Classic Serengeti and Ngorongoro
The quintessential East African safari circuit
Core destinations
Is this right for you?
Best for
First-time safari travelers seeking the iconic East African experience with reliable wildlife viewing and diverse landscapes.
Trade-offs
- •Higher visitor density at popular viewpoints, especially Ngorongoro Crater rim
- •Less flexibility in itinerary structure due to park logistics
- •Premium pricing during peak migration months
Not for you if
- Your total budget is under $6,000 per person
These are filters, not judgments. The right trip exists for every traveler. Browse other options
Looks like a fit?
We'll customize this around your dates and preferences
What your days look like
A typical day on safari in Tanzania
5:30am wake-up call, coffee on the veranda as the sky lightens
6:00am game drive departing camp, searching for predators on the hunt
Return to camp for brunch, siesta during heat of day, optional pool or spa
4:00pm afternoon drive, sundowner drinks as the light turns golden
Return for dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day's sightings
Fall asleep to hyena calls and lion roars echoing across the plains
Great Migration River Crossings
Witnessing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the Mara River, facing crocodiles and currents. Tanzania's northern Serengeti offers the most dramatic crossings from July through October.
📷 Massive wildebeest herd crossing crocodile-infested Mara River with spray and drama
Activities available in Tanzania
Where you'll stay
All accommodation typesAccommodation styles available in Tanzania for this trip type
Classic Safari Lodge
Permanent structure with individual rooms or suites, typically stone or thatch construction. Common areas include dining room, lounge, pool. Full service with staff.
First-time safari visitors; those wanting reliable comfort; families; couples
📷 Stone and thatch safari lodge with swimming pool overlooking African savanna at sunset
Permanent Tented Camp
Canvas tents on raised platforms or concrete bases, with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and often verandas. Combines outdoor immersion with comfort.
Those wanting bush atmosphere with comfort; second-time safari visitors; photographers
📷 Luxury canvas tent on wooden platform with private deck overlooking river at dawn
Mobile Tented Camp
Lightweight camp that moves seasonally to follow wildlife. Canvas tents with camp beds, bucket showers, and bush toilets. Staff-to-guest ratio often 1:1.
Adventure-oriented travelers; those following migration; experienced safari-goers
Migration-following camps in Serengeti
📷 Small tented camp setup in remote bush with safari vehicle and wildebeest migration in background
Fly Camp / Sleep-out
Single-night experience sleeping under stars or minimal canvas, away from main camp. Bedroll, mosquito net, armed guard. Maximum wilderness immersion.
Adventurous travelers; repeat safari visitors; those seeking transformative experiences
Southern circuit
📷 Bedroll under mosquito net with African night sky full of stars and distant campfire glow
Note: Vurara Safaris doesn't list specific lodges or camps. We select properties based on your preferences, timing, and availability during trip planning.
Typical cost range
Per person, land costs
Excluding international flights
- +Peak season (Jul-Oct) adds 20-40% to accommodation rates
- +Tanzania park fees are among the highest in Africa
- −Larger groups (4-6 people) reduce per-person costs significantly
- −Shoulder season (Apr-May, Nov) offers 15-30% savings
These are cost bands, not quotes. Vurara Safaris provides custom pricing based on your specific dates, group size, and accommodation preferences. Ranges reflect 2024-2025 operator rates and are updated periodically.
Before you book
Variants
The same route can work at different comfort levels
Balanced Approach
7–10 days covering Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara. Quality lodges with experienced guides.
Quality lodges, small groups
Budget Alternative
Same destinations with simpler accommodation and shared transfers.
Lower cost, basic comfort
Luxury Upgrade
Same route with premium camps and private guiding throughout.
Exclusive access, personalized service
High-stakes decisions ahead
Consider Decision Assurance for evidence-backed guidance