Cheetah Safari — 5 Days Luxury Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
5 Days · Price on request
This 5-day luxury Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari flies directly into the Serengeti, pairing two of Tanzania's most iconic parks with zero days lost to driving. Rather than the classic overland route through Tarangire, a scheduled flight lands you in the Serengeti on day one, ready for an afternoon game drive before your first sundowner. Two full days are then given over entirely to the Serengeti's endless plains, tracking lion, elephant, giraffe, cheetah and leopard across landscapes that shift from open grassland to riverine woodland, with the seasonal drama of the Great Migration always a possibility depending on when you travel. The final chapters descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa's Garden of Eden, where an extraordinary density of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, is gathered on the floor of the world's largest unbroken caldera. Every night is spent at a handpicked luxury lodge or tented camp, chosen for its setting as much as its comfort, so the pace never feels rushed even in five days.
- ✓Serengeti National Park: two full days across the world-famous plains, with morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five and, in season, the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- ✓Ngorongoro Crater: a full morning descending into the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, home to black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo and flamingo in extraordinary concentration.
- ✓Fly-in convenience: a scheduled flight from Arusha straight into the Serengeti removes a full day of overland driving, so more of your trip is spent on game drives.
- ✓Handpicked luxury lodges and tented camps throughout, chosen for their setting as much as their service.
Good to Know
Essential Information
Visa & Entry: Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa, obtainable on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or in advance via the Tanzania e-Visa portal. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates is required.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and emergency medical care is strongly recommended and should be arranged before departure.
What to Pack: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives; a warm layer or jacket for early morning drives and Ngorongoro Crater, which can be cold; comfortable walking shoes; a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen; insect repellent; binoculars; and a camera with extra memory/batteries. A small daypack is useful for daily essentials during game drives.
Physical Preparation: This is a vehicle-based safari with minimal walking, suitable for most fitness levels. Travelers should be prepared for long hours on unpaved roads, which can be bumpy.
Weather: Tanzania's climate varies by season and altitude — expect warm days and cool mornings/evenings, especially at higher elevations like the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The dry season (June–October) offers the best game viewing; the wet season (November–May) is greener with fewer crowds.
Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is generally available in park lodges/camps, though it may be limited or unavailable during game drives in remote areas.
Tipping: Tipping guides and camp staff is customary in Tanzania, though not included in the package price. Guidance on suggested amounts can be provided on request.
Safety: Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and never exit the vehicle in wildlife areas except at designated points.
Health & Safety
Health & Vaccinations: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-endemic country. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for the entire region. Travelers should consult a travel clinic or doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Cancellation Policy
Currency & Payments: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, though USD is widely accepted for tourism services. It's advisable to carry small denomination USD bills (2009 or newer) for tips and incidental purchases, as change and card facilities may be limited in park areas.
Deposit & Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total package price is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance (70%) is due no later than 45 days before the start date. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Payments can be made via bank transfer or other methods specified by the operator; all bank charges are the responsibility of the traveler.
More than 60 days before departure: Deposit is forfeited; remaining paid balance refunded in full.
45–60 days before departure: 50% of total package price is forfeited.
30–44 days before departure: 75% of total package price is forfeited.
Less than 30 days before departure (or no-show): 100% of total package price is forfeited, no refund.
Amendments: Date changes or itinerary amendments requested by the traveler are subject to availability and may incur additional fees, particularly if requested within 45 days of departure.
Force Majeure: Neither party is liable for delays, cancellations, or failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, civil unrest, pandemics, or extreme weather. In such cases, the operator will work with travelers to reschedule or provide credit where possible, but refunds are not guaranteed.
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Given the above terms, travelers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and interruption.
