A Spectacular 3 Days Serengeti Self Drive Safari Itinerary

The Serengeti is an extensive golden plain located in the northwestern region of Tanzania. However, despite its predominantly flat and treeless terrain, it is likely to present the most challenging driving conditions of your entire 11-day self-drive tour. Tanzania does not possess the most inferior roads in East Africa. Quite the opposite. Generally, driving in rural areas is rather straightforward, and the Serengeti is no exception. Provided that your safari is scheduled during the dry season.

It is not the act of driving that instills terror in most individuals. The absence of visible creatures instills fear in them. Opting for an individual visit to the Serengeti while adhering to my 3-day itinerary will undoubtedly yield a plethora of game sightings and provide a more compelling narrative at conclusion.

I do not prefer to undertake challenging tasks merely for the sake of their difficulty. I advocate for travellers to select a Serengeti self-drive schedule instead of the more convenient tour or guided alternatives.

3 Day Serengeti Self Drive Safari

This 3-day Serengeti self drive safari offers a compact yet thrilling experience in the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife paradise. Known for its endless plains, the Great Migration, and the Big Five, Serengeti National Park provides one of the most spectacular safari experiences in Africa. This itinerary includes scenic game drives through the central Seronera Valley, home to abundant wildlife all year round.

A Complete 3 Day Serengeti Self-drive Safari

  • Day 1: Arusha – Transfer to Serengeti National Park (Game Drive En Route)
  • Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
  • Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Return to Arusha

Can You Self-Drive Safari in Serengeti National Park

Clearly, affirmative. Otherwise, this would be a wholly futile blog entry.

The Serengeti is an expansive, somewhat flat terrain interspersed with wetlands, traversed by rivers, and frequented by wildlife aficionados. Including autonomous ones. Although flat terrain may present navigation challenges due to the obscuring tall savannah grasses, routes are well delineated on applications such as Maps.me, and the primary roads provide an abundance of animals comparable to the less accessible, smaller paths.

Maintain a speed not exceeding 30 km/h to avoid complications in the Serengeti, particularly in the accessible South and Central areas.

As you proceed north into the less frequented areas (my personal favourite section of the national park), the terrain becomes increasingly moist. This results in deteriorating road conditions. Impassable during the rainy season or following inclement weather. During the dry season, one can access the secluded campsites near Lobo and immerse oneself in the authentic splendour of the Serengeti wildness. This segment of the drive is arduous. However, this applies solely if you do not adhere to my route recommendations precisely.

Where to Rent Your Car in Tanzania

A multitude of car rental alternatives exists across East Africa. Car Rental Drives Africa is the most dependable provider, offering the most well-equipped vehicles in Tanzania and beyond. This is the firm I utilised while our vacation in Tanzania, and I certainly do not regret it. Exercise caution: rentals via RTA are not economical. It would be far more economical if you could accommodate four individuals in the vehicle. Car Rental Drives Africa features an informative blog piece regarding self-driving in the Serengeti, accompanied with supplementary tips.

The washboard roads in the Serengeti prevent just any vehicle from navigating the terrain. Tanzania is the most costly country for automobile rentals due to this reason. Although securing a vehicle in Uganda for $50 per day is feasible, a Landcruiser or Patrol is essential for securely traversing the Serengeti. Regrettably, these models are accompanied by a substantial cost.