7 Essential Tips for Your 2026 Serengeti Safari

Serengeti is a world-famous wildlife park and indeed a dream destination for anyone seeking authentic wildlife viewing. This 14,763-square-kilometer park sits in the north of Tanzania, bordering other protected areas within the country and the Masai Mara. This park is infamous among travelers and holds the 2024 Africa’s Leading Wildlife Destination from the World Travel Awards (WTA).

Every year, this park receives over 350,000 guests, and we expect this number to increase over the next few years. Which is why you should include it in your bucket list for a 2026 safari, not because of its fame, but because it hosts pristine wildlife and spectacular landscapes. To plan a 2026 Serengeti safari, you need to be good at timing and other things. You’ll know all that in this article. So, stick with it till the end.

Figure out what you want to see.

Serengeti has much to offer. Setting off for safari without prioritizing your must-do things can trick you into wanting to explore everything in this park. This may cause frustration because you won’t find fun in everything you do.

To avoid this, sit down and research the Serengeti, think of the most important thing or attraction you want to experience. Write it down. Create a wish list of things you feel happy to do. Arrange them in order of priority. When you arrive, engage in activities on your list. Include other extra things between activities.

Plan your time of travel time carefully.

Plan your time of travel time depending on what you want to see or experience. However, this depends on many aspects like budget, crowd, or the experience you want to feel. Do you want to watch the infamous Mara River crossings or the calving season? These events happen in a space of months from each other. The river crossings occur from July to September, while the calving season runs from January to March.

If budget decides when you should, we have you covered. If you’re on a strict budget, avoid peak seasons, such as late December when many people rush for a Christmas adventure and June-October, when many compete for spaces in lodges, driving the prices. Instead, plan your visit in the shoulder season, like November to early December and January to March. March to May gets so wet for game drives, but it’s perfect for birding, fewer crowds, and photography opportunities.

Also, if you would like to avoid the crowd, June to October may not be good for you. Instead, pick January-March as it’s dry and warm, but with no crowd.

Bring the right gear.

Bring the wrong thing you screw it all. Not at all because we take you shopping to buy the gear. But that can be disturbing, right? Pack the right clothing. If your trip is in the dry season, light, casual clothing is king. Also, bring layers for the mornings, evenings, and nights.

The best colors for safari are beige, khaki, blue, and green because they make you perfectly blend with nature. Avoid dark blue and black to avoid bites from tsetse flies. Also, avoid bright colors like red, yellow, orange, and white as they make you stand out and get dirt easily.

Since you’re heading to a world-class destination, we know you’ll want pictures. Include a good camera in your packing list. Other things include sunscreen, sunhat, binoculars, first-aid kit, refillable water bottle, and insect repellent.

Plan your budget.

Serengeti is tempting. Sometimes an optional activity captivates, and you jump into it. Later on, you realize just misused the funds. That’s planning the budget, is tip for planning your 2026 Serengeti safari.

When you’ve a clear boundary of where your spending will be, you won’t worry much about money while you’re on safari. For instance, while tipping is a tradition in Tanzania, you shouldn’t spend all your savings on it. You can skip it when you feel your budget doesn’t allow it. That alone will help your mind be free.

Prepare your passport and visa in advance.

Let’s book your Serengeti safari for June. It’s in the middle of May, and you haven’t obtained your passport yet. You start panicking, which makes even the safari experience miserable. After you’ve confirmed the booking, make sure you work on your passport and visa.

If you’ll conclude your Serengeti safari with a beach vacation in Zanzibar, buy the mandatory travel insurance ($44) in advance to avoid delays. Also, start your visa application online to avoid missing out on any credentials you may need for an in-person visa application.

Immunize before travel.

Tanzania has one mandatory vaccine: the yellow fever vaccination. Check if your country is in the list of high transmission risk countries. Check out if you’re not transiting in countries with high transmission risk.

Other vaccines we recommend are cholera, hepatitis B, COVID-19 (not compulsory), typhoid, and tuberculosis. Also, we advise you to bring antimalarial drugs and sleep in a mosquito net because malaria is endemic here.

Bring some cash

While you may’ve settled all payments for your safari, having cash (especially in Tanzania shillings) in handy is important. That will help you when paying for souvenirs or products. You may also use it for tipping (if you wish). Also, you may use it to pay for local dishes or a traditional Maasai performance.

Going to the Serengeti is a life-changing dream. We are here to help you achieve it. At Active African Safaris, we guide our clients before, during, and after their safaris. We are happy to help you achieve your dream. If you are ready for an adventure, call us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for a Serengeti safari in 2026?

The best time depends on what you want to see! For the Great Migration river crossings, aim for July to September. If you prefer fewer crowds and lots of newborn animals, January to March is ideal. Just avoid April and May if you’re not a fan of rain.

How do I prepare for a Serengeti safari?

Start by booking early – especially if you’re chasing the migration. Pack light, neutral-colored clothes, bring a good camera or binoculars, and don’t forget travel insurance and any vaccines you may need. Most of all, come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.

What should I not do on a safari?

Don’t make loud noises or stand up during drives – it can scare animals or even attract danger. Avoid wearing bright colors, don’t litter, and never try to feed or touch animals