If you wonder how much it costs to visit the Serengeti, you’ve come to the right place. The cost to visit the Serengeti National Park varies, but it costs about US$ 2.000-2.500 for two people. This includes park entrance fees, accommodation in camps, transportation, and a safari guide. In addition to the entrance fees, lodging and meals can add up to several hundred dollars per person, and the price of the best lodges can reach a thousand or more. However, these are worth it if you plan to experience wildlife viewing and making memories that would last for a lifetime. We’ll try to break it down below.
Entrance fees
The entry fee to Serengeti National Park is US $60. For children between five to sixteen years, the fee is US$ 30. There is a separate fee for camping too. You should also be aware that you must pay for the transportation costs if you choose to stay in a lodge or tented camp.
Here are some of the activities that are covered by most safari packages:
- Entrance fee
- Safari drives and cultural event visits
- Accommodation
- Guide and driver (usually the same person)
- Transportation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
However, there are many other activities that you might want to try out, for instance hot air ballooning.
Hot air balloons
The most popular activity is a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti. Hot-air balloons carry tourists high above the park’s plains. Flights last about an hour. This activity is expensive but romantic, so don’t forget to plan for this expense. On average, it costs around $600 per person.
How much cash should you carry?
While many Serengeti safari operators accept credit card payments, some may not. However, you may need to bring cash for some purchases, such as tipping, since most vendors do not accept cards. Carrying about US$ 60 in cash daily for your Serengeti safari can save you a lot of money.
What to Expect During Your Visit to the Serengeti National Park
There’s no doubt that a visit to the Serengeti National Park is an amazing experience. Not only is the park filled with hundreds of bird species, but it is also the destination for the annual migration of wildebeests. Because of this, the Serengeti is usually extremely crowded. Here are some things to maintain in mind during your visit. Read on to find out more.
Serengeti National Park is a truly wild landscape.
The Serengeti National Park is a wilderness landscape where thousands of hoofed animals and hundreds of species of birds thrive. There are also lions, cheetahs, and many other species of small animals. Taking a safari in the park is the ultimate wildlife viewing experience.
The trees’ thorns help keep snakes away and provide natural protection for nests. Photographers will also come across nests in acacia trees. One particular plant you may notice in the Serengeti is the Sausage Tree. This tree is not common throughout the park, but its long, curved fruits are highly toxic.
It houses hundreds of bird species
More than 500 birds are seen in the Serengeti National Park, including migratory and resident raptors. The Serengeti has several permanent water sources, such as the Retina Hippo Pool, where you can see hundreds of hippos.
Many avian species exist in the Serengeti, including the red-eyed sandgrouse, a quaint little red-eyed bird with a yellow crest and pointed wings. Sandgrouse also has short legs and a pin-like tail feather on the center. They can be found on southern plains and are often found together in the same area.
Prepare to be surprised by the Serengeti Wildlife
The Wildebeest migration in southern Serengeti is unpredictable. The movement of wildebeests depends on several factors, including water and fresh grass. This means that the herds move from one location to another based on local rainfall patterns. Because wildebeests are picky eaters, their movements are often influenced by wet and dry seasons and transitional periods. The Serengeti National Park is one of the most unique places in the world, and you can watch the migration live!
Rainfall in the Serengeti varies from month to month. The wet season is from November to May, and the short rains from November to December can bring the herds back to the Southern grasslands. This is the best time to visit the Serengeti as the animals are more visible.
Where to stay during your trip to Serengeti National Park?
It’s essential to choose the correct lodging while organizing your journey to the Serengeti. There are a number of choices, from affordable campgrounds to opulent lodges.
For those on a tight budget, there are some public campsites accessible in the park. These are a fantastic choice for people who wish to see the wilderness while also being able to reduce their lodging expenses. While some campgrounds just provide basic amenities like restrooms and showers, others provide more deluxe amenities like hot water and electricity.
There are also some private lodges and tented camps accessible within the park for those seeking a more luxurious option. With features like air conditioning and private bathrooms, these choices provide a higher degree of comfort. Some hotels also provide additional activities like cultural excursions and game drives.
Luxury lodges are also accessible for those seeking a more exclusive experience. These lodges provide the best facilities and services, including private pools, fine dining, and spa services. They are ideal for romantic getaways and honeymoons.
You should definitely consider the location of the lodge or campsite when you choose your lodging. Some are situated close to well-known tourist destinations, while others are situated in areas with superior prospects for wilderness observation.
In order to avoid disappointment, it’s also crucial to check the availability of and reserve your lodging in advance, particularly during the busiest travel times.
Conclusion
The cost of your Serengeti safari will vary depending on the duration and type of accommodation you choose. If you choose to stay in a luxury hotel, the cost of this accommodation will be significantly higher than in a more modest option. The park’s lack of competition makes it difficult for the prices to be low. A good rule of thumb is to stay between certain figures. This is important because many safari operators may charge you sky-high prices. Hopefully, this article will help you cut down your costs on your visit to Serengeti. Good luck!
Note: The prices mentioned in this article are approximate and may change depending on the time of year and other factors.
If you enjoyed our article, you can also check the Top National Parks to visit in Africa, our Tanzania Guide or you can learn more about the snakes of Africa.
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