Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

  • 10 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 1
    • Activity Level 1

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  • Trip Start: Moshi
  • Trip End: Moshi

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Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Moshi Trip End: Moshi

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Tanzania, transfer to Usa River

  • Day 2Kahawa Shambani Coffee Tour & Moshi

  • Day 3Mto Wa Mbu & Karatu

  • Day 4Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater

  • Day 5Karatu & Serengeti National Park

  • Day 6Serengeti Exploration

  • Day 7Serengeti Exploration

  • Day 8Serengeti to Lake Manyara

  • Day 9Mto Wa Mbu & Tarangire National Park

  • Day 10Tarangire National Park & Departures Home

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Tanzania, transfer to Usa River

    #65340

    Once you arrive in Tanzania we’ll meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take you to our accommodation, Chanya Lodge, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and get excited about the days ahead with a detailed trip briefing.
    Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
    Meals: Dinner

     

  • Day 2

    Kahawa Shambani Coffee Tour & Moshi

    #65341

    Drive to Uru, a small village on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Once we arrive, weather permitting, we will have a fantastic view of the mountain. Our group will be hosted by the local coffee co-operative and go on a 3-hour guided grassroots coffee walking tour. Find out about how coffee is sown, grown, harvested and roasted. Meet local farmers who produce some of the world's finest coffee on the upper inhabited slopes of Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, we enjoy a delicious wholesome traditional Chagga lunch in the lush scenery, prepared by local women from the community.

    After lunch, visit the local Moshi central market to get a feel of a small yet typically busy Tanzanian town. Learn about the local, spices and indigenous foods and products sold there. Depending on what is in season, you may see oyster nuts, air potatoes, passion fruit, zambarau, jackfruit, soursop and custard apple. Find out about the variety of local greens and how the baobab fruit is sold. There is plenty for your eyes to feast upon!
    Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3 hours (easy walking)

  • Day 3

    Mto Wa Mbu & Karatu

    #65342

    After breakfast, we head to the town of Mto Wa Mbu, literally called River of Mosquito, located adjacent to Lake Manyara National Park. Drive to Isoitok Camp Manyara for lunch. This is a tented camp deeply connected with the neighboring Maasai community and offers grassroots cultural immersion opportunities with this community.

    After lunch, take an afternoon locally guided Maasai medicine walk. Discover the Maasai’s traditional medicinal practices. Here, you will learn about the different root, barks, flower and plant extracts still being used for their curative powers by the Maasai on a daily basis. After the walk, drive on to the highlands town of Karatu, to the beautiful Acacia Farm House for dinner.
    Accommodation: Acacia Farm House
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1-2 hours (easy walking)

     

  • Day 4

    Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater

    #65343

    Following an early breakfast at the lodge, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also considered one of the natural wonders of the world. The conservation area is unique in that it allows well over 80,000 Maasai pastoralists with their cattle goats and sheep to live alongside the abundant wildlife in a natural setting. The conservation area gives you a rare insight into how people lived in harmony with nature and wildlife in ancient times all over the world.

    Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour game drive in the crater, including a picnic lunch on route. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera measuring 1968 feet (600 meters)/ in depth and covering 96.5 miles squared (250 kilometers sqared) in area. It is a spectacular setting and contains an abundance of wildlife with over 20,000 large animals including Tanzania’s remaining critically endangered black rhino. There is a good chance of seeing the Big Five in this vast natural enclosure.

    Mid-afternoon, ascend back to the crater rim and take a late afternoon walk along the Ngorongoro Crater rim over 1-2 hours, accompanied by experienced armed rangers. Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the Ngorongoro Highlands, notably the variety of birdlife in this ecosystem as well as larger animals such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants. This is a great opportunity to spot animal tracks and dung. This walk offers spectacular panoramic views down into the Crater that you can enjoy on your own in peace and calmness. Afterwards we will return to the Acacia Farm House for dinner and a night of relaxation.
    Accommodation: Acacia Farm House
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1-2 hours (easy walking)

     

  • Day 5

    Karatu & Serengeti National Park

    #65344

    After checking out this morning we will visit the amazing Fame Hospital in Karatu for a tutorial and talk about their inspirational story of creating a world-class medical facility for the region. Following the hospital visit, transit through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on our way to Serengeti National Park! Before reaching the gates of Serengeti we visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important fossil sites in the world, holding the earliest evidence of the existence of human ancestors. Hundreds of fossilized bones and stone tools have been found in the area dating back millions of years, concluding that humans evolved in Africa.

    We enter Serengeti National Park via Naabi Hill Gate, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch before heading to central part of the national park. This is not a transfer, it is a game drive in its own right and seeing the plains of the Serengeti for the first time is an unforgettable moment. Serengeti, or Seringit in Maa, meaning ‘endless plains’, is one of the oldest ecosystems on earth. The essential features have changed little in a million years; Serengeti’s famous plains are interspersed with wooded hills, towering termite mounds, rocky kopjes and rivers lined with acacia trees.
    Accommodation: Tamba Tented Camp
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 6

    Serengeti Exploration

    #65345

    Discover Serengeti National Park over a full day of game viewing, taking a picnic lunch on route. The Serengeti National Park was established in 1952, however, the Serengeti ecosystem is far older and greater than the park. The ecosystem reaches over 30,000sq km/12,000sq mi and was previously inhabited by the Maasai. This is home to the famous annual migration of more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and all kinds of antelopes, following the rains undertaking their long journey to new grazing grounds. Also be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

    **Depending on which month you are traveling due to the migration, your camp for tonight will vary to maximize the wildlife viewing. Please see the FAQ section for more information.
    Accommodation: Tamba, Ngutu Heritage or Mara Heritage Camp 
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 7

    Serengeti Exploration

    #65346

    Discover Serengeti National Park over a full day of game viewing, taking a picnic lunch on route. The Serengeti National Park was established in 1952, however, the Serengeti ecosystem is far older and greater than the park. The ecosystem reaches over 30,000sq km/12,000sq mi and was previously inhabited by the Maasai. This is home to the famous annual migration of more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and all kinds of antelopes, following the rains undertaking their long journey to new grazing grounds. Also be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

    **Depending on which month you are traveling due to the migration, your camp for tonight will vary to maximize the wildlife viewing. Please see the FAQ section for more information.
    Accommodation: Tamba, Ngutu Heritage or Mara Heritage Camp
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 8

    Serengeti to Lake Manyara

    #65347

    After breakfast, we enjoy a final game drive before driving to the Ngorongoro Crater rim where we will stop for a picnic lunch. We continue our journey past Karatu and onwards back to Mto Wa Mbu. Dinner and overnight stay is at Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge, neatly perched on the Rift Valley Escarpment in a forest, overlooking Lake Manyara National Park.
    Accommodation: Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 9

    Mto Wa Mbu & Tarangire National Park

    #65348

    After breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to the town of Mto Wa Mbu for a cultural immersion opportunity. Mto Wa Mbu, which is home to some of the different people of Tanzania, notably the Mbugwe, Iraqw, Gorowa, Irangi, Chagga and Maasai, and here you will see many of the different peoples of Tanzania living alongside each other. Local guides from the Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Program will walk the travelers through the backstreets of the town. Each day is different, and they will get an understanding of the daily lives of people living around this area. There will also be opportunities to see local art and handicrafts being made and to buy directly from the artisans. The morning ends with a delicious hearty and wholesome Tanzanian meal prepared by a local women's group using traditional methods, made with local and indigenous vegetables and spices.

    Next, head to Tarangire National Park, where upon entering the park, a short game drive transfer will take you to the strategically located Tarangire Safari Lodge, overlooking the Tarangire river bed and giving great sightings of the park and its resident wildlife. Tarangire is famous for its huge herds of elephants and the density of its massive baobab trees and dotting of termite mounds. Also home to more than 550 bird species, Tarangire National Park will excite any bird enthusiast. After an early dinner at the lodge, take a night game in the park, accompanied by armed rangers, specialist guides, and trackers in an open vehicle. Though the sun may have set, Tarangire is still not asleep. This is a thrilling and adventurous sensory experience where you discover the nocturnal wildlife of the national park. Tune in to night sounds and movements of the park, whilst you enjoy stargazing.
    Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

     

  • Day 10

    Tarangire National Park & Departures Home

    #65349

    Check out of the lodge and enjoy game driving in the park till mid-morning. Then we will make our way to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your evening flight.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

     

Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari Departure Dates

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • Specialist local guides and camp crews while on safari (applicable for our Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, and Serengeti safaris)
  • A team of expert local guides and porters for the duration of the Kilimanjaro trek (applicable for our Mt Kilimanjaro Trek only)
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary 
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag, and hiking poles for the duration of the Kilimanjaro trek
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicles - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

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Useful Info

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise. With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is tipping expected in Tanzania?

Most people do choose to tip their Safari Guide Team and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your holiday, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip our two pick-up locations are the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) anytime on Day 1 or we’ll meet you at the Chanya Lodge at 5pm. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in the area, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for flights below, or anywhere in Central Moshi.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by 2pm.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport after 6pm. If you're considering alternative flight times, please check with us.

What accommodations do we stay at on this safari?

While in Moshi you will stay at a Lodge with garden view rooms, all with ensuites. While at the safari camps, your tents/rooms will have comfortable beds, chairs, luggage racks. A large bathroom will be attached with a hot water shower and the camp will have a shared dining area.

Since the wildlife are actively migrating throughout the year your safari camps on day 6 and 7 will change depending on when your trips is. December-March you will stay at Ndutu Heritage Camp, June you will be Tamba Tented Camp, September-October you will be at Mara Heritage Camp on the days of the trip where

We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your safari. There will be no laundry facilities at any of the camps though we recommend hand-washing items if you want to.

How much luggage can I bring on this safari?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality daypack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) with a maximum weight of 15 pounds (7 kilograms) to use throughout the days.

What safety measures are in place for the camps and walking excursion?

You’ll be accompanied by your experienced Safari trip leader, who’s there to keep you informed about Tanzania and make sure that everything runs smoothly; a qualified safari guide, who will provide additional local knowledge of the flora and fauna; and a driver!

Your safety is the prime concern and decisions always default on the side of the caution and the safest option. You’ll be staying at a few camps for a few of the nights in this trip. These camps are set up in unfenced area’s within Serengeti National Park. Animals (including lions and elephants) often frequent the camp and you should be aware and take caution. The local guide and his team will be on hand to assist at all times. Each Camp you stay at will also have a team of people ensuring you’re well fed and catered too.

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