Explore Mkomazi, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park
Safari Overview
Experience Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and landscapes with this unique safari combining the remote and conservation-focused Mkomazi National Park, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti plains. This journey blends off-the-beaten-track adventure, cultural encounters, and classic safari wildlife viewing ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity and the Big Five experience
OVERVIEW
EXEPERIENCE DETAILS
June to October (dry season, best for wildlife & road conditions)
7 days 6 nights
Trip Duration
Inclusions:
· Airport transfers and all road transfers
· Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide
· Park entry fees
· All game drives in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
· Accommodation as specified
· Meals as indicated
· Bottled water in vehicle
· Picnic lunch in Ngorongoro Crater
Exclusions:
· International flights
· Visa fees
· Travel insurance
· Drinks and personal expenses
· Tips/gratuities
· Optional activities not included in itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon)
· Airport departure taxes
Safari Highlight
Witness the rare and inspiring conservation success of Mkomazi National Park, where black rhinos and African wild dogs roam freely in a pristine wilderness. Stand on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater a vast natural amphitheatre teeming with some of Africa’s densest wildlife populations, including the elusive black rhino and the majestic lion. Finally, experience the Serengeti’s endless savannahs, tracking the iconic Big Cats and, depending on the season, marvel at the dramatic wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River—a true spectacle of nature’s power and resilience.
SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival – Transfer to Mkomazi National Park
· Overview: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), transfer to Mkomazi National Park. Afternoon game drive or walking safari.
· Highlights: Rare sightings of black rhinos, Grevy’s zebra, African wild dogs. Conservation insights.
· Overnight: Lodge or camp near Mkomazi
· Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Safari in Mkomazi National Park
· Overview: Morning walking safari and game drives in Mkomazi. Optional Maasai cultural visit.
· Highlights: Close wildlife encounters in a remote, unspoiled environment. Birdwatching.
· Overnight: Same lodge/camp
· Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Mkomazi to Ngorongoro Highlands
· Overview: Scenic drive to Ngorongoro Highlands. Optional Maasai village visit. Sunset views.
· Highlights: Stunning crater rim panoramas. Cultural interaction with Maasai.
· Overnight: Lodge/camp on Ngorongoro rim
· Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
· Overview: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of Big Five and diverse wildlife viewing. Picnic lunch inside crater.
· Highlights: Encounter lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and more in a breathtaking setting.
· Overnight: Lodge/camp on crater rim
· Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
· Overview: Drive through Serengeti ecosystem with optional Olduvai Gorge visit. Afternoon Serengeti game drive.
· Highlights: Vast open plains and abundant predator and prey sightings.
· Overnight: Lodge or camp in Central Serengeti
· Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Full Day Game Drives in Serengeti National Park
· Overview: Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti. Optional hot air balloon safari (extra).
· Highlights: Tracking lions, leopards, cheetahs; spectacular wildebeest and zebra herds; seasonal river crossings.
· Overnight: Same lodge/camp
· Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport / Arusha – Departure
· Overview: Optional early morning game drive before transfer to Serengeti airstrip for flight or drive back to Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport.
· Meals: Breakfast
What to Pack for This Safari
Clothing
Neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige, brown): Avoid bright colors/white (dirt shows) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies in some areas).
Lightweight, breathable shirts & pants – long-sleeved for sun/insect protection.
Warm jacket/fleece – Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti mornings/evenings are cold.
Waterproof/windproof layer – useful in green/rainy season.
Comfortable walking shoes/boots – especially for Mkomazi walking safaris.
Sandals/flip-flops – for lodge downtime.
Sun hat & sunglasses – wide-brim preferred.
Scarf/buff – for dust during drives.
Gear & Essentials
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 ideal).
Camera with zoom lens (200mm+ for wildlife) + spare batteries/memory cards.
Reusable water bottle (most lodges encourage eco-friendly refills).
Torch/headlamp (helpful in tented camps).
Power bank & travel adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style plugs, 230V).
Toiletries & Health
Personal toiletries (lodges provide basics but not always extras).
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum).
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (mosquitoes in Mkomazi & Serengeti).
Basic first aid kit (plasters, painkillers, antihistamines).
Hand sanitizer/wet wipes (for picnics & on the road).
Prescription medications + malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor).
Yellow fever certificate (required if arriving from/through endemic countries).
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Mkomazi is one of Tanzania’s best places for black rhino conservation, though sightings are not always guaranteed.
Ngorongoro Crater gives you a fair chance of seeing wild black rhinos.
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Mkomazi is much less visited, so expect fewer vehicles and a more private safari feel. Serengeti, especially central, is busier but delivers the iconic wildlife spectacles.
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Day 1: Kilimanjaro to Mkomazi ~2–3 hrs.
Day 3: Mkomazi to Ngorongoro ~5–6 hrs (scenic drive).
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti ~4–5 hrs (with game drive stops).
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Yes available in Serengeti (Day 6). Costs around $550–600 pp, booked in advance. Includes champagne bush breakfast.
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Mkomazi: Optional Maasai cultural visits.
Ngorongoro Highlands: Possible village stops en route.
Bring small cash (USD/TZS) for souvenirs/tips.
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Walking safaris in Mkomazi are led by trained rangers. They focus on smaller wildlife, plants, and birdlife, not just Big Five encounters.