Overview & Summary
Experience a scenic northern Tanzania safari with BMC TOURS & SAFARIS focused on the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Serengeti migration ecosystem. This journey highlights dramatic volcanic landscapes, fertile highland scenery, and the world renowned Central Serengeti plains shaped by the wildebeest migration. From the cool green slopes of Karatu to the enclosed Ngorongoro Crater and the vast open savannahs of the Serengeti, this safari offers a strong balance of scenery, geology, and high density wildlife experiences.
Full Itinerary
Welcome to the Cool Green Slopes of Karatu
After arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or pick-up from Arusha, travel toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, a region defined by fertile volcanic soils, rolling hills, and cool climate landscapes. Karatu sits along this highland zone and acts as a gateway to major conservation areas, surrounded by farms, forest patches, and escarpment views of the Great Rift Valley. This destination introduces Tanzania's transition from urban areas into rich ecological zones. Lunch is taken during lunch time en route before continuing to your lodge in Karatu.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Descending into the Garden of Eden: The Crater's Hidden World
After breakfast, explore Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary natural landscapes formed by a collapsed volcano. This enclosed ecosystem supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife within a compact area, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and large populations of grazing animals. The crater floor combines grasslands, swamps, forests, and a central soda lake, creating a complete habitat system in one location. Its natural boundaries allow wildlife to remain within the area year round. Lunch is taken during lunch time at a scenic picnic site inside the crater before returning to your lodge in Karatu.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
From Volcanic Highlands to the Endless Plains
After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a vast highland landscape where Maasai communities coexist with wildlife across open grazing lands. This route gradually transitions into the plains of Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. The Central Serengeti (Seronera) is defined by open grasslands, kopjes, and permanent water sources that sustain wildlife throughout the year. This region forms the core of the wildebeest migration ecosystem. Lunch is taken during lunch time at Naabi Hill Gate before continuing into the Serengeti for overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Serengeti Lodge
Where a Million Hooves Shape the Savannah
Spend the day in Central Serengeti, a landscape shaped by the continuous movement of wildebeest and zebra across open plains in search of fresh grazing. This migration creates one of the most dynamic ecosystems on earth, supporting high predator populations including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The region's river systems, kopjes, and grasslands provide essential resources for both resident and migratory wildlife. The open terrain allows wide visibility of wildlife interactions across vast distances. Lunch is taken during lunch time in a scenic bush setting within the Serengeti before continuing exploration of this iconic ecosystem.
Dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Serengeti Lodge
Farewell to the Highlands: A Scenic Journey Home
Begin your return journey from the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Highlands, a route that offers continuous scenic transitions from open plains to elevated volcanic landscapes. This region highlights the diversity of northern Tanzania's ecosystems, from wildlife rich savannahs to cultivated highlands and forested slopes. The drive provides final views of the Rift Valley environment and Maasai grazing lands along the way. Lunch is taken during lunch time at a designated stop before continuing to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for drop-off, marking the end of your Scenic Highlands Route safari with BMC TOURS & SAFARIS.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Park fees (Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti)
- 4 nights accommodation (Karatu + Serengeti)
- All meals as per itinerary
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional safari guide
- Game drives and migration tracking
- Ngorongoro Crater descent safari
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Arusha / Kilimanjaro)
- Government taxes
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits, upgrades)
Optional Activities
