Tanzania’s Great Migration & Western Serengeti Safari (8 Days)
Overview
This is the ideal itinerary for those looking to witness the largest herd movement of animals on the planet while visiting the best national parks in northern Tanzania. The focus of this trip is the western Serengeti, where the Great Migration takes center stage. The journey will offer an unforgettable experience, especially during the migration from May to July.
During this time, the herds of wildebeests and zebras must navigate the Grumeti River, where they will face enormous Nile crocodiles waiting to ambush, and swiftly flowing waters challenging their journey. Predators, such as lions and hyenas, wait on the other side, adding to the drama of this magnificent natural spectacle.
Included/Excluded
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Airport transfers
- A professional driver/guide
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel and Health insurance
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will be waiting to warmly welcome you and transfer you to Arusha Planet Lodge, located in the heart of Arusha town.
After checking in and settling into your comfortable accommodation, you'll have some time to relax and unwind after your journey. In the evening, you’ll gather for a briefing where your tour guide will provide you with essential information about your safari itinerary, what to expect, and details of your package. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions and ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of your lodge and preparing for the exciting days to come!
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations. You’ll enjoy a thrilling game drive, carrying a packed lunch to ensure you have the energy to explore the park fully.
Tarangire is home to the highest concentrations of elephants in the world, and you'll have the chance to see these majestic creatures up close. The park is also known for its spectacular birdlife, especially during breeding season when many species are in full plumage. You’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including large cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Additionally, rarer species like kudu, oryx, and gerenuk can be spotted in this diverse ecosystem.
The Tarangire River attracts massive herds of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests, making it a prime location for predator sightings. Your game drive will take you through diverse landscapes, providing fantastic opportunities for photography and animal watching.
In the late afternoon, you’ll return to your lodge to unwind after a day filled with incredible wildlife sightings. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax as you reflect on the exciting experiences of the day.
Day 3: Central Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to the Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at a Maasai village, where you’ll gain insight into the rich culture and traditions of this proud warrior tribe. The Maasai are known for their colorful clothing, unique customs, and deep connection to the land and wildlife, providing a fascinating cultural experience.
Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before heading out on an unforgettable game drive. If you're visiting between May and July, you're in for an extraordinary sight: the great migration of wildebeests. As the herds attempt to cross the Grumeti River, they must contend with swift-moving water and crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. Once across, they face waiting predators, including lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, creating one of nature’s most dramatic and breathtaking spectacles.
This stunning wildlife encounter will leave you in awe of the raw power and beauty of nature. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your tented camp in the Central Serengeti for the night. Here, you can unwind, share stories of the day's adventures, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner. The Serengeti's incredible landscapes and wildlife make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Rise early and head out from your camp to spend the entire day exploring the vast Serengeti plains, following the paths of the migrating herds. As you travel through the park, you’ll witness the breathtaking phenomenon of the great migration, where thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and other hoofed mammals make their way across the vast landscape, always followed by their predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This incredible spectacle offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dramatic survival stories.
The Serengeti is one of the best places to observe the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—so be on the lookout for these magnificent creatures during your game drive. Whether they’re lounging in the shade, hunting in the tall grasses, or moving through the savannah, these iconic animals are the epitome of Africa’s wilderness.
After a day of thrilling wildlife encounters and stunning scenery, you’ll return to your tented camp in the Serengeti for a peaceful evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in the incredible views of the park's wide-open plains stretching out beneath the stars, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out for a morning game drive in the Serengeti's central region, a prime spot for spotting the Big Cats—particularly lions and leopards. This area of the Serengeti is known for its year-round exceptional wildlife viewing. As you drive across the rolling plains, keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, elephants, and the elusive pangolins. The Serengeti's open landscapes also provide a backdrop for an array of birdlife, including ostriches, and the chance to see large herbivores grazing peacefully alongside predators lurking nearby.
After a delightful lunch in the Serengeti, you’ll continue your journey to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Known as the “Garden of Eden,” Ngorongoro is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.
On arrival, you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge, nestled on the edge of the crater, and enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on your safari adventure. This will be a memorable night in one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking locations
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu
After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique and spectacular wildlife haven. This natural amphitheater, home to nearly 30,000 animals, including the Big Five, offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. Within this crater, you’ll have the opportunity to see zebras, buffaloes, lions, wildebeests, baboons, elephants, and the critically endangered black rhino. The variety of wildlife here is unmatched, and the setting—surrounded by towering crater walls and often with a mix of dramatic clouds—creates a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere.
The landscape within the crater is equally stunning, with vibrant color contrasts and diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of species. You might also encounter flamingos, ostriches, hippos, and cheetahs in this beautiful and protected environment.
In the late afternoon, after your incredible day of game viewing, you will head towards the Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in a tranquil setting. The lodge offers a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views, perfect for reflecting on your safari adventures as you prepare for the next day.
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park then Arusha
After a hearty breakfast, your safari guide will meet you at your accommodation and you'll begin your final day of the safari with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. This relatively compact yet diverse park is famous for its stunning soda lake, which occupies a significant portion of the park's surface area. The lake, which floods and dries with the seasons, is a vital habitat for thousands of flamingos and over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
While exploring the park, you may encounter monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and elephants. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, and with some luck, you might spot these magnificent predators lounging in the branches of trees—a truly unique sight. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the park offers a variety of landscapes, from open grassy plains to primate-filled woodlands and baobab-dotted cliffs, providing a rich and varied safari experience.
After an extensive game drive through the park, you’ll drive back to Arusha Planet Lodge, where you'll have the chance to relax and reflect on the incredible experiences from the past week. The lodge offers a comfortable, tranquil setting to unwind before your departure.
Day 8: Arusha and Departure
On your final day, you'll enjoy a relaxed breakfast or lunch at your accommodation. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible safari journey you've experienced. Your safari guide will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home or onward journey. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future!