5-Day Great Migration Safari
Two full days positioned for the Mara River crossings.
North Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater
$1,800 per person
Each year, the Great Migration gathers on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti to give birth.
This itinerary is built around that window, with two full days in the calving grounds rather than a brief stop on a wider northern-circuit safari. Tarangire opens the journey, Ngorongoro Crater closes it, and the days in between belong to the migration.
Outside this window, the migration has moved on and a different itinerary makes more sense.
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Your itinerary
Day 1 — North Serengeti
Fly from Arusha into northern Serengeti and begin the game drive shortly after landing. Your guide follows the movement of the wildebeest and zebra herds around the Mara River, checking the crossing areas where animals gather before attempting the water.
By late afternoon, settle into camp close to the migration zone, ready for a full day at the river tomorrow.
Stay: Untamed Serengeti Migration Camp
Wildlife highlights: Wildebeest, zebra, lion and crocodile.
Day 2 — North Serengeti
Today belongs to the river. Your guide moves between vantage points according to the position and behaviour of the herds. Sometimes thousands gather at the bank only to turn away again, so waiting is part of the experience. When a crossing begins, events can unfold remarkably quickly.
Spending the full day here gives you something a rushed migration itinerary cannot: time for the herds to decide when the action happens.
Stay: Untamed Serengeti Migration Camp
Wildlife highlights: Wildebeest, zebra, lion, crocodile and hippo.
Day 3 — North to Central Serengeti
Leave northern Serengeti early and game-drive south towards the Seronera area. The changing landscape brings a different kind of wildlife viewing, with central Serengeti particularly known for resident predators and year-round game.
The journey itself is part of the safari, with the day ending at your lodge in central Serengeti.
Stay: Safari Haven Serengeti Tented Lodge
Wildlife highlights: Lion, elephant, leopard and buffalo
Day 4 — Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Spend the first half of the day game-driving through central Serengeti before beginning the journey towards Ngorongoro. The open plains gradually give way to the greener highlands as you climb towards the crater.
Arrive near the rim in the late afternoon and settle in for the night before tomorrow’s descent.
Stay: Embalakai Camps Ngorongoro
Wildlife highlights: Buffalo, hyena and other wildlife encountered en route.
Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater
Descend early onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for the final game drive of the safari. The compact ecosystem supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife, including lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo and the possibility of seeing black rhino.
After the game drive, climb back out of the crater and continue to Arusha.
Ends: Arusha
Wildlife highlights: Black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, flamingo and hippo.
Is this safari for you?
Choose this trip if the Mara River crossings are one of the main reasons you are coming to Tanzania and you are willing to give the experience time.
That also means accepting some uncertainty. Wildebeest do not cross according to a timetable, and a day at the river may involve long periods of watching and waiting before anything happens.
If you want guaranteed sightings or are travelling outside the July–October northern migration window, this exact itinerary is not the right one.
What's included
Private vehicle and dedicated guide, all game drives in the itinerary, park and conservation fees, four nights’ accommodation, full-board meals during the safari, domestic flight from Arusha to northern Serengeti, road transfer from Ngorongoro to Arusha, bottled water during game drives and emergency evacuation cover.
Not included
International flights, Tanzania visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities for guides and camp staff, alcoholic beverages and optional hot-air balloon safari.