Travel Diary: Journey from Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti

Jambo from Tanzania! On The Club's Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey through Tanzania: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti, Members had the opportunity to explore two of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife areas while staying in iconic accommodations. 

Day 1

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Members were greeted and privately transferred to the luxurious Arusha Coffee Lodge. The private bungalows provided a serene retreat after the long flights. Many Members arrived in Tanzania a day early to enjoy relaxing spa treatments at the lodge or to get the adventure started with a guided horseback ride through the idyllic coffee plantation.

In the evening, everyone gathered for a private welcome reception with dinner and drinks. The group, a mix of first-timers and seasoned travelers, bonded well. As the night wound down, Members' excitement was tangible for the next day's journey to the Lake Manyara region to begin the safari! 

Day 2

The adventure began with an early morning flight to the Lake Manyara region. Members explored the town of Mto wa Mbu in tuk-tuks, visiting a local market, rice fields, and a banana plantation. After a traditional Eastern African lunch overlooking Lake Manyara, the group visited the Doffa Bike Shop and a local elementary school.

At the bike shop, Members learned about the initiative empowering HIV-positive women to become bicycle mechanics. Exclusive Resorts made donations to the shop on behalf of the Members who will be traveling there this season. One Member was so moved by the stories of the local women that he decided to make an additional charitable donation on behalf of his family, covering the shipping and repair costs of 10 additional bikes for the shop!

At the elementary school, Members donated water filtration systems, ensuring clean drinking water for hundreds of students. With full hearts, Members checked into their private cottages at the Manor at Ngorongoro Crater for the evening.

Day 3

The safari commenced with great excitement. Members boarded three Exclusive Resorts branded safari vehicles and headed to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Africa’s most vibrant and lush wildlife areas. A brief stop at a Maasai village provided insights into the tribe’s culture and traditions as Members met with the village chief and village elders.

Descending into the crater, Members witnessed a stunning array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebra, gazelle, and flamingos. A secluded, multi-course lunch in the crater was a highlight, showcasing the exclusive touches that Members have come to expect.

Day 4

Families began the day with a walk through the tree canopy, enjoying views of the crater and local wildlife. The group then took a flight to the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration from above, during which hundreds of thousands of grazing animals make their way from Tanzania to Kenya.

Upon landing, a game drive en route to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Serengeti revealed the first giraffes of the trip. After lunch, Members enjoyed another game drive, followed by sundowner cocktails and dinner at the lodge.

Day 5

A full-day game drive took Members deep into the Serengeti, offering thrilling animal sightings, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and three cheetahs. Lunch surrounded by thousands of zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle in the Great Migration was a unique experience, with Members even joining the migration for a bit.

The day concluded with a multi-course dinner and open bar in the bush, with bonfires and fairy lights creating a magical atmosphere. Member Gary Z summed it up, “Exclusive Resorts does it again. I’m about to have sunset champagne overlooking the Serengeti!”

Day 6

An early morning hot air balloon ride over the plains gave some families a breathtaking start to the day. The final game drive included a leopard sighting, completing the Big 5 for the group. The afternoon was spent relaxing at the lodge, followed by a farewell dinner and Maasai performance at the Boma Restaurant.

Day 7

After breakfast, Members began to disperse on their next journeys around the world. This trip sends Members off with memories that will last a lifetime — eagerly awaiting their next Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey.