Things to do in Serengeti – on top of classic game drives

Looking to take your Serengeti safari to the next level? Beyond the classic game drive, Serengeti National Park offers a range of exclusive add-on experiences that allow you to explore the park from entirely new perspectives. From soaring above the plains in a hot air balloon to tracking endangered rhinos, these activities add depth, adventure, and unforgettable memories to your safari.

Below are the must-do add-on tours in Serengeti National Park.

1. Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti

A hot air balloon safari is the most popular add-on activity in Serengeti and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the vast Serengeti plains and its abundant wildlife at sunrise.

Experience Overview

Balloon safaris start around 6:00 a.m., with lodge pick-ups between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., depending on your distance from the launch site. Early mornings can be chilly, so warm clothing is recommended.

Upon arrival, the pilot will brief you on safety and the flight while the balloon is inflated. You then lift gently into the air as the sun rises, illuminating the endless savannah below.

The flight lasts approximately one hour, during which the pilot skillfully adjusts altitude to offer both panoramic and close-up views of the ecosystem.

What You May See

• Wildebeest and zebras (especially during the Great Migration)

• Gazelles and other plains game

• Lions, cheetahs, and other predators

• Elephants and giraffes moving through the landscape

• Rivers, kopjes, and vast open plains

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the experience is primarily about scenery, scale, and serenity rather than density of animals.

Group Size & Sharing

Balloons carry 8–16 passengers, depending on size. Unless booked privately, the ride is shared with other guests.

After the Flight

After landing, you’ll enjoy:

• A champagne toast

• A bush breakfast set in the wilderness

• A balloon flight certificate

You will then be transferred back to your lodge.

Cost

• USD 540 per person

• Includes USD 40 TANAPA concession fee

Important Considerations

• Not recommended for guests staying only one night in Serengeti, as it replaces a morning game drive.

• For the same cost, some travelers may prefer to add an extra full day of safari instead.

• Wildlife sightings vary; some flights see many animals, others fewer.

Best Locations & Seasons for Balloon Safari

• Central Serengeti (Year-round) – Stunning views of Seronera Valley, river systems, and kopjes

• Ndutu (January to mid-March) – Ideal during calving season

• Northern Serengeti (Mid-July to October) – Best during river crossings and migration

• Western Corridor (June to October) – Seasonal migration movement

2. Walking Safari in Serengeti

A walking safari offers a more intimate and immersive way to experience the African wilderness—on foot, guided by experts, and surrounded by nature.

Overview

• Starts at 6:30 a.m.

• Organized directly through TANAPA

• Accompanied by an armed park ranger for safety

Duration & Cost

• Short walk: Up to 4 hours – USD 45 per person

• Long walk: Up to 6 hours – USD 60 per person

What Makes It Special

Walking safaris allow you to:

• Study animal tracks and signs

• Observe insects like dung beetles and ant lions

• Learn about plants, bones, and the ecosystem

• Experience the sounds and smells of the wild without vehicle noise

You may encounter wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and occasionally big cats—always at a safe distance under ranger supervision.

What to Wear

• Comfortable walking shoes or old sneakers

• Long trousers (avoid black and dark blue)

• Neutral-colored clothing

• Covered legs to avoid tsetse flies

Important Notes

• Minimum age: 12 years

• Always follow ranger instructions for safety

3. Rhino Tracking Safari in Serengeti

The Moru Kopjes area in Central Serengeti is home to some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos. This is the only location in Serengeti where rhino tracking is permitted.

Experience Overview

• Organized through the Serengeti Tourism Department

• Tour operator vehicles are not allowed inside the rhino zone

• Guests transfer to a government open 4×4 vehicle

• Guided by expert rangers involved in the Serengeti Rhino Project

Rangers locate rhinos early in the morning and remain in constant communication to maximize sighting chances.

Highlights

• 75% chance of spotting black rhinos

• Duration: 45 minutes to 2 hours

• Off-road driving permitted for closer (safe) viewing

• Possibility of seeing lions, cheetahs, and leopards

• Insight into rhino conservation and ranger life

Cost

• USD 130 per person (adults and children)

4. Other Activities in and Around Serengeti

Naabi Hill Gate Walk

• Short guided walk when entering or exiting Serengeti

• Panoramic views of the Serengeti plains

Seronera Information Centre

• Located near Seronera Airstrip

• Learn about Serengeti history, migration, and conservation

• Watch educational videos

• Souvenir shopping and café break

Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (En Route)

• Olduvai Gorge Museum

• Maasai village visit

• Cultural and archaeological experiences

Night Game Drives

• Available only outside Serengeti National Park

• Possible if staying in private reserves or Wildlife Management Areas

Final Advice

Add-on activities can greatly enrich your safari experience, but they should be selected based on:

• Length of stay

• Budget

• Personal interests

• Priority between wildlife density and unique experiences

Plan wisely to ensure your Serengeti safari is both memorable and well-balanced.