8-Day Great Migration Safari (Serengeti Focused)
Overview
This safari is designed around one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration. Depending on the season, you’ll explore both Central Serengeti (big cat territory) and Northern Serengeti (famous for river crossings), with visits to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater for a complete Northern Circuit experience.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a GoleAfrica Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, you’ll receive a short safari briefing and have time to relax and recover from your flight in preparation for your adventure ahead.
Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds, Tarangire offers a dramatic and varied landscape. You’ll enjoy a full-day game drive in the park, spotting wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and even leopards. Later in the afternoon, you’ll drive to the Karatu area for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Drive to Central Serengeti (Seronera Area)
This morning, begin your journey toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park. You’ll drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might catch your first glimpse of Maasai herders and highland wildlife. Enter the Serengeti through the Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy a game drive en route to your camp in Central Serengeti. This area is well known for its year-round predator sightings.
Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Northern Serengeti – The Migration Zone
Today, head further north into the Kogatende region of the Serengeti, the heart of the Great Migration (typically from July to October). Along the way, enjoy game viewing as the landscape transforms into open plains and wooded hills. Once in the northern sector, you may have the chance to witness the dramatic river crossings of wildebeest and zebras across the Mara River — one of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences.
Overnight: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring the remote and wildlife-rich northern Serengeti. Your day will be flexible and tailored to maximize migration sightings and predator activity. With luck, you may see crocodiles lurking in the river, lions stalking prey, and herds numbering in the thousands. Optional balloon safaris are available in this region and can be arranged in advance.
Overnight: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Return to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Central Serengeti. Enjoy a slow-paced game drive with opportunities to spot cheetahs, elephants, and even leopards in the rocky kopjes. This transition day allows you to enjoy both predator territories and more open plains teeming with life.
Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Depart the Serengeti early and make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, descend 600 meters into the Crater, often described as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” You’ll spend the day exploring this unique ecosystem where you have a high chance of spotting the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino. Later in the afternoon, ascend the crater rim and proceed to your lodge in Karatu.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Return to Arusha & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Arusha, where you can enjoy lunch and optional souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you’d like to extend your trip, consider a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar or a Mount Kilimanjaro day hike.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All park entry fees and conservation fees
- 6 nights’ full-board accommodation
- Bottled drinking water throughout safari
- Transfers to/from airport
- International flights (to/from Tanzania)
- Visa fees ($50–$100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance & medical evacuation cover
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Serengeti)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide & lodge staff
- Personal items
- Pre/post accommodation in Arusha (can be added on request)
Contact us
Related Safari
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