Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Part of the Serena chain that runs lodges across the northern circuit, this Serengeti property is designed as clusters of domed rondavel rooms along a ridge, giving most rooms a view over the plains. It's a dependable mid-range choice: comfortable rooms, buffet dining, a pool, and a location in the central Serengeti that keeps drive times to the main game areas short.

Serena lodges are a common backbone for a first northern-circuit safari because there's one in or near every major park, making logistics simple.