Itinerary
Overview
July to October Adventure in Serengeti & Ngorongoro
This 15-day safari itinerary is a perfect blend of capturing the Great Mara River Crossing and exploring the unique primate world of chimpanzees in Tanzania’s untouched wilderness. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this journey offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience both the thrill of the Big Cats and the intimacy of the chimpanzee habitats. From the plains of the Serengeti to the dense forests of Mahale, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife encounters.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trip?
- Great Migration Photography: Capture one of nature’s most spectacular events at the Mara River.
- Big Cat Encounters: Track and photograph lions, leopards, and cheetahs across the Serengeti.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Experience the thrill of observing chimpanzees in the wild, learning about their behavior and interactions.
- Luxury Safari Camps: Stay in exclusive camps that provide comfort and close proximity to wildlife action.
Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1-4: Serengeti Mara River Camp – Witness the Great Migration
Accommodation: Serengeti Mara River Camp
Begin your journey at Serengeti Mara River Camp, perfectly situated to observe the Great Migration. Over these four days, immerse yourself in the dramatic scenes as thousands of wildebeest and zebra make their perilous journey across the Mara River. Capture the thrilling encounters with predators like crocodiles and lions.
Highlights:
+ Game drives along the Mara River for the best photographic opportunities.
+ Spotting Big Cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural hunting grounds.
+ Scenic photography sessions at sunrise and sunset over the Serengeti plains.
Day 5-8: Ngorongoro Private Mobile Camp – Discover the Crater
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Private Mobile Camp
Travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, known as the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. Settle into the Ngorongoro Private Mobile Camp for a deep dive into one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders. The crater's floor hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, offering prime opportunities for capturing the Big Five.
Travel Details: The drive from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater is about 160 km (100 miles) and usually takes 3-4 hours, depending on the game drive pace.
Highlights:
+ Game drives focused on spotting the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
+ Photographic opportunities with stunning crater landscapes as a backdrop.
+ Interact with the rich birdlife and other unique species of the crater floor.
Day 9-14: Mahale Cottages – Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains
Accommodation: Mahale Cottages
Fly from the Ngorongoro region to the Mahale Mountains National Park, one of the best locations in Africa to observe and photograph chimpanzees. Spend the remaining days trekking through the lush forests of Mahale, tracking and photographing the wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Travel Details: The journey from Ngorongoro to Mahale is approximately 700 km (435 miles). It usually requires a flight from Arusha to Mahale via Kigoma, followed by a boat ride to the camp.
Highlights:
+ Chimpanzee trekking in the dense forests of Mahale, with close-up encounters and remarkable photo opportunities.
+ Spectacular views of Lake Tanganyika, offering a dramatic contrast to the forest landscape.
+ Sunset photography sessions by the lake, capturing the colors of the African sky.
Day 15: Departure
Return to Arusha and prepare for your departure. Reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks, from witnessing the Mara River Crossing to trekking with chimpanzees in one of Tanzania’s most remote locations.
Day 15: Departure
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the African wilderness and take a scenic drive back to Arusha. Reflect on the captivating moments you captured during your 15-day safari. Your adventure ends with memories and photographs that will last a lifetime.
What's Included?
- All accommodations in luxury lodges, camps, and mobile camps.
- Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
- Domestic flights and transfers between destinations for a seamless travel experience.
- Professional guides specialized in both wildlife and primate behavior.
- Park fees for entry into all national parks and conservation areas.
What's Excluded?
- International flights and Tanzania entry visas.
- Travel insurance and optional medical evacuation.
- Personal expenses, including tips, beverages, and souvenirs.
- Activities not listed in the main itinerary details.
