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12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari
The 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari is an extended Tanzania wildlife adventure designed for travelers who want more time to explore the famous landscapes and wildlife of northern Tanzania. This safari combines Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
With twelve days available, this itinerary allows you to enjoy multiple game drives without rushing between destinations. You will have time to explore different areas of Serengeti National Park, search for the Big Five, follow wildlife movements and enjoy the changing landscapes of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit.
The safari can be organized as a private experience with your own 4x4 safari vehicle and professional guide. Accommodation can be arranged in luxury lodges, luxury tented camps or comfortable mid-range safari properties according to your budget and travel preferences.
12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari Overview
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
An extended Tanzania safari with more time for wildlife viewing and comfortable travel between destinations.
Safari Destinations
Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Experience several of northern Tanzania's most famous wildlife areas.
Serengeti Experience
Multiple Game Drives
Spend several days exploring different wildlife areas across Serengeti National Park.
Safari Type
Private Safari
Travel with your own professional guide and private 4x4 safari vehicle.
Safari Highlights
- 12 days Tanzania wildlife safari
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Tarangire National Park game drives
- Lake Manyara National Park safari
- Multiple days in Serengeti National Park
- Central Serengeti wildlife viewing
- Flexible Serengeti game drives
- Great Wildebeest Migration opportunities
- Big Five wildlife opportunities
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Elephants and baobab trees in Tarangire
- Predator viewing in Serengeti
- Luxury or mid-range accommodation options
- Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey and preparing for the Tanzania safari adventure ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha town or simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
From: Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
To: Arusha
Activities: Airport pickup and relaxation
Meals: Dinner depending on arrival schedule
Overnight: Arusha hotel or lodge
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, meet your professional safari guide and begin your journey toward Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is one of the most interesting wildlife destinations on Tanzania's Northern Circuit and is particularly famous for its large elephant populations and giant baobab trees.
Enjoy a full game drive through the park while searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and a variety of antelope species. The Tarangire River and surrounding landscapes attract wildlife throughout different seasons.
Later, continue to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
From: Arusha
To: Tarangire National Park
Activities: Full-day game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Tarangire lodge or tented camp
Day 3: Full-Day Tarangire National Park Safari
Spend another full day exploring Tarangire National Park. Having an additional day allows you to explore different sections of the park and spend more time following wildlife rather than leaving after only one game drive.
Your guide will select wildlife areas based on current sightings and conditions. Tarangire is known for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions and a rich variety of birdlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing with afternoon game viewing.
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Tarangire lodge or tented camp
Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and travel toward Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for its scenic environment, groundwater forest, open grasslands and views toward the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Enjoy a game drive through Lake Manyara while searching for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons and numerous bird species. Wildlife sightings vary according to season and conditions.
After the game drive, continue to your lodge in the Karatu or Lake Manyara area.
From: Tarangire National Park
To: Lake Manyara / Karatu
Activities: Lake Manyara game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu or Lake Manyara area
Day 5: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, begin your journey toward Serengeti National Park. Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoy the changing landscapes as you continue toward the open plains of Serengeti.
Once inside the Serengeti ecosystem, begin an en-route game drive toward your accommodation. Keep your camera ready because wildlife viewing begins as soon as you enter the park.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
From: Lake Manyara / Karatu
To: Central Serengeti
Activities: Scenic transfer and en-route game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day 6: Full-Day Central Serengeti Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, one of the best-known wildlife areas in the park. The region offers excellent opportunities to search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife.
Your guide can follow recent wildlife sightings and adjust the route to maximize your safari experience. The day may include both morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch in the park.
Activities: Full-day Serengeti game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day 7: Serengeti Wildlife Safari
Enjoy another full day in Serengeti National Park. The extended itinerary gives you more flexibility to explore different habitats and follow wildlife movements across the park.
You may visit river areas, kopjes, open plains and woodland habitats depending on wildlife activity. These different environments provide opportunities to search for predators, grazing animals and birdlife.
If your travel dates coincide with the Great Wildebeest Migration, your guide can focus on areas where large herds are expected to be found.
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day 8: Northern or Western Serengeti Exploration
After breakfast, continue exploring a different section of Serengeti National Park. The exact destination can be selected according to your travel dates and wildlife movements.
During certain months, northern Serengeti may provide opportunities to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration and observe dramatic river-crossing activity when conditions and wildlife movements allow. At other times, the safari can focus on another wildlife-rich section of the park.
Enjoy a full day of game viewing before returning to your accommodation.
Activities: Full-day game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day 9: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Spend another day exploring the Serengeti wilderness. This extra safari day allows you to slow down and spend more time observing wildlife behavior, photography and the natural environment.
Search for lions resting in the grasslands, cheetahs scanning the open plains, leopards in woodland areas and large herds of wildebeest and zebra. Elephant herds and other animals may also be encountered throughout the day.
Activities: Full-day game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The route takes you from the open Serengeti plains toward the higher landscapes surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy scenic views and wildlife opportunities along the way.
Arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
From: Serengeti National Park
To: Ngorongoro / Karatu
Activities: Morning game drive and scenic transfer
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro or Karatu lodge
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable wildlife experience. The crater floor contains grasslands, wetlands, forests and a lake environment that support a remarkable concentration of wildlife.
During the game drive, search for lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and other species. The crater is also one of the places where visitors may have opportunities to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the crater before ascending and returning to your accommodation.
Activities: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro or Karatu lodge
Day 12: Karatu / Ngorongoro to Arusha – Departure
After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Arusha. Enjoy the changing scenery of northern Tanzania along the way.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you can be dropped at your hotel or transferred toward Kilimanjaro International Airport according to your onward travel arrangements.
From: Karatu / Ngorongoro
To: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Activities: Scenic transfer and departure
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
End of Safari: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Why Choose a 12 Days Tanzania Safari?
A twelve-day safari provides more flexibility and allows you to experience northern Tanzania without rushing between destinations. Instead of spending only one night in each location, you have additional time to explore wildlife areas, follow animal movements and enjoy the safari experience at a more relaxed pace.
More Serengeti Time
Spend several days exploring different areas of Serengeti National Park.
Flexible Wildlife Viewing
Your guide can adjust daily routes according to wildlife sightings and conditions.
Comfortable Travel
More days allow a relaxed pace between Tanzania's major safari destinations.
Photography Opportunities
Extra game-drive time provides more opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.
Serengeti Safari Experience
Serengeti National Park is the main highlight of this twelve-day safari. The park contains vast grasslands, rocky kopjes, river systems and woodland areas, creating habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
The extended stay allows you to explore different regions and spend more time searching for predators and following large herds. Your exact route can be customized according to your travel dates and the seasonal movement of wildlife.
Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the major reasons travelers choose a longer Serengeti safari. Large numbers of wildebeest and zebra move through the Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year in response to rainfall, grazing and water availability.
The exact location of the migration changes seasonally. Depending on your travel dates, your itinerary can focus on southern, central, western or northern Serengeti.
| Safari Period | Possible Migration Experience |
|---|---|
| January – March | Large herds may be found in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas, depending on seasonal conditions. |
| April – May | Herds may move toward central and western areas as seasonal migration continues. |
| June – July | Wildlife movements may continue toward western and northern Serengeti areas. |
| August – October | Northern Serengeti may provide opportunities to follow migration movements near the Mara River. |
| November – December | Herds may begin moving back toward central and southern Serengeti depending on rainfall. |
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Experience
The Ngorongoro Crater provides a completely different environment from the Serengeti plains. Surrounded by high crater walls, the crater floor supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife within a relatively concentrated area.
A game drive inside the crater provides opportunities to see lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife. The crater's dramatic scenery also makes it one of the best locations for photography during a northern Tanzania safari.
Wildlife You May See
Elephants
Large elephant populations can be encountered in Tarangire and other safari areas.
Lions
Lions may be seen across Serengeti and Ngorongoro wildlife areas.
Leopards
Leopards may be encountered in woodland habitats and around river systems.
Cheetahs
The open grasslands of Serengeti provide suitable habitat for cheetahs.
Buffalo
Buffalo can be encountered throughout several destinations on the Northern Circuit.
Black Rhinoceros
Ngorongoro provides opportunities to search for the critically endangered black rhinoceros.
Wildebeest & Zebra
Large herds may be encountered in Serengeti, with locations changing according to seasonal movements.
Giraffes
Giraffes are commonly encountered in several northern Tanzania wildlife areas.
Big Five Safari Opportunities
The 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari provides opportunities to search for Africa's famous Big Five.
- Lion: Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Leopard: Serengeti woodland and river habitats
- Elephant: Tarangire and selected Serengeti areas
- Buffalo: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Rhinoceros: Best opportunities in Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time for a 12 Days Serengeti Safari
| Period | Safari Experience |
|---|---|
| June – October | Popular dry-season safari period with generally good wildlife viewing. |
| January – March | Green landscapes and potential opportunities to follow wildlife in southern Serengeti areas. |
| November – December | Short rains may bring green scenery and seasonal wildlife movement. |
| April – May | Green landscapes, seasonal rains and potentially fewer visitors in some areas. |
Accommodation Options
This twelve-day safari can be customized using different accommodation categories according to your budget and preferred comfort level.
| Accommodation Type | Experience |
|---|---|
| Luxury Lodge | Premium rooms, private facilities, quality dining and comfortable surroundings. |
| Luxury Tented Camp | Spacious safari tents combining comfort with a wilderness atmosphere. |
| Mid-Range Lodge | Comfortable rooms and good facilities for a balanced safari experience. |
| Budget Camp | Simple accommodation for travelers focusing on wildlife and value. |
Optional Experiences
Serengeti Balloon Safari
Enjoy an early-morning hot-air balloon experience over the Serengeti where available.
Maasai Cultural Visit
Learn about Maasai culture and daily life through an optional cultural experience.
Luxury Safari Upgrade
Choose premium lodges and luxury tented camps for additional comfort.
Zanzibar Extension
Continue your Tanzania holiday with a relaxing beach experience in Zanzibar.
What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing
- Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Power bank
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medication
- Travel documents
What Is Included?
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Professional safari guide.
- Eleven nights of safari accommodation.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the itinerary.
- Scheduled game drives.
- Applicable national park fees.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater fees according to the itinerary.
- Safari drinking water.
- Airport pickup according to the itinerary.
- Drop-off in Arusha or airport transfer according to the agreed travel schedule.
What Is Not Included?
- International flights.
- Domestic flights unless specifically included.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Alcoholic drinks unless specifically included.
- Tips for safari guides and lodge staff.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari.
- Optional cultural activities.
- Any service not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
Safari Destination Comparison
| Destination | Main Attraction | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | Elephants, baobab trees and diverse wildlife | Extended game drives |
| Lake Manyara | Forest, birdlife and scenic landscapes | Game drive |
| Serengeti | Predators, vast plains and Great Wildebeest Migration | Multiple full-day game drives |
| Ngorongoro | Wildlife-rich volcanic crater | Ngorongoro Crater game drive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari?
The safari typically includes a private 4x4 vehicle, professional safari guide, accommodation, meals according to the itinerary, game drives, applicable park fees and safari drinking water.
How many nights are included in the safari?
The itinerary includes eleven nights, with accommodation in Arusha and the main safari destinations according to the final travel plan.
Is this safari private?
Yes. The itinerary can be organized as a private safari with your own vehicle and professional guide.
Can I see the Big Five?
The safari provides opportunities to search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. However, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
Yes, depending on your travel dates and the seasonal location of the migration. The Serengeti itinerary can be adjusted to focus on areas where herds are expected.
What is the best time for this safari?
The safari can be enjoyed throughout the year. The best time depends on whether your priority is general wildlife viewing, the Great Wildebeest Migration, calving season or a particular Serengeti region.
Can I choose luxury accommodation?
Yes. Luxury lodges and premium tented camps can be selected depending on availability and your budget.
Is this safari suitable for honeymooners?
Yes. The extended itinerary, private vehicle and luxury accommodation options make it suitable for honeymoon couples.
Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized for families, including accommodation and daily schedules suitable for children.
Can I add a Serengeti balloon safari?
Yes. A hot-air balloon experience can be added to the Serengeti portion of the safari, subject to availability and weather conditions.
Can I extend the trip to Zanzibar?
Yes. A Zanzibar beach holiday can be added after the Tanzania mainland safari.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Accommodation, safari dates, number of nights in each destination and optional activities can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Why Choose the 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari?
The 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari is ideal for travelers who want a deeper and more relaxed Tanzania safari experience. Instead of rushing through the Northern Circuit, you spend additional time exploring Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The extended Serengeti stay provides greater flexibility for wildlife viewing and photography, while the final Ngorongoro Crater game drive adds one of Tanzania's most spectacular landscapes to the journey.
Book Your 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari
Explore Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit with an extended wildlife adventure covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Tarangire • Lake Manyara • Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Big Five • Wildebeest Migration • Private Safari
Request your customized 12 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari itinerary and price today.
