Hotels and lodges in Serengeti National Park

Things to do in Serengeti National Park

Places and experiences rather than companies. Each one carries the thing you would otherwise find out by turning up.

• Mara River crossings

  Wildlife

  The wildebeest crossing points in the far north, active roughly July to October.

  Crossings happen on the herds’ schedule, not yours — plan two or three full days in the north rather than one, and stay north of Kogatende to avoid a four-hour drive at dawn.

  5 hours

• Seronera Valley

  Wildlife

  The central river valley, with resident lion, leopard and cheetah year-round.

  The one part of the Serengeti that rewards a visit in any month, because the river holds game when the plains empty. It is also the busiest — go at first light.

  4 hours

• Balloon safari over the plains

  Active

  A dawn flight, landing to a breakfast on the grass.

  Around US$600 per person and booked out weeks ahead in high season. Take-off is before sunrise, so it only works if you are already sleeping in the park.

  4 hoursPaid