Duration
8 NIGHTSBest For
Travelers prioritising lions, leopards, and cheetah viewing windows.Group Size
2-6 guestsAccommodation
Tarangire Safari Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa LodgeSafari Overview
Serengeti, crater, and plains in one route
This eight-night journey covers the best of northern Tanzania's wildlife circuit, from the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire to the predator-dense Serengeti and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
The route is timed to maximize migration viewing opportunities, with multiple days in the Serengeti to follow herd movements and predator action.
The Ngorongoro Crater descent offers one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife experiences, with the Big Five in a single volcanic caldera.
Transfers: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Safari Snapshot
Follow migration corridors, crater wildlife density and panoramic plains in one balanced itinerary.
Safari Style
Big-Cat Encounters
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
7-9 Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Tanzania
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Arusha
Arrival in Arusha
Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your lodge in Arusha for a pre-safari briefing and overnight.
- Airport welcome
- Safari briefing
Day 2 · Tarangire
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.
- Baobab landscapes
- Elephant herds
Day 3 · Tarangire National Park
Full Day in Tarangire
Morning and afternoon game drives in Tarangire. Visit the Silale Swamp for predator sightings and birdwatching. The park is less visited than the Serengeti, offering a quieter, more intimate safari experience.
- Silale Swamp predators
- Quiet park experience
Day 4 · Tarangire to Serengeti
Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti, stopping at Naabi Hill Gate for iconic panoramic views. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, the predator-rich heart of the Serengeti.
- Naabi Hill viewpoint
- Seronera predator drive
Day 5-6 · Serengeti National Park
Serengeti Exploration Days
Two full days of Serengeti game drives. Track lion prides, cheetah coalitions, and leopards in the Seronera riverine area. During migration season, follow herd movements across the open plains. Optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn.
- Big-cat tracking
- Optional balloon safari
Day 7 · Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Serengeti to Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge
Morning Serengeti game drive before departing east. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of humankind, for a paleontological site visit. Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the afternoon for sunset views.
- Optional Olduvai Gorge visit
- Crater rim sunset
Day 8 · Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Full Day
Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive among the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Spot the Big Five, hippos, flamingos, and over 25,000 resident animals. Picnic lunch at Hippo Pool.
- Big Five crater drive
- Hippo Pool picnic
Day 9 · Ngorongoro to Arusha
Ngorongoro to Arusha and Departure
Morning at leisure on the crater rim before driving to Arusha for your onward flight. Optional visit to a Maasai market or cultural centre en route.
- Optional Maasai market
- Departure transfer
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Arusha
Gateway town with overnight rest and safari prep.
- 2
Day 2-3
Tarangire National Park
Baobab-dotted plains and large elephant movements.
- 3
Day 4-7
Serengeti National Park
Predator-rich plains and migration corridors.
- 4
Day 8-9
Ngorongoro Crater
Dense wildlife sightings inside volcanic crater walls.
What's Included
- Transport in a 4WD safari jeep
- Pick up on day one in Nairobi and drop off on the final day
- Park entry fees and conservancy charges
- All activities unless listed as optional
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water during safari days
- Services of a professional guide/driver
- Taxes and VAT
Exclusions
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Maasai village and similar optional visits
- Boat rides unless specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Jun - OctDec - Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Masai Mara vs Serengeti: Which Route Fits Your Travel Style?
Both parks share a single ecosystem, but they reward very different traveller priorities. This side-by-side guide draws on field experience to help you choose between Mara concentration and Serengeti scale, or design an East Africa circuit that includes both with Zanzibar or Mombasa added on.
Read GuideTanzania Safari Circuits: Northern, Southern, and Western Explained
Tanzania's national parks are organised into three tourist circuits. The Northern Circuit delivers the headline Serengeti-Ngorongoro-Tarangire-Manyara experience; the Southern Circuit offers wilder, lower-density parks; and the Western / Central Circuit adds chimpanzee trekking and remote island destinations.
Read GuideWhat Makes the Serengeti So Special
The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park that offers year-round safari adventures. From June to October, the Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River — a spectacular sight and the busiest window. Off-peak, the Serengeti still delivers cheetahs on termite mounds, vast elephant herds, and resident Big Five encounters.
Read GuidePlan Your Tanzania Safari
Share your dates, pace and preferred accommodation style. We will tailor this trip to fit your exact vision.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
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