Two of Africa's Greatest Wonders: Migration & Crater: in One Safari
This 4-day safari combines the world-famous wildlife of Serengeti National Park with the spectacular ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, following the Great Migration depending on the season: either the northern river crossings (June–October) or the southern Ndutu calving season (December–March). The journey begins and ends in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit.
The Serengeti component places guests in the heart of the migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Formed by a collapsed volcano over 2.5 million years ago, the crater floor covers 260 square kilometres and shelters approximately 25,000 large animals, including the rare black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingo-fringed soda lakes.
This luxury itinerary features carefully selected camps and lodges, private vehicles, and expert guides who adapt the programme in real time to ensure the best possible wildlife encounters across both destinations.
Arusha → Great Rift Valley Highlands → Serengeti National Park
The safari begins early with departure from Arusha after briefing. Guests travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley and highlands, passing local villages and expansive landscapes en route to Serengeti. A picnic lunch is prepared for the journey. Upon entering Serengeti NP, the first game drive begins immediately. Depending on the season, the safari focuses either on the northern Serengeti (Mara River area for river crossings, June–October) or the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area for calving, December–March). Wildlife sightings typically begin immediately: zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and predators along the way to camp. Arrive at the tented camp for dinner and overnight stay around a campfire surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast at Arusha hotel | Packed Picnic Lunch | Dinner at camp
Accommodation: Luxury tented camp: Serengeti (seasonal placement per migration zone)
Serengeti NP: current migration zone (central, northern, or southern)
Early breakfast followed by a full-day game drive across the Serengeti plains. The focus is on tracking the Great Migration herds and observing predator activity during their most active hours. The game drive continues across different regions: enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, maximising time in the field. This period often provides sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds moving across the plains. Return to camp for dinner and relaxation around the campfire under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast at camp | Bush Picnic Lunch | Dinner at camp
Accommodation: Luxury tented camp: Serengeti
Serengeti NP → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Early morning game drive in Serengeti when wildlife is most active. After breakfast, continue exploring as you slowly exit the park with en-route game viewing. Drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with scenic views of changing landscapes. Optional short game viewing along the route as you ascend the highlands through Maasai villages and montane forest. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight with breathtaking views into the crater 600 metres below.
Meals: Breakfast at camp | En-route Picnic Lunch | Dinner at crater rim lodge
Accommodation: Luxury rim lodge or tented camp: Ngorongoro Crater rim with crater views
Ngorongoro Crater (descent 600m to crater floor) → Arusha
Early breakfast followed by descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive across the 260 sq km crater floor. The crater offers one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa, including the Big Five and rare black rhinos. Continue game viewing inside the crater: visit the soda lake (flamingos, hippos), open grasslands, and acacia forests. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending back to the rim and driving to Arusha. Drop-off at hotel or airport marks the end.
Meals: Breakfast at lodge | Bush Picnic Lunch (crater floor) | Dinner not incl.
Accommodation: Not included: drop-off at Arusha hotel / airport
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Explore the incredible destinations you'll visit on this 4 Days Serengeti Migration Safari & Ngorongoro Crater (Luxury) package