About This Tour
Witness the “Greatest Shoal on Earth” with a 10-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari, a premier expedition designed to track over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras as they traverse the East African ecosystem. This immersive journey typically spans the legendary Northern Circuit of Tanzania, combining the drama of the migration with the “Big Five” highlights of the region.
Trip Highlights
- The Migration Spectacle: Spend 4–6 days specifically in the Serengeti (Northern, Central, or Southern, depending on the month) to witness the herds. Highlights include the dramatic Mara River crossings (July–October) or the calving season in the Ndutu plains (January–March).
- Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into a UNESCO-listed volcanic caldera, home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa, including the rare black rhino.
- Tarangire & Lake Manyara: Explore the "Home of Elephants" and see the famous tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled soda lakes.
- Predator Action: The migration attracts Africa's top predators; expect high-intensity sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide/driver will meet you and provide a brief orientation. Following this, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, which is approximately one hour away. There, you can settle in for the night and prepare for your exciting safari adventure.
After enjoying your breakfast, embark on an exciting game drive and walking safari in Arusha National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and baboons. The park is also home to many bird species, including flamingos, eagles, and turacos. The landscape in the park is diverse, ranging from open savannah to lush forest, and includes the imposing Mount Meru, which dominates the park's skyline. You'll be accompanied by an armed ranger, who will help ensure your safety and provide insightful commentary on the park's flora and fauna.
The Land of Giants – Tarangire National Park Following a leisurely breakfast, journey three hours into the heart of Tarangire National Park, a wild sanctuary famed for hosting Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. Your day is dedicated to an immersive game drive across 2,600km2 of ruggedly beautiful terrain, punctuated by a scenic picnic lunch under the shade of an ancient baobab.
As you traverse the undulating woodlands, witness the dramatic elephant migration as herds gather around the life-giving Tarangire River. Beyond the giants, keep your binoculars ready for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, elusive leopards, and rare dry-country antelope like the fringe-eared oryx. From the golden savannahs to the lush swamps, every turn reveals a new wonder—from tower of giraffes and wallowing hippos to the occasional glimpse of a wild dog or cheetah.
Lake Manyara Game Drive
After breakfast in Karatu, descend the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive and picnic lunch.
Highlights:
- Tree-Climbing Lions: Search the acacia branches for Manyara’s most famous and elusive residents.
- Flamingo-Filled Shores: Witness thousands of pink flamingos and pelicans lining the soda lake.
- Giant Ground Forests: Spot baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants in the lush jungle-like canopy.
- Hippo Pool: Observe large pods of hippos at the lake’s edge.
In the late afternoon, return to Karatu for dinner and your overnight stay.
The "Garden of Eden" & The Serengeti
After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular half-day game drive and picnic lunch, followed by a journey into the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Highlights:
- The Big Five: Spot the rare Black Rhino alongside lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo within the crater walls.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Experience the world’s densest concentration of predators and herbivores in a prehistoric volcanic caldera.
- The Serengeti Transition: Ascend the crater and drive toward the Serengeti National Park, watching the landscape shift into endless golden savannahs.
- En Route Sightings: Enjoy "game viewing on the go" as you enter the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration.
In the evening, arrive at your camp or lodge in the Serengeti for dinner and a night under the stars.
Central Serengeti – The Heart of the Wild
Spend a full day exploring the Seronera Valley, the central heartbeat of the Serengeti. Known for its year-round water supply, this region offers some of the most consistent and high-density wildlife sightings in Africa.
Highlights:
- Big Cat Capital: The Central Serengeti is legendary for its large lion prides and "leopard-rich" acacia trees along the Seronera River.
- Cheetah Territory: Traverse the open grasslands and kopjes (rocky outcrops), the preferred hunting grounds for the world’s fastest land animal.
- The Migration Hub: Depending on the season, witness the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as they pass through this central corridor.
- Diverse Wildlife: Encounter elephants, hippos in the Retima Pool, and vast numbers of gazelles, topis, and buffalo.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild or return to camp for a hot lunch before heading out for an afternoon drive as the predators become more active.
Journey to the North – Serengeti Central to Kogatende
Travel north from the Seronera Valley toward the remote Kogatende region, the dramatic stage for the Great Migration's river crossings.
Highlights:
- Changing Landscapes: Watch the scenery shift from the central acacia woodlands to the rugged, rolling hills of the Northern Serengeti.
- The Mara River: Reach the banks of the iconic Mara River, where massive crocodiles lie in wait for the migrating herds.
- Game Viewing En Route: Spot giraffes, elephants, and resident predators as you traverse the park's wild northern corridor.
- The Migration Frontier: Enter the region where over a million wildebeest gather, preparing for their perilous trek across the water.
Arrive at your northern camp in time for a sunset over the Mara River and a relaxing dinner.
Spend a full day in the Kogatende region, the premier location for witnessing the most dramatic phase of the Great Migration. Your focus today is the high-stakes crossing of the Mara River.
Highlights:
- The Crossing Spectacle: Patiently wait on the riverbanks to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge into the water, braving the world’s largest Nile crocodiles.
- Predator vs. Prey: Experience intense wildlife action as lions and leopards patrol the riverine forests, capitalizing on the massive gathering of herds.
- Remote Wilderness: Explore the far northern reaches of the Serengeti, characterized by rolling hills, granite kopjes, and open plains.
- Flexible Game Drives: Enjoy a full-day drive with a picnic lunch by the river or split the day into early morning and late afternoon sessions for the best light.
The Experience: This is the ultimate safari "bucket list" moment—a raw and powerful display of survival as the herds navigate the treacherous waters to reach the lush grazing grounds of the Masai Mara.
After a final breakfast in the bush, enjoy a short game drive to the Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha.
Highlights:
- Last Bush Sightings: Keep your camera ready for a final glimpse of the Great Migration herds on your way to the airstrip.
- Scenic Flight: Soar over the vast Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Highlands, and the Great Rift Valley, offering a breathtaking perspective of the landscapes you explored on the ground.
- Effortless Travel: Skip the long drive back and arrive in Arusha refreshed, with views of Mount Meru (and potentially Mount Kilimanjaro) as you descend.
- Arusha Arrival: Meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel or a local restaurant for a farewell lunch.
The Experience: This flight provides a stunning aerial finale to your safari, turning a day of travel into a memorable sightseeing tour above the African wilderness.
Farewell Tanzania
After a relaxing breakfast and a chance to explore the vibrant city of Arusha, your safari comes to a close as you transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home.
Highlights:
- Last-Minute Shopping: If time permits, visit the Cultural Heritage Center or local markets for unique Tanzanian gemstones (Tanzanite) or handcrafted souvenirs.
- Leisurely Morning: Enjoy the amenities of your hotel or a final cup of world-class Arusha-grown coffee.
- Seamless Transfer: A comfortable private drive to the airport, ensuring you arrive in plenty of time for your international departure.
- Final Views: Take in the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro as you prepare to take flight, carrying memories of the Great Migration with you.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- All Accommodation and Meals as Specified on the Itinerary
- 4x4 Specialized Pop Up Roof Land Cruiser
- Water, Coffee and Tea on Safari
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Airport Transfer
- All Park Fees and Activities as per Itinerary
- Game Drive Inside The Ngorongoro Crater
- Itinerary is quoted in USD per person Sharing
The Cost Excludes
- Flight from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha Airport (ARK)
- All Entry Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any Sight seeing not on the itinerary
- Laundry
- Optional Activities
- Any Item of Personal Nature
- Anything not specified in the itinerary
- International Flights
Tour Plan
To see the Mara River crossings (as described in your Day 8), you should travel between July and October. If you want to see the calving season in the south, January to March is best.
Yes, but it is best for children aged 6 and up. The drives can be long, but the high density of animals in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro usually keeps younger travelers engaged and excited.
It saves you roughly 8 to 10 hours of driving over bumpy roads. The flight takes only about 90 minutes and offers incredible aerial views of the Great Rift Valley and the Serengeti plains.
Yes. This itinerary covers the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the best place in East Africa to see the rare Black Rhino, completing the set alongside Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo.
You will typically travel in a 4×4 Safari Jeep (Land Cruiser) with a pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing, equipped with a fridge for cold drinks and charging sockets for your cameras.
Most nationalities require a visa. You can obtain an e-Visa online in advance or purchase one “on arrival” at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for approximately $50 (USD), though $100 for US citizens.
Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country. We recommend consulting your doctor about profilactic medication. Using repellent and wearing long sleeves during the evenings in Karatu and Serengeti is advised.
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green). Avoid dark blue or black as they attract tsetse flies. Bring a warm jacket for early morning game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, where temperatures can be chilly.
Yes, most 10-day safaris are full-board, including breakfast, picnic lunches during game drives, and multi-course dinners at your lodges or tented camps.
Tipping is a standard practice in the Tanzanian safari industry. A general guideline is $20 to $30 USD per vehicle, per day, usually presented at the end of the safari.





