Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Top Wildlife Experience

Overview

This 6-day itinerary combines a thrilling group safari in Tanzania’s premier national parks, including two nights in the iconic Serengeti, with a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro. The safari focuses on wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, while the Kilimanjaro hike offers a taste of Africa’s highest peak via the Marangu Route. The itinerary is designed for a group, with shared game drives, accommodations, and a guided hike.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Arusha to Tarngire National Park

Morning: Depart from Arusha to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5-hour drive) with your group and safari guide.
Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and giraffes. Picnic lunch in the park.
Evening: Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping). Group dinner and briefing for the safari ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Morning: Depart from Arusha to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5-hour drive) with your group and safari guide.
Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and giraffes. Picnic lunch in the park.
Evening: Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping). Group dinner and briefing for the safari ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2 :

Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park (approx. 5-hour drive). En route, enjoy scenic views of the Rift Valley and optional stop at a Maasai village (additional cost).
Afternoon: Arrive in the Serengeti and embark on an afternoon game drive in the central Seronera region, home to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). Boxed lunch en route.
Evening: Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping). Group dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 :

Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Morning: Early morning game drive to catch predators in action and witness the sunrise over the plains. Look for cheetahs, hyenas, and migrating wildebeests (season-dependent). Return to camp for breakfast.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the Serengeti. Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost, must be pre-booked).
Evening: Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping). Group dinner and storytelling around a campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 :

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Morning: After breakfast, depart the Serengeti with a game drive en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 3-hour drive). Stop at Olduvai Gorge for a brief visit to learn about early human fossils (optional, small fee).
Afternoon: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Lunch at your accommodation, followed by a free afternoon to relax or enjoy views of the crater. Optional guided nature walk (additional cost).
Evening: Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping). Group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 :

Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha

Morning: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, flamingos, and hippos. Picnic breakfast in the crater.
Afternoon: Ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha (approx. 3.5-hour drive). Lunch en route. Overnight at your accommodation (lodge or camping) in Arusha for a restful evening.
Evening: Group farewell dinner, reflecting on the safari experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 :

Kilimanjaro Day Hike and Departure

Morning: Early breakfast, then transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Marangu Gate (approx. 1-hour drive). Begin a guided day hike on the Marangu Route, trekking through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,860ft, approx. 3-4 hours one way). Enjoy packed lunch at Mandara Hut with views of the mountain.
Afternoon: Descend back to Marangu Gate (approx. 2-3 hours). Receive certificates for the hike, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Evening: Depart on your evening flight or extend your stay in Arusha (not included).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Included & Excluded

All park entry fees and conservation charges
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
English-speaking professional safari guide/driver
Full-board accommodation (lodges and tented camps)
Daily game drives as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Airport transfers (pickup and drop-off)

International airfare and visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for your guide and staff
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Beverages (unless specified)

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is included in the safari package?

Park entry fees, professional guide, 4x4 safari vehicle, accommodation, meals, bottled water, and all scheduled game drives.

What’s not included in the package?

International flights, travel insurance, visa fees, tips, personal expenses, and optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides).

When is the best time to go on this safari?

The safari operates year-round, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October), especially to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You can choose between mid-range lodges, luxury tented camps, or budget options. All are clean, secure, and located near or inside the parks