Detailed 9-Day Migration Safari Itinerary
Experience the ultimate Great Migration adventure with detailed day-by-day wildlife experiences and Mara River crossing opportunities
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal Tanzania Specialist guide greets you with a big smile: 'Karibu Tanzania - welcome to Tanzania!' The guide takes you straight to your hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere.
The next day your guide takes you on an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. Enjoy the luxury of your own safari jeep and take the liberty to stop and watch the animals as long as you like!
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is well known for its big groups of elephants and the huge amount of giant baobab trees. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are actually a source of water for elephants in the dry season as they have a special technique to draw water from them.
Besides, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the dry season, which is why in this season in Tarangire you can see groups of up to 250 elephants next to many more animals! This park offers incredible wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the river.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (Central West/East)
Serengeti National Park is widely known as the place to go on safari, mainly because of the Great Migration that passes through here. The enormous, stampeding herds are impressive, as are the vast amount of predators that live here: over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, a thousand leopards, 3500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs!
And of course, plenty of other beautiful animals, which your guide will be delighted to search for together with you. Are you ready for this ultimate wildlife experience in the world's most famous national park?
Day 4: Northern Serengeti & Great Migration (Mara River Crossing)
Imagine crossing the grassy plains of northern Serengeti with your guide, and coming across millions of wildebeests and zebras, moaning and bleating as they attempt to cross a river full of crocodiles. This is the famous Mara River crossing of the Great Migration, a natural wonder that every year between July and October can be witnessed in the northern part of Serengeti National Park.
This will be a nerve-racking event to watch - for did we mention the big cats waiting on the other side, just as hungry for meat as the herds are for greener pastures...? Expect to see crocodile encounters if you're lucky!
Day 5: Northern Serengeti & Great Migration (Continued)
Continue your incredible migration experience in Northern Serengeti. Today offers another full day of witnessing the Great Migration spectacle. The northern region offers a variety of resident game such zebras, topi, gazelle, buffaloes, leopards and lions.
Based on migration patterns and animal movements, you'll spend more time by the Mara River for additional chances to witness the famous river crossings. The northern Serengeti terrain changes from the usual plain grassland to a more hilly and broken terrain, offering diverse photographic opportunities.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park (Central West/East)
Return to central Serengeti for more incredible wildlife viewing. The four hours' drive from the Mara river valley takes you through hill country, the Lobo area, woodlands and then back into the Seronera terrain.
The central portion of the Serengeti – known as Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. In Seronera one must really look out for the many lion prides that thrive in this region. The interactions and survival of these lion prides provide an excellent game viewing experience all year round.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Including Crater)
The famous Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's seven natural wonders. The crater was formed two million years ago when a vast volcano erupted. The fertile lava has created a unique ecosystem, now home to the highest concentration of animals found anywhere in Africa!
Once in the crater, thousands of animals such as lions, zebras, buffalos and black rhinos surround you, and the views are astounding – you won't know where to look! This is often called "Africa's Eden" and the "8th Wonder of the World."
Day 8-9: Final Day & Departure from Kilimanjaro Airport
The last day! Depending on your flight time, you can relax in the lodge a bit longer before our driver takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home.
Having second thoughts? It's also possible to add a few days to your holiday by going to one of Tanzania's paradise islands, such as Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia! Many of our guests choose to extend their safari with a relaxing beach holiday.
Day 9: Safe Travels Home
Enjoy your final morning in Tanzania. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation at your accommodation.
Our team will ensure you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport with plenty of time for your international departure. We hope you carry the spirit of the Great Migration and the magic of Tanzania with you always!
