Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park: Ultimate Safari Guide

Why Combine Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park?

A safari from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park offers a perfect blend of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The Ngorongoro Crater, a 260 km² UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its dense Big Five population within a 600m-deep caldera. The Serengeti, spanning 14,750 km², is famous for the Great Migration and vast predator populations. Traveling between these parks, just 2–3 hours apart, creates an unforgettable multi-park adventure. This guide covers travel options, wildlife, costs, and tips for your 2025/2026 safari.

Wildlife Highlights: Ngorongoro Crater vs. Serengeti

Note: Ngorongoro offers concentrated wildlife in a small area, while Serengeti provides expansive landscapes and migration spectacles.

Travel Options from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti

The Ngorongoro Crater is 145–190 km from Serengeti’s central Seronera area, with travel times varying by route and transport:

1. Road Travel

• Route: Via Naabi Hill Gate (Serengeti’s eastern entrance), 2–3 hours by 4×4.
• Cost: Included in safari packages; $50–$100 extra for private transfers.
• Pros: Scenic drive through Olduvai Gorge; wildlife sightings en route.
• Cons: Dusty roads in dry season; bumpy in wet season.

2. Air Travel

• Route: Fly from Ngorongoro’s Manyara Airstrip to Seronera Airstrip (45–60 minutes).
• Cost: $150–$300 per person, plus $50–$100 for ground transfers.
• Pros: Quick and scenic; ideal for luxury travelers.
• Cons: Limited flight schedules; higher cost.

Tip: Road travel is standard in most safari packages, offering a chance to visit Olduvai Gorge, a key archaeological site.

3 Best Routes from Ngorongoro to Serengeti

1. Southern Route (Via Ndutu)

• Distance: 160km

• Time: 5-6 hours (game viewing en route)

• Best For: Dec-Mar (Great Migration calving season)

• Highlights: See wildebeest birthing grounds

2. Central Route (Via Naabi Hill)

• Distance: 140km

• Time: 3-4 hours

• Best For: Fastest transfer between parks

• Highlights: Classic savanna landscapes

3. Western Route (Via Grumeti)

• Distance: 200km

• Time: 6 hours

• Best For: Jun-Oct (river crossing season)

• Highlights: Dramatic Mara River scenes

Safari Costs from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti

A multi-park safari combining Ngorongoro and Serengeti costs $600–$2,500 per person per day, depending on travel, accommodation, and duration. Here’s a breakdown for 2025/2026:

1. Park Fees

Note: Fees are subject to 18% VAT and payable via credit card or CRDB bank prepaid cards.

2. Travel Costs

• Road Transfers: Included in most packages; $50–$100 extra for private vehicles.
• Flights: $150–$300 per person for Manyara to Seronera, plus ground transfers.

3. Accommodation Options

• Budget Camping: $30–$60 per person per night (e.g., Simba Campsite in Ngorongoro, Seronera Campsite in Serengeti).
• Mid-Range Lodges: $120–$300 per person per night (e.g., Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge).
• Luxury Lodges: $500–$1,500+ per person per night (e.g., &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti).

4. Safari Tour Costs

• 3-Day Safari: $1,200 per person (group tour, budget camping).
• 5-Day Safari: $2,500 per person (mid-range, private vehicle).
• 7-Day Luxury Safari: $3,500+ per person (all-inclusive, flights).

Tip: Group tours and wet season (April–May) travel lower costs significantly.

Best Time for a Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti Safari

Seasonal conditions affect wildlife viewing and travel between the parks:

Recommendation: Travel in June–October for the Great Migration and clear roads, or January–February for wildebeest calving and fewer crowds.

Top Safari Itineraries from Ngorongoro to Serengeti

1. 3-Day Ngorongoro and Serengeti Safari

Itinerary: Day 1: Ngorongoro Crater game drive; Day 2: Travel to Serengeti, afternoon game drive; Day 3: Morning Serengeti drive, return.
Cost: $1,500 per person.

2. 5-Day Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara Safari

Itinerary: Day 1: Ngorongoro; Days 2–3: Serengeti; Day 4: Lake Manyara; Day 5: Return.
Cost: $2,500 per person.

3. 7-Day Luxury Great Migration Safari

Itinerary: Days 1–2: Ngorongoro; Days 3–5: Serengeti (follow Migration); Days 6–7: Tarangire or return.
Cost: $3,500+ per person.

4. Photography Safari

Focus: Capture Ngorongoro’s Big Five and Serengeti’s Migration with off-road permits.
Cost: $4,500 per person for 5 days.

Tips for a Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti Safari

• Book Early: Secure lodges and permits for peak season (June–October) or Migration (January–February).
• Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: NCAA and TANAPA-approved guides know hotspots like Mandusi Swamp (Ngorongoro) and Seronera (Serengeti).
• Bring Binoculars and Camera: 200–400mm lenses are ideal for rhinos in Ngorongoro or cheetahs in Serengeti.
• Prepare for Altitude and Weather: Ngorongoro’s rim (2,400m) is cool; Serengeti’s plains are warmer. Pack layers.
• Visit Olduvai Gorge: Stop en route for a 1–2 hour tour of this archaeological site.
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain 30m distance and follow guide rules for ethical viewing.

Why Combine Ngorongoro and Serengeti?

Traveling from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park offers a diverse safari experience: Ngorongoro’s compact caldera delivers Big Five sightings in a dramatic setting, while Serengeti’s vast savannas showcase the Great Migration and predator-prey dynamics. The short travel distance (2–3 hours by road) makes this combination seamless, ideal for maximizing wildlife and scenery in one trip.

Recommended Itineraries

4-Day Classic Safari ($1,500-$2,500 pp)

• Day 1: Ngorongoro Crater

• Day 2-3: Central Serengeti

• Day 4: Return via Lake Manyara

6-Day Migration Focus ($2,500-$4,500 pp)

• Day 1: Ngorongoro

• Day 2-4: Follow herds (south/north depending on season)

• Day 5-6: Western Corridor river crossings

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Ngorongoro Crater from Serengeti National Park?

145–190 km, taking 2–3 hours by road or 45–60 minutes by air.

How much is a Ngorongoro to Serengeti safari?

Costs range from $600–$2,000 per person per day, depending on travel mode, accommodation, and duration.

What’s the best time for this safari?

June–October for the Great Migration and clear roads, or January–February for calving season and fewer crowds.

Can I do a budget safari from Ngorongoro to Serengeti?

Yes, group tours ($600–$1,200 for 3 days) and camping ($30–$60 per night) are affordable.

What wildlife can I expect?

Ngorongoro: Big Five, flamingos; Serengeti: Wildebeest Migration, lions, cheetahs, leopards.

Plan Ngorongoro to Serengeti Safari

Ready to explore Tanzania’s iconic parks? Contact our safari experts to design a personalized itinerary from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park, tailored to your budget and preferences.