Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30–50 | $200–500 |
| Food | $15–25 | $40–80 |
| Transport | $50–80 | $80–150 |
| Activities | $0–30 | $50–100 |
| Park Fees | $82 | $82 |
| Daily Total | $177–267 | $452–912 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Fly to Kilimanjaro International (JRO), transfer to Arusha (1.5 hrs)
- Charter flights from Arusha to Seronera Airstrip (1.5 hrs, $250–400)
- Drive from Arusha via Ngorongoro: 8–10 hours (game-viewing route)
Entry & Permits
- Park entry: $70.80/adult/day (24-hour period)
- Concession fee: $11.20/adult/day
- Vehicle fee: $40/vehicle (foreign-registered), TZS 10,000 (local)
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis essential — the Serengeti is in a high-risk zone
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry to Tanzania
- Carry a basic first aid kit — medical facilities are hours away from most camps
What to Pack
- Soft-sided bags only (15kg limit on charter flights)
- Binoculars, camera with 200mm+ zoom lens, memory cards and batteries
- Dust-proof layers, wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen
Connectivity
- Cell signal is patchy — Vodacom Tanzania has best coverage in the Serengeti
- No Wi-Fi at public campsites; lodges may have slow satellite internet
- Download offline maps and wildlife identification guides before arriving
Water & Supplies
- Carry at least 3 litres of water per person per day
- Camp shops at Seronera stock basic supplies — limited and expensive
- Stock up in Arusha or Karatu before entering the park
Cultural tips
Stay in your vehicle
Never exit your safari vehicle unless at designated areas (picnic sites, camps, viewpoints). Animals see the vehicle as a single large object — a person stepping out triggers a predator response. Your guide will instruct you when it is safe.
Quiet at sightings
Keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements near wildlife. Shouting, clapping, or standing on vehicle seats startles animals and ruins the experience for everyone. The best sightings happen when observers are calm and patient.
Respect Maasai communities
The Serengeti ecosystem includes Maasai pastoralist communities. Ask permission before photographing people, and negotiate photo fees respectfully ($1–5 is standard). Buy crafts directly from community women's groups rather than roadside middlemen.
Zero waste policy
The Serengeti has a strict leave-no-trace policy. Carry all rubbish out of the park, including biodegradable waste. Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania entirely. Animals can choke on litter — a plastic bag killed an elephant in the park in recent years.
Off-road driving is illegal
Never drive off designated tracks, even to approach an animal. Off-road driving destroys the fragile grassland ecosystem that supports the entire migration. Fines are steep ($500+) and your operator risks losing their licence. Stay on the tracks always.
Tipping culture
Tipping is expected and appreciated. Standard rates: safari guide $15–20/day, camp staff $10/day, transfer drivers $5–10. Tip in USD cash — small bills are best. Hand tips directly to the individual or ask your operator to distribute fairly.
