Northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA): Directly borders the southeastern Serengeti. It holds the Ngorongoro Crater, an UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonder. The crater floor presents an incredible density of wildlife. A long day trip from southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) is an option. It most often functions as a distinct stopover between Serengeti and Arusha on a multi-day safari.
Olduvai Gorge: (See Section 8.1) Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this major paleoanthropological site often becomes a fascinating stop en route to or from Serengeti.
Beyond Serengeti, other national parks offer diverse natural experiences, and cultural excursions await.
Located south of Arusha, Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. It presents a different landscape and wildlife viewing experience, especially thriving during the dry season (June-October).
Known for its tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and a beautiful soda lake that often hosts flamingos. This park offers varied habitats and is often a first or last stop on a Northern Circuit safari.
Beyond wildlife, discover diverse opportunities to tailor your journey.
Combine your Serengeti experience with Ngorongoro Crater (1-2 days) and Tarangire National Park (1-2 days). This creates a classic Northern Circuit safari.
After safari, fly to Zanzibar for beach relaxation, diving, snorkeling, and cultural exploration in Stone Town. Direct flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro make access easy.
Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru give trekking and climbing expeditions. Their bases are near Arusha, presenting a different type of adventure.
A 24-hour layover is not applicable for Serengeti National Park due to its remote location. A minimum of 2-3 full days inside the park is practical.
Experience the classic Northern Circuit, combining Serengeti with other iconic parks over seven days.
Your budget influences your safari, and timing your visit with seasonal events deepens the experience.
For cost-effective travel, group camping safaris are a good choice. These often run for 3-5 days and cover Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Manyara.
Choose small group or private safaris staying in comfortable tented camps or lodges. This presents a balanced itinerary covering multiple parks.
This includes a private safari vehicle with a dedicated guide. You stay in exclusive luxury tented camps or lodges.
Align your visit with seasonal highlights for a specific experience.
Prime time for the Great Migration river crossings (especially July-October in the north). It also offers excellent general wildlife viewing due to animals concentrating around water.
This period features the calving season in the southern Serengeti (late January to February), bringing high predator action. The landscape turns lush and green, and prices are lower.
Embrace the green season (April-May). This period presents dramatic skies, fewer crowds, and superior birdwatching. Prices are significantly lower. Be prepared for rain and potentially challenging road conditions.
