SERENGETI & NGORONGORO 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS

This four-day itinerary offers an extended, more relaxed experience in the world-famous Serengeti National Park combined with the dramatic natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater. By spending extra time in the Serengeti and staying in Karatu prior to your crater descent, this route ensures optimal game viewing without the rush.

 

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: Arusha – Ngorongoro Transit – Central Serengeti

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Arusha, driving west through the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic landscapes and Maasai territory during transit. Arrive in Central Serengeti (Seronera) by early afternoon, where you will immediately begin your first afternoon game drive. Search for big cats, elephants, and grazers before heading to your camp for dinner and overnight stay as the sun sets over the savanna.

  • Meals: Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
  • Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 2: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Dedicate an entire day to exploring the Seronera River Valley and surrounding plains, renowned for high wildlife density year-round. Track predators on the hunt, observe resident elephant herds, and witness the vastness of the Serengeti. You can choose a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch in the wild or break the day into early morning and late afternoon safari drives with a relaxing lunch break back at camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
  • Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 3: Central Serengeti Morning Game Drive – Karatu

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch active wildlife during the cool morning hours. Around mid-day, begin your journey back towards the Ngorongoro highlands. Transit back through the conservation area, arriving in the lush town of Karatu by late afternoon. Check into your lodge for a relaxed evening and a restful night's sleep before the next day's crater descent.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box), Dinner
  • Overnight: Karatu area (e.g., Eileen's Trees Inn or similar)

DAY 4: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

After an early breakfast at your lodge, make the short drive to the Ngorongoro Gate and descend 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a rich game drive across the crater floor, home to black rhinos, lion prides, hippos, and flamingos. Following a scenic picnic lunch near Lake Magadi or the hippo pool, ascend the crater rim and begin your return drive to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon/evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic Box)

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

This itinerary features 2 nights inside Central Serengeti and 1 night in Karatu:

  • Option 1: Mid-Range (Comfortable tented safari camps & authentic highland lodges – e.g., Eileen's Trees Inn in Karatu)
  • Option 2: Luxury (Exclusive safari lodges & high-end luxury camps)

PRICING & INCLUSIONS

Pricing depends on the number of guests, travel dates/season, and selected accommodation category (Mid-Range or Luxury). Exact rates are provided upon request.

Included in the price:

  • Private transport in a customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
  • Professional, licensed English-speaking safari driver/guide
  • Round-trip transfers from/to Arusha
  • 3 nights accommodation in chosen category (2 nights Serengeti, 1 night Karatu)
  • All national park entrance fees (Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
  • Ngorongoro Crater service permit/vehicle fee
  • Transit fees through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Mineral drinking water inside the vehicle throughout the safari

Not included in the price:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Accommodation in Arusha prior to or after the safari (available upon request)
  • Gratuities / tips for the safari guide and lodge staff
  • Beverages at the lodges
  • Personal travel insurance and personal expenses