Safari in National Parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
If you want to witness the Great Migration of wildebeests, Serengeti National Park is the place to be. This incredible natural event unfolds in Tanzania from October through early September, as vast herds of wildebeests roam across the Serengeti plains.
In September, a portion of the herd migrates to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya—an integral part of the Serengeti ecosystem—where they stay for about two months. Even during this time, some wildebeests regularly cross back and forth between the two parks, following the rhythm of nature. Since most of the herds remain in Tanzania for around 10 months a year, we confidently recommend experiencing this extraordinary spectacle here!
Your tour will begin with a visit to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, located on the way to the Serengeti. This unique caldera is a gateway to the vast valley and a place where predators and herbivores coexist in remarkable balance.
If you want to catch the most thrilling moments of the Great Migration, our experts are ready to help. Contact us for personalized advice on the best time to visit, so you can make the most of your unforgettable African safari adventure!
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Day 1: ArrivalThe group arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Participants are met by a representative of PK Adventure and transferred to a hotel in Arusha.
Note: The hotel cost only includes breakfast. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Conservation AreaOn this day, it’s best to leave the hotel early to maximize your chances of spotting the animals that are most active at dawn. Depending on your preference, breakfast can be served at the hotel or packed into lunchboxes for you to enjoy on the go. At 6:30 AM, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and after about an hour’s drive, you will enter the breathtaking crater.
Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania’s most famous and captivating national parks, boasting the highest concentration of wildlife per square kilometer anywhere in Africa. During your visit, you may encounter buffalo, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and elusive feline species like caracals and servals. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a rare rhinoceros, whose numbers are sadly dwindling.
By lunchtime, you will arrive at a scenic lakeside spot where lunchboxes will be provided. After your meal, the safari will continue, and later in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Serengeti National Park.
On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a memorial dedicated to two West German researchers, Bernhard and Michael Grzimek. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Northern Tanzania’s National Parks have been preserved in their natural state. For those interested, their story is beautifully told in the book Serengeti Shall Not Die, available on Amazon.com for USD 10–25.
In the evening, you will check into a hotel located in the heart of the Serengeti Valley, ready for the adventures ahead.
Day 3: Serengeti National ParkToday, you will journey to the world’s most famous safari park — the Serengeti. As one of Tanzania’s largest parks, it is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Here, you can expect to see lions, antelopes, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. There’s also a great chance of spotting elusive cheetahs, serval cats, and other rare savannah animals.
The Serengeti is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its vital ecosystem, dense animal populations, and the spectacular annual Great Migration. It also served as the inspiration for Disney’s iconic film, The Lion King. But unlike the movie, life here is wild, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Today’s safari will take place in the heart of the central Serengeti, in a stunning area known as Seronera.
Day 4: Serengeti National ParkYour adventure continues in the vibrant heart of the Serengeti — the vast Seronera region. This immense landscape is bursting with life, and it’s impossible to take it all in during just one day. Today, your guide will lead you to new spots and introduce you to fascinating wildlife, giving you a deeper and fuller experience of Seronera’s wonders.
The Serengeti is home to some of Africa’s rarest animals — including rhinos, leopards, serval cats, and caracals. On this second day, your chances of encountering these elusive creatures in their natural habitat increase significantly.
Day 5: Serengeti National ParkThis is your final day in the central Serengeti, where every moment in the savannah brings something fresh and thrilling. There are no repeats—what you saw yesterday will be different today. The lions that lounged lazily may now be on the prowl. Elephants that wandered off before could return with curious eyes. You might even witness a cheetah climbing atop your safari vehicle for a closer look at you!
Today is also the perfect opportunity to explore the iconic Kopjes — ancient volcanic rock formations that punctuate the Seronera landscape with their rugged beauty. These natural sculptures provide shade and shelter for animals, making them ideal spots for unforgettable wildlife photographs.
And don’t miss Simba Rock — the very place that inspired the opening scene of Disney’s “The Lion King,” where Mufasa raises baby Simba to show the vast savannah. In Seronera, you can see this legendary rock in person, stepping into the real-life backdrop that sparked one of the most beloved stories of the African wilderness.
Day 6: DepartureRest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.
Please Note:
- By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
- Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
- Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants
- Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style
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What's Included
Transfers
Accommodation & Meals
Guiding & Game-Driving
What's Excluded
Departure Dates
Apart from grouped scheduled safaris, tour starting dates are flexible. You can choose when to start and how long to spend on each park depending on your interest.
Our team is available to provide assistance on scheduling, advice and suggestions.