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6-Day Predator’s Season: Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu

6-Day Predator’s Season: Big Cats Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Ndutu

Ngorongoro, Tarangiure
6 Days / 5 Nights
From $1,650.00

Overview

The 6-Day Predator’s Season: Big Cats Safari is engineered specifically for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking intense big cat encounters. Northern Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystems are world-famous for harboring unmatched densities of cheetahs, lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Guided by 100% local safari naturalists from Tanzania Kili Adventures using custom 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, this expedition focuses on active tracking during prime early morning and late afternoon predator movement hours. From tree-climbing lions in Tarangire to dense resident prides on the Ngorongoro Crater floor and high-speed cheetah hunts across the Ndutu plains, every day is structured around action on the open savannah.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park (Lions & Giants Safari)
Lunch, Dinner Luxury / Mid-Range Lodge in Karatu 1,400 m - 1,100 m - 1,500 m (Karatu) ~120 km drive to Tarangire; ~90 km transfer to Karatu 2.5 hours transfer drive; 4–5 hours predator game drive
Your safari begins with a morning pickup from Arusha by your Tanzania Kili Adventures naturalist guide. Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for ancient baobabs, massive elephant herds, and resident lion prides.

Spend the afternoon tracking Tarangire's famous tree-climbing lions and riverine leopards along the Tarangire River circuit. Enjoy a hot picnic lunch inside the park before transferring to your highland lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight rest.
2
Day 2: Karatu to Ndutu Plains (Entering Big Cat Country)
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp / Safari Lodge 1,500 m - 1,620 m (Ndutu) ~160 km overland drive 3.5 hours transit drive; 3 hours afternoon big cat drive
After an early breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the Ndutu Plains, nestled between the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro boundaries. Ndutu’s alkaline lakes and short-grass plains attract dense herds and the highest concentration of big cats in East Africa.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive off the beaten track, using Ndutu’s flexible off-road regulations to track lions on granite kopjes and cheetahs scanning the horizon for prey. Arrive at your tented camp in time for campfire storytelling under the stars.
3
Day 3: Full-Day Ndutu Big Cat & Predator Tracking
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp / Safari Lodge 1,620 m (Ndutu Plains) ~80–100 km off-road tracking Full-day game drive (7–8 hours)
Dedicate a full day to tracking predators across the short-grass plains, marshlands, and acacia woodlands surrounding Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek.

Accompanied by your expert guide, follow cheetah coalitions hunting gazelles, spot leopards camouflaged in fever tree branches, and observe large lion prides guarding kills. Enjoy a flexible picnic lunch in the bush to maximize tracking time during prime movement windows.
4
Day 4: Morning Ndutu Predator Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Rim
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Luxury Lodge on Ngorongoro Crater Rim 1,620 m - 2,300 m (Crater Rim) ~110 km transit drive 3 hours morning game drive; 2.5 hours transfer drive
Enjoy a final early-morning game drive in Ndutu as predators wrap up night hunts. Return to camp for a hearty late breakfast before departing toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim (2,300 m) in late afternoon. Take in dramatic panoramic sunset views over the 600-meter deep volcanic caldera before checking into your rim lodge for a warm dinner beside the fireplace.
5
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Floor Big Five & Predator Safari
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner Luxury / Mid-Range Lodge in Karatu 2,300 m rim - 1,700 m floor - 1,500 m (Karatu) ~70 km game drives + transfer 6 hours crater floor safari; 1.5 hours transfer to Karatu
Rise at dawn to catch golden sunlight breaking over the crater rim. Descend 600 meters down onto the caldera floor ahead of daytime park traffic.

Spend 6 hours exploring the open grasslands, Lerai Forest, and Lake Magadi. Ngorongoro Crater holds one of the highest lion densities per square kilometer in Africa, alongside spotted hyenas, golden jackals, serval cats, bull elephants, and endangered black rhinos. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch beside the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge in Karatu.
6
Day 6: Karatu to Cultural Walk / Lake Manyara Viewpoint & Return to Arusha
Breakfast, Lunch Onward flight or hotel connection 1,500 m - 1,400 m (Arusha) ~140 km return drive 2 hours local activity; 3 hours return drive
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast at your lodge before embarking on a guided cultural walk or visiting a Great Rift Valley viewpoint overlooking Lake Manyara.

After a delicious hot lunch, begin your smooth return drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your evening flight connection or hotel stay.

Starting from

$1,650.00

/ person

Secure your spot with a deposit

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Trip Info

Duration6D / 5N
DestinationNgorongoro, Tarangiure
SafetyProfessional Guides

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