7-Day Great Migration Safari in Tanzania with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

7 Days Round trip from Arusha City Hotels Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti with game drives tailored to the season's best wildlife locations
02 Photograph lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and other iconic wildlife on multiple Serengeti game drives
03 Explore Tarangire National Park's giant baobab landscapes and one of East Africa's largest elephant populations
04 Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater to search for the Big Five, including black rhinoceros
05 Discover Lake Manyara's lush forests, Rift Valley scenery, seasonal flamingos, and tree-climbing lions when conditions allow
06 Travel with an experienced English-speaking safari guide who adjusts routes to follow seasonal wildlife movements

Experience one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles on this 7-day Great Migration Safari through Tanzania's most celebrated national parks. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, this journey combines the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration with exceptional Big Five game viewing in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Travel in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking guide who follows the seasonal movements of the herds to maximize wildlife encounters. Along the way, discover Tarangire's giant baobab trees and elephant herds, descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater in search of black rhinoceros, and explore the lush forests and birdlife of Lake Manyara.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire Through Baobab and Elephant Country

Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approx. 2-3 hours drive

Morning: Welcome to Your Tanzania Safari

Your Great Migration adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet your professional English-speaking safari guide before departing for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's hidden wildlife gems.

Travel through rural villages and the scenic Great Rift Valley as your guide introduces you to Tanzania's wildlife and ecosystems.

Afternoon: Tarangire Game Drive

Enter Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant baobab trees and one of East Africa's largest elephant populations.

Look for:

Large elephant herds
Lions and leopards
Giraffes browsing acacia trees
Zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest
Ostriches and colorful birdlife

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Evening: Overnight Near Karatu

Drive to your lodge near Karatu for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02

Through Ngorongoro Highlands to the Central Serengeti

Karatu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park

Morning: Scenic Highlands and Crater Viewpoint

After breakfast, travel through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Stop at the famous Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic photographs before continuing toward the Serengeti.

Afternoon: First Serengeti Game Drive

Arrive in Serengeti National Park and begin your first wildlife safari across the endless plains.

Depending on the season, you may already encounter migrating wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators following the herds.

Search for:

Lions
Cheetahs
Leopards
Hyenas
Elephants
Giraffes

Evening: Serengeti Sunset

Watch the African sunset before arriving at your safari lodge or tented camp.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge/Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03

Full-Day Great Migration Safari in the Serengeti

Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

Morning: Early Wildlife Action

Leave camp early to experience the Serengeti at sunrise, when predators are most active.

Your guide will head toward the best migration areas based on the season, which may include Central, Northern, Southern, or Western Serengeti.

Afternoon: Migration Experience

Spend the day following the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.

Possible sightings include:

Thousands of wildebeest
Massive zebra herds
Lions hunting
Cheetahs chasing prey
Crocodiles (season dependent)
Vultures and scavengers

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness.

Evening: Return to Camp

Relax around camp after an unforgettable safari day.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge/Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04

Seasonal Migration Tracking in the Serengeti

Morning: Continue Tracking Wildlife

After breakfast, continue exploring migration routes.

Depending on the travel season, your guide searches for:

Mara River crossings (July-October)
Calving herds (January-March)
Grumeti River migration (May-June)
Predator concentrations year-round

Afternoon: Full-Day Game Drive

Continue searching for:

Leopards
Lions
Elephants
Hippos
Crocodiles
Topi
Eland

Your guide adjusts today's route based on the latest wildlife movements.

Evening: Overnight in Serengeti

Dinner and overnight at camp.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge/Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05

Sunrise Safari and Wildlife Photography in the Serengeti

Morning: Sunrise Safari

Wake before sunrise for one of the best photography opportunities of your safari.

Watch the Serengeti come alive while searching for predators returning from night hunting.

Afternoon: Wildlife Photography and Picnic Lunch

Explore different ecosystems including:

River systems
Kopjes (rock formations)
Open plains
Woodlands

This varied landscape provides excellent opportunities for observing wildlife behavior.

Evening: Relax at Camp

Enjoy your final evening inside Serengeti National Park beneath Africa's star-filled sky.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge/Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Big Five Search

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Morning: Drive to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti while enjoying a final game drive en route.

Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Descend over 600 meters to the crater floor.

Afternoon: Wildlife Viewing in the Crater

Search for:

Black rhinoceros
Lions
Buffaloes
Elephants
Hippos
Flamingos
Hyenas

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool before continuing your game drive.

Evening: Overnight in Karatu

Drive to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Karatu Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07

Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Arusha

Karatu to Lake Manyara to Arusha

Morning: Explore Lake Manyara National Park

Enjoy a morning safari in one of Tanzania's most diverse parks.

Highlights include:

Tree-climbing lions (occasionally seen)
Elephants
Blue monkeys
Baboons
Hippos
Flamingos (seasonal)
More than 400 bird species

Afternoon: Scenic Return Journey

Enjoy lunch before beginning the drive back to Arusha through the Great Rift Valley.

There may be an opportunity to stop at a local curio shop for souvenirs.

Evening: End of Safari

Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening.

Drop-off at your hotel, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or another agreed location.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha City Hotels 6 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional English-speaking safari guide with extensive knowledge of Tanzania's wildlife, ecosystems, and the Great Wildebeest Migration
Private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for exceptional game viewing, wildlife photography, and comfort on safari
All transportation throughout the safari, including transfers between Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and return to Arusha
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by prior arrangement
All national park entrance fees for Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Crater service fees for your full crater game drive
6 nights accommodation in carefully selected standard safari lodges or tented camps with private rooms and en-suite facilities
All meals as specified in the itinerary, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari
Picnic lunches during full-day game drives inside the national parks
Multiple game drives in Serengeti National Park with routes adjusted to follow the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration whenever possible
Unlimited game drives within the itinerary, allowing flexible wildlife viewing based on animal movements and park conditions
Bottled drinking water available throughout the safari
Safari vehicle charging ports for cameras, phones, and other electronic devices
Wildlife tracking and migration planning by your experienced safari guide to maximize seasonal wildlife sightings
Government taxes, VAT, and all applicable tourism service charges related to the included safari services

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees and any passport-related expenses
Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage
Tips and gratuities for your safari guide, driver, lodge staff, and camp personnel (recommended but optional)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, Wi-Fi charges, and other incidental purchases
Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails
Soft drinks and beverages not specifically included with meals or provided as bottled drinking water
Optional activities and excursions such as a Serengeti hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, cultural experiences, or other activities not listed in the itinerary
Accommodation before or after the safari unless specifically included in your booking
Airport transfers outside the scheduled pick-up and drop-off service included with the safari package
Room upgrades or accommodation changes requested after booking
Medical expenses, vaccinations, prescription medications, and personal healthcare costs
Any meals, drinks, activities, or services not specifically listed under "What's Included"

What to bring

Passport and travel documents
Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
Neutral-colored safari clothing (khaki, olive, beige, or brown)
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
Warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives and the Ngorongoro Highlands
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat or cap
High-SPF sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack for personal belongings
Power bank and charging cables for electronic devices

Know before you go

A valid passport is required for all travelers.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a natural wildlife event. The location of the herds changes throughout the year, and your safari guide will adjust game drives within the Serengeti to maximize viewing opportunities.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals move freely in their natural habitat.
Expect long but scenic drives between parks, with opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the journey.
Roads inside national parks are unpaved and can be rough, dusty, or muddy depending on the season.
Early morning departures provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Temperatures vary between parks and elevations, especially in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Bring clothing suitable for both warm days and cool mornings.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements or food allergies before your departure.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, including emergency medical evacuation coverage.
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions, road conditions, park regulations, or seasonal wildlife movements to provide the best safari experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Meet your Africantrust Safari guide at your hotel reception in Arusha or in the arrivals hall of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your guide will be holding an Africantrust Safari sign with your name or booking reference. Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed before your safari begins.

Tour start

Arusha City Hotels, Arusha Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania