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Serengeti And Ngorongoro Small Group Safari

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Duration

7 Days

Starts In

Arusha

Route

Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park

This shared safari captures the very best of Tanzania's northern circuit, traveling in comfortable 4x4 vehicles alongside fellow travelers as expert driver-guides lead the way across some of Africa's most iconic landscapes. From Lake Manyara's escarpment views to the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, guests track the Big Five and witness the drama of the annual wildebeest migration, with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari offering an unforgettable aerial perspective. The journey reaches its dramatic finale within the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles, where over 30,000 animals roam a self-contained volcanic caldera. With full-board Serena lodges throughout, this shared-vehicle itinerary delivers a complete, richly rewarding introduction to Tanzania's premier safari destinations.

SMALL GROUP SAFARI - 7 Days / 6 Nights featuring the National Parks of Tanzania. Includes private arrival & departure transfers, accommodations in Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and game drives as indicated in the itinerary. This itinerary is also available as a Private Safari

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Game Drives: As Per Itinerary

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Karibu Tanzania — Arrival in Arusha

Your journey begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a warm welcome and swift clearance through customs and immigration lead to a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight's stay is at the Arusha Serena Hotel, on a bed and breakfast basis, set at the foot of Mount Meru amid coffee plantations on the shores of tranquil Lake Duluti. Designed in the spirit of the colonial coffee farm that once stood here, the hotel offers cottage-style rooms, landscaped grounds, and easy access to walking, mountain biking, and canoeing — a relaxed, scenic introduction to Tanzania before your shared safari begins in earnest tomorrow.

Day
2

Day 2: Into the Rift — Arusha to Lake Manyara

With the morning at leisure, guests can add optional activities at the hotel before a safari briefing and lunch set the stage for the journey ahead. Departing Arusha by shared safari vehicle, the busy city gives way to vast plains dotted with thatched huts, where children can often be seen tending cattle and sheep as the imposing wall of the Great Rift Valley rises on the horizon. Arriving at your lodge perched above the escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara National Park, dinner and overnight await at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, full board included, with sweeping views over the park below.

Day
3

Day 3: Tree-Climbing Lions to Endless Plains — Manyara to the Serengeti

A morning game drive through Lake Manyara National Park brings the chance to spot the park's famous tree-climbing lions before returning to the lodge for lunch. From there, your shared safari vehicle departs for the Serengeti, passing through Naabi Gate — the park's iconic entrance — with game viewing continuing en route to your lodge, arriving in time for dinner. Covering nearly 14,750 square kilometers, the Serengeti is home to the Big Five alongside cheetah, hyena, and the annual wildebeest migration, one of the natural world's most spectacular events. Tonight's stay is at Serengeti Serena Lodge, its award-winning architecture set high on a ridge overlooking the Western Corridor and Grumeti River.

Day
4

Day 4: Sunrise Over the Serengeti — A Shared Day of Game Drives

For early risers, an optional shared hot air balloon safari lifts off at sunrise, drifting silently over the plains before descending to treetop level for an intimate view of the wildlife below, followed by a celebratory bush breakfast (offered at additional cost). For everyone else, the day unfolds with shared morning and afternoon game drives across the Serengeti's endless grassland, tracking lion, elephant, leopard, and the great migratory herds that define this landscape. Dinner and overnight follow back at Serengeti Serena Lodge, its vanishing-horizon pool and Makonde-carved dining room offering a fitting close to a day spent among Africa's most celebrated wildlife.

Day
5

Day 5: Into the Highlands — Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Departing the Serengeti, your shared safari vehicle continues toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with game viewing en route and a picnic lunch served along the way. Arriving at your lodge perched on the crater rim, the afternoon is at leisure, giving time to take in one of the most dramatic views in Africa before dinner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro is home to an estimated 30,000 animals within its crater walls, alongside the Maasai people who have lived here for centuries. Tonight's stay is at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, built from local river stone and camouflaged entirely into the crater rim landscape.

Day
6

Day 6: Into the Crater — A Shared Day Among 30,000 Animals

An early departure carries your shared safari group down to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife arenas. Within just 102 square miles, more than 30,000 resident mammals create exceptional odds of spotting all of the Big Five in a single day. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at a scenic spot on the crater floor before the afternoon return to the rim, and back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Few wildlife experiences anywhere in the world match the sheer density and drama of a full day spent within this ancient volcanic amphitheater. Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.

Day
7

Day 7: Journey's End — Ngorongoro to Arusha

Early risers can catch a final sunrise over the crater's eastern rim before breakfast and departure. The journey retraces its route to Arusha, arriving in the city for lunch, before a transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your onward flight, bringing this shared seven-day safari to its close. From Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions to the Serengeti's endless plains and the volcanic grandeur of the Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary has delivered a complete and memorable introduction to Tanzania's northern safari circuit, shared every step of the way with expert guides and fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari package?

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari package includes the following: - Accommodations as per itinerary - Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Private arrival and departure transfers - Game drives as indicated in the itinerary - 24-hour emergency assistance from Keytours. Please note that items of a personal nature, travel insurance, and gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.

How do we travel between destinations on this itinerary?

Travel between destinations on this itinerary is conducted in comfortable shared 4x4 safari vehicles. The journey includes transfers from Arusha to Lake Manyara, from Lake Manyara to the Serengeti, and from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro, with game viewing en route. This allows for an immersive experience as you traverse some of Tanzania's most iconic landscapes.

Can I customize the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary can be customized. Keytours Vacations offers options for private safaris if you prefer a more personalized experience. Additionally, you can add optional activities such as a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. For specific customization requests, it's best to consult with a Keytours travel consultant.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during this tour?

During the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari, you will stay in comfortable lodges, including the Arusha Serena Hotel, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge, and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Each lodge offers unique amenities and stunning views, ensuring a relaxing and scenic experience throughout your safari.

Is travel insurance included in this package?

No, travel insurance is not included in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari package. It is highly recommended to inquire about travel insurance options with your Keytours travel consultant to ensure you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

What type of travelers is this itinerary best suited for?

This itinerary is well-suited for small groups, families, and adventure seekers looking to experience Tanzania's wildlife and natural wonders. With a mix of guided game drives and opportunities for optional activities, it caters to both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers seeking a comprehensive safari experience.

What should I know about gratuities and personal expenses on this tour?

Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts are not included in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Small Group Safari package and are at your discretion. Additionally, items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs or additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, are also not included. It's advisable to budget for these expenses accordingly.

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Yes

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