Overview
This 9-day itinerary is built around the Great Migration in southern Serengeti, paired with the Ngorongoro Crater — often called Africa's Eden for its density of wildlife within a single contained caldera — and Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions and its own seasonal wildebeest movement.
Nine days gives enough time to properly cover all three locations rather than treating any of them as a rushed single stop, at a genuinely accessible price point for a trip of this length.
See our migration route and timing guide, or contact us to book this itinerary.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (9 days)
ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer from Abakombe Tours waiting at the Airport to pick up you to Arusha at Moivaro Coffee Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at Moivaro Coffee Lodge, which is beautifully located on the coffee farms and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
Dinner and overnight at Moivaro Coffee Lodge: Half board
GAME DRIVE TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK.
After your breakfast, start your safari by driving to lush and beautiful Manyara National Park for game viewing. At 1300 hrs takes your lunch in the park picnic area.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge: Full board.
GAME DRIVE TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
Morning breakfast at your lodge followed by en-route game drive to Serengeti Plains via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After a picnic lunch proceeds with your game drive in the central Serengeti national park around Seronera or trace the direction of the migration.
Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp: Full board.
A FULL DAY GAME DRIVE TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
Depending on the time of the year and the migration of the herds you can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffe, zebras, Monkey, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes as well as a multitude of birds.
Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp: Full board.
ANOTHER FULL DAY GAME DRIVE TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
After breakfast, we will take the packed lunch with us and proceed with the game drive in the Serengeti National Park. The migration can be seen on a long chain approximately 40 Km heading to the southwestern direction. Around 1230 and 1300 break for your lunch. After having our lunch we will proceed with our game viewing following the move of the migrants on the southwest of the park. Approximately 1.3 million wildebeest, 250,000 gazelles, and 200,000 Zebras have been recorded sharing the short grass.
Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp: Full board.
SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER.
An early morning game drive in the Serengeti followed by picnic lunch on the way to Ngorongoro crater. We will stop at Olduvai Gorge, the site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s renowned archaeological discoveries. Their findings include some of the man’s earliest known ancestral remains.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Kirurumu Tented Camp: Full board.
GAME DRIVE IN NGORONGORO CRATER.
Today we will descend 2000 feet (over 600 meters) to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for your crater tour. Here you will explore the forest areas inhabited by monkeys and elephants, the lake area, where we may see flamingos. We will also visit the open savannah where the lions hunt. Picnic lunch will be served in the crater.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Marare Valley Lodge: Full board.
NGORONGORO CRATER TO KIA LODGE.
This lovely lodge is located near the airport and your accommodations will be in one of the 40 charming bungalows set among the gardens. The open-air bar has a magnificent view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Relax the remainder of the day by the pool, or soak in the view from your bungalow. A late dinner buffet for those flying in late is provided.
Dinner and overnight at Kia Lodge: Full board.
KIA LODGE TO THE AIRPORT.
We will arrange a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after your safari.
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Serengeti National Park and ends in Lake Manyara National Park.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.