5-Day Mid-Range Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ndutu Migration Safari

5-Day Mid-Range Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ndutu Migration Safari

This 5-day safari is designed to capture the beauty and drama of Tanzania’s wildlife during the Great Migration. It offers a blend of experiences, from the iconic Tarangire National Park and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater to the vast plains of Ndutu, where you’ll witness the famed migration during the calving season (December- April). This itinerary includes morning, afternoon, and evening activities, with carefully selected accommodations to ensure comfort and proximity to nature. This mid-range safari package is ideal for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, especially during the calving season of the Great Migration. From the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire to the predator-dense crater and the dramatic Ndutu Migration, this itinerary captures the essence of Tanzanian wilderness, promising a rich and memorable experience in some of Africa’s most iconic locations.

Would you like to reserve this unforgettable journey or inquire further?

Day 1: Arrival in Tarangire National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

• Morning: After your early morning arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or from your accommodation in Arusha, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and embark on the drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Along the way, your guide will provide an overview of the region, sharing insights into the ecology of Tarangire.
• Afternoon: After a scenic drive, enjoy lunch at the lodge or a picnic lunch within the park before setting off on an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is famous for its vast elephant herds, and you’ll also have a chance to spot giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. The park’s seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River attract animals year-round, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
• Evening: Head to your mid-range lodge for dinner, where you’ll unwind and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Included: Transfer from Arusha, lunch, afternoon game drive, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Tarangire & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

• Morning: After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in Tarangire. Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators such as lions and leopards, as well as elephants cooling off along the Tarangire River. As you journey deeper into the park, your guide will take you to less-travelled areas, providing insight into the behavior and movements of wildlife during cooler hours.
• Midday: Depart Tarangire and enjoy a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for lunch at a local lodge en route or have a packed picnic lunch while admiring the views. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Maasai villages and have opportunities for stunning views of the Rift Valley escarpments.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater. Take the afternoon to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure. The lodge offers views over the lush landscapes, where you can enjoy a tranquil evening with a delicious dinner.

Included: Breakfast, morning game drive, transfer to Ngorongoro, lunch, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater – Transfer to Ndutu

• Morning: Begin the day with an early breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the crater’s floor is a natural sanctuary home to a diverse ecosystem and dense wildlife population. You’ll have a chance to spot the “Big Five”—elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos—as well as hippos, wildebeest, and countless bird species.
• Midday: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool within the crater, a serene location where you can relax and observe hippos lounging in the water. This mid-day break provides time to soak in the crater’s beauty and learn more about its geological and ecological significance.
• Afternoon: After the game drive, ascend the crater walls and begin your journey to Ndutu in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. This is the calving region for the Great Migration, and you’ll soon be surrounded by wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers as they gather for the birthing season. Check-in at your Ndutu lodge for dinner.

Included: Breakfast, full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, picnic lunch, transfer to Ndutu, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ndutu – Heart of the Great Migration

• Morning: After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in the Ndutu region. Your guide will lead you to the best vantage points to witness the migration herds as they graze and calve. During the calving season, thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather in Ndutu, and their presence attracts predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, eager to take advantage of the vulnerable young animals.
• Midday: Pause for a picnic lunch in a picturesque location, enjoying a break in the shade while surrounded by the action of the migration. Your guide will share insights into animal behavior, predator-prey interactions, and the life cycle of the wildebeest, helping you gain a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring Ndutu’s vast plains, where each area reveals new wildlife encounters. The open terrain allows for close observation and photography opportunities, making this an unforgettable experience. With your guide, you’ll track and observe the movements of herds and predators until the late afternoon.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation, sharing stories of the day’s encounters.

Included: Breakfast, full-day game drive in Ndutu, picnic lunch, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Ndutu & Departure

• Morning: Start your last day with an early breakfast, followed by a morning game drive in Ndutu. The early hours are a prime time to observe predators as they complete their nocturnal activities, as well as to witness the peaceful scene of grazers in the cool morning light. The quiet atmosphere offers a perfect opportunity to capture final photos and enjoy the tranquillity of the plains.
• Late Morning: Return to the lodge to freshen up and pack, then depart for your transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, with memories of an incredible adventure among Tanzania’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

Included: Breakfast, morning game drive, departure transfer.

  1. Overnight at Luxury Hotel or Lodge.

 Packages Price $4,599, per person all included:

2. Overnight at Standard Hotel or Lodge.

Packages Price $3,760, per person all included:

Luxury Hotel or Lodge for Kids.

Package for kids 14-16 Price $2,795, per person;

Standard Hotel or Lodge for Kids

Package for kids 14-16 Price $2,795, per person;

What’s Included in the Package:

• Accommodations: Mid-range lodges throughout the safari with comfortable amenities and en-suite facilities.
• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) each day, including picnic lunches on full-day game drives.
• Game Drives: Daily morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, offering panoramic views and excellent photography opportunities.
• Transfers: All internal transfers, including transfers to and from the airport or starting point, and to each park and lodge.
• Park Fees: All necessary park entry fees, conservation fees, and crater fees for Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ndutu.
• Professional Guide: Knowledgeable, English-speaking safari guide with extensive experience in the Great Migration regions, wildlife behavior, and local culture.
• Vehicle: 4×4 safari vehicle equipped for comfort, with charging ports and a cooler for refreshments.

Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips)
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary such as Zanzibar vacations. Hot air balloon safari (optional, at an additional cost of $550 per person).