Wild Serengeti-Ngorongoro Odyssey: A 9-Night, 10-Day Tanzanian Safari through Southern Serengeti, Ndutu, and Ngorongoro Crater

Flight: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Transfer: Private transfer to your hotel in Arusha Accommodation: Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Arusha As you step foot on Tanzanian soil at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the anticipation of adventure fills the air. A private transfer awaits to whisk you away to your luxury abode in Arusha. Take this time to rest and rejuvenate after your journey, enjoying the comforts of your accommodation, or, if time permits, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city. Stroll through bustling markets where artisans display their crafts, sample the local cuisine in charming cafes, and feel the warmth of the Tanzanian people welcoming you to the gateway of Tanzania's wilderness. Tonight, a detailed briefing awaits, setting the stage for the unforgettable journey ahead. Prepare to embark on an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, beginning with the beauty and hospitality of Arusha.

Flight: Transfer to Serengeti Kusini Airstrip, Southern Serengeti Transfer: Private transfer to your safari lodge/camp Accommodation: Overnight stay at a luxury lodge/camp in Southern Serengeti Journey into the stunning Southern Serengeti. This region is characterized by its rolling hills, open savannahs, and kopjes, providing a dramatic backdrop for wildlife sightings. Settle into your luxurious lodge or camp and enjoy a gourmet lunch as you prepare to explore this gem of the Serengeti's dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse birdlife. The Southern Serengeti is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, playing a vital part in the Serengeti ecosystem. During the wet season, the Southern Serengeti transforms into a lush paradise, attracting massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. This area is pivotal during the Great Migration, especially from December to March when the plains are teeming with life. This period coincides with the calving season, where over 8,000 calves are born daily, attracting numerous predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, leading to dramatic predator-prey interactions. The Southern Serengeti is not only a haven for large mammals but also boasts rich avian life, with species ranging from the majestic secretary bird to the colourful lilac-breasted roller, offering picturesque settings for bird watching and photography. Spend the next three days on thrilling game drives and bushwalks through the Southern Serengeti, where the landscape is as captivating as the wildlife. The area offers close encounters with the Big Five and attracts large herds of migratory animals during the Great Migration, making it a prime location for witnessing the raw beauty of nature.

Drive: Scenic transfer to Ndutu Area Transfer: Private transfer to your safari lodge/camp Accommodation: Overnight stay at a luxury lodge/camp in Ndutu Area Bid farewell to Southern Serengeti plains and embark on a scenic drive to the lush Ndutu Area, renowned for its seasonal wildlife gatherings and where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area reveals its nurturing side. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious accommodation that provides a tranquil retreat amidst untouched landscapes and immerse yourself in the wilderness. Spend your days exploring remote corners of the Ndutu Area through game drives and bush walks, witnessing the dramatic calving season where thousands of newborn wildebeest calves take their first steps. The Ndutu area offers solitude and beauty, with majestic predators roaming freely. The sunsets over the Ndutu, casting a golden glow over the savanna, provide perfect moments for reflection and appreciation of nature's grandeur. The Ndutu Area is a critical part of the annual Great Migration, a captivating region defined by its lush riverine forests and the seasonal Ndutu Lake. From December to March, this region becomes a nursery for the wildebeest, with thousands of calves born each day during the calving season. This period attracts a high concentration of predators, making it an excellent time for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions. The landscape here is a mix of grassy plains and alkaline lakes, creating a picturesque backdrop for wildlife photography. Ndutu is also a prime location for bird watching, with numerous species thriving in the diverse habitats. Guided walks and night drives, available at our lodges, offer unique perspectives on the region's ecology and nocturnal wildlife. Staying in the Ndutu area allows visitors to experience the raw and dynamic nature of the Serengeti ecosystem, especially during the calving season, when the circle of life is vividly on display.

Drive: Scenic transfer to Ngorongoro Crater Transfer: Private transfer to your safari lodge/camp Accommodation: Overnight stay at a luxury lodge/camp in Ngorongoro Crater Continue your adventure with a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique safari destinations on the planet. Your luxurious accommodation here offers a perfect base for exploring this natural wonder. Over these days, you will descend into the crater for game drives,witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife that resides within this ancient caldera. From the large elephant herds and black rhinos to the vibrant flocks of flamingos on the Crater Lake, the Ngorongoro Crater provides a breathtaking and unforgettable safari experience. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, is the crown jewel of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This vast volcanic caldera, created by the cataclysmic collapse of a massive volcano around three million years ago, spans approximately 260 square kilometers and descends over 600 meters deep. As the world’s largest intact caldera, it serves as a self-contained haven for a remarkable array of wildlife, hosting over 25,000 large animals, including the iconic Big Five: black-manned lions, large tusker elephants, stealthy leopards, tempered buffalos, and the critically endangered black rhinos. The scenery is equally breathtaking, with the crater's grassy plains, acacia woodlands, marshlands, and the shimmering saline Lake Magadi, which attracts flocks of pink flamingos and more than 500 bird species. The forested rim of the crater provides stunning panoramic views and a habitat for a variety of bird species, including the Schalow’s turaco and the white-eyed slaty flycatcher. Here, visitors can embark on unforgettable game drives, witnessing the stunning interplay of geological forces and ecological diversity. The Ngorongoro Crater's awe-inspiring landscapes and abundant wildlife make it an indispensable highlight of any Tanzanian safari adventure, offering a glimpse into the primeval beauty and grandeur of the natural world.

Flight: Transfer to Arusha Airstrip, Arusha Transfer: Private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro As your safari adventure concludes, return to Arusha, reflecting on your unforgettable experiences. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city's attractions. In the evening, share a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your journey through Tanzania’s wilderness. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying cherished memories of your Tanzanian safari adventure. Join Hinterlands Explorers on this Wild Serengeti-Ngorongoro Odyssey for an adventure that promises to be as transformative as it is unforgettable. From the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro and the cultural experience of Arusha enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Tanzania’s rich heritage, mixed with personalized experience tailored to provide an intimate and enriching safari experience. Luxury accommodations offer comfort and elegance amidst the wild landscapes. Every moment of this journey is a testament to the wonders of nature. Let the enchanting sights and sounds of Tanzania inspire you, creating memories that will last a lifetime.