A dramatic journey through Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, timed to follow the great wildebeest migration toward the famous Mara River crossings.
The essential details of this trip at a glance.
This 7 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari combines excellent wildlife viewing with strategically placed nights in Central and Northern Serengeti. The Northern Serengeti provides access to the Mara River and the migration's dramatic river-crossing area, while Central Serengeti offers excellent year-round wildlife and predator viewing.
Because the migration follows rainfall and changing grazing conditions, river crossings cannot be guaranteed on specific dates. Your safari route can be adjusted according to the location of the herds at the time of travel.
A quick look at each day of your journey.
Discover elephants, baobabs and diverse wildlife.
Enter the legendary Serengeti plains.
Follow the migration north toward the Mara River.
Search for migrating herds and river-crossing activity.
Enjoy another day around the Mara River region.
Enjoy wildlife viewing before travelling toward Ngorongoro.
Explore the crater and return to Arusha.
The unforgettable moments that define this safari.
The approximate route followed on your 7 Days Great Migration Safari, from Arusha through Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, to Ngorongoro and back.
Arusha (Start)
Tarangire National Park
Central Serengeti
Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Ngorongoro Crater
Arusha (End)
A full day-by-day breakdown of your 7 Days Great Migration Safari.
Your Great Migration adventure begins with a morning departure from Arusha toward Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a game drive through landscapes characterized by ancient baobab trees, open savannah and seasonal wetlands. Search for large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and other wildlife before continuing to your comfortable lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and travel toward the legendary Serengeti. Pass through changing landscapes as you approach the vast plains of the national park. Enjoy game viewing along the way while searching for wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants and predators. Continue into Central Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, begin your journey north through the Serengeti while enjoying game viewing along the route. As you approach Northern Serengeti, watch for large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras and the predators that follow them. Arrive near the Mara River area and settle into your tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Spend a full day exploring Northern Serengeti around the Mara River. Follow the movements of the migrating herds with your experienced guide and search for areas where wildebeest gather near the riverbanks. With patience and favorable conditions, you may witness one of nature's most dramatic spectacles, a wildebeest river crossing. The actual timing and location of crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy another full day in Northern Serengeti, giving you more time to follow the migration and explore different wildlife areas. Search for massive wildebeest and zebra herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and other wildlife. Your guide will monitor wildlife activity and help position the safari according to the movements of the herds.
After breakfast, leave Northern Serengeti and begin your journey south toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way as the scenery gradually changes from Serengeti plains to the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands. Arrive at your lodge, relax and prepare for tomorrow's spectacular crater experience.
After an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for your final game drive. Explore the crater floor while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and black rhinos. After the crater experience, ascend and continue to Arusha, where your 7 Days Great Migration Safari comes to an end.
Where you'll rest each night along the way.
Farm of Dreams Lodge / Similar
Kontiki Serengeti Camp / Similar
Tanzania Bush Camps – Mara River / Similar
Tanzania Bush Camps – Mara River / Similar
Tanzania Bush Camps – Mara River / Similar
Ngorongoro Safari Lodge / Similar
No accommodation – Departure Day
A clear breakdown so there are no surprises.
This 7 Days Great Migration Safari can be customized according to your travel dates, group size, interests, accommodation preferences and budget.
Add extra nights in Northern Serengeti, upgrade your accommodation, include a hot-air balloon safari, extend your time around the Mara River, or combine your Great Migration experience with Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
For the best chance of experiencing the Mara River crossings, plan your safari around the July–October period and allow flexibility to follow the herds.
Common questions from travelers planning this trip.
River crossings are most likely between July and October, though the migration follows rainfall patterns and exact timing cannot be guaranteed. Our guides monitor herd movements closely to maximize your chances.
This is a fully private safari. You will travel with your own vehicle, guide and itinerary, rather than joining a shared group with strangers.
You will stay in comfortable midrange lodges and tented camps throughout the itinerary, offering en-suite bathrooms, good food and a genuine safari atmosphere. Accommodation can be upgraded on request.
Yes, this itinerary combines easily with a Zanzibar beach holiday or a Kilimanjaro trek. Many travelers extend their trip to include one or both.
Yes, 7 days allows enough time to explore Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater without feeling rushed, while maximizing your chances of migration sightings.
Neutral-colored clothing, layers for cool mornings, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera are recommended. We will send a detailed packing list once your safari is confirmed.
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