Itinerary

1. Day 1: Zanzibar to Ngorongoro - Arrival and Crater Rim Views

   • You will be picked up from your hotel in Zanzibar and transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight to a nearby airstrip to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, such as Lake Manyara Airstrip (LKY) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) followed by a road transfer. The flight to LKY is shorter, while JRO offers more flight options.
   • Upon arrival at the chosen airstrip, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge or camp situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
   • After settling in and having lunch, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim. This offers an incredible introduction to the natural wonder you will explore the next day.
   • Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge with stunning crater views.

2. Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

   • After an early breakfast, you will descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing.
   • The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder teeming with wildlife. Its enclosed ecosystem supports a high density of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos (both black and white), buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of birdlife.
   • Your experienced guide will navigate the crater floor, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and close encounters.
   • A picnic lunch will be enjoyed within the crater.
   • In the late afternoon, you will ascend back to the crater rim for dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

3. Day 3: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti - Flight and Afternoon Game Drive

   • After breakfast, you will be transferred from the Ngorongoro area to a local airstrip (likely near Lake Manyara or a closer strip depending on logistics) for your flight to the central Serengeti (Seronera Airstrip - SEU).
   • Upon arrival, you will be met by your Serengeti-based guide and transferred to your accommodation in the central Serengeti.
   • After settling in and having lunch, you will embark on an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region. This area is a hub for wildlife and a likely location to find significant concentrations of the migrating herds in May.
   • Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your camp or lodge in the central Serengeti.

4. Central and Western Serengeti - Migration Focus and Game Drives

   Day 4 & 5: Central and Western Serengeti - Migration Focus and Game Drives

   • These two days will be dedicated to exploring the central and potentially western parts of the Serengeti, following the movement of the Great Migration.
   • Your knowledgeable guide will utilize their expertise to locate large herds of wildebeest and zebras, as well as the predators that follow them.
   • You will have ample opportunities for thrilling game drives, witnessing the sheer scale of the migration and the interactions between different species.
   • Depending on the migration's progress and river levels, you might have the chance to witness early Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor.
   • Picnic lunches will be provided to maximize your time in the field.
   • Evenings will be spent at your accommodation, sharing stories of the day's sightings and enjoying the Serengeti wilderness.

5. Day 4 & 5: Central and Western Serengeti - Migration Focus and Game Drives

   • These two days will be dedicated to exploring the central and potentially western parts of the Serengeti, following the movement of the Great Migration.
   • Your knowledgeable guide will utilize their expertise to locate large herds of wildebeest and zebras, as well as the predators that follow them.
   • You will have ample opportunities for thrilling game drives, witnessing the sheer scale of the migration and the interactions between different species.
   • Depending on the migration's progress and river levels, you might have the chance to witness early Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor.
   • Picnic lunches will be provided to maximize your time in the field.
   • Evenings will be spent at your accommodation, sharing stories of the day's sightings and enjoying the Serengeti wilderness.

6. Day 6: Serengeti - Further Exploration or Optional Activities

   • After breakfast, you can choose to have another full day of game drives in a different area of the Serengeti, perhaps exploring the southern Seronera region or venturing further west. Your guide will tailor the day based on wildlife activity and your interests.
   • Optional activities (at an extra cost) could include a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains for a breathtaking aerial view of the landscape and wildlife, or a visit to a local Maasai village for a cultural experience.
   • Enjoy your final evening in the Serengeti with dinner and reflection on your incredible safari.

7. Day 7: Serengeti to Zanzibar - Morning Game Drive and Departure

   • Enjoy a final early morning game drive to soak in the last moments of the Serengeti and potentially spot any wildlife you haven't yet seen.
   • Return to your camp or lodge for breakfast and to prepare for your departure.
   • You will be transferred to the local airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar (ZNZ).
   • Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari.