Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha – Serengeti National Park

   • Morning (08:00): Depart from Arusha in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. The drive takes you through the lush highlands of Karatu and provides your first breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim lookout point.

   • Midday: Enter the Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch and a short stretch up the hill for a 360-degree view of the plains.

   • Afternoon: Begin your first game drive as you head toward the Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti). This area is known as the "Big Cat Capital," famous for its high density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

   • Evening: Check into your lodge or tented camp in the Central Serengeti.

   Overnight: Serengeti National Park.

2. Day 2: Full Day – Serengeti National Park

   • Early Morning (06:30): Set out for a sunrise game drive. This is when predators are most active, and the light is perfect for photography.

   • Morning: Explore the various "kopjes" (massive granite rock formations) like Simba Kopjes, where lions often sunbathe. If you are there during the Migration (roughly May–July or November–January in the central/southern areas), your guide will track the herds.

   • Midday: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site or return to camp for a hot lunch and a short siesta during the heat of the day.

   • Late Afternoon: A final game drive to find the elusive leopard or perhaps a pride of lions on the hunt.

   Overnight: Serengeti National Park (same accommodation).

3. Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Back to Arusha

   • Very Early Morning (05:30): Check out and depart from the Serengeti with a packed breakfast and lunch. You will enjoy a final "en route" game drive as you exit the park.

   • Mid-Morning: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater and descend 600 meters (2,000 ft) into the caldera. This self-contained ecosystem is your best chance to see the Black Rhino.

   • Afternoon: After a 5–6 hour tour of the crater floor and lunch by the Hippo Pool, begin the ascent and start the drive back to Arusha.

   • Evening (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive back in Arusha for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.