9 Day Private Guided Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – Tailored Tanzania Wildlife Journey 2025

9 Day Private Guided Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Tour Highlights

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
• Luxury accommodations in hand-picked tented camps and lodges
• Full-day game drives in Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater descent – Big Five safari guaranteed
• Visits to Olduvai Gorge and authentic Maasai villages
• Unforgettable sundowners and bush dining experiences

Destinations

• Arusha (Arrival & Briefing)
• Serengeti National Park (Central, Western & Northern Zones)
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Olduvai Gorge (Optional)
• Lake Manyara (Optional Stopover on Return)

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Safari Briefing & Relaxation

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your private safari guide and transfer to your boutique lodge in Arusha. After check-in, enjoy a detailed safari briefing and relax in the lush gardens of your accommodation. Optional city tour depending on arrival time.

Day 2: Fly or Drive to Central Serengeti – First Game Drive

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Serengeti. You may choose to fly (1-hour flight) or drive through the scenic highlands via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy your first thrilling game drive en route to your camp. Spot giraffes, elephants, and prides of lions. Arrive at your luxury tented camp in time for sunset and dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Full Day Safari in Central Serengeti – Seronera Valley

Explore the Seronera region, famous for its big cat population and year-round game. Enjoy early morning and afternoon drives tracking cheetahs, leopards, and lion prides. Witness action at waterholes and savanna plains teeming with herbivores and predators alike. Return for a campfire evening and storytelling with your guide.

Day 4: Western Serengeti – Grumeti River & Migration (Seasonal)

Drive to the western corridor of Serengeti, home to the Grumeti River. During migration months (May to July), witness thrilling river crossings and large herds of wildebeest. Search for crocodiles, hippos, and rare species like the Patas monkey. Overnight at a secluded lodge overlooking the plains or riverbanks.

Day 5: Northern Serengeti – Tracking the Great Migration

Continue northward to follow the migration path (June–September). Enjoy breathtaking vistas and unrivaled solitude as you track massive herds crossing rivers and open savannas. Game drives here often reveal elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and numerous predators. Your camp is ideally positioned near the Mara River.

Day 6: Full Day Safari in Northern Serengeti – Predator Action

Spend the day exploring hidden valleys and riverine forests where leopards and lions lie in wait. Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush and uninterrupted views of the African wilderness. Early morning drives offer incredible light for photography, while sunset drives reveal nocturnal species.

Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge (Optional)

Depart Serengeti and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, where ancient hominid fossils were discovered. Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim and enjoy sweeping views. Dinner served with panoramic vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater floor.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Big Five Experience

Descend 600 meters into the world’s largest intact caldera for an unforgettable safari. The crater hosts over 25,000 animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, and flamingos. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch at the hippo pool. This day often delivers Big Five sightings in one location. Return to your lodge for a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Return to Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha with optional stop at Lake Manyara (time permitting). Transfer to the airport for your international flight or onward travel. End of your private safari journey.

Why Choose This Private Safari

• Customized private itinerary tailored to your pace and interests
• Exclusive use of a safari vehicle and dedicated guide
• Ideal for honeymooners, families, and wildlife photographers
• Flexible scheduling and ability to stay longer at sightings
• Stays in premium lodges and mobile tented camps close to action
• Support from a reputable local tour operator throughout

Inclusions

• All park entry fees and conservation levies
• Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with open roof and fridge
• Experienced English-speaking safari guide
• All accommodations as per itinerary (luxury lodges/tented camps)
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during safari
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• Airport transfers and internal flight (if selected)

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Tanzania
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Tips and personal expenses
• Alcoholic and soft drinks at some accommodations
• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, children aged 6 and above can enjoy the safari, especially with private guiding and customized pace.

June to October is best for migration sightings in Serengeti; December to March is excellent for calving and predator activity in southern Serengeti.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other special diets can be arranged with prior notice.

You will stay in a combination of high-end tented camps and luxury lodges, offering en-suite bathrooms, fine dining, and scenic views.

Yes. Tanzania is a malaria risk area. Consult your doctor for appropriate prophylaxis before travel.

Absolutely. This private tour is 100% customizable before booking. You can extend nights, add locations, or include special activities like a balloon safari.