7-day: Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration safari
Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles on this 7-day Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration safari, specially designed for travel between July and October. Journey through Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and spend extended time in the Serengeti, following the seasonal movement of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest accompanied by zebras and gazelles. The highlight is the Northern Serengeti, where migrating herds gather around the Mara River during the migration season. With favorable timing and natural conditions, you may have the opportunity to witness a dramatic Mara River crossing. This safari also includes Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, combining the migration experience with some of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Duration
7 Days
Style
Private or Group
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
The Great Migration follows nature, not a fixed calendar. A Mara River crossing is never guaranteed, even during peak season.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
- Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park, known for its impressive elephant herds, giant baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
- Overnight: Tarangire area
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire before continuing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Travel through beautiful highland scenery and arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the afternoon.
- Overnight: Ngorongoro area
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. The crater is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including lions, buffalo, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and potentially black rhinos.
- After lunch, continue toward the Serengeti, entering the vast plains where the Great Migration takes place.
- Overnight: Central Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 4: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti
- After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Northern Serengeti, enjoying game viewing along the way.
- As you approach the Mara River region, watch for large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra. Your guide will monitor the location of the herds and select the best possible areas for wildlife viewing.
- Overnight: Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 5: Northern Serengeti – Great Migration Experience
- Spend a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti in search of the migrating herds.
- This is one of the most exciting periods of the migration season, as wildebeest may gather near the Mara River before attempting to cross.
- With favorable conditions, you may witness the spectacular Mara River crossing. However, river crossings are completely natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
- Overnight: Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
- Continue exploring the Serengeti with a full-day game drive as you gradually make your way south.
- Beyond the migration, the Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and many other species.
- Overnight: Central Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 7: Serengeti – Arusha
- Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti before beginning your journey back toward Arusha.
- Depending on your travel arrangements, you may arrive in Arusha in the afternoon or connect to your onward flight.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Gallery
Day by Day
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari
- Private or shared 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Tarangire National Park game drives
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Serengeti National Park game drives
- Northern Serengeti migration tracking
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Ngorongoro Crater fees
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and applicable tourism levies
- Arusha pick-up and drop-off as specified
Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic flights unless specified
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers outside the agreed itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and personal beverages
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities such as hot-air balloon safaris
- Accommodation before or after the safari
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Any services not specifically mentioned under What's Included
Practical Information
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Best travel period: July–October
- Starting point: Arusha
- Ending point: Arusha
- Main migration area: Northern Serengeti and Mara River region
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced safari guide
- Accommodation: Safari lodges and tented camps, with budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
- What to pack: Lightweight neutral-colored clothing, warm layers for early mornings, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, and personal toiletries.
- River crossing: A Mara River crossing depends on herd location, rainfall, river conditions, and animal behavior. Guides can position guests in promising areas, but no responsible operator can guarantee a crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Might Also Like
7-Day :Tanzania Comfort Safari From Tarangire to Serengeti
Tanzania Comfort Safari From Tarangire to Serengeti
Arusha · Serengeti National Park · Tarangire National Park · Ngorongoro Crater
6-Day :Luxury Wildebeest Migration & Mara River Crossing Safari
Luxury Wildebeest Migration and Mara River Crossing Safari
Arusha · Ngorongoro Crater · Serengeti National Park · Lake Manyara National Park · Tarangire National Park
10-Day: Big Five and Great Migration Safari
The Ultimate Tanzania Experience
Arusha · Lake Manyara National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Serengeti National Park · Tarangire National Park