8-Day Great Migration Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak, a breathtaking welcome to Africa. Our guide will be waiting to transfer you to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, located at the base of Mount Meru. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the town’s vibrant markets, visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, or relax at your lodge/hotel. Overnight stay in Arusha.

Travel time: About 2 to 3 Hours After breakfast, we set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a jewel of diverse ecosystems situated about 130 kilometers west of Arusha. As we enter the park, a lush groundwater forest welcomes us, where troops of playful baboons swing from branches and the elusive leopard lurks in the shadows. The landscape soon opens up to expansive acacia woodlands and grassy floodplains, home to a fine population of giraffes, zebras, elephants, and hippos. But Manyara’s true stars are its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon found in only a few places in Africa. Meanwhile, along Lake Manyara’s alkaline shores, thousands of flamingos paint the water pink, joined by pelicans and storks. After an extensively thrilling game drive through the park, you will be transferred to your safari lodge or tented camp where you may dine and relax in comfort. Overnight stay in Lake Manyara National Park.

Travel time: About 6 to 7 Hours Rise early for a scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where rolling highlands and Maasai villages dot the landscape. The journey 6-hour journey continues to Serengeti National Park, offering panoramic views of the park’s endless golden plains. As we enter Northern Serengeti, the sheer vastness of the land is awe-inspiring. Enjoy an en-route game drive to your lodge or tented camp, while catching sight of various wildlife. Serengeti National Park is Africa’s home to the famous Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles charge across the savannah in search of water and fresh grass. The drama intensifies at the Grumeti and Mara River, where large crocodiles lurk, awaiting their next meal. The tension is palpable as the herds hesitate before plunging into the treacherous waters. Overnight stay in Northern Serengeti.

Today is dedicated to exploring Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration reaches its climax. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive to explore northern Serengeti. Here, we will follow the migration herds as they cross the Mara River, battling crocodiles and powerful currents. Lions and hyenas lie in wait, hoping for an easy kill, while vultures circle above, anticipating their next feast. However, from December the animals migrate from northern Serengeti to the southern grassy plains and migrate back during the long rains of March. Aside from the moving herds, you may observe predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions prowling nearby. You will have a picnic lunch in the bush before proceeding with your game full-day game drive. As the sun sets, we drive toward Central Serengeti, where predators roam the vast plains. Overnight stay in central Serengeti.

Wake up to the golden sunrise over the Seronera Valley, one of the best places in Africa to spot big cats. Today’s game drive takes us through Serengeti’s iconic landscapes, where lions bask on kopjes (rock formations), leopards stalk from acacia trees, and cheetahs sprint across open plains. By now, you should be an expert at spotting several other wildlife and a range of bird species. End your unforgettable safari day with a sundowner at your lodge or tented camp. Overnight stay in Serengeti National Park.

Travel time: About 3 to 4 Hours After breakfast, enjoy one last game drive in the Serengeti, spotting predators on the prowl as the sun rises, before transferring to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, but the breathtaking scenery makes the time pass effortlessly. On arrival, check in at your lodge at the rim of the crater, set amidst a tapestry of stunning landscapes. Enjoy dinner and relaxation, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the crater’s rim—one of the most breathtaking locations in Africa. Overnight stay in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travel time to Tarangire: About 3 to 4 Hours Fuel up with an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-dense areas on the planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient volcanic caldera plunges about 600 meters deep, creating a natural enclosure teeming with over 25,000 mammals. Descending into the crater, expect encounters with the Big Five including elephants, buffaloes, lions, the rare black rhinos, and the elusive leopards. You will also find other prowling predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals as well as grazers like wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Moreover, over 500 bird species, including flamingos wading in shallow soda lakes, add a vibrant splash of color to the scene. Return to your lodge for lunch before transferring to Tarangire National Park. The journey will take approximately 4 hours and upon your arrival, drive straight to your lodge and relax. Overnight stay in Tarangire National Park.

As your Tanzania safari comes to an end, rise early for your final safari game drive in Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem renowned for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees that dot the golden savannah. Enjoy one last chance to witness the park’s incredible wildlife including elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, and an array of antelope species roaming freely. Predators such as lions and leopards may still be active in the cool morning air, while the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, draws a congregation of animals for their first drink of the day. If you are a bird lover, Tarangire is home to over 500 recorded bird species. After soaking in these final moments of the African wilderness, you will begin your journey back to Arusha which is approximately a 2 to 3-hour drive. As the landscapes shift from untamed bushland to bustling town life, take time to reflect on the unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery of your safari. Upon arrival in Arusha, proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. End of your 8-day Great Migration safari.