The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are the two most famous safari destinations in Tanzania, and they sit right next to each other, so almost every northern Tanzania safari combines them. This guide sets out the best Serengeti and Ngorongoro itinerary for 5 and 7 days and how to plan a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday. It also explains where the Great Migration is each month and shows the best time to add the beach.
Why combine the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
- Serengeti National Park: endless plains, huge predator numbers and the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
- Ngorongoro Crater: a vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, and one of the best places in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino.
- Easy routing: the road to the Serengeti passes the crater rim, so you can visit both without backtracking.
Sample 7-day Tanzania safari itinerary: Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha via Kilimanjaro International Airport, or by road or a short flight from Nairobi.
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park for big elephant herds and baobab trees.
- Day 3: Drive via the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti, with an afternoon game drive.
- Day 4: Full day in the Serengeti, following the big cats and, in season, the migration.
- Day 5: Morning in the Serengeti, then drive to the Ngorongoro rim.
- Day 6: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive and picnic lunch on the crater floor.
- Day 7: Return to Arusha for your flight, or fly to Zanzibar.
This follows our 7 Days Tanzania Wild Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, from US$2,889 per person. Short on time? The 5 Days Tanzania Wild Safari: Arusha, Serengeti and Ngorongoro from US$2,115 covers the two highlights, or try the 3 Days Serengeti Luxury Safari from US$1,670.
Where is the Great Migration each month?
The migration moves in a loop through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, following the rains. Timing shifts a little each year, but the general pattern is:
- December to March: southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. Calving season peaks around February, with many predators.
- April to May: the herds move north and west through the central Serengeti during the long rains.
- June to July: the western corridor and the Grumeti River crossings.
- July to October: the northern Serengeti and the Mara River crossings, with many herds moving into the Masai Mara in Kenya.
- November: the herds head south again with the short rains.
Your lodge location matters: in calving season, stay in the south, and from July to October, stay in the north. Comparing the Kenyan side? See our best time to visit the Masai Mara.
Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater
Game drives on the crater floor are limited to a set number of hours per visit, so most itineraries spend one morning or one full day in the crater. Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, flamingos on the soda lake and a good chance of black rhino. The rim is high and cool, so pack a warm layer.
Park fees for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Serengeti: US$82.60 per adult per day for most of the year, or US$70.80 from mid-March to mid-May.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: US$70.80 per adult.
- Crater descent: US$295 per vehicle for each descent, shared by everyone in the vehicle.
- Tarangire: US$59 per adult per day for most of the year.
These fees include VAT and are usually built into your package price. Our Tanzania safari cost guide explains the full budget.
When to combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a short flight from Arusha or the Serengeti airstrips, which makes it the perfect place to end a safari. The best months to combine the two are:
- June to October: the dry season, with excellent game viewing and sunny, breezy beach weather. The northern Serengeti crossings and great beach days line up well.
- December to February: hot and mostly dry in Zanzibar, and calving season in the southern Serengeti.
- Avoid April and May if you can: the long rains make some safari roads muddy and some Zanzibar hotels close for the season.
Our 12 Days Tanzania Wild Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday from US$5,232 combines both, or add a 6 Days Zanzibar Holiday Package to any safari. Remember that foreign visitors to Zanzibar must buy the mandatory government travel insurance, currently US$44 per adult. Read our Zanzibar holiday guide for beaches and things to do.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
At least five days: two to three nights in the Serengeti and one day in the crater. Seven days lets you add Tarangire and travel at a relaxed pace.
How many days do I need for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar?
Ten to twelve days works well: five to seven days on safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then four to five nights on a Zanzibar beach.
Can I combine Kenya and Tanzania on one safari?
Yes. Many travellers start with the Masai Mara in Kenya, then cross to Arusha for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater worth it?
Yes. It is one of the densest wildlife areas in Africa and one of the best places in Tanzania to see black rhino.
When is the best time to see the migration in the Serengeti?
For calving, January to March in the south. For river crossings, July to October in the north.
Plan your Tanzania safari
Tell us your dates and we will match your Serengeti lodges to where the migration will be. Request a free proposal.
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