Excursion
Full Safari Packages
From 2-3 day trips covering Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara to a 5-7 day Northern Circuit safari taking in Tarangire too — extend your Serengeti day trip into a full adventure.
View safari packages
Location
Serengeti National Park, ~2hrs from Mwanza
Best Time
June–October (dry season)
Duration
Full day trip
Transport
4WD safari vehicle with expert guide
About this program
Recognized as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Serengeti National Park is globally renowned for the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration. It's just a 2-hour drive from Mwanza, which makes it perfect for volunteers who are short on time but still want a real taste of the Big Four and, in season, the great migration — whether as a single day trip or as the start of a longer safari.
- The Big Four: lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo
- Over 500 bird species unique to the region
- Cheetahs, hyenas and various reptiles
- Great Migration (May–early June): over 2 million wildebeest and zebra on the move
- 4WD safari vehicle with an expert guide, plus packed breakfast, lunch and beverages
- Just a 2-hour drive from Mwanza — easily done as a day trip or extended into a longer safari
More Ways To Explore
Want More Than a Day?
If a single day isn't enough, the Serengeti also works as the start of a longer Northern Circuit safari — or pair it with a Mwanza city day trip before or after.
Excursion
Mwanza City & Lake Day Trips
Combine your Serengeti trip with a day around Mwanza — Bismarck Rock, Lake Victoria boat cruises, and the Bujora Cultural Museum are all easy add-ons.
View Mwanza activitiesGood to Know
Requirements & what's included
Do I need any experience for a safari day trip?
No. Our driver-guides handle everything from park permits to game viewing — it suits volunteers on any placement, whatever your background or length of stay.
What should I bring?
Sun protection, a hat, a camera or binoculars, a light layer for early starts, and a reusable water bottle. Packed breakfast, lunch and beverages are arranged for you.
Can I extend this into a longer safari?
Yes — the same route into the Serengeti can be extended into a 2-3 day or 5-7 day Northern Circuit safari with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Just tell us when you book.
What's included
✓ 4WD safari vehicle & expert guide
✓ Park entry fees arranged
✓ Packed breakfast, lunch & beverages
✓ Pickup from VOT Hostel / your placement
✓ Game drive in search of the Big Four
✓ Flexible booking around your placement
In Their Words
What volunteers say
★★★★★
"The environmental conservation project around Lake Victoria was incredible. I loved that VOT organized weekend safaris to the Serengeti. It was the perfect balance of work and adventure!"
Michael Brown — Australia, Wildlife & Environment
★★★★★
"Combining my volunteering with the Zanzibar Island tour was a dream come true. VOT makes it so easy to experience the real Tanzania while contributing to a great cause."
James O'Connor — Ireland, Tourism & Hospitality