Safari in national parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
Embark on a captivating 5-day Tanzania safari adventure through two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This journey begins with your arrival in Arusha, the gateway to Northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. From there, venture deep into the heart of the Serengeti, renowned for its vast plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five and the Great Migration. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to diverse animal species within a spectacular volcanic caldera. This immersive experience blends wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness for an unforgettable African safari. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking an authentic taste of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly greeted by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short tour around Arusha town, visit the Cultural Heritage Center, or simply relax at your accommodation. Arusha is a bustling city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the perfect starting point for your safari. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the exciting journey ahead. Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
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Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, depart from Arusha and embark on a scenic drive towards Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes—from lush highlands to the sweeping savannahs of the Serengeti. You’ll arrive in the central Serengeti by mid-afternoon, just in time for your first game drive. Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra. The Serengeti is famed for its incredible wildlife density and dramatic predator-prey interactions. After the drive, proceed to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay under the star-lit African skies.
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Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Spend the entire day exploring the vast Serengeti plains on morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration—a natural spectacle involving millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle crossing the plains in search of fresh grazing. Visit the Seronera Valley, a prime area for spotting big cats like leopards and lions, or explore remote areas for a more intimate safari experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before continuing your wildlife adventure. The day ends with a sunset drive back to your camp or lodge. Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.
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Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, depart Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater—one of Africa’s most unique and wildlife-rich safari destinations. Descend into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, home to lions, elephants, hippos, and the rare black rhino. The Ngorongoro Crater is a self-contained ecosystem with breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending the crater rim. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening. Reflect on your safari experiences over a farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Arusha.
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Day 5: Departure – Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfa st, enjoy a leisurely morning depending on your flight schedule. You may choose to relax at your lodge or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Later, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality of its people. Safari ends.
Suggested Lodges & Camps
Safari Cost Include
Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the program.
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation in hotels and lodges as described in the program.
- Meals as specified in the program.
- Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.
Guiding & Game-Driving
- Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, equipped with fridges, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
- All national park fees, including park entry and concession fees.
- Free Wi-Fi availability in 60-75% of the traveled areas, depending on cell coverage in the wilderness.
- 24/7 phone support service for any assistance during the safari.
- Emergency air ambulance services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
- Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
- Onboard medical kit for added safety and convenience.
Safari Cost Excludes
- Air tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
Please Note
- By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
- Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
- Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
- Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.
