Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania with Mara River

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and dramatic Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti
  • 02 Explore Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti on guided game drives
  • 03 Experience authentic Maasai culture through a traditional village visit
  • 04 Travel in a private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional English-speaking guide

Experience an unforgettable 8-day Tanzania Great Migration safari from Arusha through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti. Witness dramatic wildebeest river crossings at the Mara River, explore iconic wildlife parks, and enjoy guided game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser. Discover Maasai culture, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife with expert safari guidance. Conclude your journey with a scenic domestic flight back to Arusha after an extraordinary African wilderness adventure across Tanzania's most famous safari destinations.

Witness thousands of wildebeest gathering and attempting dramatic river crossings.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Welcome to Arusha

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, Tanzania's famous safari gateway city.
  • Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooked by Mount Meru, Arusha offers the perfect introduction to northern Tanzania.
  • Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax in the lodge gardens, recover from your international flight, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before your safari adventure begins.
  • As evening settles in, the excitement slowly builds, knowing that tomorrow marks the start of your journey into the African wilderness.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
2
Day 02

Safari Journey to Tarangire National Park

  • After breakfast, depart Arusha and journey toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most scenic and wildlife-rich safari destinations.
  • Known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant populations, Tarangire offers a quieter yet incredibly rewarding safari experience.
  • As you enter the park, wildlife sightings begin almost immediately, with elephants, giraffes, and zebras spread across the savannah and near the Tarangire River.
  • Your afternoon game drive introduces you to lions, buffaloes, wildebeests, antelopes, and a variety of birdlife.
  • Return to your lodge as the golden African sunset fills the horizon. Dinner and overnight stay in Tarangire.
3
Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Highlands Stay

  • After breakfast, continue your Tanzania safari toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive inside one of Africa's greatest natural wonders.
  • Explore the crater floor, where lions, hippos, elephants, and possibly the rare black rhino can be spotted.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before ascending the crater walls in the afternoon.
  • Proceed to your lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight stay.
4
Day 04

From Ngorongoro Highlands to Central Serengeti

  • After breakfast, depart the highlands and journey toward Serengeti National Park.
  • Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their culture, traditions, and connection to the land.
  • Continue as the landscape transforms into endless Serengeti plains dotted with acacia trees and wildlife.
  • Arrive in Central Serengeti for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region with lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Central Serengeti.
5
Day 05

Following the Migration Route to Northern Serengeti

  • After breakfast, begin your journey toward Northern Serengeti, following the Great Migration route.
  • Travel through changing landscapes while tracking wildlife movement with your guide.
  • Approach the Mara River region, where wildebeest gather near the riverbanks and crocodiles wait in the waters.
  • Arrive at your camp for lunch and head out for an afternoon game drive near migration crossing points.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Northern Serengeti.
6
Day 06

Full-Day Great Migration Experience in Northern Serengeti

  • Spend the entire day tracking the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti.
  • Witness thousands of wildebeest gathering and attempting dramatic river crossings.
  • Observe predators, including crocodiles, lions, and hyenas, around the river environment.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush while continuing the safari experience.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Northern Serengeti.
7
Day 07

Migration Tracking Safari at the Mara River

  • Spend another full day exploring different Mara River crossing points.
  • Follow herd movements guided by your expert safari guide.
  • Experience extended wildlife viewing and predator interactions in the region.
  • Enjoy your final sunset over the Serengeti wilderness.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Northern Serengeti.
8
Day 08

Flight from Northern Serengeti to Arusha

  • After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your domestic flight to Arusha.
  • Enjoy aerial views of the Serengeti plains, rivers, and wildlife during the flight.
  • Upon arrival in Arusha, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel based on arrangements.
  • Conclude your Tanzania Great Migration safari journey.
Mara River crossings, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park

Where this trip takes you

Mara River crossings, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in carefully selected safari lodges and camps
  • Full board meals during safari
  • Complimentary welcome drink on arrival
  • Picnic lunches during full-day game drives
  • Private 4x4 custom safari Land Cruiser
  • Domestic flight from Northern Serengeti to Arusha
  • Airport transfers in Tanzania
  • All park entry fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
  • Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
  • Maasai village cultural experience
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
  • All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Laundry services
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Souvenirs and personal shopping
  • Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
  • Additional accommodation before or after safari
  • Travel insurance
  • Any increase in government taxes or park fees beyond our control
  • Items of a personal nature

What to bring

  • Lightweight neutral-colored clothing
  • Warm jacket or fleece for early morning game drives
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Pro tip: Neutral colors blend naturally with the savannah and are ideal for safari photography.
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Small backpack for daily essentials
  • Pro tip: A zoom lens helps capture incredible wildlife moments from a safe distance.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pro tip: The African sun can feel strong even during cool mornings.
  • Valid passport
  • Tanzania visa documents
  • Travel insurance copy
  • Flight tickets and safari vouchers
  • Pro tip: Keep both printed and digital copies of all important travel documents.

Know before you go

  • Weather - June to October offers dry weather conditions and excellent wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration season in Northern Serengeti.
  • Currency - The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, though US Dollars are widely accepted in most safari lodges and camps.
  • Visa - Most travelers require a Tanzania visa before arrival or through the online visa application system.
  • Recommendation: Apply online at least two weeks before travel.
  • Travel Insurance - Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and cancellations is highly recommended.
  • Connectivity - Most safari lodges offer Wi-Fi in common areas, though connectivity may be limited in remote Serengeti regions.
  • Vaccinations - Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin or transit route.
  • Recommendation: Consult your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 4,104 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $4,104.00 — $4,998.00
Double Sharing $4,104.00 — $4,998.00

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