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6 Days Great Migration Safari

Safari type

Wildlife safari

Duration

6 Days

Destination

Tanzania

Overview

Optimized for the July–October river-crossing season (peak drama at the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti). As of late September 2026, herds remain massed in the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara region, with crossings still occurring and some southward drift beginning.

This classic Northern Circuit route prioritizes migration viewing while adding Tarangire/Lake Manyara variety and the Ngorongoro Crater’s high-density wildlife (excellent Big Five chances, including black rhino). It starts and ends in Arusha (easy access from Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO). Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and professional driver-guide is standard.

Highlights

  • Lake Manyara National Park (or Tarangire alternative): Tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippos, flamingos, and diverse habitats including groundwater forests.
  • Northern Serengeti (Kogatende / Mara River area): Peak Great Migration viewing with two full days tracking massive wildebeest and zebra herds. High chance of dramatic Mara River crossings (crocodiles, predators on the banks), plus excellent big cat sightings.
  • Central Serengeti (Seronera): Resident predator-rich plains famous for lions, leopards, and cheetahs amid the open savannah.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: Descent into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for high-density wildlife viewing, strong Big Five opportunities (including black rhino), and spectacular landscapes.
  • Overall: Expert guiding in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, strategic positioning for the migration (ideal July–October), and a balanced mix of iconic northern circuit parks.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Exclusions

  • Airport/hotel transfers in Arusha (start and end)
  • All ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All national park and conservation area entry fees
  • Accommodation for 5 nights (tented camps/lodges – mid-range to luxury options depending on package)
  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on most days; picnic lunches during game drives
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • Crater service fees for Ngorongoro.
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips/gratuities for guide and camp staff
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (beyond water)
  • Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon safari)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
  • Any items of a personal nature.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park (or Tarangire alternative)
  • Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel or airport transfer.
  • Drive to Lake Manyara (~2 hours). Afternoon game drive in this compact park famous for tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippos, flamingos, and groundwater forests.
  • Overnight at a lodge or tented camp near the park (e.g., mid-range options overlooking the lake).
  • Meals: Lunch & dinner.
    Highlight: Diverse habitats and birdlife; good introduction to safari.

(Alternative: Start with Tarangire National Park for massive elephant herds, baobabs, and the Tarangire River.)

Day 2: Lake Manyara → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende / Mara River area)
  • Early departure with scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands into the Serengeti (~6–8 hours total, with game viewing en route).
  • Afternoon game drive as you approach the northern sector. Look for early migration herds, elephants, and predators.
  • Overnight at a migration-focused tented camp near the Mara River (Kogatende or Lamai area) for optimal positioning.
  • Meals: Full board.
    Highlight: Transition into the vast Serengeti plains and first sense of the migration scale.
Days 3–4: Full Days Northern Serengeti – Great Migration Tracking
  • Two full days dedicated to following the herds. Pre-dawn or early starts to position at known Mara River crossing points (herds are often most active at first light).
  • Track large columns of wildebeest and zebra, watch for river-crossing drama (crocodiles waiting, predators on the banks), and enjoy picnic lunches in the bush.
  • Flexible game drives based on herd movements, recent sightings, and guide expertise. Excellent chances for big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards), elephants, hippos, and the full migration spectacle.
  • Overnight at the same northern camp both nights.
  • Meals: Full board.
    Highlight: The core of the trip — witnessing one of nature’s greatest wildlife events. Crossings are unpredictable (can take hours or not happen on a given day), so two full days significantly improve odds. Bring binoculars and a long lens.
Day 5: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Morning game drive in the north (last chance for crossings or herds).
  • Drive south through varied habitats to the Central Serengeti (Seronera area — famous for resident big cats and year-round wildlife). Afternoon game drive.
  • Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for sunset views over the caldera.
  • Overnight at a crater-rim lodge or camp.
  • Meals: Full board.
    Highlight: Ecosystem diversity — from riverine north to open plains and the dramatic crater rim.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
  • Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater (world’s largest intact volcanic caldera). Full morning or half-day game drive on the crater floor — exceptional wildlife density, high chance of black rhino, lions, elephants, buffalo, flamingos, and more.
  • Picnic lunch inside the crater.
  • Ascend and drive back to Arusha (arrive late afternoon/early evening). Drop-off at your hotel or airport.
  • Meals: Breakfast & lunch.
    Highlight: Completing the Big Five and one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.