Safari Overview

The 9 Day Serengeti Migration Safari is one of Tanzania’s premier wildlife adventures, specifically designed to maximize opportunities for witnessing the Great Migration, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events.

This flexible itinerary follows the seasonal movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the time of year, the safari may focus on Central Serengeti, the Northern Serengeti’s Mara River region, or the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River.

In addition to migration viewing, guests enjoy exceptional predator sightings, extended Serengeti game drives, a safari inside the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and exploration of Lake Manyara National Park.

Route

Arusha → Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti / Western Serengeti (Seasonal) → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

Safari Highlights

• Great Migration herds (seasonal)
• Mara River crossings (seasonal)
• Grumeti River crossings (seasonal)
• Extended Serengeti exploration
• Lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena sightings
• Ngorongoro Crater safari
• Lake Manyara ecosystems and birdlife
• Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities
• Flexible routing based on migration movements

Why Choose This Safari?

Migration-Focused Itinerary

Unlike standard safaris, this itinerary is designed around the movement of the migration herds, allowing guides to position guests in the most active wildlife areas.

More Time in Serengeti

With several days dedicated to Serengeti, travelers benefit from:

• Better wildlife encounters
• Increased river crossing opportunities
• Enhanced predator sightings
• More photographic opportunities

Exceptional Predator Action

The migration attracts:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas
• Crocodiles

creating some of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife encounters.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti

Depart Arusha and travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Overnight in Central Serengeti.

Day 2: Full Day Central Serengeti Safari

Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti.

Focus on:

• Resident wildlife
• Big cats
• Wildebeest herds (depending on season)

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Migration Zone

Travel toward the current migration region based on seasonal herd movement.

Possible destinations:

• Northern Serengeti
• Western Corridor

Afternoon game drive.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Full Day Migration Safari

Spend the day tracking migration herds and searching for predator activity.

Highlights may include:

• Massive wildebeest concentrations
• Predator hunts
• River crossing preparation

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Great Migration Exploration

Continue exploring migration corridors.

Possible sightings:

• Mara River crossings
• Grumeti River crossings
• Lion prides
• Crocodiles

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Extended Serengeti Safari

Another full day dedicated to migration tracking and wildlife photography.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive before departing Serengeti.

Drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Overnight near the crater rim.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the crater for a full-day wildlife safari.

Possible sightings include:

• Black rhino
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Elephants

Overnight in Karatu.

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park and Return to Arusha

Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Look for:

• Tree-climbing lions
• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Baboons
• Hippos

Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Great Migration Species

• Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Thomson’s gazelle
• Grant’s gazelle

Predators

• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Crocodile

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Birdlife

• Flamingos
• Eagles
• Secretary birds
• Vultures
• Hornbills

Best Time for This Safari

July to October

• Best time for Mara River crossings
• Northern Serengeti focus
• Excellent predator activity

May to July

• Western Corridor migration
• Grumeti River crossings
• Large herd concentrations

January to March

• Southern Serengeti calving season
• High predator activity
• Excellent photography

November to December

• Herds moving through Central Serengeti
• Green landscapes
• Fewer crowds

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional safari guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 8 nights
• All meals during safari
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes and levies
• Arusha transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional balloon safari
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

Will I definitely see a river crossing?

River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. However, this itinerary is designed to maximize the chances of witnessing them during the appropriate season.

When is the best time to see Mara River crossings?

The best period is generally from July to October when herds gather in Northern Serengeti.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Yes. This is one of Tanzania’s best photography safaris, offering opportunities to capture migration herds, predator action, landscapes, and river crossings.

How many days are spent in Serengeti?

Most of the itinerary is dedicated to Serengeti, allowing extensive wildlife viewing and migration tracking.

Can this itinerary change based on herd movement?

Yes. The safari is flexible and may be adjusted to follow the migration’s current location.

Is Ngorongoro Crater included?

Yes. A full-day safari inside Ngorongoro Crater is included as part of the itinerary.

Can I upgrade to a luxury migration camp?

Yes. Luxury mobile camps and premium lodges are available depending on travel dates and preferences.