Serengeti & Ngorongoro Classic
Tanzania's two greatest wildlife wonders in one trip
Tour Overview
This classic 5-day itinerary combines the endless plains of the Serengeti with the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater — a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife that National Geographic calls "Africa's Garden of Eden." Two extraordinary ecosystems, one unforgettable safari. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact caldera and home to the densest concentration of large mammals anywhere on Earth — including the elusive black rhino. The Serengeti's vast plains offer equally spectacular game viewing with massive lion prides, cheetah, leopard, and (depending on the season) the Great Migration herds. This is the quintessential Tanzania safari.
Your Journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive west through Maasai country and the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in time for lunch with one of the most jaw-dropping views in Africa — the entire caldera spread below you. Afternoon at leisure to explore the crater rim nature trails or relax at the lodge. Evening briefing on tomorrow's Crater descent.
Tonight's Stay
Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. This 260 sq km caldera is home to approximately 25,000 animals including all the Big Five, flamingo-lined Lake Magadi, hippo pools, and one of Africa's best chances to see the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor near the hippo pool before continuing your exploration. Ascend in the late afternoon.
Tonight's Stay
Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After breakfast, drive from the Crater to the Serengeti via the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands. Stop at Olduvai Gorge — the "Cradle of Mankind" where some of humanity's oldest fossils were discovered. Enter the Serengeti through the Naabi Hill gate and experience the vast, endless plains for the first time. Afternoon game drive en route to your camp.
Tonight's Stay
Tented Camp — Central Serengeti
A full day exploring the Central Serengeti — the most predator-rich area in Africa. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lion prides lazing on kopjes, cheetah scanning the plains from termite mounds, leopards in sausage trees, elephant herds at the Seronera River, and (seasonally) vast herds of migration animals. Between drives, enjoy the camp's facilities and watch the endless parade of wildlife from your verandah.
Tonight's Stay
Tented Camp — Central Serengeti
Final morning game drive in the Serengeti before beginning the return journey. Drive back via the Ngorongoro highlands with stops at scenic viewpoints. Arrive in Arusha by evening for your departure flight or overnight stay.
Tonight's Stay
N/A — Departure day
5 Days of Unforgettable Moments
20 curated activities across 3 unique stays
Interactive Route Map
What's Included
- All accommodation (4 nights)
- All meals as indicated
- Expert English-speaking safari guide
- Custom 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- All game drives as described
- Ngorongoro Crater entry fee
- Serengeti park fees
- Olduvai Gorge entrance
- Airport transfers in Arusha
- Drinking water throughout
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Hot air balloon (optional, ~$550pp)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
How to Get There
Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Transfer to Arusha (45min) where the overland safari begins. The scenic drive to the Ngorongoro and Serengeti takes you through Maasai homeland and the Rift Valley.
Best Time to Visit
June to October for dry season game viewing. January–March for the calving season in the southern Serengeti. The Ngorongoro Crater is excellent year-round due to its enclosed ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting from
$3,900
per person sharing
No booking fees · Free cancellation up to 30 days
Ideal For
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