8-Day Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti Horizon (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Group Tour Only
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and tented camps with essential amenities, guided wildlife and cultural activities, and scenic transitions through Tanzania’s most iconic ecosystems
Tanzania’s Highland Majesty & Savannah Grandeur
This 8-day itinerary takes you from the misty escarpments and volcanic craters of the Ngorongoro Highlands to the endless golden plains of the Serengeti. It’s a journey that showcases the full spectrum of Tanzania’s natural beauty, from lush montane forests and crater lakes to lion-stalked savannahs and wildebeest herds. Designed for group travelers, this safari offers immersive game drives, cultural encounters, and comfortable accommodations that keep you close to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Serengeti National Park with chances to witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
- Exploration of Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera
- Guided hike in Empakaai Crater and visit to Olmoti Crater
- Cultural visit to a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and highland forests
- Midrange lodges and tented camps with en-suite rooms, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
Major Attractions
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Ngorongoro Highlands | Crater lakes, volcanic landscapes, Maasai culture |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Big Five, dense wildlife, dramatic scenery |
| Empakaai & Olmoti Craters | Hiking, flamingos, forest trails |
| Serengeti National Park | Big Five, Great Migration, endless plains |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Arusha → Ngorongoro (~4 hours), Ngorongoro → Serengeti (~5–6 hours), Serengeti → Arusha (~8 hours or 1-hour flight)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available from Serengeti to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
- Transfers: All ground transport provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof, bottled water, and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Group Briefing
Activities:
- Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to lodge
- Evening group briefing and welcome dinner
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Arusha Planet Lodge / Ilboru Safari Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant
Day 2: Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands & Olmoti Crater Hike
Activities:
- Morning scenic drive to Ngorongoro Highlands
- Afternoon guided hike to Olmoti Crater and waterfall
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Ngorongoro Forest Lodge / Rhino Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, fireplace, local cuisine
Day 3: Empakaai Crater Hike & Maasai Village Visit
Activities:
- Morning hike down into Empakaai Crater to view flamingos and crater lake
- Afternoon cultural visit to a Maasai village for storytelling and dance
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Activities:
- Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing
- Afternoon crater rim picnic and scenic drive
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti via Ndutu Plains
Activities:
- Morning drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into Serengeti
- Afternoon game drive en route to central Serengeti
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Thorn Tree Camp
Amenities: En-suite tents, solar lighting, campfire area
Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives
Activities:
- Morning game drive focused on predator sightings and migration herds
- Afternoon visit to hippo pool or optional nature walk
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Sunrise Safari & Return to Arusha
Activities:
- Early morning game drive in Serengeti
- Scenic drive or optional flight back to Arusha
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 8: Departure from Arusha
Activities:
- Group breakfast and airport transfer
- Optional souvenir shopping or city tour (time permitting)
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Tanzanian visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Warm layers for early mornings and highland hikes
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Moderate fitness level for crater hikes and game drives
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 7 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
- Guided hikes in Empakaai and Olmoti Craters
- Maasai village visit
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha Planet Lodge | Arusha | Pool, Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms |
| Ngorongoro Forest Lodge | Ngorongoro | Fireplace, crater views, en-suite rooms |
| Serengeti Heritage Camp | Serengeti | En-suite tents, campfire, local cuisine |
Explore Tanzania’s Highlands & Horizon
This midrange group safari offers the perfect blend of volcanic landscapes, cultural depth, and savannah spectacle, ideal for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers.
Let the crater echo. Let the plains stretch. Let your journey begin.