Why Choose a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari?
A Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti safari combines two of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations, offering a diverse and thrilling wildlife experience. The Ngorongoro Crater, a 260 km² volcanic caldera, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense population of over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five. The Serengeti National Park, spanning 14,750 km², is famous for the Great Serengeti Migration of 1.5 million wildebeest. Together, these parks deliver unparalleled wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters, making them a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. This guide covers itineraries, costs, and tips for planning your adventure.
Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti: Key Features
These two destinations offer complementary safari experiences due to their unique characteristics.
| Feature | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 260 km² (100 mi²) | 14,750 km² (5,700 mi²) |
| Landscape | Enclosed caldera with 600m-high walls | Vast plains, woodlands, and rivers |
| Wildlife | Big Five, high black rhino density | Great Migration, lions, cheetahs, leopards |
| Unique Appeal | Compact, dense wildlife, Maasai culture | Massive migrations, diverse ecosystems |
| Distance from Arusha | 180 km (3–4 hours) | 325 km (6–7 hours) |
Sample 5-Day Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari Itinerary
A 5-day safari is ideal for exploring both parks, balancing wildlife viewing and relaxation.
- Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater—Depart Arusha (180 km, 3–4 hours), afternoon game drive in the crater (lions, black rhinos), overnight at a budget campsite like Simba or a mid-range lodge like Rhino Lodge.
- Day 2: Ngorongoro to Serengeti—Morning drive to Serengeti (145 km, 2–3 hours), afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, overnight at Seronera Campsite or Kati Kati Camp.
- Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti—Full-day game drive to track the Great Migration or predators, picnic lunch, overnight in Serengeti.
- Day 4: Serengeti Exploration—Morning game drive, optional hot air balloon ride ($500–$600 per person), afternoon visit to a Maasai village ($20–$50), overnight in Serengeti.
- Day 5: Serengeti to Arusha—Morning game drive, return to Arusha via Ngorongoro Conservation Area (6–7 hours), optional stop at Olduvai Gorge.
Cost: 💰 Cost: $2,500-$4,000 per person (mid-range lodges)
🦁 Highlights: Big Five, Great Migration (seasonal), Maasai culture
7-Day Premium Migration Focus
📅 Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Ndutu Region (calving season Jan-Mar)
Day 3-5: Serengeti (following herds)
Day 6: Ngorongoro
Day 7: Lake Manyara
💰 Cost: $4,000-$7,000 per person (luxury camps)
🐃 Highlights: River crossings, predator action, hot air balloon
Cost of a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari
Costs vary based on tour type, accommodation, and season, typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 per person per day. Budget options like group tours and camping keep expenses lower.
| Expense | Cost (USD, per person) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Entry Fee | $70.80 | Per day: $23.60 for children 5–15. |
| Serengeti Entry Fee | $70.80 | Per day: $23.60 for children 5–15. |
| Ngorongoro Crater Vehicle Fee | $295 per vehicle | Shared in group tours. |
| Accommodation | $30–$1,000 per night | Camping ($30–$60) to luxury lodges ($500–$1,000). |
| Transport & Guide | $150–$400 per day | 4×4 vehicle and driver-guide, lower in group tours. |
| Meals | $10–$30 per day | Packed lunches and camp/lodge meals. |
Note: Group tours start at $300 per person per day; private tours range from $500 to $1,000. Confirm fees with your operator.
Best Time for a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari
Both parks are year-round destinations, but the season impacts wildlife and crowds:
- Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing, with concentrated animals in Ngorongoro and Great Migration river crossings in Serengeti. Expect higher costs and crowds (20–30 vehicles in Ngorongoro).
- Wet Season (November–May, especially April–May): Lush scenery, fewer crowds (5–15 vehicles in Ngorongoro), and 20–30% lower costs. Serengeti’s calving season (January–February) is a highlight.
- Shoulder Seasons (January–February, November): Moderate crowds, good wildlife, and cost savings.
Recommendation: June–October for prime wildlife sightings; April–May for budget-friendly, quieter trips.
Tips for Planning Your Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari
- Book a Multi-Day Tour: A 4–7 day itinerary covering both parks maximizes wildlife and cultural experiences (cost: $2,500+ per person and $4,000–$7,000 per person (luxury camps))
- Choose Budget Options: Opt for group tours and camping (e.g., Simba or Seronera campsites) to save ($30–$60 per night vs. $500+ for lodges).
- Use a 4×4 vehicle: essential for the 145 km drive between parks, especially in the wet season.
- Pack Smart: Bring binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, and layers for Ngorongoro’s cooler mornings (5–10°C).
- Book Early: Secure lodges and permits 6–12 months in advance for the dry season.
- Hire Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance sightings of black rhinos in Ngorongoro and migrations in Serengeti.
- Include Cultural Stops: Visit Maasai villages in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a cultural experience ($50).
Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti?
The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti are Tanzania’s premier safari destinations, offering a perfect blend of compact and expansive wildlife experiences. Ngorongoro’s caldera delivers dense Big Five sightings in a dramatic setting, while the Serengeti’s vast plains showcase the world-famous Great Migration. Combined, they offer unforgettable wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters, making your safari a bucket-list adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti safari special?
Ngorongoro offers a compact caldera with dense wildlife, while Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, providing diverse safari experiences.
How much does a Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti safari cost?
A 5-day group safari costs $2,500 per person, with budget options starting at $300 per person per day.
Can I visit both parks in one trip?
Yes, a 4–7 day itinerary easily combines both, with a 2–3 hour drive between them.
Plan Your Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari Today
Ready for an epic Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti safari? Contact our expert team for tailored packages that match your budget and interests for an unforgettable Tanzania adventure.
