What is better, the Masai Mara or the Serengeti?

They are the same ecosystem split by a border. The Serengeti is far larger at 14,763 square kilometers, and it holds the calving grounds and the southern bank of the Mara River. The Masai Mara is more compact and cheaper to reach from Europe. We compare the two countries in Tanzania vs Kenya for a safari .

How many days are needed in the Serengeti?

Three nights in one part of the park, or five to six if you want two parts. One night is not worth booking, because most of it goes on transfers. Most guests pair the Serengeti with Ngorongoro and Tarangire, which is what our 7 day Tanzania safari covers.

Which is better, Kruger or Serengeti?

They suit different trips. Kruger is self-drive country with tarred roads, malaria prophylaxis is simpler, and it is cheaper to reach from Europe and the US. The Serengeti, in contrast, has the migration, higher predator densities and far more space per vehicle. Kruger is the easier first safari. The Serengeti is the one people come back for.

Is October a good time to visit the Serengeti?

Yes. It is dry, the crossings at Kogatende can still happen, and there are fewer vehicles than in August. The risk is that the herds move south early, so October is stronger for general game viewing than for a guaranteed crossing.

Is November a good time to visit the Serengeti?

Yes, with a change of plan. The short rains start, the herds turn south, and the northern camps close for the year, ours on 15 November. In November the Serengeti suits birding and low rates, and it suits the central and eastern parts of the park rather than the north.

Is December a good time to visit the Serengeti?

The second half is. December gets the tail of the short rains, the herds spread onto the southern plains, and Gnu Ndutu Camp opens late in the month. Early December is one of the emptiest and cheapest windows of the year, but the herds are still scattered and the northern camps are closed.

Mawe Lodges Travel Diary

Our Travel Blog

Welcome to the Mawe Lodges journal, where we share stories from our camps across Karatu, Tarangire, the Serengeti, Ndutu, and the Mara. Expect practical safari advice, updates on the wildebeest migration, and glimpses of daily life at our tented camps. Whether you’re planning your first Tanzanian safari or simply dreaming of one, there’s something here for you.

Our Travel Blog

Destinations

Best Time to Visit Serengeti

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Destinations

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania

June to October is driest, February is calving season. Month

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Giraffes feeding near Burunge Widlife Management Area

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Lake Burunge Wildlife Management Area (Burunge WMA)

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Destinations

The Untouched Wilderness of Kusini Plains Serengeti

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a mosaic of

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Experiences and Activities

Where is Kogatende?

Kogatende is an area in the northern Serengeti facing the

admin February 9, 2024

Planning your trip

How do I Pay a Park Fee in Tanzania?

Comprehensive Guide on How to Pay Park Fees in Tanzania

admin November 10, 2023

Tanzania compared with Kenya for a safari

Destinations

Tanzania vs. Kenya: A Safari Showdown

Tanzania vs. Kenya for a Safari. Regarding planning an unforgettable

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Large baobab in full leaf against a blue sky

Destinations

Tarangire vs. Lake Manyara

Choosing your Tanzanian safari Adventure: Tarangire or Lake Manyara? Tanzania

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Hands holding an open illustrated notebook

Planning your trip

A Comprehensive Guide to How to Obtain a Tourist Visa for Tanzania

How to Obtain a Tourist Visa for Tanzania: Tanzania, known

admin September 16, 2023

Acacia tree with the plains and hills beyond

Destinations

The Enigmatic Moru Kopjes: Tanzania’s Hidden Geological Marvels

Welcome! Tanzania has breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, from the

admin September 9, 2023

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