Seven Day Migration Safari

7 days—Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, explore Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and unwind at Materuni Waterfalls and Kikuletwa Hot Springs.

From

$2578 USD

pp

Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations, following the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration across the legendary Serengeti plains. Designed for both budget and mid-range travelers, this immersive safari begins in Arusha or Zanzibar and takes you deep into the heart of wildlife country, where nature unfolds in raw and majestic beauty.

This tour is centered around the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration – the largest terrestrial animal movement on the planet. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast Serengeti ecosystem in search of greener pastures, braving predators and crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River. Whether you travel during the calving season in the Ndutu region or the dramatic river crossings in the Northern Serengeti, you are guaranteed an authentic and thrilling wildlife experience.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Arusha into the lush highlands of Karatu, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route offers picturesque views of rural Tanzania, and depending on your preference, you can stop for a short game drive in Lake Manyara National Park or visit a local cultural site. This region serves as the perfect gateway to your Serengeti adventure, offering a comfortable and peaceful overnight stop.

From there, you travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the Serengeti. The landscape transitions from misty crater rims to sweeping savannahs, teeming with wildlife. In Central Serengeti, the Seronera Valley offers year-round game viewing and is known for its high concentration of big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Resident herbivores and migratory herds provide endless action and photography opportunities.

Depending on the time of year, the safari may take you further north to the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest risk their lives to cross the fast-flowing waters. This natural drama, often described as one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth, is filled with tension, courage, and survival. Accommodations during this part of the journey range from mobile tented camps that follow the migration to permanent lodges that overlook vast, untouched wilderness.

Game drives are conducted in custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers, designed for comfort and maximum visibility. You’ll be accompanied by a professional safari guide with deep knowledge of animal behavior, the local ecosystem, and the best spots to find wildlife in action. For those seeking a touch of adventure, optional activities such as sunrise hot-air balloon safaris or walking safaris may be available depending on location and season.

As the Serengeti chapter of your journey concludes, you make your way to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater floor is a microcosm of East African ecosystems, hosting everything from black rhinos and hippos to lions and flamingos. A guided descent into the crater allows for a compact yet diverse safari experience, often giving visitors a chance to spot the elusive Big Five.

Your final day on the mainland is spent exploring the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a visit to the enchanting Materuni Waterfalls and a relaxing swim at the warm, turquoise Kikuletwa Hot Springs. These natural attractions offer a refreshing contrast to the safari and provide insight into local Chagga culture. Enjoy a guided coffee-making tour in the village, learning how beans are harvested, roasted, and brewed in traditional style.

The tour ends with a return to Arusha, where you’ll catch your onward flight to Zanzibar. The white sand beaches and tranquil waters of the island await, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your East African adventure. This itinerary is flexible and can be customized to suit your travel dates, wildlife preferences, and accommodation level.

Whether you're an avid wildlife photographer, a first-time safari-goer, or a seasoned traveler seeking an authentic African experience, this Serengeti Migration Safari Tour promises breathtaking encounters with nature, rich cultural interactions, and memories that will last a lifetime. Choose from budget-friendly camps or mid-range lodges, all carefully selected to provide comfort, safety, and the best positioning to follow the rhythm of the migration.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Game drives
Activity level Easy activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks
Accesibility
This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • All drinks
  • Internal flights
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Hot air balloons
  • International flights
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Arrival – Arusha to Karatu

Arrive in Arusha from Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro Airport and meet your guide. Drive to the lush highlands of Karatu, passing scenic landscapes and rural villages. Option to stop at Lake Manyara for a short game drive. Settle in for the night at a cozy safari lodge or camp near Ngorongoro.

Karatu Safari Camp

Karatu to Central Serengeti

Serengeti

Depart after breakfast, driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the Central Serengeti. Enjoy en-route game drives with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. Arrive at Seronera Valley for an afternoon safari before heading to your tented camp for dinner and rest.

Safari Haven

Serengeti to Northern Region

Serengeti

Travel to Northern Serengeti to track the Great Migration and witness the iconic Mara River crossing (July–October). View massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and lurking predators. If out of season, continue exploring Central Serengeti. Overnight at a lodge or mobile camp in the migration zone.

Safari Haven

Full-Day Migration Safari

Serengeti

Spend the day following the migration herds and predators through the Serengeti plains. Explore different terrains including woodlands, riverbanks, and open savannahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild and continue with afternoon game drives before returning to your lodge or camp for the night.

Safari Haven

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti

After a sunrise game drive, exit the Serengeti via the Ndutu area or Naabi Hill Gate. Pass through vast plains and optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Arrive in the Ngorongoro highlands, where cool air and green hills welcome you. Relax at your lodge overlooking the crater rim or highland forest.

Ngorongoro Safari Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater

Descend 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. Spot the Big Five, including endangered black rhinos, lions, and hippos. After a picnic by a hippo pool, ascend and drive back to Arusha. Enjoy your evening at a charming guesthouse or lodge in town.

Karibu Heritage House

Materuni Falls & Kikuletwa Springs

Travel to Materuni village at Mount Kilimanjaro’s base for a hike to the scenic waterfall and a cultural coffee-making tour. Then soak in the natural Kikuletwa Hot Springs before transferring to Arusha Airport for your flight back to Zanzibar. Tour ends with unforgettable safari memories.

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