The Great Migration in Africa is a natural event no nature-lover should miss in their lifetime, earning a place on everyone’s bucket list. Set in the birthplace of humanity, the migration of thousands of wildebeests and zebras across the river is a quintessential wildlife experience that often overwhelms the spectators.
There are three components to this spectacular event. The first is the military-style movement of fauna as they move across the savannahs of Serengeti and witness the herd mentality of these animals. The second is seeing thousands of wildebeests and zebras as tiny black spots from the viewpoint. The third and most thrilling component is the animals crossing the river, as crocodiles lay waiting for their bait– the fight for survival.
Your Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari gives you one of the best views of this great natural event along with rich information from experience and wise guides.
Starting from Arusha, you dive neck-deep into the African wildlife by heading to the Serengeti National Park. Here, we will spend several days witnessing the Great Migration while meeting the diverse inhabitants of the Park. Moving from the central to northern Serengeti, the Park exploration provides a holistic experience of the endless cycle of life. After the rewarding adventure, the tour takes you on a day trip to the Kilimanjaro National Park, where you will hike through the dense rainforest. Hiking up to the Maundi Crater brings a sight that will have you fill up your camera’s memory card with pictures.
From the Ngorongoro crater and its unique ecosystem to the adventures in the Serengeti National Park, the tour is an experience of a lifetime.
| Day 1 |
Arriving at Kilimanjaro Your safari Serengeti Ngorongoro tour starts with your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our representatives will receive you and transfer you to your hotel at Arusha. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure by either relaxing in your room or strolling around Tanzania's safari capital. |
| Day 2 |
Arusha --> Ngorongoro We start the day early with a flight down to Lake Manyara Airstrip and the subsequent drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Today will mark the start of your Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari as you visit the Ngorongoro Crater for breathtaking bird watching. The vast crater is home to several different species of birds including Flamingoes. Within the boundaries of the conservation lies the Olduvai Gorge, an important site known for proving Africa as the origin of human evolution.
Later, gain a better understanding of the lives of the natives through an exploration tour of the Maasai Village. Check-in your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening. |
| Day 3 |
Exploring Ngorongoro Crater On day 3 of your Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari tour, we head down to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the world wonders for the harmony between the co-existing humans and wildlife. Being a UNESCO Heritage Site, the conservation area is a wildly popular destination. During your whole-day tour in the crater, expect some National Geographic moments with occasional sightings of the Big Five game animals. In the early evening, we exit the crater and head back to your hotel room to relax. |
| Day 4 |
Ngorongoro --> Seronera Post breakfast, we head to the Central Serengeti region or Seronera. On our way, we will pass the Ndutu region and enjoy a game view as we head to our destination for the day. Seronera is a must and the most popular visit on a safari Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip. Known for its rich population of Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs, Seronera is one of the best places to observe the Great Migration owing to its year-round supply of water and central location.
Ideally, we will reach the Seronera camp by afternoon and leave for game drive post-lunch. However, there can be delays if we come across some fascinating game experiences on our way. |
| Day 5 |
The Seronera Valley After an early breakfast, head out to explore the Seronera region. Being the heart of Serengeti, it is famous for its tree-climbing lions. As you drive around the area, you will see the Seronera River and herds of a variety of animals nearby. You may spot Cheetahs on the open savannah of the River, the Serengeti Plains.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we go for afternoon game viewing, spending more time amongst the Big Cats and other animals like Hippos and Impala. Return by early evening, and spend a relaxing time at the camp. |
| Day 6 |
Heading to Northern Serengeti Day 6 marks your entry to the Northern Serengeti, home to Serengeti's largest concentration of elephants. Wedged between the central Serengeti region and Masai Mara National Reserve, the northern region is remote and has relatively fewer tourists. During the Great Migration, tourists can see thousands of wildebeest and zebras making their way across the Mara River, coursing through the Northern Serengeti. During the Migration season, the Northern region offers the best view.
After the game drive in the morning and breakfast, we head to the Northern Serengeti. Post lunch, we go for the afternoon game drive, returning by late evening for an overnight stay at the camp. |
| Day 7 |
Northern Serengeti The entirety of day 7 of your Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari will be spent game viewing and driving in the Northern Serengeti. You will leave the camp with a packed breakfast and lunch. Throughout today, you will see more of the Great Migration sights, aptly wrapping up your safari tour in the Northern Serengeti. Return to the camp in the evening for an overnight stay. |
| Day 8 |
North Serengeti --> Moshi Enjoy the laid back day 8. Post breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kogatende airstrip for your flight back to Kilimanjaro. From Kilimanjaro, you will head to your hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day in your leisure either by walking around the town or resting in your hotel room. |
| Day 9 |
Hiking through the Kilimanjaro Rainforest The day starts early with an hour-long drive that will take you to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Marangu Gate. Once inside, you hike through the dense rainforest of Kilimanjaro.
During the 3-4 hours of your hike to the Mandara Hut, you will come across a variety of birds and animal species like the colobus monkeys. When you reach the Hut (2700 m above sea), reward yourselves with some rest and delicious lunch.
Later, we will take a short 15-minute hike to the Maundi Crater, where you will witness some of the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania, and Kenya. Watch the beautiful sunset as we head back to your hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. |
| Day 10 |
Flying out of Kilimanjaro Day 10 marks the end of your Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari tour. After a quick breakfast at the hotel, our representatives will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Catch your flight home or your next destination with the fond and delightful memories of your tour in Tanzania. |
Few safari destinations in the world offer spectacular wildlife experiences like Ngorongoro crater. A Ngorongoro crater tour is perfect if you’d like to see the thriving ecosystem of Tanzania. The area is the most rewarding safari destination in East Africa. Located in the Northern Safari Circuit, the Ngorongoro safari cannot be missed.
During a Ngorongoro crater tour, there are other sites also ideal for exploring. You can enjoy the classic African safari experience by visiting multiple places during this tour. You can visit the incredible Serengeti and Ngorongoro and marvel at the biggest wildlife phenomenon, the wildebeest migration.
There are various regions of Serengeti that house distinct animals and birds. Cites like Arusha offer a modern spin to your safari in Tanzania. One can trek through the stunning Kilimanjaro rainforest on Mount Kilimanjaro. After adventurous game viewing, travelers can rest or explore another Tanzanian city, Moshi, before heading home.
Arusha Town
Known as the safari capital of Tanzania, Arusha Town is a great Tanzanian city. As most of the national parks and reserves are located near Arusha town, it gets its nickname ‘Tanzania safari hub’. Arusha is known for its bustling atmosphere and popular attractions. Different nationalities mix and create a fusion of colorful cultures.
Arusha, situated at the foothills of Mount Meru, boasts scenic landscapes. There are many monuments, historical sites, unique architecture, museums, historical sites, and other wildlife areas.
To experience the local culture and local life, the lively Maasai markets are ideal. Travelers can get themselves and their loved ones souvenirs. Maasai markets are known for their jewelry pieces, fabrics, paintings, and more.
There are many places to explore nature near Arusha. Tarangire National Park is one of the best parks to visit for a short safari trip. Here, travelers can see diverse wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. For avid climbers, Mount Meru offers various trails and routes.
It is also the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, also housing a growing ecosystem. Other places worth your visit are the Cultural Heritage Site, Lake Duluti, Arusha Declaration Museum, hot springs, and more.
Arusha National Park
Travelers can start their safari experience from Arusha National Park before embarking on a Ngorongoro crater tour. This park, located in Arusha, offers everything from diverse habitats to a healthy wildlife population and quality accommodations.
Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru. The picturesque mountain adds to the beauty of the park. The landscapes of the mountain contribute to the diverse national park.
One can see alpine forests, woodlands, and even savannahs. Walks and hikes are common on Mount Meru. The park is home to the largest population of giraffes.
It is dotted with other animals like elephants, hippos, buffalos, zebras, and wildebeest. They are seen best during day safari trips, canoe trips, or during walking safaris. Arusha is also a good bird-watching site.
Aside from Mount Meru, Tululusia Hill is one of the main attractions inside this protected wildlife sanctuary.
Ngorongoro crater
Clearly, the Ngorongoro crater is the highlight of the Ngorongoro crater tour. This crater is a huge inactive volcano as well as a large caldera. It was formed two million years ago due to a major explosion and collapsed in itself.
The crater is hailed as the seven wonders of Africa. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is full of a variety of landscapes. One can witness savannahs, highland plains, swamps, rivers, and more. Travelers can enjoy wildlife, village visits, and an incredible safari experience.
Ngorongoro crater is also called the Garden of Eden in Africa. It has a glorious topography that is alive with more than 25,000 animals. Four of the Big Five animals are spotted here.
Ngorongoro also protects endangered animals like black rhinos, wild dogs, and golden cats. In the crater lives one of the densest populations of Masai lions. Game viewing and game drives are thrilling.
It is also in the Ngorongoro crater and the Ndutu area where the wildebeest migration passes through. Depending on the rains, the migration enters the crater starting in December. The wildebeest calving season takes place when newborn calves are born and are followed by hungry predators.
Along with prolific birdlife and wildlife, Ngorongoro is also the main center for archaeological study. Significant paleoethological records are found in Ngorongoro’s Olduvai Gorge.
Here, travelers can have a good understanding of early human evolution. Sitting close to the northern region of Ngorongoro is the eastern area of Serengeti. After spending a day or two in Ngorongoro, travelers can resume their safari tour in Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park
A Ngorongoro crater tour is best enjoyed by visiting the Serengeti plains as well. One of the oldest parks in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Its natural beauty consisting of thriving flora and fauna remains unrivaled. It has the greatest wildlife collection and plain game in the entirety of Africa.
Serengeti is a large game park and has various regions. It is mainly divided into four sections. The southern or central Serengeti is famously called the Seronera. The wildlife of Seronera valley is rich and unique on its own.
If you’d like to see the best wildlife, this area is ideal. It has one of the densest populations of leopards in Africa. Most of the Seronera wildlife gathers near the Seronera river.
Seronera is an exclusive area that provides good game sightings year-round. Some of the most frequent animals spotted during game drives are lions leopards, elephants, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other species.
The western corridor and Grumeti are the second regions of Serengeti. This area showcases river crossing sightings of the migration as the Grumeti and the Mara Rivers are found here.
Millions of wildebeests along with herds of zebras, gazelles, and other plain animals cross these rivers which are infested with deadly Nile crocodiles. The Northern Serengeti area is set in a remote location that does not garner much of a tourist crowd.
The dramatic sightings of the great migration can also be seen in Northern Serengeti from July to September. Lastly, the Southern Serengeti area is the starting point of the Great Migration.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Standing at an elevation of 5,895 meters tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is Tanzania’s dormant volcano as well as the highest mountain on the African continent. Part of it comprises Kilimanjaro National Park which is a major climbing and hiking destination.
This majestic mountain is filled with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, forests, and other geographical features. Kilimanjaro is also called a stratovolcano and contains three peaks. The three cones are Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi.
Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest among the three formations. Undoubtedly, Mount Kilimanjaro is a great addition to the Ngorongoro crater tour.
In 1973, the mountain, along with its six neighboring forest corridors was established as Kilimanjaro National Park. This initiative was undertaken to protect the unique wildlife residing in the mountain.
The park is a great wildlife viewing destination as it has distinct flora and fauna species. Animals like cape buffalo, grey duikers, aardvark, marsh mongoose, leopards, African civets, serval cats, and others are found in different habitats of the park.
Many monkey species also live inside the park. Travelers can spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, or the mantled guereza are seen. Kilimanjaro National Park is home to colorful avifauna as well. One can see different species of turaco, white-necked raven, African pitta, kingfisher, and more.
If you’d like to experience the best of the mountain, consider visiting Kilimanjaro’s rainforest. This region is covered in thick blankets of moss, along with a variety of flowering plants, and various species of monkeys.
An amazing collection of birds and other creatures also reside in the rainforest. For the bold and adventurous, treks are the best activity to enjoy at Kilimanjaro. It may take five to nine days to reach the summit of the mountain before descending toward the finishing point.
Depending on your fitness and trekking skills, different routes cater to the respective type of climber.
Moshi
Before ending your Ngorongoro crater safari tour, pick Moshi as your last place to visit. After exploring so many destinations and parks in Tanzania, Moshi is the best place to relax and soak in your bush adventures.
Moshi is a small market town, lying directly on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is well-known for its coffee farms and vibrant streets. There are lots to see and do in this beautiful town.
Moshi is considered to be a host city for the Kilimanjaro marathon. It also has waterfalls, tropical forests, and springs. For starters, one can take multi-day trips from Moshi to the top of the mountain. Guided day trips to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro are also available.
Since the town has innumerable coffee plantations, travelers can enjoy coffee tours and learn more about its cultivation and production. To view a scenic waterfall, the Kuringe waterfall is recommended as one can also walk through its valleys and hills.
Another popular site of Moshi is Lake Chala. This is a unique caldera lake, known to be the deepest inland waterway in the African continent. Chala has a lakeside forest, a volcanic savanna, and river beds. One can try out hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and walking safaris at Lake Chala.
Moshi also has beautiful Chemka springs perfect for picnics, Chagga caves for the history buffs, as well as motorbike tours.
Along with destinations and sites, Tanzanian hospitality is equally famed. Here are some quality accommodation options for you, ranging from hotels to lodges:
Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana
Lying close to Mount Meru is the Arusha Coffee Lodge from the Elewana collections. The lodge is found among the largest coffee plantations in Tanzania. The units are divided into plantation rooms and suites.
\Both are nestled around aromatic coffee trees and come equipped with various amenities. Arusha Coffee Lodge has several delicious and diverse dining options. The lodge also offers activities like walks to coffee plantations, traders’ walks, visits to Arusha National Park, and more.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the crater floor, high above the plains. The interiors of the lodge consist of stylized cave paintings, arched stone passages, and torch-lit walls.
The lodge has 74 guestrooms and one suite, each unit blending with the landscape seamlessly. Each room has private stone balconies that overlook the incredible crater.
The lodge also provides sundowners on the crater rim and bush dinners in the summer. It also offers activities like game drives, trips to Olduvai Gorge, and nature wildlife walks.
Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Situated in South Central Serengeti, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp is placed at a strategic location. It also provides the most luxurious African camping safari experience.
The camp offers sightings of the annual migration along with the Big Five, overlooking the Moru Kopjes. Elewana Serengeti has 12 tented camps, each having en-suite facilities.
The tents’ canvas interiors reminisce the bygone era of the early 1900s safari. The best activities offered by the camp are game drives, bush picnics at private safari sites, campfire dining, and hot air balloon safaris.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Built around a rocky outcrop from wood and glass, Seronera Wildlife Lodge is among the top accommodation in the area. Adjacent to the lodge is several waterholes that attract a plethora of wild animals.
It becomes easier to spot the Big Five, big cats, and other mammals. The lodge has 75 rooms that overlook the migration as it passes by Seronera. The lodge also has three restaurants, and several bars, and provides many activities to guests.
The Kilimanjaro Luxury camp
Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, in the town of Moshi is the Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp. Set in a private garden the camp offers the perfect glamping experience.
It offers two types of rooms, the Presidential Boma and the Safari Cottage. Each room has sophisticated furnishing complete with modern amenities. The suites also offer a breathtaking view of the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.
The camp has a sauna, spa, restaurant, private pool, and a plethora of activities.
There is nothing quite like watching the annual migration, enjoying safaris in the crater, being in awe of the Seronera wildlife, and visiting modern towns in Tanzania.
Get in touch with Wild Voyager to book your very own Tanzania Ngorongoro crater tour as soon as possible.
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