Tanzania - Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti 9 Days

👥 Tanzania - Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater · 📅 Jul 9 – Jul 17 · 🗓️ 9 days

Thu 9 Jul

Thursday, 9 July: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in the afternoon. After clearing customs and immigration, meet your driver for the approximately 1.5-hour transfer to Arusha. You will check in to the Gran Melia Arusha, a high-end property located on a coffee plantation with views of Mount Meru. The remainder of the afternoon is reserved for rest and safari briefing. The evening includes a dinner at the hotel in preparation for an early departure the following morning.

Fri 10 Jul

Friday, 10 July: Depart Gran Melia Arusha early for the drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor, a volcanic caldera, contains a high concentration of wildlife including the "Big Five" and the endangered black rhino. You will spend the day exploring the diverse habitats within the crater, from the Lerai forest to the saline Lake Magadi. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater rim and drive to the Karatu area. You will spend Shabbat at a luxury lodge on the slopes of Mount Oldeani, positioned for a quick return to the conservation area gate for the next leg of your journey.

Sat 11 Jul

Embrace the tranquility of Shabbat in Oldeani, where the spirit of rest intertwines with the soul of Africa. Savor moments of peaceful reflection amidst breathtaking scenery, allowing the beauty of the Tanzanian landscape to rejuvenate your senses. Today is dedicated to unwinding and absorbing the unique atmosphere of this remarkable setting, preparing you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Sun 12 Jul

Sunday, 12 June: Depart the Oldeani area and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The morning begins with a stop at a Maasai village for a cultural tour to learn about the community’s traditional customs and cattle-herding lifestyle within the highlands. Following the village visit, continue the transit through the conservation area toward Serengeti National Park. As the terrain shifts from the volcanic highlands to the short-grass plains, you will begin an afternoon game drive through the central Serengeti, focusing on predator activity and resident wildlife. The day ends at Meliá Serengeti Lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Mon 13 Jul

Monday, 13 July: Start the morning with breakfast at Meliá Serengeti Lodge before heading out for a full-day game drive. The lodge’s central location provides immediate access to the plains, where the day's highlights included observing a lion hunt and a significant section of the Great Migration. The afternoon drive focused on the movement of the wildebeest herds as they transitioned across the central Serengeti. After a full day of tracking predators and migratory patterns, return to the lodge for the evening. You will spend a second night at Meliá, positioned to view the sunset over the valley from the property’s elevated decks.

Tue 14 Jul

Tuesday, 14 July: Following breakfast at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, begin a full-day transit and game drive heading north toward the Kogatende region. This route traverses the transition from the Central Serengeti’s open savannah to the more rugged, hilly landscapes of the north. The drive offers an opportunity to observe wildlife patterns as they shift toward the Mara River. After a day of tracking the herds, you will arrive at your luxury tented camp in Kogatende. Situated on the granite kopjes with views of the surrounding plains, the camp provides an immersive setting without sacrificing high-end amenities. You will spend the evening at the camp, which includes a dedicated kosher dining setup and a private deck overlooking the Northern Serengeti.

Wed 15 Jul

Wednesday, 15 July: The day is centered on the Mara River, the primary obstacle for the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti. After an early breakfast at the camp, you will head to the riverbanks to monitor the crossing points. The focus is on "The Watch"—positioning the vehicle to observe wildebeest and zebra herds as they gather and eventually attempt the river crossing, navigating the currents and resident crocodile populations. Between crossing attempts, the game drive will continue through the Kogatende area, known for high predator density, including lion prides and leopards that frequent the rocky kopjes. Return to the luxury tented camp in the late afternoon. The evening includes a supervised glatt-kosher dinner on the private deck, overlooking the plains as the herds settle for the night.

Thu 16 Jul

Thursday, 16 July: The day begins with an optional hot air balloon safari at dawn, offering an aerial perspective of the Mara River and the migration herds before landing for a bush breakfast. Alternatively, you may opt for an early breakfast at the camp followed by a full-day game drive. The itinerary remains flexible to prioritize the Great Migration. A significant portion of the day will be spent at the Mara River crossing points, observing the herds as they gather and attempt the river passage. Between crossing windows, the drive will explore the Kogatende plains and rocky kopjes, areas known for high concentrations of lion and leopard. You will return to the luxury tented camp in the late afternoon for dinner and your final night in the Serengeti.

Fri 17 Jul

Friday, 17 July: This morning is scheduled at a slower pace. After a relaxed breakfast, check out of your tented suite and transfer to Kogatende Airstrip for your onward flight to Zanzibar. The late-morning departure allows for a final view of the Serengeti plains before arriving in Zanzibar in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be met for your transfer to start the island portion of the itinerary.

What to expect