Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

7 Days Grumeti River Wildebeest Migration Safari

Safari in National Parks: Serengeti National Parks & Ngorongoro Crater

Witness the Drama of the Great Migration

The Grumeti River Migration is one of the most thrilling wildlife displays in Africa. This safari, which takes place in May, June, and early July, follows the spectacular migration of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they attempt to cross the Grumeti River, a perilous river studded with hidden crocodiles and opportunistic predators. Unlike the chaotic Mara River crossings, the Grumeti provides a more intimate experience with fewer tourists, making it an ideal place for a private safari in Tanzania.

This 7-day safari in Tanzania takes you through the Central Serengeti, the Western Serengeti, back to the Central Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, giving you to witness the heart of the migration before visiting one of the world’s most wildlife-rich calderas. With professional guides, comfortable midrange accommodations, and exhilarating game drives, this safari is ideal for explorers and wildlife fans looking for a real experience.

This Tanzania safari is ideal for those who:

  • Wish to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration away from the busy Mara River.
  • Experience exciting predator-prey dynamics featuring lions, cheetahs, leopards, and Nile crocodiles.
  • Favor unique experiences away from the crowds, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere.
  • Have a strong enthusiasm for wildlife photography, seizing breathtaking migration moments and striking landscapes.
  • Value various ecosystems, ranging from open grasslands to riverine woodlands and crater terrains.
  • Looking to enjoy pleasant midrange lodging in prime locations for wildlife viewing?

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, the Gateway to the Wild

    Airport Pickup
    Your journey starts in Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital. When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, our expert safari guide will greet you and transport you to Karama Lodge, a delightful midrange lodge set on the slopes of Suye Hills. You will be briefed on your safari schedule here, letting you to plan for the exciting days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Arusha, visit local markets, or simply relax at your lodge before your safari in Tanzania begins

  • Accommodation

    Karama Lodge

  • Day 2 : Arusha to Central Serengeti: Entering the Big Cat Territory

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    After an early breakfast, we set out on a picturesque journey to the Central Serengeti, travelling around 325 km in about 7 hours with wildlife watching stops along the way. Seronera is well-known for its abundance of predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. This location is one of the top places in Africa for big cat sightings due to its availability of prey.

    Upon arrival, we check into Serengeti Embalakai Camp, a well-appointed midrange lodge set in the center of the Serengeti. In the afternoon, we started out on our first wildlife drive in Seronera Valley, looking for lions lazing under acacia trees, leopards sleeping in the branches, and vast herds of elephants flowing smoothly across the plains. As the sun sets over the infinite savannah, we return to the camp for a fantastic meal and a night beneath the African stars.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

  • Day 3 : Central Serengeti to Western Serengeti – Following the Migration

    Wildebeest Migration (2)
    Before leaving the Central Serengeti, we take another morning game drive in this spectacular setting. This gives us more time to speculate about the migratory herds and the hazards and obstacles they encounter each year in their struggle for survival. In addition to the herd animals, you can look to the skies, where you can spot a majestic martial eagle or one of the other birds that live in this area.

    After breakfast at the camp, we travel 125 kilometers to the Western Serengeti, which takes around 3-4 hours, depending on game sightings along the way. The Western Corridor is a critical component of the Great Migration path, where vast herds assemble before crossing the hazardous Grumeti River.

    This region is also home to rare colobus monkeys, enormous crocodiles, and massive hippo pods. When we arrive, we check into Mbalageti Tented Camp, a midrange tented camp with spectacular views of the riverfront. In the afternoon, we go on an exciting game drive, following the wildebeest herds as they prepare for their daring river crossing. The sheer sight of thousands of animals congregating on the riverbanks, the tension in the air, and the unexpected bursts of action make this one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife experiences. As dusk sets, we return to camp for a warm lunch and a chance to reflect on the day's activities.

  • Accommodation

    Mbalageti Tented Camp

  • Day 4 : Full-Day Safari in Western Serengeti – The Grumeti River Crossing

    Wildebeest Migration (2)
    Today is dedicated to observing the migration at its peak. We headed off early in the morning for the Grumeti River, a vital resource for Serengeti species and a site for intensive predator-prey interactions. With patience and a little chance, we might see a wildebeest river crossing, where herds leap into the water, fighting against the currents and avoiding the gigantic Nile crocodiles lurking beneath the surface.

    Our game drives will also take us across the wide Ruwana Plains, where cheetahs are frequently spotted running after gazelles and lions lounge in the shade of acacia trees. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian population, which includes African fish eagles, secretary birds, and marabou storks. We have a bush lunch in the middle of the forest, immersed in the sounds and sights of the Serengeti. In the evening, we return to Mbalageti Tented Camp, where you may unwind by the campfire, share safari stories, and eat a well-deserved dinner under the stars.

  • Accommodation

    Mbalageti Tented Camp

  • Day 5 : Western Serengeti to Central Serengeti – Return to Big Cat Territory

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    Following breakfast, we leave the Western Corridor and drive back to the Central Serengeti, covering roughly 125 kilometers in 3-4 hours. This provides another opportunity for game viewing along the trip, ensuring that we don't miss any of the Serengeti's most iconic wildlife. When we arrive, we check back into Serengeti Embalakai Camp. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Seronera region, following new tracks to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action. The Serengeti's complex environment continues to show its delights, transforming each game into a unique journey. As the day comes to an end, we return to our campsite for dinner and relaxation.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

  • Day 6 : Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater—The Wildlife Haven

    ngorongoro crater
    Following a hearty breakfast, we set out towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a distance of 145 km that requires approximately 3.5 hours to traverse. This journey presents fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, with possibilities of encountering buffalo, giraffes, and even the elusive leopard along the route. Upon reaching Ngorongoro Crater, we descend into the largest intact volcanic caldera globally, which shelters around 25,000 large mammals. Ngorongoro Crater serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, boasting a dense population of lions, elephants, hippos, and hyenas. It is also among the rare locations in Africa where the endangered black rhino can frequently be spotted. We savor a picnic lunch near Lake Magadi, where large flocks of flamingos often congregate, creating a stunning spectacle. After an adventurous day of game viewing, we check into Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp, a cozy midrange tented resort with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Here, you can relax, eat a nice lunch, and get ready for your final safari trip.

  • Accommodation

    Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

  • Day 7 : Ngorongoro to Arusha – End of an Incredible Safari

    On the last day of your safari in Tanzania, we departed for a morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, ensuring we made the most of our final wildlife encounters. The early morning hours offer great chances to see predators coming back from their nocturnal hunts and herbivores peacefully feeding. The crater also hosts elephants with big tusks, creating stunning photography opportunities. We then start our return trip to Arusha, traveling around 250 km in roughly 4 hours. Based on your departure timetable, we might pause for souvenir shopping at the Cultural Heritage Center or explore local markets in Arusha. Upon arrival in Arusha, we will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your next flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through Tanzania's wilderness.

Safari Cost Include

Transfers

All transfers as outlined in the program.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation in hotels and lodges as described in the program.
  • Meals as specified in the program.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.


Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, equipped with fridges, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
  • All national park fees, including park entry and concession fees.
  • Free Wi-Fi availability in 60-75% of the traveled areas, depending on cell coverage in the wilderness.
  • 24/7 phone support service for any assistance during the safari.
  • Emergency air ambulance services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
  • Onboard medical kit for added safety and convenience.

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

Please Note

  • By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
  • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
  • Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.

Book this Tour

7 Days Safari
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