A safari in the Serengeti is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring travel experiences on Earth. And it truly lives up to the hype. We suggest spending at least 4 days in Serengeti for your safari holiday – you can combine this with a beach vacation in Zanzibar: home to the bluest beaches in Tanzania

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Spanning over 14,000 square kilometers of savannah, woodlands, and riverine forests, the Serengeti is synonymous with raw, untamed beauty and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

This legendary landscape hosts the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures, followed closely by predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Even outside the migration season, the Serengeti offers year-round opportunities to witness the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—alongside cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.

What sets a Serengeti safari apart is not just the wildlife, but the feeling of being deeply connected to nature. Whether you’re in a luxury tented camp or a 4×4 at dawn, every moment is filled with anticipation and wonder. As the sun rises over the golden plains and the sounds of the wild echo around you, you’ll understand why the Serengeti is often called the heart of Africa.

Visas for Tanzania

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania, but the process is absolutely straightforward. You can apply for an e-visa online through the official Tanzania Immigration website here. Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 90 days and cost around USD 50. The application requires a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Processing time usually takes 7–10 working days, so it’s best to apply in advance. This is what we did.

You can also opt for a visa on arrival is at major airports – when we landed at Kilimanjaro Airport, the queue for visa on arrival was relatively short and proceeding quickly – so if you don’t have time to apply for an evisa, visa on arrival in Tanzania can be a great option too

Yellow Fever Vaccination for Tanzania

If you are travelling from India or UK/US, you typically do not need the vaccine if you are traveling directly to Tanzania without a long layover.

However if you have a layover of over 12 hours in countries like Ethiopia or Kenya, then it is necessary. This is because a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory only for travellers entering Tanzania from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including those transiting for more than 12 hours in such countries. The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days before travel, and you’ll receive a Yellow Fever Certificate, which is valid for life. Authorities may check for the certificate upon arrival, especially at major airports, so keep the certificate on you along with your passport

Flights to Serengeti

If you are flying from India, the easiest route to fly to Tanzania is via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines or via Doha with Qatar Airways. In both cases, you will opt to land in Kilimanjaro (JRO). You can spend a couple of days in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or take a short trip to Ngorongoro Crater National Park before proceeding to take a short flight to Serengeti. You can research flight options and fares here.

In all probability, you’ll have to spend a night in Arusha, as the flights to Serengeti are usually in the first half of the day. Arusha is an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport and is a good base to get a restful night’s sleep. We spent the night in Gran Melia Arusha and could not get enough of the beautiful views of Mount Meru and the hotel’s coffee plantation.

Flights from Kilimanjaro to Serengeti are often operated by Auric and Coastal Airways (amongst a few other carriers). However we would advise booking this flight via your hotel. This is because flight timings for these short flights often change at the last minute – if you have booked with your hotel, they would know about these changes automatically and arrange airport transfers according to the time of take off and landing. The hotel also arranges a pickup from the airstrip to the lodge.

Packing for your safari holiday

A packing list for what to pack and what not to pack for your safari holiday in Tanzania

1. Don’t overpack – most small planes that fly to national parks in Africa allow 15 kg luggage in a soft duffle bag per person. Make sure you check this with your airlines/hotel before you pack
   2. Don’t pack excessive jewellery or loud perfumes, especially for game drives as the sound and fragrance can disturb animals in their natural habitat
   3. Avoid wearing black or navy blue on game drives specifically as they attract tse-tse flies
   4. Insect repellent – most hotels provide this too but make sure you carry it in your bag as well
   5. High-SPF sunscreen for both your face & body – this is our favourite sunscreen for the face, this one is amazing for the body, and if you’re looking for something super-affordable but v.good go for this one
   6. Neutral, breathable & chic clothes such as linen or cotton shirts and shorts in neutral tones like khaki, beige, olive, and white
   7. Lightweight cargo or utility trousers
   8. Breathable maxi or midi dresses for dinners and lodge evenings
   9. Light utility jacket for early morning game drives
   10. Protective sunglasses because the sun can get really harsh
   11. A scarf or bandana for protecting your face and hair
   12. Comfortable walking boots – make sure these are ankle length especially for activities such as hot-air balloon rides as those land in the Savannah where the grass is tall and itchy!
   13. Sandals & loafers for dinners and evenings around the lodge
   14. A zipped backpack for your essentials so that nothing spills out during game drives on dust roads

Planning your stay in Serengeti

Whenever the outside environment is so raw and often hostile, such as in Masai Mara, Antarctica, or Serengeti, we advise choosing accommodation that has all creature comforts and luxuries. After a long day’s safari, it feels good to come back to a well-equipped hotel room or relax with a massage at a luxurious spa.

On this trip we chose to stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and we couldn’t recommend it enough. Tucked in the heart of Serengeti National Park, it offers the rare combination of luxury and raw, untamed wilderness that we were after. With uninterrupted views of the savannah and direct access to the Big Five, this lodge delivers an unforgettable safari experience wrapped in comfort and exclusivity.

The lodge has 77 rooms, suites, and private villas – unlike luxury camps in the area, this is a concrete building, making it ideal if you’re travelling with your family or kids. Every room comes with a private balcony or terrace, with amazing views of the African Savannah. Rooms have plush bedding, spacious walk-in wardrobes, rainshowers, and four poster beds. We chose a terrace suite, that comes with its own private pool – ideal if you’re on your honeymoon or just want extra privacy.

But even if you don’t opt for a room with a private pool, you can use the lodge’s elevated infinity pool. It is one of the hotel’s most iconic features. Overlooking a wildlife watering hole, guests can often watch elephants, zebras, and other animals gather as they relax poolside. Whether enjoying a swim at sunset or a quiet morning dip, it’s an experience that blends luxury with the wild like nowhere else.

Of course there are no cafés or restaurants outside hotels in Serengeti, so choose a package that includes all your meals. There are some amazing dining options at the lodge. Kula’s Restaurant serves international and African-inspired cuisine in a stylish, open-air setting. It is also where breakfast is laid out each morning. You can expect fresh product bursting with flavours and flavourful food – we really enjoyed our brunches here each day.

For lighter bites or cocktails, Maji Bar and Terrace is ideal to unwind with sweeping views of the African wilderness. Our personal favourite was The Boma Grill, designed like a traditional Maasai village. It offers immersive dinners with cultural performances under the stars. Make sure you go here as the menu is full of local specialities. In addition to this, you can also book a Bush Dinner at the hotel. This is a truly African experience where you can sip on sundowners and sample a specially-curated meal in the midst of the Serengeti. It is the perfect recipe for a memorable night in the wilderness

Wrap up your holiday in Serengeti with a relaxing massage. The hotel is home to The Serengeti Spa, the perfect escape after a day of game drives. With open-air massage rooms (the view from the room’s balcony is beyond words – especially at sunset), it provides a rejuvenating experience – not just for the body, but the mind too.

6 Serengeti Must Dos

Now that we have covered everything from flights to visas to the hotel, here is a list of 6 must dos if you’re planning a safari holiday or honeymoon in Serengeti. It includes everything you need for a perfect vacation in Serengeti, so put these things on your itinerary

1. Stay in a room with a view of the African Savannah! This is Bruised Passports, so you knew a room with a view had to be on the list

2. Plan 2 separate half-day game drives – one at sunrise and one at sunset. These are approximately 5 hours long and this way you will experience the best of both worlds

3. Get a relaxing massage – you’re going to need it after those bumpy Safari roads And where else can you see the most beautiful African sunset from the spa?

4. If you have an extra day, plan a full day game drive to Ngorongoro crater from Serengeti. It is one of the natural wonders of Tanzania. You can expect wildlife, mountains, and flamingoes here

5. If you’re on your honeymoon in Tanzania or celebrating a special occasion, a bush dinner is perfect for sundowners in the African wilderness, surrounded by nature

6. Go on a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti! Now we’ve personally been on many hot air balloon rides, but let me tell you this is the one I’ll never forget! Seeing thousands of zebras, lions, wildebeest, and elephants from up above will give you goosebumps. We would highly recommend this experience. This can be arranged through your hotel.

There you have it – 6 Must Dos in Tanzania! And if you have 4 more days in Tanzania and you’re craving a change in scenery, then go explore the stunning blue beaches and quaint villages of Zanzibar!

We hope this answered all your questions about planning an unforgettable holiday in Serengeti. Tanzania makes for an iconic holiday & we hope these travel tips will help you plan the best safari holiday of your lives! If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!