8-Day Great Migration Safari Adventure
Tarangire, North Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day safari through Northern Tanzania, timed perfectly to witness one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Migration’s Mara River crossings in the North Serengeti. This once-in-a-lifetime journey also takes you through Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering a diverse and immersive wildlife experience like no other.
Your adventure begins in Tarangire National Park, famous for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and vibrant wildlife drawn to the Tarangire River, especially during the dry season. It’s an excellent starting point to warm up your camera lenses and soak in the rhythm of the wild.
Next, continue to the expansive Central Serengeti, where wide golden plains stretch as far as the eye can see. This region teems with wildlife year-round, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and large herbivore herds. The landscape offers stunning sunrise and sunset scenes, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
The heart of your safari lies in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), where the Great Migration reaches its most intense and thrilling phase between July and September. Here, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather at the banks of the Mara River, hesitating before plunging across in chaotic herds. With crocodiles waiting in the water and predators lurking nearby, these crossings are filled with raw, unpredictable energy. Your guide will expertly position you to maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing this extraordinary event.
After the action of the Serengeti, descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera home to a dense concentration of wildlife. From black rhinos and elephants to hippos, lions, flamingos, and more, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the few places where you can spot the Big Five in a single day—all within a stunning enclosed ecosystem.
Conclude your safari in Arusha, where you can unwind or choose to extend your adventure with a Zanzibar beach escape. Let Tanzaniatrail take care of the details—from spice tours and historic Stone Town visits to barefoot relaxation on pristine white sands.
This 8-day journey offers a perfect balance of big-game action, photographic opportunity, and scenic wonder, supported by private 4×4 safari vehicles, expert local guides, and comfortable mid-range accommodations that keep you close to the wildlife without compromising on comfort.
Safari Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your friendly guide will meet you for a transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Take time to rest after your journey, explore the hotel grounds, or prepare your camera gear for the safari.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depart early for Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Capture photos of lions, giraffes, and various birdlife during morning and afternoon game drives. In the late afternoon, continue to the highland town of Karatu and settle into your lodge amid lush scenery.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, leave Karatu and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Central Serengeti. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you enter the open savannah. Upon arrival, explore the area’s rich wildlife, including possible sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Return to your lodge or camp for a quiet evening under the stars.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Begin with a sunrise game drive in Central Serengeti to see predators on the move. Later, head north, following the Great Migration’s trail if the timing is right (July–September). Catch glimpses of wildebeest and zebras making their way to the Mara River. Arrive in the North Serengeti in time for an afternoon game drive and a spectacular sunset.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Spend the whole day exploring the North Serengeti, focusing on areas near the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings often occur. Watch as massive herds battle strong currents and lurking crocodiles. Capture unforgettable moments, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for predators like lions and hyenas. End your day with a relaxing evening by the campfire.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the North before traveling back to the central region of the Serengeti. Along the way, stop for wildlife sightings and scenic vistas. Arrive at your lodge or camp in Central Serengeti, where you can rest and share stories from your adventures.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Depart your camp after a sunrise game drive and head to the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day of exploration in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater to photograph rhinos, elephants, and abundant birdlife. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving by early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Departure or Zanzibar Extension Depending on your flight schedule, relax at your hotel or explore Arusha’s local markets. If you’d like to continue your adventure, fly to Zanzibar, where Tanzaniatrail can arrange pristine beach accommodations, cultural tours of Stone Town, and more. Otherwise, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.
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:
đŸ“§ info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz
đŸ“± +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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