top of page
6 Day Wildebeest Migration

6-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Tanzania | Epic Serengeti Adventure

6-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Tanzania | River Crossing

Experience the natural spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration on an unforgettable 6-day Tanzania safari package. Witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they traverse the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park in search of greener pastures, a truly epic wildlife phenomenon. This carefully crafted itinerary maximises your chances of observing the herds, depending on the time of year and their current location within the Serengeti ecosystem.

Our 6-day migration safari provides an immersive experience, combining stunning landscapes with unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. This package is ideal for those seeking a focused Tanzania migration tour that prioritises following the herds

Why Choose Our 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Package?

  • Focused Migration Experience: Designed to position you in the best possible area to witness the wildebeest migration depending on the season (Southern Serengeti, Western Corridor, Northern Serengeti, or Central Serengeti).

  • Expert Local Guides: Our experienced guides are adept at tracking the herds and providing insightful knowledge about the Serengeti ecosystem and its inhabitants.

  • Comfortable Accommodation Options: Choose from a range of handpicked lodges or tented camps that put you close to the action (options available for luxury, mid-range, or budget preferences).

  • Comprehensive Inclusions: Covering national park fees, a reliable 4x4 safari vehicle, meals, and expert guiding throughout your Tanzania wildlife safari.

  • Witness Dramatic Wildlife Interactions: Opportunities to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas following the migrating herds.

Detailed 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary

This itinerary provides a general flow, with the Serengeti days focusing on the migration's expected location based on the time of year.

 

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

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Meet your professional safari guide and embark on your Tanzania migration safari. Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in this diverse park.

  • Activity: Arrival, Transfer to Tarangire, Afternoon Game Drive

  • Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in/near Tarangire

 

Day 2: Tarangire to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive in Tarangire before driving towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. Pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, often stopping for stunning crater views. Descend into the Serengeti plains, enjoying an en-route game drive as you make your way to your accommodation in the Central Serengeti area. The Seronera area in the Central Serengeti offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing.

  • Activity: Morning Game Drive in Tarangire, Scenic Drive to Serengeti, En-route Game Drive

  • Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in Central Serengeti

 

Days 3 & 4: Exploring the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park

Dedicate two full days to exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, specifically focusing on the area where the wildebeest migration herds are concentrated. Your guide will use their expertise and communication with other guides to locate the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Depending on the season, activities will focus on:

    • Dec-March (South/Ndutu): Witnessing the calving season, predator action around the vulnerable young. Extensive game drives on the short grass plains.

    • April-May (Central/West): Following the herds as they move north, potentially seeing early river crossings in the Western Corridor (Grumeti).

    • June-July (West/North): Focus on the Western Corridor for Grumeti River crossings or move towards the North as herds head towards the Mara.

    • August-October (North/Mara River): Spend time near the Mara River, hoping to witness the dramatic river crossings into/from the Masai Mara.

    • November (East/South): Follow the herds as they return south through the Lobo and Naabi Hill areas.

  • Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, potentially including full-day drives with packed lunches to maximize time in prime migration areas.

  • Activity: Full Day Game Drives following the Migration

  • Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp strategically located based on migration movement (e.g., Southern, Central, Western, or Northern Serengeti)

Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, taking in the sights and sounds of the awakening plains. After breakfast, drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Enjoy a game drive on the crater floor. Ascend from the crater and head to your accommodation near the crater rim.  

  • Activity: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti, Drive to Ngorongoro, Crater Floor Game Drive

  • Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp near the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

 

Day 6: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, there might be an opportunity for souvenir shopping or a visit to a cultural centre. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure, or to a hotel in Arusha if you have plans for moving forward.

  • Activity: Scenic Drive to Arusha, Departure

Here are 8 important FAQs for a 6-day Serengeti Migration Safari:

1. When is the best time to go for a 6-day Serengeti Migration Safari?

The "best" time depends on what aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness.

  • July to September: This is ideal for witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti, where wildebeest and zebras face crocodiles.

  • January to March: The southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) is excellent for the calving season, with thousands of wildebeest calves born daily and increased predator activity.

  • May to June: Herds move northward through the western corridor, often involving Grumeti River crossings.

A 6-day safari can often be tailored to focus on these key areas depending on the time of year. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for the peak river crossing season.

2. What is the approximate cost of a 6-day Serengeti Migration Safari?

The cost can vary significantly based on the level of luxury, type of accommodation (budget camping vs. luxury lodges), and whether it's a private or group tour. On average, a 6-day Serengeti migration safari can range from $1,800 to $7,300+ USD per person.

  • Budget options: Around $1,200 - $2,100 per person.

  • Mid-range options: Around $2,400 - $3,900 per person.

  • Luxury options: Around $3,900 - $7,300+ per person.

These costs generally include park entrance fees, accommodation, transportation, and game drives.

3. What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on a 6-day safari?

Beyond the millions of wildebeest and zebras that are the highlight of the migration, you can expect to see an incredible diversity of African wildlife. This typically includes:

  • The Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and (with some luck) rhinos.

  • Predators: Cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and various smaller carnivores.

  • Herbivores: Giraffes, impalas, gazelles, topis, elands, hippos, and crocodiles (especially near rivers).

  • Birds: A vast array of bird species, including ostriches, secretary birds, vultures, and African fish eagles.

The specific wildlife sightings will depend on the time of year and the areas of the Serengeti you visit.

4. What is a typical 6-day Serengeti Migration Safari itinerary like?

While itineraries can vary, a common 6-day migration safari often includes:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi, transfer to the Serengeti (often via Ngorongoro Conservation Area) and afternoon game drive in the central Serengeti (Seronera).

  • Days 2-4: Full days dedicated to game drives, typically moving between central, western, and northern Serengeti depending on the migration's location. This often involves focusing on areas like Lobo, Wagakuria, or Grumeti for river crossings.

  • Day 5: Morning game drive in Serengeti, then drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an overnight stay on the crater rim.

  • Day 6: Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, then return to Arusha/Moshi for departure.

Some itineraries might include a visit to Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Parks as well.

5. What should I pack for a 6-day Serengeti safari?

Lacking light and practicality is key. Here are the essentials:

  • Clothing: Neutral colours (khaki, green, brown) are best. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun and insect protection, t-shirts, shorts, a warm fleece/jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and swimwear if your lodge has a pool. Avoid camouflage patterns.

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers, sandals or flip-flops for camp.

  • Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF.

  • Insect Repellent: DEET-based repellents are highly recommended.

  • Health: Personal medications, a basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal), and any prescribed anti-malarial medication.

  • Photography: Camera, extra batteries, memory cards, and binoculars (essential!).

  • Other: Small daypack, power bank, flashlight/headlamp, toiletries, travel documents (passport, visa, insurance).

  • Note: Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, so use reusable bags.

.

6. What health precautions should I take before and during the safari?

Consult your doctor well in advance (at least 4-6 weeks) of your trip for personalised advice.

  • Vaccinations: Recommended vaccinations typically include Yellow Fever (mandatory if arriving from or transiting through a high-risk country), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies (if engaging in high-risk activities).

  • Malaria: Malaria is present in the Serengeti. Your doctor will likely prescribe antimalarial medication (e.g., Malarone, Lariam, Doxycycline). Also, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by lodges/camps.

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of bottled water throughout the day. Avoid tap water.

  • Sun Protection: Continuously apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.

  • Food Safety: Stick to reputable lodges/camps for meals. If eating elsewhere, ensure food is hot and peeled/washed with clean water.

7. What are the visa requirements for Tanzania?

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania.

  • Application Method: It's highly recommended that you apply for an eVisa online before your trip through the official Tanzania Immigration website (visa.immigration.go.tz). This is generally faster and avoids delays on arrival.

  • Visa Type: For tourism, a single-entry tourist visa is most common, typically valid for up to 90 days. US citizens usually obtain a multiple-entry visa due to bilateral agreements.

  • Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, a digital passport photo, flight confirmation/itinerary, and proof of accommodation/tour booking.

  • Cost: Varies by nationality (e.g., $50 USD for most, $100 USD for US citizens).

  • Processing Time: Allow at least 10 business days, but consider applying 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Visas on arrival are possible but can be less reliable and may involve queues.

8. What are the tipping guidelines on a Serengeti safari?

Tipping is customary and highly appreciated in Tanzania's tourism industry, as it supplements the income of safari staff.

  • Safari Driver/Guide: This is the most important tip. A common guideline is $10 - USD 20 per person, per day. If you are a group, some suggest $ 30- USD 40 per group, per day.

  • Safari Camp/Lodge Staff: Many lodges have a communal tip box. A general recommendation is $10 - $20 USD per person, per day to be shared among all staff (cooks, porters, housekeeping, etc.).

  • Trackers (if applicable): If you have a dedicated tracker in addition to your driver, it costs around $5 USD per person, per day.

  • Restaurants/Bars (outside safari): 10-15% of the bill for good service.

  • Currency: USD is widely accepted for tips, but Tanzanian Shillings are also fine. It's best to tip in cash at the end of your safari or stay.

bottom of page