Savannah & Crater Discovery
A 4-Day Journey Through the Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Overview
Itinerary
Depart Arusha in the morning and journey into the heart of the Serengeti, passing through ever-changing landscapes as the plains begin to open up before you. Arrive in Central Serengeti in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Explore lion-rich territories and vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, as the sun sets over one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive from Arusha into the legendary plains of the Central Serengeti
- Afternoon game drive across lion-rich savannahs and endless grasslands
Optional Activities:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari — USD 600 / Adult
- Masai Culture Tour — USD 30 / Adult
Spend a full day discovering the Central Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. This region is renowned for its year-round wildlife, including large prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and abundant plains game. Enjoy immersive safari moments across endless grasslands, with breaks to relax and take in the sounds and sights of the wild.
Highlights:
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you depart the Serengeti, traveling toward the lush highlands of Karatu. The scenery transitions from open plains to rolling hills and farmland. Arrive at Marera Valley Lodge in time for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon to unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Highlights:
Depart early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive on the crater floor, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and possibly the rare black rhino against a backdrop of dramatic crater walls. After this unforgettable safari experience, ascend the crater rim and continue to Arusha, marking the end of your journey.
Highlights:
Camps & Lodges
Expected Sightings
The Predators
HighThe vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.
Best time: All round the year
The Giants
HighAcross the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.
Best time: All round the year
The Nomads
SeasonalEndless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.
Best time: July to October
The Plainsfolk
HighLife thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.
Best time: All round the year
The Skyfolk
HighAbove the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.
Best time: All round the year
The Waterfolk
MediumWhere rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.
Best time: June to October
What's Included
Essentials
- All National Park Entry Fees — Concession Fees, Transit Fees & Crater Service Fees.
- All Transfers — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled
- Professional-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention
- Safari Accessories — binoculars, drinking water station, and cool box in the vehicle
- Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements
- All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs
Experience
- Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more
- Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks and light bites against an African sunset
- Authentic Maasai Village Visit — cultural immersion with the Maasai community
- Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — premium stays with full-board dining throughout your journey
- Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography
What's Not Included
- International Flights to/from Arusha
- Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, beverages, and visa
- Gratuities — suggested USD 10 per adult per day for your guide
- Optional Experiences: Hot Air Balloon Safari (USD 600 per person)
Safari Gallery
Guest Reviews
Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.
Renee Ronald
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Five safaris in Kenya can be enjoyed all year round, as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos are resident in the parks throughout the seasons. However, if your dream is to witness the Great Migration, the best time is between July and September, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross into the Masai Mara in one of nature's most dramatic spectacles.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for cool mornings/evenings. Don't forget binoculars and a good camera.
On this safari, you’ll experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes and the rich variety of wildlife they support — with rewarding sightings all year round. In Tsavo West: Explore rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes home to large herds of elephants (famous for their red dust coating), buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and diverse antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas also roam here, while hippos and crocodiles thrive at Mzima Springs. In Amboseli: Known as the “Land of Giants,” Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can also expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and abundant birdlife, including pelicans and crowned cranes. In Lake Naivasha: The freshwater lake and surrounding forests are rich in birdlife, with over 350 species including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. Hippos are commonly seen in the waters, while giraffes, waterbuck, and antelope graze along the shores. Nearby Crescent Island also offers excellent walking safaris among zebras and giraffes. In the Masai Mara: The Mara delivers world-class game viewing year-round, with excellent chances of spotting the Big Four — lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo — along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of antelopes such as impala, gazelle, topi, hartebeest, eland, and waterbuck. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 recorded species, from lilac-breasted rollers to eagles and vultures. While the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October) is a seasonal highlight, the Mara remains exceptional for wildlife viewing throughout the year.
You can get very close — often just a few meters away — in the safety of your 4x4 safari vehicle. Guides always ensure a respectful and safe distance, so you can enjoy incredible encounters without disturbing the wildlife.
Yes, many lodges and camps are family-friendly, and private vehicles make it easier to travel at your own pace. Safaris can be magical for children, offering unforgettable wildlife moments and cultural experiences.
.jpg%3F2025-11-04T06%253A01%253A51.856Z&w=3840&q=100)
For questions or booking inquiries:
Call 1-800-642-2961
or contact us