Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti offers excellent wildlife year-round. Peak season is June–October when animals concentrate in the north following the migration. January–March is calving season in the south — thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily and predators follow. April–May is the green season with fewer tourists and lower prices.

A Serengeti safari costs $300–$900 per person per day all-inclusive. Budget camps start from $200/night, mid-range lodges from $350/night, and luxury tented camps from $600–$2,000/night. Tanzania's national park fees ($60/day) are typically included in lodge packages.

Yes — this is one of Africa's most popular combinations. A typical itinerary is 4–7 nights in the Serengeti (wildlife) then 3–5 nights in Zanzibar (beach). Direct flights connect Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar. This combination appeals to families, honeymooners, and first-time safari visitors.

Both are part of the same ecosystem. The Serengeti is better for: calving season (Jan–Mar), larger park area, and lower entrance fees ($60 vs $80/day). The Masai Mara is better for: river crossings (Jul–Oct, more dramatic in Kenya), shorter drives to the best action. Many experienced safari-goers visit both.

The most common entry is via chartered or scheduled flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to one of the Serengeti's 5 airstrips (Seronera, Grumeti, Kleins, Lobo, or Kogatende). Arusha is 2.5 hours by air. Road access via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area takes 5–6 hours from Arusha and passes through the Ngorongoro Crater — ideal as a combined itinerary.