06 Days River Crossing Safari

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

You will arrive at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) where you will be warmly welcomed by your driver guide. Afterward, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, where you can enjoy dinner and relax overnight. A pre-safari briefing will also be held to prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Arusha – Southern Serengeti

Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Ndutu area, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the southern edge of the Serengeti ecosystem. The drive from your hotel to Arusha Airport is approximately 8 km and takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic. Upon arrival at Ndutu Airstrip (flight time is approximately 1 hour), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and begin your first exciting game drive in the southern Serengeti. This region is particularly famous between December and March as it hosts part of the Great Migration, with massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles giving birth and grazing on the nutrient-rich plains. You will spend the day exploring the Ndutu plains and surrounding woodlands, observing wildlife in their natural habitat and capturing stunning views of the vast savannah. In the late afternoon, you'll drive to your specially arranged safari camp for some well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars followed by an overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness.

Estimated driving distance: 30–80 km depending on wildlife movement
Game viewing duration: 4–6 hours

Day 3: Southern Serengeti

Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking wilderness of the southern Serengeti's Ndutu area! After an early breakfast, you'll set off for another exciting day of game drives. During this time of year, the极utu plains are lush and green, providing fresh grazing grounds for the massive herds of wildebeest. Many of them remain here, feeding on the rich grasses and continuing to give birth to their young. This period is not only crucial for the survival of the wildebeest calves but also a spectacular sight, as the landscape is dotted with new life. Predators are ever-present, aware that this is a time of abundance, and you may witness dramatic scenes of survival and instinct. The cycle of life plays out vividly here, making the Ndutu area one of the best spots to witness nature at its rawest. You'll carry packed lunch to maximize your time in the bush, continuing to explore different areas throughout the day. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and another overnight stay under the Serengeti skies.

Day 4: Southern Serengeti

You will spend the full day enjoying extended game drives and in-depth exploration of the Southern Serengeti Ndutu area. This region, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and bordering the Serengeti National Park, is especially famous during the calving season when thousands of wildebeest gather here between December and March. With its open plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal soda lakes, Ndutu offers excellent opportunities for spotting large herds of wildebe极t, zebras, and gazelles, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The day will be unhurried and flexible, allowing you to follow wildlife activity, capture stunning photographs, and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness experience. You will cover approximately 80 to 100 kilometers throughout the day, with around 5 to 6 hours spent on game drives, including breaks for bush meals or a picnic lunch in the wild. In the evening, return to your camp or lodge in Ndutu for dinner and overnight stay under the stars of the Serengeti sky.

Day 5: Southern Serengeti – Karatu Town (Crater Highlands)

After an early breakfast, you will depart from the Southern Serengeti Ndutu area and begin your journey toward Karatu town, enjoying a game drive en route. The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering spectacular views of the crater from various viewpoints along the way. The distance from Ndutu to Karatu is approximately 150 kilometers and typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions. You will carry a picnic lunch to enjoy during a break along the way. This final day of safari allows for one last memorable game drive experience as you explore the rich landscapes and wildlife of the southern plains before ascending toward the crater highlands. Upon arrival in Karatu, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.

Day 6: Karatu Town – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Karatu, you will depart toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located about 20 kilometers away, which takes roughly 30 minutes by drive. Upon arrival at the crater rim, you will descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater—one of the largest intact volcanic calderas on earth—for a full day of game drives and exploration. With your packed lunch, you'll enjoy a picnic inside the crater while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rich diversity of wildlife, including the possibility of spotting the Big Five. After exploring the crater floor, you will ascend back to the crater rim in the afternoon and begin your journey back to Arusha, a drive of approximately 190 kilometers taking around 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will proceed to the airport to catch your international flight onward, marking the end of your safari experience.

End of Itinerary