The Truth About a Serengeti Safari (5 Things You Should Know)

In this travel video I'm journeying to the world-famous Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, famed for the great wildebeest migration and for its high density of big cats. However, there are a couple of things I really wish I knew before visiting which I'm sharing with you today to ensure you have a smooth safari.
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[@EllaMcKendrick]

Planning your own trip to Tanzania? 🐘 Click here to get no-obligation free quotes from the very tour companies that I used to organise my trip and who I highly recommend: safarisbyella.com/ref/2/?campaign=yt_tanzania_serengeti3

[@Theunapologeticwildlife]

Are you still down there dear?

[@khiengjaiandfamily]

❤❤❤

[@marcpeiron_studio]

Thank you for all your videos. I was in Tanzania last month and it was the most incredible experience in my life. Now I'm addicted to your channel to keep living that moment! :)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad that my videos can help keep your memories in the forefront of your mind! African safaris truly are experiences like no other 🤩

[@jeannewilliams4285]

Oh wow! Incredible! We’re leaving for safari on the Serengeti next week . I’m so excited now!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

How exciting! I hope you have an amazing trip 😁

[@pvasa20]

Just got back. Top tip- (1) Take a bug jacket full sleeve and head cover mesh. Yes there are Tse Tse flies in sunlight and will follow your car and you once you step outside. They go away in any shaded tent so quick. Take a fly swatter if they enter your tent. They are slow. Luckily non-infectious kind. Don't wear black or light to dark blue. (2) Take thermal nightwear, it gets cold at nights, no heaters. (3) Download Netflix etc as downtime can get boring. (4) Take a bright flashlight, use it when walking to your dinner at night, it scares Hyenas and lions(usually). (5) Don't step out of your tent at night. (6) Take pain relievers as all temperature changes/road conditions etc can get you sore. (6) Take a gel car seat, the most difficult comfort issue is the rough roads, its 4 hours of roads just to get to the camp and 5 more houes everyday. African massage as the guides call it. Yes its great!

[@pvasa20]

And yes, do not drink too much liquids in the morning (light breakfast too- non fibrous and no beans) and I actually took suppositories to ensure my toilet activities were done before leaving for the daily safari. Especially for women. Toilets are few and far between, but very clean- say evrey 3 hours. Light lunch too. Very light. Dinner is your only big meal! Face masks for those in open safari cars for dust protection.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for sharing these great tips!

[@IonutFlorinCiontu]

Amazing sightings thank you so much love SERENGETY AND MAASAI MARA

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!!

[@Ray-q3c1b]

Ella, your videos are amazing. I can't wait to see the next one. The editing and especially the narration is superb!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 😁 This next video is taking a little longer to make than usual as I filmed so much. I hope you'll like it when it is ready!

[@ninachang8333]

I appreciated your story so much. I learned so many things from your video. It’s very helpful and informational for us to plan our trip even though we have booked a private tour for safari in July, 2024. Now I understood how the tour guide came up with a plan for us after watching your video. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so happy that you've found this video helpful! I hope you have a wonderful safari - I'm confident you will as Tanzania blows me away every time I visit :)

[@justuskipraisi2555]

So much amazing is the nature. Thanks for sharing your experience. your voice is amazing as well 😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I’m so glad you enjoyed watching 😁

[@Deyan_B_Travels]

This is on my list! Beautiful!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Such an amazing place! Thanks for watching

[@Etoshasafari]

Beautiful story Ella. Your channel grew so fast. Well done

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!! Yes, it’s quite crazy. This time last year I think I had around 8k subs!

[@avivsmith4581]

What an amazing experience I’m going to visit the park in June and I hope to experience it the same as yours 🙏🏽

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That’s amazing! I’m sure you’ll have an incredible time. Every visit to the Serengeti that I’ve had has been magical 🙌

[@wildeandfloraaustralia]

Fabulous! Serengeti seems to be amazing!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It's a truly magical place! Thanks for watching 😁

[@Pikwoods]

Hi, Thanks for the information and nice video ❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed watching!

[@miansyedusman6786]

Wow amazing video, and i have no idea i am your old subscriber from Pakistan😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! So happy to have you here for the journey 😊

[@miansyedusman6786]

@@EllaMcKendrick yeah me to enjoying one day i am coming with your help for smooth trip😊

[@joncothranphotography9375]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for the valuable information!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I’m very happy you found it helpful! 😊

[@Mystory557]

I love this❤. Sponsor I wanna visit maasai mara kindly.

[@senthil8372]

Another amazing video on your bucket list. I think you're firing on all cylinders! Do you have any plan to visit India?🤩

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! Actually I recently visited India and have content coming soon, once all videos from my East Africa trip are live. Can’t wait to share what we did! 🐯🐅

[@senthil8372]

@@EllaMcKendrick Wow nice! Awaiting.....👍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@senthil8372 and you were right in the poll the other day that this video is mostly about elephants! 🐘

[@SMedia123]

Those huge elephants are incredible! How old are they?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The big ones could be around 40 or 50 years old

[@HariomTyagi-uk7qe]

Well come to bharat

[@simonwanja]

Educative content ❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! 😁

[@Denislyamuya]

Karibu tena Tanzania Ella!🤩

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana! 😊

[@deanbay]

Hi Which one you liked more, Masai mara or Serengeti?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's such a difficult question! They're both surprisingly different. I like the landscape in the Serengeti more and the fact that there's a lot less cars at each sighting - one thing that bothers me about the Masai Mara is the fact that so many cars go off-road and get way too close to the animals. But I've had some of my best ever sightings in the Masai Mara and I love how the guides know the animals and their territories so well. They both have their pros and cons and I honestly love them both! What I would say though is unless you're visiting for 2 weeks or more, it isn't worth visiting both of them as the journey between them is too big.

[@AVRSTUDIOMUSIC]

Tq soo much upload thi video your are so beautiful ❤️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed watching!

[@HariomTyagi-uk7qe]

Beautiful professional amazing

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! ☺️

[@donnawilson5514]

Enjoying your videos! What month did you go?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

This was filmed in late November

[@firdavsakhmedov5355]

Your video is so good 😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@hollerusc]

What type of camera did you use for animals Far away?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I used the Panasonic Lumix GH6 for most of the shots in this video. The lens I have is the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm

[@explorememoirs]

In Kenya, Amboseli National Park is considered Home Of The African Elephants.

[@cindyreames2784]

Do you have a video on what to take with you? Are bugs a problem?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I don't have a video on that yet, I'm afraid. For clothing, I'd recommend taking lots of layers as temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit. This enables you to gradually de-layer as the day gets hotter. For clothing colour, I'd recommend avoiding blacks and navys (they attract tsetse flies) and bright colours. Neutrals such as grey, beige and muted greens are best. Re bugs, I would put mosquito repellant on every morning and evening (DEET is recommended) but in all honesty, we didn't see many mosquitos in the Serengeti (I would still be very cautious though). There were some tsetse flies in the north of Serengeti and our guide would tell us when we were in a tsetse fly area so we could top up on our repellant. But we didn't encounter too many of them. I would also ask your GP about anti-malarial tablets as these are recommended. Personally, I've not had many issues with bugs here.

[@pedroferreiradoamaral7248]

So, what exactly is 'The Truth About a Serengeti Safari'? The title somehow implies that one is lured to the Serengeti with certain expectations and then the experience falls short or doesn't exactly match said expectations, in a rather disappointing manner. I was waiting for you to elaborate on that in the video. And what exactly are the 5 things one should know?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

First time visitors to the Serengeti often don't know anything about distances, different prices, planning their itineraries etc so this video does into detail on that. I sure wish I'd known these things before my trip - it would have made it go a lot smoother

[@pedroferreiradoamaral7248]

@@EllaMcKendrick I don't mean to belabour the point, but the title somehow implies that there is some kind of 'truth' to the Serengeti that (first time) visitors aren't aware of. Nearly a warning of sorts... And what are the 5 things exactly? Or is it just clickbait? Also, it would have been useful to point out that most people do not start their Serengeti safari with a rather strenuous drive from the Masai Mara. The vast majority start from inside Tanzania in Arusha / Kilimanjaro and the roads are excellent and the transfer can be quite enjoyable. I understand you did your trip a certain way and your videos need to reflect that but if anyone wants to visit the Serengeti I would always recommend they start from within Tanzania. So, you really didn't know any of these things you describe before your first trip? You obviously don't owe me an explanation personally, but I was just surprised to see some of these things from someone who acts as an expert giving advice on the matter.

[@LoriSavingWild]

what are the 5 things??? as stated in your title? Thanks.

[@trevferns22]

Pe paa paee aaaa paaa aakk paaaak paaaaaa pa peew paak pepp paaaak

[@siddharthsamal7989]

Good experience at forest

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching!

[@siddharthsamal7989]

@@EllaMcKendrick are you from

[@Expeditionwildside]

Great video!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!! 🙌

[@randyv8232]

Damn. That is a loooot of time on the road. How much would a plane ride cost instead of this trip?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It sure is! The plane ride involves taking 2 separate planes and each plane is around $300 per person so $600.

[@rolandpelss]

coming from england to serengeti, what money should i take with me? us dollars or just go to atm mashine in tanzania?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

USD is the best currency to take. It's widely accepted at hotels and as tips. Local currency is only needed if eating at a restaurant outside of lodges or when buying items from local markets. Many shops on the tourist routes take USD for souveniers.

[@AI.todayDARKTEAR99]

is there a continent beautiful like africa?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It's my favourite continent 🫶

[@hollerusc]

I see you have high ankle hiking boots…are these necessary?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

For walking safaris, definitely! For game drives they're not strictly necessary but can be useful when you leave the vehicle to go to the bush toilet and offer protection when moving around in the vehicle at sightings. I have worn sandals on game drives but I have whacked my feet a few times on bits and bobs in the car and so it's very rare that I wear those anymore. Also you never know when there may be a walk within your safari schedule. A couple of times I've thought I have all-day game drives but have had surprise walking safaris in my schedule. One of these I had to complete in flip-flops as that's all I had with me!

[@gowthamvigneshwar9471]

when was this trip done if i may ask ?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

This was in late November 2023

[@cherieroberts3502]

What month did you visit?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I visited in late-November

[@FredyVincent951753852456]

Serengeti originated from Maasai word 'siringet' means "endless plain"🇹🇿🇹🇿

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!

[@HariomTyagi-uk7qe]

When you coming bharat india

[@svenfigenschou7345]

And then you have the costof transport too - so 300 usd is more realistic... pr day pr person

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, the cost of the vehicle + guide can be anywhere from $200 to $350 per day

[@markabdy3111]

Did you need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when you crossed over from Kenya into Tanzania?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes I did - sorry I forgot to mention this!

[@mariosbenetatos6905]

Hallo.At the end of the world*where the ocean starts ,as the ancient Greeks believed*they are the grate National Parks.At Masai Mara ,the Masai ....*,at Serengeti the Elephants.....As I remember Kilimantzaro is between the two countries*north and east at Serengeti.....Bye.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching!

[@JArandomVlogs]

U r so Cute 🥰❤

[@JArandomVlogs]

Plz don't tell me u r committed... 😁😁

[@chrisfetner332]

Look a little stark to me. Why not a bucket for the toilet?

[@Mystory557]

Sponsor me please

[@gabriellacomi6663]

Omg, 20 minutes of video just to say that kenya and tanzania are not the same country and you have to cross at the designated border (duh) and that in every park you have to pay a different park fee. Enlightening. And you never mention that instead of driving you can fly, if you are a solo traveller it's even cheaper than driving.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Perhaps you know a lot about the Serengeti but many first-time visitors don't know about the different park fees or how vast the park is, driving times, transfer fees etc. This video is designed to help those people have a smooth trip to the Serengeti. Flying is an option but it's outside most people's budget range and isn't straightforward either as unless you charter a plane (very expensive option) you can't fly directly from the Mara to the Serengeti. You have to take 2 flights (Mara to Migori and then Tarime to Seronera or Kogatende in Serengeti) and drive 30 minutes between the different airports in between the flights. I also am not getting the same prices as you with the flights. Each flight is ~$300 per person so ~$600 per person to fly from the Mara to the Serengeti as you need to take 2 flights. This is much more expensive than driving which costs $350 at the high end (car and driver included in that price).

[@gabriellacomi6663]

@@EllaMcKendrick nowadays there's a magic tool that nevertheless too many people forget to use. It's called: GOOGLE. Why waste 20 minutes watching a video instead of 5 seconds of a google search, that is the real question.

[@adampowell8804]

​@@EllaMcKendrickI appreciate your video and input. You can't please everyone. Especially know-it-alls.

[@nereussatyros3461]

I've visited both countries ,seen countless videos ,but this one is really useful

[@dickchambilo9138]

Anyone may vist to Tanzania, where the wonders of world creator, left his wild animals the big and smallest one and so many amazing things

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Tanzania is such an incredible country 🫶