Things to do in Serengeti | Besides classic Safari drives
Ready to elevate your Serengeti safari experience? Beyond the traditional game drives, Serengeti National Park offers a wealth of immersive, once-in-a-lifetime adventures that reveal the park’s untamed beauty from new and thrilling perspectives. From soaring above the plains to walking among wildlife, here are the unforgettable activities that make Serengeti more than just a game drive destination.
1. Hot Air Balloon Safari
Nothing compares to the serenity and grandeur of a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Serengeti. As you rise above the golden plains, the first light of day unveils vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope moving across the land, with predators occasionally spotted in action. This breathtaking aerial experience operates in different areas depending on the season: year-round in Central Serengeti, from July to October in the North, from June to October in the Western Corridor, and from December to March in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu.
Balloon safaris begin early, with pick-up from your lodge between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. After a safety briefing, you’ll watch your balloon inflate before gently lifting off into the morning sky. The flight lasts around one hour, offering panoramic views and a new appreciation for the park’s landscapes. Upon landing, a celebratory champagne breakfast awaits in the bush. While sightings vary and the ride is not primarily a wildlife-viewing activity, the atmosphere, sunrise, and unique vantage point are unmatched. At $540 per person, including park fees, it’s an investment in memory-making.
Guests often remark that this serene journey is one of the highlights of their time in Tanzania. Watching the migration from the air, when in season, is an awe-inspiring experience. The silence of the balloon, broken only by the occasional roar of the burner, allows you to take in the vast, teeming ecosystem truly. Guides on board are skilled at spotting animals and sharing fascinating insights about the terrain and wildlife. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a love for adventure, a balloon safari is the perfect way to begin a day on safari.
2. Walking Safari in Serengeti
For those seeking a deeper, more personal connection to the wilderness, a walking safari offers a raw, immersive experience. Starting around 6:30 a.m., these safaris are guided by a TANAPA ranger and take you off the beaten path. You can choose a short walk (up to 4 hours) for $45 or a longer trek (up to 6 hours) for $60.
Walking through the savannah allows you to focus on the subtle details often missed on game drives. You’ll track animal footprints, identify insects like dung beetles, and listen closely to the wild’s natural soundtrack. Encounters with elephants, giraffes, and even big cats are possible, all from a ground-level perspective. Proper attire is essential: wear comfortable shoes and avoid dark colors that attract tsetse flies. Children under 12 are not permitted for safety reasons.
Unlike game drives, where you observe from a distance, walking safaris place you in the heart of the wilderness. Every scent, sound, and texture of the bush comes alive. It’s not just about big game, your guide will also point out medicinal plants, traditional uses of certain trees, and the hidden lives of termites and birds. You’ll gain a profound respect for the ecosystem’s complexity and the delicate balance that keeps it thriving. These walks also foster mindfulness, inviting you to move slowly and attentively through the natural world.
3. Rhino Tracking at Moru Kopjes
Central Serengeti’s Moru Kopjes is one of the last sanctuaries for black rhinos in Tanzania. To protect this endangered species, rhino tracking is conducted exclusively through the Serengeti Rhino Project. Visitors first travel by regular safari vehicle to the Moru Ranger Post, where they transfer to government-managed open jeeps with specialist guides.
Rangers, who scout the area at dawn, stay in radio contact to help locate rhinos during your tour. The journey is enriched by stories of individual rhinos, told by rangers who have watched them grow over the years. Rhino tracking offers a 75% chance of sightings and may also include views of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This off-road excursion typically lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours and costs $130 per person.
This is more than a wildlife sighting; it’s a conservation-focused experience. You’ll learn about the history of rhino conservation in Tanzania, the challenges posed by poaching, and the heroic efforts made to bring these creatures back from the brink. The rangers’ emotional connection to the rhinos is evident, and their passion adds depth to every sighting. As the vehicle carefully navigates the rocky outcrops and open grasslands, you’ll feel the anticipation rise, knowing that spotting a rhino in the wild is a rare privilege.
4. More Unique Experiences in and Around Serengeti
While entering or exiting the park, consider stopping at Naabi Hill Gate for a short hike. The summit reveals sweeping views of the endless plains. This brief excursion gives you a literal overview of where you’ve been, or where you’re about to go. It’s a beautiful way to slow down and reflect.
Inside the park, the Seronera Visitor Centre provides informative displays, migration videos, and a relaxing café, a great spot to stretch and reflect during your journey. The exhibits detail the park’s history, the Great Migration, predator behavior, and ecosystem conservation. There’s also a small curio shop where you can pick up meaningful souvenirs to take home.
Although not technically inside the Serengeti, nearby attractions like Olduvai Gorge and Maasai village visits enrich your cultural experience. Olduvai Gorge, often called the “Cradle of Mankind,” offers fascinating insights into early human evolution. Meanwhile, a visit to a traditional Maasai village allows you to witness one of East Africa’s most iconic cultures. Learn about their customs, architecture, and lifestyle, and take part in dances, fire-making demonstrations, and storytelling sessions.
For those staying in private reserves or wilderness zones bordering the park, night game drives may also be available. While not permitted within Serengeti proper, these excursions offer the chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures and witness a different side of the bush. From bush babies and genets to owls and lions on the hunt, the Serengeti after dark is full of life.
5. Experience Serengeti Differently
The Serengeti is more than just a place to see animals from a 4×4. It invites you to fly, walk, track, and connect with its raw essence. These add-on tours transform a traditional safari into a richer, more layered adventure. Whether you seek silence above the plains, the thrill of tracking rhinos, or the grounding calm of walking through the wilderness, Serengeti delivers an experience you’ll never forget.
By exploring these additional experiences, you not only enrich your journey but also contribute to the ongoing protection of this extraordinary ecosystem. Each step, each story, and each sighting add to the mosaic of what makes Serengeti one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Choose your adventure wisely and plan to go beyond the game drive. The heart of Africa awaits in the sounds of the bush, the stories of its people, and the rhythms of its untamed lands
