7-Day Great Migration Safari Experience
Tarangire, North Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wilderness during the peak of the Great Migration, when over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles surge into the Northern Serengeti, drawn by instinct and survival to the life-sustaining waters of the Mara River. From July to September, this region becomes the epicenter of one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on the planet — the legendary river crossings.
As herds gather along the riverbanks, tension builds. Crocodiles lie in wait beneath the muddy waters, while predators lurk in the tall grass. Suddenly, a brave few leap into the river, triggering a thundering stampede across the current. The raw drama of life and death unfolds before your eyes — a natural event that photographers and wildlife lovers dream of witnessing.
But this safari is more than just the migration. You’ll begin your adventure in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds that congregate along the Tarangire River. Continue through the Central Serengeti, a region rich with resident predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs — offering year-round game viewing amidst golden savannahs and rocky kopjes.
Your journey peaks in the Northern Serengeti, where you’ll spend multiple days tracking the migration, exploring both sides of the Mara River, and capturing incredible wildlife scenes against breathtaking backdrops. Afterward, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for diverse species, including the endangered black rhino.
End your adventure with a return to Arusha, or let Tanzaniatrail whisk you away to Zanzibar’s turquoise shores, where you can unwind with spice tours, dhow cruises, and barefoot beach bliss. Whether you’re a photographer, nature enthusiast, or first-time visitor, this 7-day safari delivers unmatched wildlife encounters in the heart of Africa.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will transfer you to your Arusha hotel. Unwind after your flight or take a leisurely stroll around the hotel grounds. In the evening, attend a short briefing about the upcoming safari, local conditions, and photography tips if desired.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depart early for Tarangire, famous for its thriving elephant herds and towering baobab trees. Enjoy a day of game drives, capturing sights of zebras, giraffes, lions, and many bird species. In the late afternoon, head toward Karatu, reflecting on a day full of wildlife moments.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Start the day with breakfast before venturing north through scenic highlands and into the Serengeti’s vast savannah. By afternoon, reach the northern section prime territory for viewing river crossings if the timing is right. Keep your camera ready as wildebeest and zebras face daunting challenges crossing the Mara River. After an eventful day, settle into your camp or lodge in the North Serengeti.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Devote the entire day to tracking the Great Migration across Northern Serengeti, searching for dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions. Enjoy the varied terrain, which includes both open plains and woodland. Return to your accommodation at sunset, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters under the stars.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Embark on a morning game drive while animals are most active, then journey toward Central Serengeti. Along the way, spot roaming lion prides, grazing gazelles, and possible cheetah sightings. Arrive by late afternoon, allowing time to relax and enjoy the shifting colors of the African sky.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Wake up for one last early morning game drive in the Serengeti, capturing the dawn light. After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the crater for a half-day of safari among lions, rhinos, and hippos. enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending and returning to Arusha by evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depending on your flight schedule, spend a relaxing morning in Arusha or visit local markets. Transfer to the airport for your journey home or choose to extend your vacation in Zanzibar. Tanzaniatrail can arrange every detail of your beachside stay, letting you unwind after your safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Great Migration is the largest land-based wildlife migration on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles as they move in a circular path through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This incredible journey is filled with dramatic scenes of river crossings, predator hunts, calving, and long-distance movement—making it one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles in the world.
The migration is year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to see:
Dec–Mar (Calving Season): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) – Wildebeest give birth; predator action is intense.
Apr–May (Green Season): Central Serengeti – Herds begin moving north.
Jun–July (Grumeti River Crossings): Western Serengeti – Smaller river crossings; good predator sightings.
Aug–Oct (Mara River Crossings): Northern Serengeti – Dramatic river crossings, crocodile attacks.
Nov: Herds return south toward Ndutu.
No. While wildebeest dominate the scene, the migration includes zebras, gazelles, and eland, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and vultures. It's an interconnected drama of prey and predators across the plains.
The migration is continuous and cyclical, with the herds covering 1,800+ km (1,100+ miles) each year. It’s a full-year phenomenon, not just a single event.
Ideally, 6–12 days allow for deep exploration, including time in Serengeti, Ndutu, and/or Ngorongoro Crater. This provides flexibility to track the herds and enjoy other parks along the way.
Yes! The migration can be part of a romantic honeymoon, family safari, or photography tour. It’s perfect for all ages, although kids under 6 may need custom arrangements.
While Kenya's Maasai Mara is part of the migration route, Tanzania hosts 80% of the migration—including calving season and longer durations of the herds' stay. Tanzania offers more diversity and larger wildlife populations over a longer period.
Yes. Popular combinations include:
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara
Zanzibar beach extension
Tanzaniatrail can tailor your trip based on your interests and timing.
Dec–Mar (Ndutu): Warm days, occasional showers, green scenery
Jun–Oct (Serengeti North): Dry season, cooler nights, best for river crossings
April–May: Rainy, but fewer tourists and lush landscapes (great for photographers)
Tanzaniatrail offers expert-guided, mid-range photographic safaris with flexible routing, small group sizes or private tours, and up-to-date tracking of herd movements. We personalize each safari to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time—with comfort and great service.
Contact us directly:
📧 info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz
📱 +255 764 987 596
We’ll help you plan the perfect route, pick the best dates and locations, and ensure you get the most from this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
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