Safari Overview
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are the two biggest names in African safari. This 4-day trip gives you both. You will sleep under canvas inside the Serengeti and stand on the crater floor among lions and rhinos. It is the classic Tanzania safari, made simple.
How the Trip Flows
This safari heads straight for the big names. You cross the Ngorongoro highlands on day one and sleep in the Serengeti that same night. Two nights under canvas put you in big-cat country at dawn and dusk, when the hunting happens. The route then doubles back to Karatu, saving the crater for the final morning, when its wildlife is at its best. Ending with the crater means the trip builds to a climax instead of winding down. The complete day-by-day plan sits in the itinerary tab below.
Where You Will Stay
Two nights are spent at Serengeti Kati Kati, a classic tented camp in the middle of the park. You fall asleep to the sound of lions. The final night is at Ngorongoro Farm House, a charming coffee farm lodge near the crater gate.
Safari Highlights
Watch lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Seronera Valley. Enjoy dinner by the campfire under a sky full of stars. Descend 600 meters into the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Look for the Big Five in a single day inside the crater.
Best Time to Go
The Serengeti delivers all year. The migration passes through the center around April to June and November. The crater is excellent in every month. Dry season roads are easiest from June to October.
Who This Safari Suits
This safari suits travelers who want the two icons without a long trip. It is also a great value way to sleep inside the Serengeti itself.
Good to Know
This is a private safari with your own vehicle, guide and full board. Park fees and crater fees are included. The drive from Arusha to the Serengeti is long but scenic, passing the crater rim. Short on time? Swap the return drive for a light flight from Seronera airstrip to Arusha. Nights under canvas are cool, so bring a fleece. Upgrade to Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge if you prefer a pool and more comfort in the park.
Safari Highlights
- Sleep inside the Serengeti
- Big cats of the Seronera Valley
- Sunrise crater descent
- Big Five in one day
- Campfire evenings under the stars
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to the Serengeti
Depart Arusha after an early breakfast and climb into the Ngorongoro highlands, pausing at the crater rim viewpoint. Continue across the short-grass plains into the Serengeti, with your first game drive on the way to camp. Arrive in time for sunset and dinner under canvas.
Day 2: Central Serengeti
A full day in the best big-cat country in Africa. Explore the Seronera Valley at dawn, when lions and leopards are most active. Picnic in the bush, then continue with an afternoon drive along the river lines. Return to camp for stories around the fire.
Day 3: Serengeti to Karatu
Enjoy a final morning game drive as the plains wake up. After lunch, travel back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, watching for giraffe and Maasai herders along the way. Arrive at your coffee-farm lodge near the crater gate in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Descend into the crater at first light for a full morning tour. The crater floor holds around 25,000 large animals, including lions, elephants and black rhino. Picnic by the hippo pool, then climb the crater wall and drive back to Arusha, arriving by early evening.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All park and crater fees
- Private 4x4 with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- Full board
- 2 nights Serengeti Kati Kati
- 1 night Ngorongoro Farm House
- Drinking water
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks at lodges