8 Days Wildebeest Migration Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and be transferred to Arusha. After a short rest, head to Tarangire National Park, about a 2- to 3-hour drive. Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a fantastic introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you can spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Afterward, drive to Karatu for an overnight stay in a comfortable lodge, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar

Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park, a 4- to 5-hour journey. On the way, pass through the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying breathtaking views as you approach the vast plains of the Serengeti.

Arrive in the Seronera area of the Serengeti and check into your luxury tented camp or lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, set out for your first game drive in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you’ll witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, with massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the plains. Predators like lions and cheetahs often follow the herds.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge while reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge or similar

Day 3: Southern Serengeti – The Wildebeest Migration

Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Southern Serengeti. From January to March, this area is the epicenter of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young. You’ll witness dramatic events like births and the predators that follow the migration.

The Southern Serengeti also offers beautiful landscapes, from expansive plains to marshes. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, and bird species throughout the day. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the wild.

In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge or similar

Day 4: Southern Serengeti – Full-Day Wildlife Viewing

Another full day in the Southern Serengeti! Depending on the migration’s current location, you may follow the herds or explore other areas in search of different wildlife experiences. Visit the Seronera Valley to spot resident wildlife year-round, or venture into the Ndutu region, which is especially rich in wildlife during the calving season.

Your guide will continue to personalize the experience, ensuring you encounter predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, along with a variety of other species. Return to your lodge for dinner and reflection on the day.

Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge or similar

Day 5: Serengeti – Game Viewing and Cultural Experiences

After breakfast, enjoy another game drive in the Serengeti, exploring areas like Seronera or venturing further into the plains to follow the migration route. You might spot predators in action, or witness river crossings, one of the most thrilling events of the migration.

In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village near the Serengeti for a cultural experience. Learn about the Maasai’s semi-nomadic lifestyle, their relationship with the land, and their vibrant traditions. This experience provides a fascinating insight into Tanzanian culture.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner.

Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge or similar

Day 6: Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive & Serengeti Exploration

Today, enjoy another full day in the Serengeti, either tracking the migration or exploring new areas of the park. You can also opt for an early-morning hot air balloon safari (optional), offering a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti as the sun rises.

Your guide will help you track down predators, spot rare wildlife, and share insights about the Serengeti ecosystem. Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation, followed by a sundowner drink and a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge or similar

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight in Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti before driving to the Ngorongoro Crater area. The drive will take you through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lush landscape.

Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa’s Eden, and spend the afternoon exploring the crater rim. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, buffalo, elephants, and rare black rhinos.

In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu for an overnight stay at your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy a nice dinner.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar

Day 8: Karatu to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

After breakfast, you’ll drive from Karatu to Arusha or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), depending on your flight schedule. If you have time, you may explore Arusha or do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your departure.

End of Safari Experience