The Arusha, Crater & Serengeti Journey
Duration: 7 Days | Route: Arusha -> Arusha NP -> Ngorongoro -> Serengeti -> Arusha
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arusha National Park safari
- Day 2: Arusha National Park safari
- Day 3: Transfer to Ngorongoro
- Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti
- Day 6: Full day safari in Serengeti
- Day 7: Return to Arusha
Tour Overview
This 7 day Tanzania safari covers three key regions with a steady pace. You start with Arusha National Park for walking safaris and forest landscapes, then move to Ngorongoro Crater for concentrated wildlife viewing, and finish in the Serengeti with open plains and strong predator sightings.
The tour suits travellers looking for a mix of landscapes and good wildlife chances without long rushed travel days.
Highlights
- Arusha National Park with walking safari and views of Mount Meru
- Ngorongoro Crater with high chances to see the Big Five
- Serengeti plains with strong sightings of lions, leopards and cheetahs
- Scenic drive through Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Mix of forest, crater and savannah landscapes
The Arusha, Crater & Serengeti Journey – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha National Park – Arrival and First Safari
Arrive in Arusha and drive to Arusha National Park. Located at the base of Mount Meru, the park has forest, lakes and open grassland.
Enjoy a game drive where you may see giraffes, buffalo, zebras and colobus monkeys. Later, return to your lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Walking Safari and Game Drive
After breakfast, return to the park for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. This gives a closer look at wildlife and the landscape.
You can also continue with game drives in different areas of the park. The mix of habitats offers good birdlife and scenic views. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Day 3: Arusha to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, drive towards the Ngorongoro region. The journey takes you through the Rift Valley and highland landscapes.
On arrival, check in at your lodge near the crater. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy views of the surrounding area.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day Safari
Start early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. The crater supports a high concentration of wildlife in a compact area.
You may see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and good chances of spotting black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before continuing your safari. Return to your lodge by evening.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti – Transfer and Safari
After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens into wide plains. On arrival, go for a game drive in the central region before checking in at your lodge or camp.
Day 6: Serengeti – Full Day Game Drive
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti with game drives across different areas. The park is known for strong predator sightings.
You may see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and large herds of herbivores. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha – Return
After a morning game drive, return to Arusha by road or optional flight.
You will be dropped at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your safari.
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Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and camps throughout the safari
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Game drives in Arusha, Ngorongoro and Serengeti
- Walking safari in Arusha National Park with ranger
- Park entry fees and conservation charges
- Private safari vehicle with experienced driver guide
- Picnic lunches during full day safaris
- All transfers between parks and Arusha
- Airport or hotel pick up and drop in Arusha
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- Personal expenses like laundry, international phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Customization options
- Upgrade to luxury lodges or camps
- Add extra nights in Serengeti
- Replace road transfers with flights
- Add Tarangire or Lake Manyara to extend safari
- Combine with Zanzibar beach stay after safari
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
- Best time to visit: June to October for clear wildlife sightings
- Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti, cultural visits
- Who this tour suits: First time safari travellers, couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts
