6 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari holiday.
This Tanzania safari itinerary is the perfect introduction to the Northern Tanzania circuit, focusing exclusively on the two amazing and wildlife rich destinations; Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). This focused approach increases game viewing opportunities, reduces travel time between the major parks and delivers a high impact wildlife holiday. By dedicating for days to the vast Serengeti, you significantly increase the chances of witnessing major predator action, locating the ‘’Big five,’’ and potentially catching a glimpse of the magnificent Great Migration herds, depending on the season. The journey typically begins and then ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Serengeti National Park.
Day 2&3: Exploring Serengeti National Park.
Day 4: Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Higlands.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Descent.
Day 6: Scenic drive back and departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Serengeti National Park.
On the first day of the safari, your adventure begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel in Arusha (or direct pickup from JRO) to a local airport for a scenic internal light aircraft flight directly into Serengeti National Park. Flying saves an entire day of driving and provides a spectacular aerial view of the plains. Upon landing at the central Serengeti airstrip (usually Seronera) your Tanzania safari guide from African Vacation Safaris will meet you and then immediately begin your first exciting game drive en route to your camp or lodge. The central Seronera Valley is known for its permanent water sources, making it a year-round attraction for wildlife, especially the large number of the lion prices, and elusive leopards found near the riverine forests. Later you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2&3: Exploring Serengeti National Park.
These two days are completely dedicated to exploring the different ecosystems of Serengeti. Your game drives will cover varied landscapes from the open grasslands where cheetahs hunt, to the rocky granite kopjes (out crops) where lions survey their territory. You will enjoy the early morning drives the best time to see predators in action followed by a midday break, and then the late afternoon drive until evening. Day 2 might focus on the central area, while Day 3 could involve exploring the movement patterns of the migrating herds (if present), or visiting the main wildlife viewing circuits determined by your guide’s up to the minute local knowledge. You will enjoy all meals at your camp while with sounds and sights of the African wilderness.
Day 4: Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Higlands.
You will enjoy a final, memorable early morning game drive in Serengeti. After a leisurely brunch, you will begin the drive eastward, crossing Serengeti plains and entering Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). This drive itself is a form of game viewing, as the NCA also has the large herds of the Maasai cattle alongside wild animals. The journey offers stunning views as you ascend the outer wall of the Great Rift Valley towards Ngorongoro Craterrim. You will check into your lodge high up in the cool, scenic Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner, and overnight stay, ready for the main event tomorrow.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Descent.
Day 5 is the excellent and then rewarding safari; the descent into the Ngorongoro crater. After an early start, you will drive down the steep track to the crater floor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Because the walls contain the animals, the crater floor offers an exceptionally high density of the wildlife, providing arguably the best chance to spot the black rhino, along with huge herds of buffaloes, zebras and then large populations of the hippos and then water birds around the permanent swamps and Lake Magadi. You will spend a full five to six hours exploring this natural wonder, including a picnic lunch on the crater floor, before ascending back to the rim for your final night in the highlands.
Day 6: Scenic drive back and departure.
After a final breakfast overlooking the wonderful highlands, you will enjoy a scenic drive back towards Arusha, passing through traditional farming areas and then potentially stopping at the Maasai cultural bomas (optional). Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your outbound international flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
End of 6 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari holiday
Safari inclusions.
Transport and internal aircraft flight from Arusha into Serengeti.
Park fees.
Accommodation and meals.
Guiding.
Safari exclusions.
International fights.
Visas and Insurance.
Gratuities.
Optional costs; hot air balloon safari over Serengeti.