Serengeti vs Ngorongoro Safari: Which is Better?
Choosing between a Serengeti vs Ngorongoro safari Tanzania adventure depends on your preferences for wildlife, landscapes, and budget. The Serengeti National Park (14,763 km²) is famous for the Great Migration and vast savannas, while the Ngorongoro Crater (260 km²), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers dense Big Five populations in a compact caldera. This guide compares wildlife, costs, best times, and experiences to help you decide which safari is better for you—or why combining both might be the ultimate choice.
Overview: Serengeti vs Ngorongoro Crater
| Feature | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 14,763 km² | 260 km² |
| Wildlife | Lions (3,000+), cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest (1.5M+), zebras | Black rhinos (~30), lions (60–80), elephants, leopards, flamingos |
| Highlights | Great Migration, predator-prey action, vast plains | Big Five in one day, compact caldera, Lake Magadi |
| Cost (3-Day Safari) | $650–$3,500+/person | $600–$2,500+/person |
| Best Time | June–October (Migration), January–February (calving) | June–October (wildlife), January–February (scenery) |
Key Difference: Serengeti offers expansive landscapes and migration spectacles, while Ngorongoro provides concentrated wildlife in a dramatic setting.
Wildlife: Serengeti vs Ngorongoro
Serengeti National Park
- Animals: Over 4,000 lions, cheetahs, leopards, 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, hyenas, and crocodiles.
- Highlights: Great Migration (June–August river crossings, January–February calving), predator hunts in Seronera or Ndutu.
- Experience: Expansive game drives across varied ecosystems (plains, woodlands, rivers).
- Best For: Migration enthusiasts, predator-focused safaris, longer trips.
Ngorongoro Crater
- Animals: ~30 black rhinos, 60–80 lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, flamingos at Lake Magadi.
- Highlights: High chance of seeing Big Five in one game drive, dense wildlife in a 600m-deep caldera.
- Experience: Compact game drives (5–6 hours) with dramatic scenery, rim walking safaris.
- Best For: Time-constrained travelers, Big Five seekers, scenic photography.
Winner: Serengeti for migration and predator action; Ngorongoro for Big Five and compact safaris.
Pro Tip: Combine both for the ultimate experience—Serengeti’s migration and Ngorongoro’s rhinos are just 2–3 hours apart.
Cost Comparison: Serengeti vs Ngorongoro Safari
Costs for a 3-day safari vary by accommodation and season (per person, two adults sharing):
| Safari Type | Serengeti Cost (USD) | Ngorongoro Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | $650–$900 | $600–$800 | Basic tents, shared facilities, meals included. |
| Mid-Range Lodges | $1,100–$1,800 | $1,000–$1,500 | En-suite tents/lodges, private 4×4. |
| Luxury Lodges | $2,000–$3,500+ | $1,800–$2,500+ | Gourmet meals, premium camps (e.g., Four Seasons, &Beyond). |
Park Fees
- Serengeti: $70.80/adult/day.
- Ngorongoro: $70.80/adult/day + $295/vehicle/day crater service fee.
- Note: Fees exclude 18% VAT, payable via credit card or CRDB bank.
Additional Costs: Serengeti balloon ride ($540/person), Ngorongoro rim walk ($20–$50/person), Olduvai Gorge ($35/person).
Winner: Ngorongoro is slightly cheaper for short trips due to its proximity to Arusha (4 hours vs. 6–8 for Serengeti).
Best Time to Visit: Serengeti vs Ngorongoro
| Season | Serengeti | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (June–October) | Great Migration (river crossings), clear roads, high costs. | Concentrated wildlife at water sources, clear views, peak season. |
| Wet Season (November–May) | Lush scenery, fewer tourists, muddy roads, calving (January–February). | Green landscapes, budget rates, dispersed wildlife, fog on rim. |
| Shoulder Season (January–February) | Wildebeest calving in Ndutu, moderate crowds. | Lush scenery, good wildlife, fewer tourists. |
Winner: Tie—both excel in June–October for wildlife and January–February for calving (Serengeti) or scenery (Ngorongoro).
Experience and Accessibility
Serengeti
- Access: 6–8 hours drive from Arusha (240 km) or 45-minute flight to Seronera Airstrip ($150–$300/person).
- Experience: Long game drives (6–8 hours/day), vast landscapes, remote camps, balloon safaris.
- Best For: Adventurers, migration enthusiasts, multi-day safaris.
Ngorongoro Crater
- Access: 4-hour drive from Arusha (180 km), no direct flights to crater.
- Experience: Short, intense game drives (5–6 hours), rim walking safaris, Maasai cultural tours.
- Best For: Time-limited travelers, families, Big Five focus.
Winner: Ngorongoro for accessibility and shorter trips; Serengeti for immersive, expansive safaris.
Which Safari is Better for You?
- Choose Serengeti If: You want to see the Great Migration, prefer predator-prey action, or have 4+ days for a deeper safari experience.
- Choose Ngorongoro If: You’re short on time, prioritize Big Five sightings, or want a compact, scenic safari with cultural elements.
- Combine Both If: You have 3–5 days and a budget of $650–$3,500+/person to experience migration, Big Five, and diverse landscapes.
Recommendation: A 4-day combined safari ($1,200–$3,000/person) offers the best of both worlds, with 2 days in Serengeti and 1–2 in Ngorongoro.
Tips for Your Tanzania Safari
- Book Early: Reserve 6–12 months ahead for June–October to secure lodges and permits.
- Hire NCAA/TANAPA Guides: Expert guides know hotspots like Seronera (Serengeti) or Gorigor Swamp (Ngorongoro).
- Pack Smart: Layers for Ngorongoro’s cool rim (11–14°C), binoculars, and a 200–400mm camera lens.
- Check the season: June–August for Serengeti’s migration, January–February for Ngorongoro’s lush scenery.
- Combine Parks: Add Tarangire or Lake Manyara for a 5–7 day safari ($1,500–$6,000+).
Pro Tip: Start Serengeti game drives at sunrise (6 AM) for active predators; in Ngorongoro, visit Mandusi Swamp early for lion sightings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari?
Serengeti is better for the Great Migration and predators; Ngorongoro for the Big Five and short trips. Combine both for the ultimate safari.
How much is a Serengeti vs Ngorongoro safari?
Serengeti: $650–$3,500+/person (3 days); Ngorongoro: $600–$2,500+/person. Ngorongoro is cheaper for short trips.
When is the best time for these safaris?
June–October for dry weather and wildlife; January–February for calving (Serengeti) or scenery (Ngorongoro).
Can I combine Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
Yes, a 3–5 day package ($1,200–$6,000+/person) covers both, with just 2–3 hours of travel between parks.
Which safari is better for families?
Ngorongoro’s shorter drives and compact area are more family-friendly; Serengeti suits older kids with longer trips.
Plan Your Serengeti or Ngorongoro Safari
Can’t decide between Serengeti and Ngorongoro? Our safari experts can design a custom itinerary, whether you choose one park or both. Contact us today!
