6 Days North Serengeti Migration, and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Transfer to Northern Serengeti

Morning:

• Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha for a quick rest.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Arusha: You can enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant or your hotel before heading off to Serengeti.
• Drive to Northern Serengeti: After lunch, you’ll begin your journey towards Northern Serengeti. The drive from Arusha to Serengeti takes around 5-6 hours. The roads are bumpy, but the scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside will keep you entertained.

Evening:

• Arrive in Northern Serengeti: Check into your lodge or tented camp (located in the northern part of Serengeti, close to the Mara River) for the night.
• Dinner and Relaxation: Unwind at the camp or lodge, enjoy dinner, and get some rest for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti (Great Migration)

Morning:

• Early Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, embark on your first full-day game drive in Northern Serengeti. This is the time to experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth: the Great Wildebeest Migration.
  • Depending on the time of year (usually between July and October), you will witness wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River to Kenya or back into Tanzania.
  • Predators like lions, crocodiles, and hyenas often follow the herds, making for exciting and dramatic sightings.
  • Your guide will take you to the best spots for river crossings, where you can capture stunning photos and watch the spectacle unfold.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in the Bush: A picnic lunch will be served in the Serengeti, allowing you to relax amidst the wilderness.
• Afternoon Game Drive: Continue your game drive in the northern Serengeti, where you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and elephants, as well as the herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Evening:

• Return to Camp or Lodge: Head back to your lodge or camp as the sun begins to set.
• Dinner and Relax: Enjoy dinner under the stars, possibly with a campfire, as you listen to the sounds of the African bush.

Day 3: Serengeti Game Drives – Witnessing the Migration

Morning:

• Early Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive to catch the animals during their most active time. This is a great opportunity to see predators like lions and leopards, who are often hunting early in the day.
  • Depending on the time of year, you may be able to witness more migration action as wildebeests and zebras make their way through the Serengeti.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at the Lodge: Return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch and some downtime.
• Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head back out for another exciting game drive, exploring areas of the Serengeti that you may not have visited yet. Look out for hippos, giraffes, elephants, and plenty of birdlife.

Evening:

• Sunset in Serengeti: Head back to your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the vast Serengeti plains.
• Dinner and Overnight: Dinner at your lodge or camp, followed by an overnight stay.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Morning:

• Early Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro Crater.
• Breakfast in the Bush: After the morning game drive, enjoy a breakfast in the wild, watching animals like buffalo, giraffes, and elephants graze in the distance.

Late Morning:

• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: Begin your journey south towards the Ngorongoro Crater, a 3.5 to 4-hour drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is a geological marvel, home to an abundance of wildlife.

Afternoon:

• Check-In at Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater: Upon arrival, check in at your lodge near the crater rim, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the crater floor.
• Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at your lodge, then relax and take in the views of the surrounding area.

Evening:

• Sunset Views: Many lodges near the crater rim offer beautiful sunset views. You can take a short walk or simply enjoy the scenery.
• Dinner and Rest: Enjoy a relaxing dinner, followed by a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive

Morning:

• Descend Into the Crater: After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater is home to over 30,000 animals, including lions, elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras.
  • Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique environment with its lush grasslands, forests, and soda lakes. You may also spot flamingos and other waterfowl around the lakes.
  • This is one of the best places to see rhinos in the wild.

Afternoon:

• Picnic Lunch at the Crater Floor: Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the designated picnic spots within the crater, offering views of the wildlife and the stunning landscape.
• Continue Game Drive: After lunch, continue exploring different parts of the crater floor, searching for the remaining animals on your list, such as the elusive leopard or cheetah.

Evening:

• Return to Lodge: After an exciting day in the crater, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner.
• Rest and Relax: Enjoy your last night in the Ngorongoro region, possibly sharing safari stories around a campfire.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha & Departure

Morning:

• Breakfast at Lodge: Have breakfast at your lodge before heading back to Arusha.

Late Morning:

• Drive Back to Arusha: After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha, which will take around 3.5 to 4 hours.
  • Depending on your flight time, you may have time to explore Arusha or visit a local market for souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Arusha: You will be dropped off in Arusha at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight home.