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Wildebeest and zebras crowding a riverbank during the migration

Tanzania · Private or group · Mid-range safari

8 Days Great Migration Midrange Safari

Four nights in the Serengeti, planned around the herds

An eight-day safari with four nights in the Serengeti, positioned where the herds are likely to be for your dates, plus Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • 8 days
  • Tanzania
  • Wildlife safari

Price on request

The journey in brief

Duration
8 days
Destinations
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Karatu
Start
Arusha
End
Arusha
Travel type
Private or group
Accommodation
Mid-range
Transport
4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and Tanzanian driver-guide; internal flights can be arranged on request.
Price
Price on request

The experience

At a glance.

The herds move through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem all year. Around the turn of the year they are usually in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, where calving often takes place early in the year. They then move through the central and western Serengeti, and are often in the north, near the Mara River, in the second half of the year.

This safari gives you four nights in the Serengeti. We choose where you stay based on your travel month and the latest reports, but timing changes with the rains, so specific sightings and river crossings can never be promised.

Highlights

  • 01

    Four nights in the Serengeti

  • 02

    Accommodation positioned for your travel month

  • 03

    Tarangire on the way in

  • 04

    Ngorongoro Crater on the way out

The route

Your journey.

  1. Stop 01

    Arusha

  2. Stop 02

    Tarangire

  3. Stop 03

    Karatu

  4. Stop 04

    Serengeti

  5. Stop 05

    Ngorongoro

  6. Stop 06

    Arusha

Arusha → Tarangire → Karatu → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha

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Day by day

The journey, in detail.

This is a sample itinerary. We confirm the exact route, timings and lodges with your quote, and your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.

  1. Day 1 / Arusha

    Arrival in Arusha

    Arrive and transfer to your lodge in Arusha for a quiet first evening.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Arusha
  2. Elephants walking along a sandy riverbed lined with trees

    Day 2 / Arusha → Tarangire → Karatu

    Tarangire

    A game drive in Tarangire National Park, then continue to Karatu in the Ngorongoro highlands.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Karatu
  3. Wildebeest jostling on green grassland

    Day 3 / Karatu → Serengeti

    Into the Serengeti

    Cross the highlands to the Serengeti and drive towards the area where the herds are reported, with game viewing along the way.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Serengeti (seasonal location)
  4. Long column of wildebeest crossing a river

    Day 4–5 / Serengeti National Park

    With the herds

    Two full days following the movement of wildebeest and zebras, and the lions, cheetahs and hyenas around them. Your guide decides each day where to go.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Serengeti (seasonal location)
  5. Leopard resting among leaves in a tree

    Day 6 / Serengeti National Park

    Central Serengeti

    A final Serengeti day, often in the central Seronera area, known for its resident predators and kopjes.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Central Serengeti
  6. Lion lying in grass as the sun sets behind trees

    Day 7 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro

    To Ngorongoro

    Leave the Serengeti, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, and continue to the Ngorongoro area.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Overnight at the lodge · Ngorongoro
  7. Zebras grazing on the green Ngorongoro Crater floor

    Day 8 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

    The crater and Arusha

    A morning game drive on the crater floor, then the drive back to Arusha.

    Meals
    Confirmed in your quote
    Overnight
    Journey ends · Arusha

Where you stay

Room to settle in.

Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.

  • Arusha · 1 night

    Overnight at the lodge

  • Karatu · 1 night

    Overnight at the lodge

  • Serengeti (seasonal location) · 3 nights

    Overnight at the lodge

  • Central Serengeti · 1 night

    Overnight at the lodge

  • Ngorongoro · 1 night

    Overnight at the lodge

Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.

Pricing

A clear way forward.

Price on request

This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.

Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.

The details

What is included.

This is the usual scope of this safari. Your written quote lists exactly what is included for your trip.

Included

  • Transport in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Park and reserve entrance fees for the parks in the itinerary
  • Game drives as described in the itinerary
  • Lodge accommodation for each night of the safari
  • Meals as set out in your quote
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

Not included

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities, such as a Maasai village visit or boat ride
  • Drinks, unless stated
  • Tips for your guide and camp staff
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Internal flights and balloon safaris, unless stated in your quote

Before you travel

Good to know.

  • Travel documents

    Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.

  • Health and insurance

    Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.

  • Luggage

    A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.

  • Seasons

    Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.

Questions travellers ask

A few useful answers.

Can you guarantee a river crossing?

No. Crossings happen when the herds decide to cross, often after hours of waiting, and in some years the herds move earlier or later than usual. We position you where your chances are best for your dates.

When is the best month for the migration?

There is no single best month. Calving in the south early in the year and the northern river areas in the second half of the year are popular, but the herds are in the ecosystem all year. Tell us your dates and we will plan around them.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.

Why is the price on request?

Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.

What happens after I enquire?

We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.

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The next step

Ready to shape this safari around you?

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.

Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.

Still deciding?

Tell us what you have in mind.

If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.

8 days · Tanzania

Price on request

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