Safari Overview

The 10 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Migration Safari is one of the most rewarding wildlife journeys in Africa, specifically designed for travelers seeking maximum exposure to the world-famous Great Migration ecosystem. This safari combines three of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offering outstanding game viewing, spectacular landscapes, and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife found anywhere on earth.

Beginning in Arusha, the safari first explores the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best locations for Big Five encounters. The journey then continues into the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, home to millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and the predators that follow them throughout the year.

The adventure culminates in Maasai Mara National Reserve, where dramatic wildlife encounters unfold across rolling grasslands, river systems, and predator-rich territories. Depending on the season, travelers may witness the famous migration crossings, one of the most sought-after safari experiences in the world.

This itinerary provides ample time in each destination, ensuring a relaxed pace, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and unforgettable safari moments for photographers, nature enthusiasts, families, couples, and first-time safari travelers.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary follows the core migration ecosystem that supports one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet.

Key Benefits

• Visit East Africa’s most famous safari destinations
• Explore the Great Migration ecosystem
• Exceptional Big Five viewing opportunities
• Multiple nights in Serengeti and Maasai Mara
• Outstanding predator encounters
• UNESCO World Heritage Site visit
• Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
• Professional safari guides
• Diverse landscapes and habitats
• Ideal for migration-focused safaris

Safari Highlights

• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Great Migration ecosystem
• Big Five wildlife viewing
• Predator tracking opportunities
• Seasonal migration crossings
• Scenic savannah landscapes
• Wildlife photography safari
• Cross-border safari experience

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival, meet your safari team and transfer to your accommodation.

Depending on arrival time, guests may relax, explore the town, or prepare for the adventure ahead.

Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travel through scenic highlands and wildlife-rich landscapes before arriving at the crater rim.

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife experience.

The crater supports an incredible concentration of wildlife including:

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Elephants
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Zebras

The enclosed ecosystem provides one of Africa’s best chances to encounter the Big Five in a single day.

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 4: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue into Serengeti National Park.

As you enter the Serengeti ecosystem, wildlife sightings begin almost immediately.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive while traveling to your lodge or camp.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring the vast Serengeti plains.

The park is renowned for:

• Great Migration routes
• Predator populations
• Endless savannahs
• Exceptional wildlife density

Possible sightings include:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Elephants
• Wildebeests
• Zebras

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Migration Experience

Continue exploring different regions of Serengeti.

This additional day allows greater flexibility to follow wildlife movements and seek out migration herds.

Depending on the season, guests may witness:

• Wildebeest columns stretching across the plains
• Predator hunts
• Calving areas
• River crossing activity

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti to Maasai Mara via Isebania Border

Depart Serengeti and travel toward the Isebania border crossing.

Following immigration procedures, continue into the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Arrive in time for evening wildlife viewing.

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 8: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Enjoy a full day of game drives within Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Giraffes
• Wildebeests

The reserve remains one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 9: Full Day Maasai Mara Migration Experience

Spend another day exploring different sections of the reserve.

Depending on the season, opportunities may include:

• River crossing activity
• Predator encounters
• Large migration herds
• Wildlife photography

Optional hot air balloon safaris are available.

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive before returning to Nairobi.

Arrival in Nairobi marks the end of your unforgettable migration safari.

Great Migration Experience

The Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem hosts one of the largest wildlife migrations on Earth.

What You May Witness

• Over one million wildebeests
• Hundreds of thousands of zebras
• Seasonal river crossings
• Predator hunting activity
• Calving season wildlife interactions
• Massive grazing herds across open plains

Migration Seasons

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo

Predators

• Cheetah
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Serval Cat

Plains Wildlife

• Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Giraffe
• Eland
• Topi
• Gazelle
• Hartebeest

Birdlife

• Secretary Bird
• Ostrich
• Crowned Crane
• Eagles
• Vultures
• Hornbills

Best Time to Travel

July – October

Peak migration and river crossing season.

January – March

Calving season with excellent predator activity.

June – October

Outstanding wildlife viewing conditions.

November – December

Green season with beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.

Estimated Safari Price Range

Prices vary depending on travel season, accommodation category, group size, and migration location.

What’s Included

• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Park and conservation fees
• Accommodation throughout the safari
• Meals as specified
• Daily game drives
• Bottled drinking water
• Cross-border assistance
• Airport transfers where applicable

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Optional activities
• Balloon safari
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari designed around the Great Migration?

Yes. The itinerary follows the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem where migration activity occurs throughout the year.

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five?

Excellent. Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Maasai Mara collectively provide some of the best Big Five viewing opportunities in Africa.

When is the best time for river crossings?

Typically between July and October, although migration movements vary with rainfall patterns.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. This is one of East Africa’s premier wildlife photography itineraries.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. Additional nights, luxury lodges, fly-in options, and beach extensions can be added.