The overland route to the Serengeti is a full day of driving, however you cut it. This itinerary swaps that drive for a light-aircraft flight, so you're out on the plains within a few hours of leaving Arusha. You then explore the Serengeti at an easy pace before driving out overland, with a full day down in the Ngorongoro Crater among the Big Five and a final stretch among Tarangire's baobabs and elephant herds. It suits travellers who'd rather spend their limited days in the bush than on the road getting there.
Safari HighlightsAfter breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for a light-aircraft flight over the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Rift Valley escarpment, landing on an airstrip in the heart of the Serengeti. Your driver-guide meets you on arrival for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the plains.
🏨 Overnight: Lions Paw Serengeti CampSpend the day in the Seronera Valley, where the Serengeti's resident wildlife concentrates year-round. Lion, leopard and cheetah are all regularly seen along the river courses and rocky kopjes here, though as always, sightings depend a little on luck and timing.
🏨 Overnight: Lions Paw Serengeti CampAfter a final morning game drive, start the overland drive out via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at viewpoints along the crater rim before dropping down to your lodge on the highlands.
🏨 Overnight: Escarpment Luxury LodgeDescend at dawn into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game viewing among dense concentrations of lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo, with a picnic lunch beside the Lerai Forest. In the afternoon, drive on to Tarangire National Park in time for a late game drive among the baobabs as the light softens.
🏨 Overnight: Tarangire TreetopsOne last game drive along the Tarangire River, where the park's elephant herds tend to congregate, before the drive back to Arusha and on to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
✈ Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport| Season | Per Person (sharing) | Group of 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (Jul–Sep, late Dec) | $4,440 | $22,640 |
| High Season (Jun, Oct) | $3,890 | $19,840 |
| Low Season (Mar–May) | $3,240 | $16,520 |
June through October brings the driest conditions and the smoothest overland drive-out through Ngorongoro and Tarangire, plus generally clear skies for the flight into the Serengeti. December through February is also a good option, with greener scenery and calving season on the southern plains. The long rains from March to May bring the lowest fares of the year and quieter camps, though the odd afternoon shower can push flight schedules around.
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