Serengeti route: Arusha to Four Seasons Safari Lodge
This 56.2 km route connects three key locations for a Serengeti safari experience: starting from Arusha in northern Tanzania, traveling through the Northern Serengeti region, and ending at Four Seasons Safari Lodge. The journey showcases the main access points and luxury accommodation options for visitors planning an African safari adventure.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Northern Serengeti
- End
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Northern Serengeti — Destination of Great Migration during summer months
- Arusha — City at the base of Mount Meru; Ryan's first night stay location
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge — Luxury accommodation with pool and water hole viewing area
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Hire an experienced safari guide before arriving in Tanzania. They arrange pickups, handle logistics, accommodation, meals, and park fees, making the entire process smoother.
- Transport
- Fly into Kilimanjaro airport. From there, stay first night in Arusha (2.5 hours away), then drive 6-7 hours on bumpy roads to reach the Serengeti to see landscapes and wildlife.
- Where to stay
- Budget option: Serengeti Safari Haven offers comfortable tents with beds at ~$200/night. Lions and wildlife roam freely nearby with no fences.
- Where to stay
- Mid-range: Serengeti Cemetu in central Serengeti offers private houses with savannah views. Great for viewing the Great Migration nearby.
- Where to stay
- Luxury option: Four Seasons Safari Lodge features water hole in front of pool attracting wildlife, Masai warrior greeting, private villas with pools available.
- Tip
- Park entry fee during peak season: $82 per person, plus $71/day per person for overnight stay, plus vehicle fees. Ask your guide for exact total costs beforehand.
- Timing
- Visit July-October for Great Migration river crossings where wildebeest cross the Mara River. Migration happens year-round but moves in clockwise rotation.
- Tip
- Do a hot air balloon safari: wake up at 4 a.m., basket holds 16 passengers. Serenetti Balloon Safari and Miracle Balloon Safari both operate in the area.
- Tip
- Game drives are the best way to see wildlife. Different areas have specific landscapes: termite mounds for cheetahs, swampy areas for hippos, kopjes (stone islands) for lions.
- Avoid
- Rainy season brings massive thunderstorms almost daily and muddy roads where vehicles can get stuck. Bring experienced guide familiar with bush driving.
- Tip
- Spend at least 1 day at Ngorongoro Crater (16 km wide, largest intact caldera). Home to Africa's Big Five and black rhinos. Lion's Paw Resort overlooks the crater.
- Where to stay
- In Arusha (gateway to Serengeti), stay at Sana Boutique Hotel for comfortable rooms before your safari journey begins.
Video on this route
How To Visit The Serengeti - African Safari Travel Guide