Can I Self Drive Serengeti National Park?

One of the Africa’s most concentrated wildlife conservation areas, a 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti National park is very possible. The Serengeti is probably the most rewarding game park on the continent. However, it’s also a park best enjoyed when you’ve prepared well in advance. The World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometers in size. Serengeti National Park is part of a cross-border ecosystem including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), the Masai Mara in Kenya, and a number of smaller game reserves.  This epic National Park is a must include on every travellers bucket list when planning an African visit and a self-rive safari will make it even more exciting.

The main road running from Naabi Hill gate to Seronera, the center of the action, and from Seronera radiating to the East and West, is notorious among tour guides in Tanzania for its rough driving conditions. It’s a challenging road, with a rocky surface and washboard ribbons however a good challenge to take on. Drivers are advised to drive at least at a limited speed which is 25 km/h, or else you’ll lose control instantly, with a single-vehicle rollover as a result.

From Arusha, the most accessible parts of the Serengeti are its southern plains, comprising of Ndutu and Seronera. The western corridor and Lobo are rewarding to explore, but far out. If you want to explore lesser-visited areas of the Serengeti, you are recommended to rent a safari vehicle along with a driver-guide.

The driving times and routes to Serengeti National Park are as follows;

Arusha to Seronera takes between 9 to 10 hours

Loduare gate (Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance) to Ngorongoro crater entrance takes about 1.5 hours.

Naabi Hill gate to Seronera takes about 1 hour.

Seronera to Lobo takes about 2 hours.

You will plan your 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti safari with us as we shall help you with the necessary information and perhaps to arrange the Serengeti permits for a self drive Serengeti safari in Tanzania, the permits for all the Tanzania National Parks Authority managed parks are paid at the entrance gate by credit card.

For the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will need to obtain an entrance quote first, before going to the gate to actually pay for park entry. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area office is based in Arusha and Karatu and is open from Monday – Friday. We can arrange for you the Ngorongoro quote and all you need to do is to reach us for the services.

What is special to see on a 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti National Park?

Most travelers on Tanzania self-drive safaris arrange their visit to Serengeti during the annual wildebeest migration periods. The wildebeest migrate in a summarized migration cycle which is being dictated by local rainfall patterns on a fairly predictable pattern. The wildebeest movements are at their most predictable between December and April when the wildebeest and zebra congregate in the Ndutu area to the calf.  After the short rains of early November, the herds arrive on the short-grass plains feeding on the fresh, nutritious grasses. From May – July the wildebeest are in the Western corridor and July – September to the Mara River.

It is therefore advisable for travelers on 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti to prepare and drive in areas where the animals are expected to be based on the time of visit to the park. Travelers will also prefer to camp in an area that is safe and they are able to do this basing on the knowledge of the migration of the animals. Travelers that would like to have a 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti are recommended to book a tour guide since Serengeti is vast and one can easily get lost. We can help you have your 4×4 Self Drive Serengeti in a less stressful way by booking your our well-maintained safari vehicles as well as any other forms of necessary bookings as you would desire to have your trip successful. Plan your self drive safari to Serengeti with us and live to remember this experience.

Can you self drive in Tanzania?

Yes, a self drive safari through Tanzania offers the chance to discover the stunning sceneries, many animals and cultures of Tanzania on your own. To enjoy Tanzania at your own pace with a 4WD jeep provided by your self-drive company is truly amazing!! Book with us Today!