8 Days Great Migration Safari

Overview

The 8 Days Great Migration Safari is a dedicated wildlife journey designed to follow one of nature’s most extraordinary events—the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti ecosystem. This safari focuses on maximizing your chances of witnessing dramatic river crossings, predator action, and vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across Tanzania’s endless plains.

Set entirely within the Serengeti ecosystem and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this itinerary is structured around wildlife movement patterns rather than fixed sightseeing routes. It offers extended time in key migration regions such as the Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and river-crossing zones depending on the season.

Alongside the migration experience, travellers also enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater—one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense environments—ensuring consistent Big Five sightings throughout the journey.

Tour Highlights

Full immersion in the Great Wildebeest Migration ecosystem.
Multiple game drives in Serengeti National Park.
Seasonal Mara River crossing opportunities (July–October).
Exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing.
Predator action including lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles.
Full-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with expert guide.
Flexible routing based on real-time migration movements.
Outstanding photography opportunities across diverse landscapes.
Extended time in wildlife-rich Serengeti regions.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and prepare for your migration safari.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 2: Arusha to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings en route before arriving in Central Serengeti for your first game drive across the vast plains.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Midrange: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 3: Central Serengeti Game Drives

Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, a key year-round wildlife hub. Depending on migration timing, large herds may already be present, along with predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs following the movement of prey.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Singita Sabora Camp
Midrange: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Northern Serengeti (Migration Region)

After a morning game drive, travel north toward the Northern Serengeti, one of the most important locations for river crossings. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the Mara River region.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Sayari Camp / Serengeti Bushtops
Midrange: Mara River Camp / Kogatende Tented Camp

Day 5: Full Day Mara River Migration Viewing

Spend the entire day tracking migration movements along the Mara River. Depending on timing, you may witness dramatic river crossings where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters while predators wait nearby.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Sayari Camp / Lamai Serengeti
Midrange: Mara River Camp / Kogatende Tented Camp

Day 6: Northern Serengeti Exploration

Continue exploring Northern Serengeti with flexible game drives based on wildlife movement. This region offers excellent predator sightings, large herds, and quieter safari routes compared to central areas.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lamai Serengeti / Sayari Camp
Midrange: Mara River Camp / Kogatende Tented Camp

Day 7: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

After a final morning game drive, depart for Ngorongoro Highlands with en-route wildlife viewing. Arrive at your lodge positioned on or near the crater rim in the evening, offering panoramic views.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dense wildlife populations including rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos.

After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and return to Arusha for your departure transfer or overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Arusha
Accommodation in luxury or midrange safari lodges and camps
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
All park entrance and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
Full-board meals during safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Scheduled game drives as per migration movements
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional hot air balloon safari
Premium alcoholic beverages
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Optional activities not listed in itinerary
Any services not explicitly included in inclusions