Serengeti National Park, recognized as a World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world and is considered the world’s oldest protected eco-system. The Park as we know it today was established in 1951, but a smaller
area first received protection in the years 1921-29 by the British to prevent decimation of the lion population. The park itself is 5,700 square miles, but the more extensive Serengeti eco-system is over 9,600 square miles of protected land from
Ngorongoro all the way to Loliondo and Kenya (the smaller Maasai Mara) and including the Maswa Game Reserve on the southern boundary of the park. The Serengeti is the largest national park in Tanzania, with a staggering animal population of almost four million and 523 recorded species of birds!
Day 1: June 15, 2026: Drive to Serengeti National Park
Today, journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, known for its vast plains and the annual Great Migration. On your way, you have the option to visit a traditional Maasai boma, where you can immerse yourself in the Maasai culture, witnessing their dances, traditional attire, and unique way of life.
Alternatively, you can stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in the world, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Here, you will visit the museum and learn about the early human fossils discovered by Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey.
Continue your drive to Serengeti, entering through Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. As you traverse the park, keep an eye out for herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Arrive at your camp in the late afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and overnight under the African stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Serengeti Signature Luxury Camp
Days 2: June 16, 2026: Serengeti Full Day Game Drives
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. The Serengeti is not only known for the Great Migration but also for its incredible biodiversity. Depending on the time of year, you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras making their perilous journey across the plains, often pursued by predators.
Your game drives will take you to different parts of the park, from the Seronera Valley in central Serengeti, known for its year-round lion population, to the western corridor and the Grumeti River, where you might spot crocodiles lurking in the water. Your expert guide will tailor the game drives to maximize wildlife sightings and offer fascinating insights into animal behavior.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. In the evenings, return to your camp, where you can relax around the campfire, sharing stories with fellow travelers, or simply enjoy the solitude and beauty of the Serengeti wilderness. Dinner provided back at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Serengeti Signature Luxury Camp
Day 3: June 17, 2026: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for Game Drives to Karatu
After an early breakfast, head back into the crater to continue game drives with your expert guides. Had it not become the world's sixth-largest unbroken caldera, then what is now known as the Ngorongoro Crater could have been a towering volcanic mountain, as high as Kilimanjaro. It is a large, unbroken, un-flooded caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed some three million years ago. You might talk to your safari guides about poaching and anti-poaching efforts in Tanzania to protect the animals.
Ngorongoro Crater boasts the highest density of hyena in any location in Africa. It is also known for its diverse bird population and birding. The crater houses animals of all sizes including the big 5 of Africa: buffalo, elephant, rhino, lions, and leopards. Do not forget your camera! The only animals you will not see in the crater are the impala and giraffe. It is not known why impala do not inhabit the crater, but giraffes are unable to descend the steep grade without lowering their heads which raises their blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the breath-taking scenery on the crater floor before continuing your wildlife exploration. In the late afternoon, return to Ngorongoro Coffee lodge in Karatu for dinner, and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Day 4: June 18, 2026: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport with Lunch Stop in Arusha
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge in Karatu before starting your scenic drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
En route, stop in Arusha for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, offering a final taste of Tanzanian cuisine. Afterward, continue to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your memorable journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
PROGRAM INFO
Date: June 15-18, 2026 (arrival home June 19)
Length: 3 nights, 4 days
Extension cost: $2,299
Single Supplement: $299
Inclusions: Local transport, excursions as mentioned, meals as mentioned, local English-speaking guide, accommodations as noted.
Not Included: Meals not mentioned, drinks at lodges or extras, tips to local staff, single room upgrades (additional expense) and any personal expenses.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Serengeti Signature Luxury Camp
T: +255 754665827
Their extra-large luxury safari tents, on wooden platforms, are all custom made from the finest canvas and brand new for the 2023 season. Within, you will find luxurious King size beds (king single for the second bedroom of the family tents if children are travelling), premium linen, a comfortable lounge area for relaxing and a study area if emails are piling up. Each luxury tent has its own ensuite with endless hot water in your personal glass shower, flush toilet in a separate area, double sinks, and of course, luxury amenities for your comfort. Outside is a covered verandah and seating area that is perfect for game viewing, relaxing and sunsets, after your day on safari in the Serengeti National Park. Communal spaces include large dining and lounge tents, both raised on wooden platforms for optimal animal sighting and views of the landscape, with large viewing decks and wheelchair access.
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
P.O. Box 342 | Karatu – Tanzania
Mobile: +255 758 563 354
https://ngorongorocoffeelodge.com/
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is nestled up against the Ngorongoro Forest Reserve offering stunning views over a working coffee plantation onto the forest. Catering to safari visitors, Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is located between the villages of Rhotia and Karatu on the northern Tanzania safari circuit. The luxurious lodge is well situated for visiting Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. Twenty-six cottages, including three two-room family suites, comprise spacious accommodation with hand-crafted furniture, a private verandah, fireplace, indoor and outdoor shower and a ‘slipper’ bathtub. Each room has two large beds, a seating area, writing desk and chair plus ample closet space. An expansive common area houses reception, lounge, bar and dining room complete with complimentary wi-fi. A large veranda overlooks the swimming pool, spa and guest rooms; a perfect space for enjoying afternoon tea or evening cocktails. There is a small gift shop as well.