5 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

5 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari: The Great Migration Safari

Experience the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration on this 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari. Witness over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traversing the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands and safe calving grounds. The migration is highly dependent on weather patterns, making timing crucial for witnessing this natural spectacle. While this safari is available year-round, choosing the right season enhances the experience.

To ensure exclusivity and personalized service, this tour is available only as a private safari, with accommodation ranging from mid-range to luxury tented camps and lodges.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Serengeti South – Ndutu Area

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Arusha and a transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the Ndutu Area. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your safari guide/driver and embark on an exciting game drive.

Lake Ndutu, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within the southern Serengeti ecosystem, is an alkaline lake that supports a variety of wildlife. From December to April, the Ndutu plains become the calving grounds for the Great Migration, attracting predators looking for easy prey. Elephants, resident game, and numerous bird species are also commonly sighted in this area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge

Day 2: Ndutu Game Drive & Transfer to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, set off on another thrilling game drive in the Ndutu region. Depending on the migration’s location, your guide will lead you through the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to track the herds.

From December to April, Ndutu transforms into a vast nursery, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily. This phenomenon draws predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making for dramatic wildlife encounters. By late afternoon, you’ll drive to Central Serengeti, where a warm meal and comfortable lodging await.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

Today, explore the heart of the Serengeti—home to the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). The vast grasslands stretch endlessly, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled wildlife sightings.

The Serengeti ecosystem supports one of the largest concentrations of plains game in Africa. Keep an eye out for the striking Impala and the famous Serengeti Kopjes—giant granite boulders that serve as shelters for wildlife. Your game drive will include a picnic lunch, allowing you to stay immersed in the wilderness all day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After an early breakfast, enjoy a short game drive in Serengeti before heading towards the Ngorongoro Crater. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering glimpses of wildlife along the way.

Ngorongoro is one of Africa’s most stunning geological wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater’s rim provides spectacular views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge in preparation for the next day’s crater exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Return to Arusha

Begin the day with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater at 6:30 AM. This unique ecosystem, spanning 260 square kilometers with a depth of over 600 meters, is home to a high density of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, lions, and hyenas.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending the crater walls and heading back to Arusha. You’ll arrive by late afternoon, marking the end of an unforgettable safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None (unless requested)

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Included:

• Park fees (for non-residents)
• Concession/camping fees
• Daily game drives
• All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
• All transportation in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• All taxes/VAT
• Meals and drinking water during the safari

Excluded:

• International and domestic flights
• Round-trip airport transfers (unless paid separately)
• Additional accommodation before/after the tour (unless paid separately)
• Tips and personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government-imposed increases in park fees/taxes
• Optional activities:
  • Maasai Village visit ($20 per person)
  • Serengeti Balloon Safari ($550 per person, unless booked separately)

Why Book This Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator in Tanzania, specializing in tailor-made safaris. We also offer combined Uganda gorilla trekking and Tanzania safaris for an all-encompassing East African adventure.

With a dedicated team, we ensure swift responses to inquiries (within 20 minutes) and a seamless booking process. Our professional tour consultants customize itineraries to match your preferences, and our expert guides ensure an informative and memorable safari experience.

Contact us today to book your 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Great Migration Safari!