This 7-day safari combines a visit to the famous Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, two of the most sought-after safari destinations in Tanzania. During this journey, you will experience the Great Wildebeest Migration, a natural phenomenon where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores make their way through the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. The safari also offers incredible wildlife viewing, including opportunities to witness predators, and provides breathtaking landscapes.
7-Day Safari Itinerary: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Migration Adventure
Embark on a journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, experiencing the beauty of Ngorongoro Crater and the drama of the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~4–5 hours | Distance: ~190 km
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will warmly welcome you and begin your adventure with a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Check in at your lodge or camp, where you’ll enjoy lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, embark on a short game drive along the Crater Rim. Marvel at the panoramic views of the world’s largest unbroken caldera, home to lush greenery and a variety of wildlife. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day Game Drive
Wake up to the stunning landscapes of the Ngorongoro highlands. After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Crater for a full day of unforgettable game viewing. The Crater floor offers a unique microcosm of Tanzania’s wildlife, with opportunities to spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino. A picnic lunch amidst the serene environment lets you soak in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the late afternoon, ascend back to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 3: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~4–5 hours | Distance: ~160 km
After breakfast, journey from Ngorongoro to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The drive offers breathtaking vistas and occasional wildlife sightings, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Arrive in Serengeti for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, where herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles roam freely. With luck, you’ll also spot lions, cheetahs, and other predators. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 4: Serengeti – Full Day Game Drive and Migration Experience
Today, explore the Serengeti in pursuit of the Great Migration. Depending on the time of year, witness vast herds of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains, often followed by predators such as lions and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti’s expansive savannah, surrounded by incredible wildlife. As evening falls, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s awe-inspiring sights.
Day 5: Serengeti – Exploring the Migration and Predators
Dedicate another full day to exploring the Serengeti’s diverse habitats and observing the wildlife in action. Travel to migration hotspots, where you can see herds grazing, resting, or moving across the plains. Predator sightings are a highlight of the Serengeti, and today offers excellent chances to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for a relaxing dinner under the African stars.
Day 6: Serengeti – River Crossing Adventure (If in Season)
If your safari takes place between July and October, head to the Mara or Grumeti Rivers for a chance to witness the breathtaking river crossings. Watch as wildebeests and zebras navigate crocodile-filled waters, creating one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. For those visiting outside the river-crossing season, the day will still be packed with migration sightings and exciting wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for your final night in the Serengeti.
Day 7: Serengeti – Final Game Drive & Departure
Non-game-viewing travel time: ~5–6 hours | Distance: ~320 km (to Arusha)
Bid farewell to the Serengeti with a final morning game drive, savoring your last moments in this incredible park. Transfer to Seronera Airstrip for a scenic flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of your safari adventure. If your schedule permits, you may stop for shopping or sightseeing in Arusha before continuing your onward journey.
Price Includes:
– All park entry fees
– Concession fees
– Flying Doctor Service
– All park camping fees
– Airport pickup
– Ngorongoro Crater service fees
– Accommodation at hotels, lodges, tented camps, or campsites as per the safari program
– Chef services
– Meals as per the itinerary
– English-speaking driver/guide
– Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
– Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the safari)
– One-night complimentary hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival, including breakfast
– Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs and tables
Price Does Not Include:
– International and domestic flights
– Fees for passports, visas, immunizations, and insurance
– Tips for staff, including driver-guides, chefs, and porters
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Best Time to Visit:
The Great Wildebeest Migration is typically most visible in the Serengeti and surrounding areas between June and October, with the river crossings at their peak around July to September.
This 7-day Serengeti Migration Safari allows you to immerse yourself in the thrilling migration experience and explore the abundant wildlife of both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
