8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Tanzania

​​This itinerary provides a general flow, with significant flexibility in Serengeti days to follow the migration's current movements.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Transfer to Tarangire National Park Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. Your Tanzania adventure begins with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its colossal baobab trees and largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. Enjoy an exciting afternoon game drive, spotting diverse wildlife from the open roof of your 4x4 safari vehicle.

• Activity: Airport Welcome, Transfer to Tarangire, Afternoon Game Drive

• Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in/near Tarangire

 

Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park After a hearty breakfast, embark on a final morning game drive in Tarangire, soaking in its unique atmosphere. Afterwards, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but picturesque park nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy an afternoon game drive known for its tree-climbing lions (though elusive), vast flocks of flamingos (seasonal), and diverse birdlife.

• Activity: Morning Game Drive in Tarangire, Drive to Lake Manyara, Afternoon Game Drive

• Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in/near Lake Manyara

 

Day 3: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti National Park Following breakfast, depart from Lake Manyara and journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. This drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Crater. Enter the Serengeti, literally "endless plains," and begin an en-route game drive as you make your way to your camp in the Central Serengeti, home to a high concentration of resident wildlife year-round.

• Activity: Drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands, En route Game Drive

• Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp in Central Serengeti

 

Days 4, 5, & 6: Immersion in the Great Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti National Park. Dedicate three full, immersive days to tracking and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration within the vast Serengeti National Park. Your experienced guide will communicate with park rangers and other guides to pinpoint the exact location of the herds and the most active wildlife areas.

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• Flexible Itinerary Based on Migration Season:

  • Calving Season (Dec-March): Focus on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, witnessing thousands of wildebeest births and intense predator-prey interactions.

  • River Crossings (June-Oct): Spend your days in the Western Corridor (for Grumeti River) or Northern Serengeti (for Mara River), strategically positioning yourself to witness the dramatic crossings and the gauntlet of crocodiles and predators.

  • General Movement (Apr-May, Nov): Explore areas where the herds are actively moving, providing ample opportunities for vast landscapes filled with animals, and observing unique behaviours.

• Each day will feature extensive morning and afternoon game drives, with packed lunches to maximise time in the field. This extended time allows for multiple encounters and a deeper understanding of this incredible ecosystem.

• Activity: Full Day Game Drives tracking the Wildebeest Migration

• Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp strategically positioned (e.g., Southern, Central, Western, or Northern Serengeti) to follow the herds.

 

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Crater Descent After a final breakfast in the Serengeti, enjoy an en-route game drive as you depart the park. Journey back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Spend a full and exhilarating afternoon exploring the crater floor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unparalleled wildlife density, including the rare Black Rhino, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and a myriad of bird species.

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

• Accommodation: Lodge or Tented Camp on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim or nearby Karatu

 

Day 8: Departure from Arusha. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, savouring the memories of your incredible Tanzania safari. Your guide will then drive you back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be an opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping at local craft markets. You will then be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward journey, carrying with you the unforgettable moments of Africa's Great Migration.

• Activity: Drive to Arusha, Departure from JRO