Game Drives

Your main reason for visiting us: immersion in a world of magnificent wildlife

With animals, birds and stunning scenery in such abundance, the challenge is fitting everything in. We recommend spending at least three nights at Serengeti Bushtops so that you can explore a range of locations at different times of the day. Whether heading out at dawn with a hot water bottle and blanket, or voyaging off for a day or evening, our specially designed Toyotas ensure the greatest comfort and safety. See Our vehicles for more details.

We may be biased, but we think Serengeti Bushtops could not be better sited for game viewing. No one can ever guarantee you will see a Black Rhino or a Leopard, a Cheetah or a rare Egyptian Vulture, but our siting and expert spotters give you the best possible chances. There are some things, however, that we can guarantee. Although every day is different, you will see a cornucopia of wildlife, from herds of elephant to masses of buffalo, charging wildebeest and curious antelope, sandgrouse and plovers, zebras and (almost certainly) lions.

During your stay we urge you to experience at least one early morning game drive, one full day game drive and an evening game drive, ending with a sundowner.

Early mornings

can be cool, so you should wrap up warm (we aim to be on the road before the sun rises at around 6am). Our open vehicles bring you as close as possible to the wildlife, just when the action is likely to be most exciting. Few predators hunt during the heat of the day, so the early morning is the best time to observe the thrill of the hunt. It is also a magical time, with the subtle light dappling the landscape, the birds awakening and the sense of a great adventure beginning to unfurl. And just when your stomach starts to complain, we'll give you a late breakfast in the bush, before further viewing culminates in lunch back at camp.

The full day game drive

is our forte, and the best way to see the full range of what this magnificent park has to offer. It departs at 8.30 am, with your 4x4 fully equipped to cross the Serengeti in search of game. The early mornings are relatively cool, but by midday it can become very hot indeed and sun-block lotion and hats are advised. Lunch is served under the shade of an Acacia tree or overlooking the snorting hippos, which wallow in the Mara River. Our team of Field Guides and Kuria tribe Spotters are second to none in terms of wildlife knowledge, tracking abilities and laser-like eyesight, so we don't simply drive and hope: we track the animal activity and exchange sightings information, to ensure we are in the right places at the right times.

One of the highlights is the great annual migration, when literally millions of wildebeest cross the mighty Mara river. At Serengeti Bushtops we have a ringside seat, so guests can be sure of witnessing this stupendous natural event. Yet it is often in the lesser-known corners of the bush that we spot highlights of the drive, whether a kill or an amorous encounter!

After guiding you through a full day's stimulation, your driver will be delighted to radio ahead to order a hot tub and, should you wish, a bottle of something bubbly with which to relax on your veranda, washing the dust away as you look forward to dinner. 

Evening game drives

have a character all their own. Remember, this is not the end of the day: for most animals, particularly the predators, this is when they begin to search for prey. As the day cools and the sky is painted with red, gold and orange hues, you may be surprised by the roar of a lion, a galloping giraffe, or the high pitched giggling of hyenas fighting over a kill. At a suitable vantage point, your guide will pause, allowing you to enjoy a sundowner in blissful comfort.

Our programme - or your programme?

Some guests are more than happy to go with the flow, joining the trips as we lay them on. However, if you prefer to have exclusive use of one of our Field Guides and a 4X4, this can be arranged, with a daily supplement being added to inclusive normal rate. Please do not hesitate to ask your booking agent for more details.