Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

7 Days the Great Migration and Mara River Crossing Safari

Safari in national parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most stunning displays, and seeing it in the Serengeti is unlike any other. Between July and October, massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate north, facing the ultimate survival test at the Mara River crossing. This exhilarating safari in Tanzania takes you through Tarangire National Park, the Central Serengeti, the Northern Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can experience the migration at its peak while also experiencing varied landscapes and animal encounters.

This 7-day itinerary is ideal for those looking for an outstanding wildlife trip, combining action-packed game drives, magnificent scenery, and top-tier safari activities.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival & Tarangire National Park - Land of Giants

    Airport Pickup
    Your safari in Tanzania begins with a morning departure from Arusha for Tarangire National Park, which is about a 2.5-hour drive away. Tarangire is well-known for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal river that draws a variety of species. During the dry season, the park is especially magnificent, with hundreds of animals congregating along the Tarangire River, including buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and predators such as lions and leopards.

    A full-day game drive takes us deep into the park, where we can explore a variety of habitats from forests and marshes to open grasslands. Giraffes may be seen straining for acacia leaves, warthogs running through the forest, and majestic eagles flying overhead. There are almost 500 bird species to see, including colorful kingfishers, yellow-collared lovebirds, and the spectacular African fish eagle.

    We arrive at Njia Panda Tented Lodge in the late afternoon, where you may relax and enjoy a fantastic lunch under the African sky. The sounds of the wild—distant lion roars, chirping crickets, and rustling trees—create the ideal setting for your first night in Tanzania

  • Accommodation

    Njia Panda Tented Lodge

  • Day 2: Tarangire to Central Serengeti – Entering the Predator’s Domain

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    After an early breakfast, we set off on a lovely journey to the Central Serengeti, travelling 325 kilometers in around 7 hours. Along the route, we pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which provides stunning views of the crater before continuing on to the Serengeti's endless plains.

    The central Serengeti is recognized as Africa's predator capital, home to big lion prides, sneaky leopards, and swift cheetahs. Upon arrival, we check in at Serengeti Embalakai Camp and go on a late afternoon game drive via the Seronera Valley, a popular predator hunting region. We'll go across huge grasslands populated by Topi, gazelles, and zebras, all while keeping an eye out for stalking lions and lurking hyenas.

    As the golden sunset bathes, the savannah in warm hues, we return to Serengeti Embalakai Camp for an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

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

    7 Days Grumeti River Migration Safari
    After an early breakfast, we drive 115 kilometers north to the Northern Serengeti, a secluded and less-visited area that provides an intimate safari experience. The drive lasts about 5 hours, with possibilities to observe elephants roaming through acacia trees, hyenas patrolling the grasslands, and jackals trotting along dusty trails.

    When we arrive at Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp, we settle down before going on an afternoon wildlife drive. This location is a migratory hotspot where thousands of wildebeest congregate before trying the perilous Mara River crossing. Our knowledgeable guide sets us in strategic locations to maximize our chances of watching this amazing display.

    The Mara River is not just about the crossings; it is home to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species, including African fish eagles and saddle-billed storks. As dusk falls, we return to Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp, where you can enjoy a fireside dinner and the serenity of the African wilderness.

  • Accommodation

    Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

  • Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Northern Serengeti – Witness the Iconic Mara River Crossing

    7 Days Grumeti River Migration Safari
    Today is dedicated to visiting the Mara River area. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras fight against strong currents and hidden Nile crocodiles as they cross the river. Crossings are unpredictable, so patience is essential, but our skilled guides will guarantee we arrive at the right spot at the right time.

    Beyond the migration, the Northern Serengeti is home to giraffes, buffalo, elands, and even the rare black rhino. The vast savannah and rolling hills create an ideal backdrop for stunning wildlife photography. Cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes are also found in the area, providing each game drive a thrilling opportunity to see these unique animals.

    In the late afternoon, we return to Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp to relax after a thrilling day in the wild. Enjoy dinner while sharing safari stories by the campfire.

  • Accommodation

    Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

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

    Serengeti National Park (1)
    Day Five: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti – A Scenic Journey Back South Following a final morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti, we will return to the Central Serengeti. Along the route, we pause to observe rocky kopjes where lions sunbathe in the sun, hippos on riverbanks, and vast plains dotted with grazing antelope.

    Upon arrival, we check into Serengeti Embalakai Camp before embarking on an afternoon game drive. The Seronera River in the central Serengeti is a constant water source, making it an ideal place for observing elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Dinner and stay at the Serengeti Embalakai Camp.

  • Accommodation

    Serengeti Embalakai Camp

  • Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Intact Caldera

    ngorongoro crater
    After breakfast, we drive 145 kilometers south to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which takes about 3.5 hours. As we descend 600 meters into the crater, we reach a world unlike any other, one in which an estimated 25,000 species wander freely within the fallen volcano. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the greatest places to see the Big Five, which include lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the uncommon black rhino. Before continuing our journey, we stop for a picnic lunch by Lake Magadi, where flamingos wade across the shallow waters. As the day comes to an end, we hike to the crater rim and check into Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp for an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation

    Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

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

    On the final day of our safari in Tanzania, we take a morning game drive in Ngorongoro, giving us one more chance to see the crater's spectacular wildlife. After one last glimpse at this natural beauty, we continue our four-hour trip back to Arusha, where you can browse a local market or rest before departing. When you arrive in Arusha, we will drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary trip in Tanzania's famed 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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