safari

1. Guided Game Drives
Game drives are the most popular way to explore the Serengeti. Morning drives (6:00 am–11:00 am) offer the best chance to see predators like lions and cheetahs, while afternoon drives (2:00 pm–5:30 pm) also provide excellent viewing opportunities. Full-day game drives run from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.

2. Serengeti Balloon Safari
A balloon safari offers a unique perspective of the Serengeti’s landscapes and wildlife. These early-morning rides (starting around 5:00 am) end with a bush breakfast and champagne. Prices range from $499 to $599 per adult. Advance booking is essential.

3. The Great Wildebeest Migration
The migration features nearly 2 million wildebeest, along with 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles and 250,000 zebras. This dramatic event includes river crossings where crocodiles await and a calving season that draws many predators.

4. Guided Nature Walks
Led by an armed ranger, walking safaris allow guests to discover smaller wildlife, plants, and birds often missed during game drives. These walks are available for small groups (6–8 people, ages 12 and up).

5. Bird Watching
With 542 recorded bird species, including 11 endemics, the Serengeti is a prime destination for birders. Notable species include the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, and Rufous-tailed Weaver. The best time for birdwatching is between November and April, during the migratory season.

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Luxury Accommodation in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti offers a wide selection of luxury lodges and tented camps. These range from full-service lodges with pools and spas to mobile tented camps that move with the migration.

Permanent Lodges
These may feature gyms, spas, tennis courts, and viewing decks. Examples include:

• Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Located in the Grumeti area, this lodge features private cottages with plunge pools, a fitness center, boutique store, Wi-Fi, and even babysitting services. Guests can fly directly to the Sasakwa Airstrip or drive from Arusha (7–8 hours). The lodge is open year-round.

Luxury Tented Camps
These camps offer the safari experience under canvas, with modern comforts such as king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet dining. Notable camps include:

• One Nature Nyaruswiga Lodge – Situated in the central Serengeti with views of the Nyaruswiga Hills, this lodge has 14 luxurious tents, private decks, and in-room spa services.

• Lamai Camp – Featuring 8 rooms decorated with locally crafted East African décor, private verandahs, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy bush breakfasts, sundowners, and even a pool with panoramic views.

Mobile Camps
Mobile luxury camps follow the migration and offer a close-up experience of the bush. Amenities typically include flush toilets, hot bucket showers, private game drive vehicles, and fine dining in canvas tents.

• Mwiba Lodge – Perched on rocky outcrops among coral and acacia trees, Mwiba Lodge combines modern design with African elegance. Guests enjoy private guides and vehicles for an exclusive safari experience.

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For a truly memorable African safari, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers expertly guided luxury Serengeti safaris tailored to your interests and travel schedule. Whether you’re witnessing the wildebeest migration, floating above the plains in a balloon, or enjoying world-class comfort at a luxury lodge, the Serengeti promises an unforgettable adventure.