7 days Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
7 days Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Serengeti’s Great Migration: Observe the remarkable event of the Great Migration, wherein millions of wildebeest and various other species navigate the Serengeti plains in pursuit of new grazing areas, resulting in a stunning natural phenomena. Big Five Encounters: Experience Africa’s renowned Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses – in their native environments, with the Serengeti providing expansive terrain for thrilling game drives and wildlife observations.
Ngorongoro Crater Natural Wonder: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire this volcanic caldera’s distinctive environment, which hosts a high density of animals, including the endangered black rhinoceros. Engage with the Maasai tribes to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s rich cultural history, seeing their traditional dances and gaining insight into their nomadic lifestyle, thus enhancing your safari with a distinctive cultural aspect.
Detailed itinerary of 7 days Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
This 7 days Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro expedition guarantees an indelible combination of natural marvels, cultural engagement, and exhilarating safari adventures in two of Tanzania’s most illustrious national parks, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Observe the magnificent Great Migration in the Serengeti as millions of wildebeest and zebras journey across the plains. Experience the illustrious Big Five in both parks, encapsulating the spirit of Africa’s varied fauna. Investigate the natural marvel of Ngorongoro Crater, a verdant amphitheater abundant with lions, cheetahs, and hippos. Engage with the dynamic culture of the Maasai tribes to attain a profound comprehension of their traditions. Enhance your visit with a sunrise hot air balloon safari, providing an aerial perspective of the magnificent landscapes and wildlife beneath.
Day 1: Arrive at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, an airport agent and a professional driver guide will meet and assist you. Upon completion of your visa requirements, you will either board your booked Serengeti flight (applicable only for very early morning foreign arrivals) or be escorted to your awaiting safari vehicle. You will proceed to Arusha to register at your accommodation.
Arusha Coffee Lodge is situated within an operational coffee farm beneath Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fourth-highest in Africa. The lodge’s location is remarkable, encouraging guests to wander among the coffee bushes and the expansive chalets featuring individual verandas. If you choose not to walk, a golf buggy is available for transportation to the chalets. Each multi-level hut includes a spacious, luxurious double bed encircled by mosquito nets, a cozy fireplace, and a distinct lounging space. Guests may enjoy a drink of sherry or brew their own coffee from the farm in the seating area. The contemporary bathroom features an excellent shower, a spacious bathtub, and a hairdryer.
Day 2: Transfer from Arusha to Serengeti
Following breakfast, proceed to Arusha Airport for your designated flight to Serengeti National Park, where you will settle into your safari accommodation. The camp is located in the core of the most renowned wildlife reserves, where the Big Five — lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros – roam freely across the vast, unspoiled terrain. You will have lunch here and cultivate your anticipation for the wilderness experiences of the next day.
• Lodging: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Serengeti Wilderness Camp. • Dining plan: Full board.
Day 3-4: Explore Serengeti National Park
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the sun ascends over the Serengeti on your inaugural wildlife expedition. The day commences with a thrilling game drive across the expansive plains embellished with acacia trees. The Serengeti presents a mesmerizing display as herds of wildebeests and zebras traverse old migratory paths in synchrony. Simultaneously, giraffes elegantly graze on towering branches while elephants wander freely in the background. The countryside appears adorned with the vivid colors of nature’s palette. Lions recline languidly in the shade, occasionally stirring, their golden pelage shimmering in the sunlight. The day ends with a magnificent sunset, coloring the horizon in shades of orange and gold, while the animals ready themselves for the approaching night.
The second day dawns with the promise of new adventures in the Serengeti. The morning commences with the resonant sounds of distant birds and the soft rustling of wildlife stirring awake. Today’s expedition presents the opportunity to observe secretive predators in their natural behavior. Cheetahs, renowned for their remarkable velocity, may be observed racing over the plains, pursuing prey with unmatched accuracy. Leopards, adept in stealth, may be positioned elegantly on tree branches, observing their territory. The game drive provides intimate interactions with buffalo herds, their formidable presence underscoring their classification as one of the Big Five. As the day concludes, the Serengeti once more unveils its enchantment, etching indelible memories of its natural splendor and enthralling wildlife interactions.
• Lodging: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Serengeti Wilderness Camp • Dining arrangement: Full board
Day 5 - Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Departing from the expansive plains of the Serengeti, the path traverses the breathtaking highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During the journey, one comes across the remarkable Olduvai Gorge, a site of considerable archeological significance that provides insights into early human evolution. The voyage traverses Maasai settlements, offering insight into the traditional lifestyles of these renowned tribes. As the road ascends, the landscape transforms significantly, providing expansive vistas of the extensive Rift Valley beneath.
As one nears the Ngorongoro Crater, the terrain metamorphoses into a verdant paradise encircling the caldera’s edge, with distant species grazing in view. The journey from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro transcends a visual transition; it is an expedition through historical narratives, cultural richness, and varied ecosystems, culminating in the awe-inspiring natural marvel of the crater.
• Lodging: The Manor at Ngorongoro or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge. • Dining arrangement: Full board.
Day 6: The Ngorongoro Crater Wilderness
As the sun ascends over the rim, illuminating the crater floor with a golden hue, the day commences with a drop into this geological marvel. The crater, commonly dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world,” contains a microcosm of East African fauna inside its boundaries.
Morning game drives reveal the abundant variety flourishing within the crater. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras graze with gazelles, while the unique silhouette of the endangered black rhinoceros is visible moving across the grassy plains. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are predators that inhabit the crater, demonstrating their hunting skills. The noon pause provides an excellent backdrop for a picnic, enabling tourists to relish their meals amidst the stunning landscape. Above, groups of vivid birds produce a striking display against the azure sky.
Afternoon game drives offer opportunities to observe the behavior of the crater’s residents as they ready themselves for the night. Hippos immerse themselves in the calm waters of Lake Magadi, while elephants and buffaloes navigate the terrain. The day ends with a steady climb back to the crater rim, providing a final view of the vast landscape before sunset, which casts shades of pink and orange across the crater.
• Lodging: The Manor at Ngorongoro or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge. • Dining arrangement: Full board
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha - End of trip
Leaving the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the route meanders through scenic vistas, offering passengers a last chance to appreciate the splendor of Tanzania’s varied landscapes. The verdant highlands eventually transition into savannah landscapes, resulting in a smooth shift from the enchanting Ngorongoro Crater.
As the journey advances, picturesque Maasai communities punctuate the landscape, providing insights into local life amidst the undulating hills. The unhurried tempo permits impromptu pauses, allowing passengers to photograph breathtaking vistas and maybe interact with local inhabitants, thereby enhancing the cultural experience.
As one nears Arusha, the entry point to numerous Tanzanian excursions, the scenery shifts once more, with Mount Meru serving as a magnificent backdrop. The relaxed journey concludes in Arusha, where the lively markets and dynamic ambiance provide an experience of urban life following the tranquility of the safari. This final segment of the expedition signifies the conclusion of an extraordinary 7 days Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, providing an opportunity to reflect on the unique wildlife interactions, cultural experiences, and stunning scenery that characterized the Tanzanian adventure.
