The Great Wildlife Encounter (6-7 Days) – Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Overview of the 6-7 Days

Step into the heart of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, where the legendary Serengeti meets the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. This adventure is designed for safari enthusiasts eager to witness the Big Five, marvel at the annual Great Migration (seasonal), and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this journey promises close encounters with nature at its finest.

DAY BY DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Adventure

Your adventure begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be greeted by our friendly safari guide. After a short briefing on the upcoming days, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a bustling town known as the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit safaris.

  • Check in at a comfortable lodge/hotel.
  • Optional city tour or visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre for souvenirs.
  • Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

📍 Overnight Stay: Arusha

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Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti – Into the Wild

After breakfast, we set off towards the Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the vast highlands of Ngorongoro. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, but the journey itself is part of the adventure, with stops for breathtaking views.

  • Arrive at Serengeti in time for an afternoon game drive, tracking predators and herbivores across the golden plains.
  • Spot lions, elephants, and possibly the elusive cheetah on the hunt.
  • As the sun sets, head to your safari camp/lodge inside the park for dinner under the stars.

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti (Lodge/Tented Camp)

Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti – Big Five & Beyond

Wake up to the sound of nature and start your full-day Serengeti safari adventure. The Serengeti is home to one of the largest wildlife populations on Earth, offering endless opportunities to witness incredible moments.

  • Early morning game drive for a chance to see nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas returning from a hunt.
  • Picnic lunch in the wild while surrounded by grazing zebras and antelopes.
  • Afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the park, from riverbanks where crocodiles lurk to the famous kopjes (rocky outcrops) where lions rest.
  • Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of the Serengeti (extra cost).

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti (Lodge/Tented Camp)

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Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – The Crater Awaits

After breakfast, we embark on another exciting morning game drive in Serengeti, tracking the wildlife before heading towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Stop at Olduvai Gorge, a world-famous archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered.
  • Enjoy scenic views as we drive along the crater rim, where you might spot Maasai herders grazing their cattle.
  • Check into a lodge near the crater rim, with breathtaking sunset views.

📍 Overnight Stay: Ngorongoro (Lodge/Tented Camp)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – A Natural Wonder

Today, we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, for an unforgettable safari experience.

  • The crater is home to over 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and flocks of flamingos in the soda lakes.
  • We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
  • In the afternoon, ascend back up the crater rim and drive back to Arusha.

📍 Overnight Stay: Arusha (Lodge/Hotel)

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Day 6: Departure – Farewell to Tanzania

After breakfast, you’ll have a relaxed morning depending on your flight schedule.

  • Optional visit to Arusha’s local markets for last-minute shopping.
  • Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, or continue your journey to Zanzibar for a beach extension.

✈️ End of Safari – Depart with unforgettable memories!

Key Highlights

✔️ Witness the legendary Big Five in their natural habitat.
✔️ Explore the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.
✔️ Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✔️ Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti.

💰 Price Range: $2,500 – $3,500 per person

Package Specifications

Safari Cost Includes

Transfers

  • All transfers described on the program

Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotels and lodges described on the program
  • Meals described on the program
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on safari

Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
  • Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
  • National park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees)
  • Free Wi-Fi. Signal will be available in only 60-75% of the travelled territories due to lack of cell coverage in the wilderness areas
  • 24/7 phone support service
  • Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors
  • Binoculars (1 pc per SUV)
  • Medical kit

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

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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Get In Touch With Us!

Phone

+255 764 601 151

Email

info@joanneadventures.com

Address

315 Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

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