Private Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari from Mwanza

Summary

Guided Tanzania Wildlife Adventure with Local Camps

You’ll travel from Mwanza to Arusha on a real-deal safari—spotting lions in Serengeti, descending into Ngorongoro Crater, and staying at camps chosen for their heart and quiet charm.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Mwanza felt cool, almost crisp, as we loaded our bags into the safari vehicle. Our guide, Joseph, greeted us with that easy Tanzanian warmth—he’d already set out a flask of strong coffee and some mandazi for the road. As we left the city behind, the landscape shifted: rocky kopjes gave way to endless grasslands, dotted here and there with acacia trees. The drive into Serengeti National Park was longer than I expected, but honestly, I didn’t mind—the windows were down, and you could smell the dry earth mixed with something sweet from wildflowers after last night’s rain.

By midday, we’d reached Shuhudia Adventure Camp. It’s not fancy, but it feels right—canvas tents under big skies, with staff who know your name by dinner. That first afternoon game drive is still stuck in my head: lions sprawled under sausage trees, wildebeest herds moving like a living river across the plains. Joseph pointed out a pair of secretary birds strutting through the grass—he said they’re good luck. Back at camp after sunset, we sat around a small fire swapping stories with other travelers while hyenas whooped somewhere in the distance.

The next day started early—before sunrise, actually. The Serengeti felt different in that blue half-light; cooler, quieter except for distant zebra calls. We drove south towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the sun climbed higher. Entering the crater itself was surreal—the view from the rim is something photos just don’t get right. Down on the crater floor, it’s like another world: elephants lumbering past our jeep so close you could see dust on their skin; black rhinos grazing far off; hippos wallowing in muddy pools that smelled faintly of algae and wet grass. By late afternoon we reached Hhando Coffee Lodge up on the highland—a cozy spot where you can sip spiced tea on the deck and watch clouds roll over distant hills.

The final day was mostly driving towards Arusha, winding down through little villages and past roadside stalls selling bananas and avocados. Somewhere near Mto wa Mbu we stopped for grilled maize—the kind you eat hot off the coals with your hands—and watched kids chase each other between market stalls. We arrived in Arusha just as the city was waking up from its midday lull; our drop-off was flexible (we chose a café near the Arusha Declaration Museum). It felt like three days had stretched much longer—in all the best ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Serengeti Safari Adventure

• Drive to Serengeti and game viewing
• Overnight at Shuhudia Adventure Camp

Day 2 — Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

• Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Overnight at Hhando Coffee Lodge

Day 3 — Drive to Arusha City

• Drive through Great Rift Valley to Arusha

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely—it’s family-friendly! Infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized seats provided by your guide if you let them know ahead of time.

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring layers (mornings are chilly), sun protection, comfy shoes for walking around camp or short stops, and maybe binoculars if you have them—the guides provide most essentials.

Are meals included at both camps?

Yes—all meals are included during your stays at Shuhudia Adventure Camp and Hhando Coffee Lodge. You’ll get local flavors plus options for dietary needs if you mention them when booking.

What’s included

You’ll stay two nights at handpicked camps—one deep in Serengeti’s wild heart, another tucked away on Ngorongoro’s lush highland. Your own 4x4 safari vehicle (with pop-up roof!) comes with an expert local guide who knows every hidden corner—and there’s always time to stop for photos or just soak it all in.