Dsicover 6 Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro family Safaris

Your family’s grand Tanzanian adventure awaits! This 6-day safari, focusing on the iconic Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of African wilderness. From January, February, June to December is a prime time for this itinerary, as it’s the dry season, leading to superb wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti. The weather during this time is generally pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings, and warm, sunny days.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Warm Welcome to Arusha

Your family’s grand safari adventure begins with your arrival in Tanzania, landing at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Upon disembarkation, you’ll be warmly greeted by your friendly and professional safari guide, who will be your expert companion throughout this incredible journey. After a brief introduction, you’ll be transferred to your chosen accommodation in Arusha – whether it’s a budget-friendly hotel, a comfortable mid-range lodge, or a luxurious resort for your overnight. Settle in, unpack, and take some time to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you might enjoy a leisurely. Dinner will be served at your hotel, offering a taste of local or international cuisine, setting a relaxed tone for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – The Plains Call

After a hearty breakfast at your Arusha hotel, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. This will be a scenic drive, often taking between 6 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and where your camp is located within the Serengeti. The drive itself is an experience, transitioning from the bustling town to the vast. Seemingly endless plains that define the Serengeti. You’ll carry a packed lunch to enjoy en route. Perhaps at a scenic viewpoint where you can stretch your legs and absorb the expansive vistas. You will be at Nabi Gate around 14:30.

As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape transforms, and the sense of anticipation builds. Keep your eyes peeled as your first game drive officially begins upon entering the park gates. The Serengeti in July is often alive with the Great Migration, with massive herds of wildebeest and zebra typically moving towards the northern reaches, preparing for the dramatic river crossings. Your afternoon game drive will focus on locating these magnificent herds and the abundance of other resident wildlife. Including lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and various antelopes. As the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the plains. You’ll arrive at your chosen accommodation – be it a budget camping site, a comfortable mid-range tented camp, or a luxurious lodge– for dinner and an unforgettable night under the vast African sky.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Full Day of Wilderness Wonders

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and prepare for a full day of exhilarating game drives in the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, you’ll head out, maximizing your chances of witnessing the park’s incredible wildlife in action. Your guide, with their extensive knowledge of animal behavior and local conditions, will expertly navigate the vast plains, seeking out prime viewing opportunities.

Serengeti National Park is a fantastic month for observing predators as they follow the migrating herds. You might witness a lion pride on the hunt, cheetahs stalking their prey with incredible speed, or leopards camouflaged in the trees. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti teems with diverse wildlife: towering giraffes nibbling on acacia leaves, robust buffaloes, and various antelope species. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch out in the bush. Allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the wilderness. The afternoon will bring more incredible sightings, perhaps a family of elephants at a watering hole or a rare bird species. As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight, sharing tales of the day’s adventures around the campfire.

Day 4: Serengeti En Route Game Drive to Ngorongoro Crater – A Change of Scenery

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti after breakfast, making the most of your last moments in this iconic park. Depending on your departure time and where the wildlife is, your guide will tailor this game drive to maximize your last viewing opportunities. Perhaps you’ll catch a final glimpse of a pride of lions or a graceful cheetah.

After a packed lunch, you’ll begin your scenic journey out of the Serengeti and towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you through varied landscapes, gradually ascending into the cooler, greener highlands surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater. This evening, you’ll check into your chosen accommodation near the crater rim. The anticipation builds for tomorrow’s exploration of the “Garden of Eden.” Enjoy a relaxing dinner, reflecting on the vastness of the Serengeti and preparing for the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro. Dinner and overnight at a Campsite, mid-range, or luxury accommodations.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Game Drive & Return to Arusha – The Grand Finale

Today is undoubtedly a highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, you’ll descend the steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater for an incredible 5-6 hour game drive on the crater floor. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this collapsed volcanic caldera is a natural marvel, concentrating an astonishing array of wildlife within its protective walls.

The crater offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. Your family will have an excellent chance of spotting the “Big Five” – lion, leopard (though often elusive), elephant, black rhino (a rare and special sighting), and buffalo – all within this relatively compact area. Witness massive hippos lounging in the Ngoitokitok Springs, zebras and wildebeest grazing the open plains, and various bird species, including vibrant flamingos in the soda lakes. Your guide will share fascinating insights into this unique ecosystem. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by this natural spectacle. After a full and thrilling game drive. You’ll ascend from the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha (approximately 3-4 hours’ drive). Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll check into your chosen hotel for your final overnight stay, reminiscing about the incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 6: Farewell in Tanzania – Departure Day

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, at the appropriate time, your safari guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and transfer you to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward flight. As you depart, you’ll carry with you not just photographs. But a lifetime of cherished family memories – the roars of lions, the dust of the migration, the vastness of the plains, and the unique beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Practical Information for Families

Clothing. Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green) to blend in and minimize insect attraction. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are crucial for sun protection and evening insect bites. Essential additions are a warm jacket, fleece, or even a light down jacket for chilly early mornings and evenings. Especially at Ngorongoro’s higher altitude.

Footwear.  Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sturdy boots are recommended. Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing around the lodge/camp are also useful.

Sun Protection. Wide-brimmed hats, high-quality sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are absolute must-haves for everyone.

Insect Repellent. A DEET-based repellent is highly recommended to protect against mosquitoes (which can carry malaria) and tsetse flies. Consider protective clothing for children.

Camera Gear.  Bring a good camera with a strong zoom lens (200mm+ is highly recommended for wildlife photography), extra batteries, and plenty of memory cards. A power bank for charging devices is also a good idea. Consider a small, robust camera for younger family members.

Health. Consult your doctor well in advance about anti-malarial medication for all family members, as well as any necessary vaccinations. Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit with any personal medications, pain relievers (including children’s dosages), anti-diarrhea medication, allergy relief, antiseptic wipes, and band-aids.

Miscellaneous. Binoculars (one pair per person or shared between two, as they significantly enhance viewing), reusable water bottles, small daypacks for daily essentials, and universal travel adapters. Soft-sided duffel bags are preferred over hard suitcases for easier packing in safari vehicles. For families, consider bringing books, card games, or small travel games for downtime.