Ngorongoro & Serengeti Express

Depart Arusha early and drive west through the agricultural heartlands of the Rift Valley to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend through lush montane forest to the crater rim, where your lodge offers uninterrupted views into the caldera 600 metres below. Enjoy a sunset drink overlooking one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day of game viewing in this 260 km² natural enclosure. The crater floor hosts an extraordinary density of wildlife including all Big Five species, with black rhino being a particular highlight. Drive through the Lerai Forest where elephants browse among yellow-barked acacias, and watch flamingos at the shallow Lake Magadi.

Cross the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro highlands and descend through the Olduvai Gorge area into the Serengeti. Game viewing begins immediately as you enter the park, with cheetahs often spotted on the open plains near the Naabi Hill Gate. Arrive at your tented camp in the central Seronera area by late afternoon.

Rise before dawn for an early morning game drive when predators are most active, then return to camp for brunch. Head out again in the golden afternoon light for a second drive focusing on the kopje-studded landscapes where lions and leopards reign. The Serengeti's big cat density is among the highest in Africa, and today maximises your chances of extraordinary sightings.

Choose between a scenic bush flight back to Arusha (approximately 1.5 hours) or the full overland drive (335 km, 7-8 hours) with game viewing stops along the way. Both options offer a final chance to absorb the grandeur of northern Tanzania before connecting with your onward travel from Kilimanjaro International Airport.