Kenya, Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Tanzania Safari with Great Migration and Ngorongoro Crater

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Observe the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti near the Mara River
02 Get a chance to view the Big Five at Ngorongoro Crater
03 Explore the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
04 Marvel at giant crocodiles near the Gurmeti River
05 Enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment
06 Experience Maasai culture through visits to local villages

Embark on this 8-day safari for the chance to witness the Great Migration along the Mara River while staying in remarkable accommodations. With Serengeti Smile, you will be immersed in the unspoiled nature of Africa, see wild animals up close, and capture the wonderful landscapes of Tanzania. The tour includes full board, a personal English-speaking guide, and private use of a 4x4 Jeep with mineral water, power sockets, and binoculars, all with the support of a tour operator based in Arusha.

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of wildebeests, zebra, and other animals crossing the Mara River to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

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 Not applicable

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

Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

At Kilimanjaro (or Arusha) International Airport, our guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha for the night.
One option is to take a free tour of Arusha city with our guide. Be sure to get enough sleep so you are ready for safari tomorrow.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Safari

Today, you will be picked up from the lodge early in the morning to begin a beautiful journey to Tarangire National Park. You will carry a boxed lunch to eat along the way.
Tarangire is well known for its large elephant herds and diverse landscapes, from seasonal swamps to savannah plains.
We may have the chance to watch a lion stalking her prey or leopards relaxing in the trees above.
After the game drive, you will make your way to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara

Day 03

Game Drive in Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you will make your way into the central Serengeti for a game drive.
You will eat lunch inside the park and continue your game drive into the afternoon before reaching your camp.
The Serengeti is known for its great migrating herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest. Be ready to see resident predators, including leopards, cheetahs, and lions, fulfilling their role in the circle of life.

Accommodation: Kontik Serengeti

Day 04

Northern Serengeti and Mara River

After an early breakfast, you will make your way to the northern Serengeti and the Mara River to see the Great Migration. Our safari guide will be sure to find the best spot.
The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of wildebeests, zebra, and other animals crossing the Mara River to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The best time to visit is from July to early October each year.

Accommodation: Heritage Mara Migration Camp

Day 05

Great Migration Game Drive

Get up early and enjoy breakfast before continuing your game drive to see the Great Migration. Later, we will drive back to the central area of the park for our overnight stay.
The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of wildebeests, zebra, and other animals crossing the Mara River to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The best time to visit is from July to early October each year.

Accommodation: Heritage Mara Migration Camp

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari

After breakfast, we will make our way to the Ngorongoro Crater with lunch boxes in hand for another game drive.
This park consists of the largest uninterrupted caldera in the world and is one of the natural wonders of Africa. About 30,000 large mammals reside here year-round, including buffaloes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, and rhinos.
A large variety of birds also call the crater home.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp

Day 07

Lake Manyara National Park and Return

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara with a lunch box in hand. Once we finish our game drive here, you will be transferred to Arusha for your overnight stay.
Lake Manyara is famous for its arboreal lions, which hide among the tree branches, and the numerous baboon colonies that populate the forest. The baboons will accompany you along the road from the moment you enter the park.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara

Day 08

Departure from Arusha

After breakfast, you will relax at the lodge and, if time allows, take a short tour of Arusha for some shopping.
Later, you will be transferred to the airport to finish your adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Mara River, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All applicable park entry fees as per the program
Government taxes & local levies
Unlimited game drives and all activities (unless labeled as optional)
Service of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
All taxes/VAT
Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
Picnic lunch or hot lunch on safari, depending on the onward program
Meals on a full-board basis and accommodation on safari as indicated in the shared program (unless listed as an upgrade)
Unlimited drinking water (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Refreshments during safari in the safari vehicle
Private transport in a customized pop-up-top 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with plugs to charge mobile phones and cameras, an intercooler to keep drinks cold, and a full AC system

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Domestic flight
Medical/luggage insurance
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline for safari guides: $10-20 per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.

What to bring

Camera and memory cards
Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
Sturdy boots or sandals
Sun hat
Sunglasses
T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
Sleeve shirts (lightweight)
Shorts
Long trousers
Socks
Sleepwear
Travel towel
Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept)
Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, Mar-May and Oct-Dec)
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Wet wipes
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
Malaria tablets
Flashlight or headlamp
Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
Power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
The operator can help select your international or domestic flights, but you must book them yourself.
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.

Logistics