7-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari – Serengeti & Masai Mara Crossings
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
Tour Overview
Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make an incredible journey across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya. This is called the Great Wildebeest Migration — and it is one of the greatest wildlife events on the planet. This 7-day private safari is built to take you right to the heart of it.
You will travel through three of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife areas — Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti National Park — covering both Central Serengeti and the Northern Serengeti, where the famous Mara River crossings happen between July and October.
You will spend two full days at the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. This gives you the best chance to watch thousands of wildebeest jump into crocodile-filled water — one of the most breathtaking things you can ever see in the wild. Even outside of migration season, the Serengeti is full of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants every single day of the year.
This safari is not just about the migration. On Day 2, you will explore Tarangire — known for its giant baobab trees and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania. On Day 3, you will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural bowl packed with wildlife including the rare black rhino, making it one of the best places on Earth to see the Big Five in one day.
This is a fully private, mid-luxury safari. You will have your own 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof, your own professional driver-guide, and hand-picked lodges and tented camps inside and near the parks. You won’t share your vehicle with anyone else — every game drive, every stop, and every decision is made just for your group.
Want to make it even more special? You can add a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti or combine this trip with a Zanzibar beach stay at the end. Not sure when to travel? Check our complete guide to the best time to see the Great Migration to pick the right dates for you.
This tour can start on any date and can be fully customized. Whether you are a first-time safari traveler or coming back for more, this 7-day wildebeest migration safari gives you the very best of Tanzania — all in one trip.
Best Time to Go on This 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari
The Great Wildebeest Migration happens all year — but what you see depends on when you visit. Here is a simple month-by-month guide to help you pick the best time for your trip.
→ July–October: Mara River Crossings (Most Popular) This is the most exciting time to visit. The wildebeest herds move into the Northern Serengeti and try to cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara. These crossings are dramatic, thousands of animals jump into the water while crocodiles wait below. August and September are the peak months. This 7-day safari is perfectly designed for this season, with two full days at the Mara River.
→ January – March: Calving Season (Best for Predators) Between January and March, over 500,000 baby wildebeest are born in the Southern Serengeti. This attracts lions, cheetahs, and hyenas making it one of the best times for predator sightings. If you love wildlife photography and action-packed game drives, this is a great time to visit.
→ April – June: Green Season (Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices) This is Tanzania’s rainy season. The parks are lush and green, and there are far fewer tourists. Bird watching is excellent during this time. Some roads can be muddy, but the lower prices and quieter parks make it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
→ November – December: Short Rains & Migration Returns South The herds begin moving back south through the Serengeti. Game viewing is still very good, and the short rains usually don’t last all day. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid peak season crowds.
Not sure which dates are best for you? Read our full Best Time to See the Great Migration guide or contact our safari team — we’ll help you choose the perfect dates.
Day by Day Itinerary
- Travel: 45 km / 1 hour from Kilimanjaro Airport
- Accommodation: Fun Retreat Hotel, Arusha
- Meals: Dinner
- Activities: Airport transfer, safari briefing
When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your driver-guide will be waiting for you. You will be driven to Fun Retreat Hotel in Arusha — a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool, gardens, and everything you need to relax after your flight. In the evening, you will meet one of our safari consultants for a full briefing. They will walk you through the itinerary, answer your questions, and make sure you are 100% ready for the adventure ahead. Dinner and overnight at Fun Retreat Hotel.
- Travel: 120 km / 3 hours to Tarangire + 90 km / 2 hours to Karatu
- Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge, Karatu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Full-day game drive in Tarangire
After an early breakfast, you will head to Tarangire National Park — one of Tanzania’s most underrated parks. Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees, which are hundreds of years old and unlike anything you have seen before. The park is also home to some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, and you will likely see them up close during your game drive. Keep your eyes open for lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest too. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before driving to the beautiful Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
H3: Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater & Into the Serengeti
- Travel: 45 km / 1 hour to crater + 160 km / 4–5 hours to Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Ngorongoro Crater game drive, drive into Serengeti
Today is one of the most exciting days of the trip. You will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater — a massive natural bowl that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about 25,000 animals. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino all live inside the crater. After a picnic lunch at the hippo pool, you will drive into the Serengeti National Park, watching wildlife all along the way. You will arrive at Moyo Camp Central — a comfortable tented camp inside the park — in the evening.
H3: Day 4 — Full Day in Central Serengeti: Big Cat Country
- Travel: Game drives within Central Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, migration tracking
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the Central Serengeti (Seronera area) — one of the best places in the world to spot big cats. Lions are seen here almost every day, and cheetah and leopard sightings are common too. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through this area as part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and you will also see giraffes, elephants, hippos, and many other animals. You will enjoy both a morning and afternoon game drive, with a bush picnic lunch in between. Dinner and overnight at Moyo Camp Central.
H3: Day 5 — Drive North: Into the Heart of the Migration
- Travel: 150 km / 4–5 hours game drive heading north
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Full game drive en route, migration tracking
After breakfast, you will begin the drive north through the Serengeti — and this is a game drive the whole way. The landscape changes as you move from open plains to rocky outcrops and river valleys. By the time you reach Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area), you are in the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration territory. Between July and October, this is where the massive herds gather before attempting to cross the Mara River. You will check in at Moyo Migration Camp, a tented camp set right in the middle of the action, just in time for dinner under the stars.
H3: Day 6 — Full Day at the Mara River: Witness the Crossing
- Travel: Game drives within Northern Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Full-day Mara River game drives, crossing watch
This is the day you have been waiting for. You will spend the whole day at the Mara River — watching, waiting, and hoping for a crossing. When a crossing happens, it is one of the most powerful things you will ever see: thousands of wildebeest leaping into the water, swimming hard against the current, while Nile crocodiles surge up from below. Your experienced guide knows the best crossing points and will position you perfectly. Even on days without a crossing, the Northern Serengeti delivers — lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes are all around. You can also optionally add a hot air balloon safari this morning for a bird’s-eye view of the migration herds. Dinner and overnight at Moyo Migration Camp.
H3: Day 7 — Final Game Drive & Return to Arusha
- Travel: 300 km / 7–8 hours to Arusha (or 1.5-hour flight option)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Activities: Morning game drive, transfer to airport
Your last morning in the Serengeti. You will wake up early for one final game drive — often the best one, as the early morning light is magical and predators are still active. After breakfast, you will begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for your departure flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you prefer to skip the long drive, a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip back to Arusha can be arranged at an extra cost — a great option if you are continuing to Zanzibar for a beach stay. Safe travels — and welcome to the family of Exceptional Travel Expert guests!
🔗 All Internal Links Used Across Both Sections
| Page Linked | URL | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Great Wildebeest Migration guide | /travel-blog/great-migration-best-time/ | ✅ Live |
| Serengeti National Park | /destinations/serengeti-national-park-safari-guide/ | ✅ Live |
| Hot Air Balloon Safari | /hot-air-balloon-safari-tanzania/ | ✅ Live |
| Tarangire National Park | /tarangire-national-park/ | ⚠️ Fix 404 |
| Ngorongoro Crater | /ngorongoro-crater/ | ⚠️ Fix 404 |
| Zanzibar / Flights & Hotels | /flights-and-hotels/ | ✅ Live |
Once the container is back up I’ll package everything — Tour Overview + Best Time section + all 7 day descriptions — into a single clean Word document you can hand straight to your web developer. Want me to do that?
- Travel: 45 km / 1 hour to crater + 160 km / 4–5 hours to Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Ngorongoro Crater game drive, drive into Serengeti
Today is one of the most exciting days of the trip. You will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater — a massive natural bowl that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about 25,000 animals. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino all live inside the crater. After a picnic lunch at the hippo pool, you will drive into the Serengeti National Park, watching wildlife all along the way. You will arrive at Moyo Camp Central — a comfortable tented camp inside the park — in the evening.
- Travel: Game drives within Central Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, migration tracking
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the Central Serengeti (Seronera area) — one of the best places in the world to spot big cats. Lions are seen here almost every day, and cheetah and leopard sightings are common too. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through this area as part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and you will also see giraffes, elephants, hippos, and many other animals. You will enjoy both a morning and afternoon game drive, with a bush picnic lunch in between. Dinner and overnight at Moyo Camp Central.
- Travel: 150 km / 4–5 hours game drive heading north
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Full game drive en route, migration tracking
After breakfast, you will begin the drive north through the Serengeti — and this is a game drive the whole way. The landscape changes as you move from open plains to rocky outcrops and river valleys. By the time you reach Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area), you are in the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration territory. Between July and October, this is where the massive herds gather before attempting to cross the Mara River. You will check in at Moyo Migration Camp, a tented camp set right in the middle of the action, just in time for dinner under the stars.
- Travel: Game drives within Northern Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities: Full-day Mara River game drives, crossing watch
This is the day you have been waiting for. You will spend the whole day at the Mara River — watching, waiting, and hoping for a crossing. When a crossing happens, it is one of the most powerful things you will ever see: thousands of wildebeest leaping into the water, swimming hard against the current, while Nile crocodiles surge up from below. Your experienced guide knows the best crossing points and will position you perfectly. Even on days without a crossing, the Northern Serengeti delivers — lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes are all around. You can also optionally add a hot air balloon safari this morning for a bird’s-eye view of the migration herds. Dinner and overnight at Moyo Migration Camp.
- Travel: 300 km / 7–8 hours to Arusha (or 1.5-hour flight option)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Activities: Morning game drive, transfer to airport
Your last morning in the Serengeti. You will wake up early for one final game drive — often the best one, as the early morning light is magical and predators are still active. After breakfast, you will begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for your departure flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you prefer to skip the long drive, a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip back to Arusha can be arranged at an extra cost — a great option if you are continuing to Zanzibar for a beach stay. Safe travels — and welcome to the family of Exceptional Travel Expert guests!
This 7-day itinerary gives you the chance to see the best of Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti (Central & North), following the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration with comfortable lodges and tented camps along the way.
Inclusions
What's Included
- Park fees and government taxes
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Soft Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
What's Excluded
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
Optional Safari Add-Ons (Extra Charges Apply)
All add-ons are optional and available at extra cost. Just tell us what you’d like, and we’ll make it happen.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park
- Lodge or Tented Camp Upgrade - Stay in a higher-end lodge or luxury tented camp
- Special Occasion Setup - Surprise setup for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons
- Maasai Village Visit - Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their culture
- Child-Friendly Safari Activities - Fun extras for kids games, guides, and family-friendly options
- Bush Breakfast or Bush Lunch - Enjoy a meal in the wild, surrounded by nature
- Airport Pick-Up or Drop-Off - Private transfer to or from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
- Extra Park Visit - Add another national park to your trip (e.g., Ruaha NP or Nyerere NP)
- Extra Night Before or After Safari - Stay in Arusha/Moshi before or after your safari
- Safari Video Package - Edited video of your safari experience to keep or share
- Travel Essentials Kit - Includes sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and a refillable water bottle
- Professional Photographer - A local photographer joins your trip to capture beautiful safari moments
Why Travel With Us
- 100% Tailor-Made Tours
- Private or group departures available
- In-Depth Expert Knowledge
- Reliable and Trusted Service
- Professional & Experienced Guides
- Best Price Guarantee
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Booking Fees
- 100% Secure & Safe Travel
Tour Highlights
- This is a mid-luxury safari
- This tour can be customized
- This is a private tour
- This tour can start any day
- Activities - game drives
- Safari vehicle: 4x4 with open roof
- Luxury accommodation
Request a Quote
Contact Information
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Tanzania Travel Guide
More Great Migration Safari Packages
The Great Migration happens year-round. Browse more options and find the one that matches your travel dates, budget, and the experience you are looking for.
8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari: Witness the Mara River Crossing
5-Day Ndutu Southern Serengeti Migration Safari: Calving Season (Dec–Apr)
5-Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
7-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari – Serengeti & Mara River crossings
Are you looking for a private safari for your dates? Speak to our Tanzania safari specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday safari for your dates!
Send your inquiry now and our safari experts will reach out within 24 hours! Let’s begin planning your Tanzania safari!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania Safaris
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth — a year-round circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grass and water. What makes it truly remarkable is the sheer scale, drama, and unpredictability — especially the legendary Mara River crossings where massive herds plunge into crocodile-infested waters. No two days are the same, making every sighting unique.
The most dramatic Mara River crossings happen between July and October, when herds move into the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area) and attempt to cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara. August and September are widely considered the peak months for river crossings. However, the migration is a year-round event — the calving season (January–March) in Southern Serengeti is equally spectacular, with thousands of baby wildebeest born each day, attracting lions and cheetahs.
This safari covers three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park (famous for giant baobab trees and large elephant herds), Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five, including rare black rhinos), and both Central Serengeti (Seronera area — prime big cat territory) and Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area — the heart of the Mara River crossing action). You get the full Tanzania safari experience in one trip.
Yes — 7 days is the ideal duration for a complete migration safari experience. This itinerary dedicates two full days in Northern Serengeti near the Mara River, which maximizes your chances of witnessing a crossing. You also spend quality time in Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire — making this a well-rounded Tanzania wildlife safari rather than just a migration-focused trip. Most experienced travellers agree that 7 days offers the perfect balance.
No safari company can guarantee a river crossing — this is wildlife in its natural, wild state and crossings happen entirely on the animals’ own terms. However, this itinerary is specifically designed to maximize your chances: you spend two full days at the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, guided by experienced driver-guides who know the crossing points and monitor herd movements daily. Many guests do witness crossings; patience and a good guide make all the difference.
This itinerary delivers exceptional wildlife variety. In Tarangire, expect massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. In Ngorongoro Crater, you have excellent chances of seeing all Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino. In the Serengeti, big cat sightings (lions, cheetahs, leopards) are a highlight, alongside hippos and crocodiles at the Mara River, hyenas, and vast herds of plains game. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.
This is a mid-luxury safari with carefully selected lodges and tented camps. You’ll stay at Fun Retreat Hotel in Arusha (Day 1), Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu (Day 2), and Moyo Camp in both Central and Northern Serengeti (Days 3–6). Moyo Camp is a comfortable tented camp located inside Serengeti National Park — meaning wildlife can walk past your tent at night. All accommodations include meals as specified in the itinerary and are chosen for their proximity to prime wildlife areas.
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
The price includes all park fees and government taxes, all game drives and activities listed in the itinerary, all accommodation, a professional private driver-guide, all ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, meals as specified per day, soft drinks, and round-trip airport transfers. Not included: international flights, guide gratuities, personal items (visa fees, travel insurance, souvenirs), government-imposed tax increases, and optional add-ons such as a hot air balloon ride or lodge upgrades.
You will travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof — the gold standard for wildlife viewing in East Africa. The pop-up roof allows you to stand and photograph wildlife at eye level with a full 360-degree view, essential for game drives and photography. This is a private tour exclusively for your party. You will never share your vehicle with strangers from other bookings, which means more flexibility on timing, stops, and game drive routes.
Absolutely — a hot air balloon safari is one of the most popular optional add-ons for this trip. Floating above the Serengeti plains at sunrise while watching the migration herds below is a true bucket-list experience. Balloon rides can be arranged over the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park at an additional cost. Simply mention it when requesting your quote and the team will incorporate it into your personalized programme.
Day 7 involves a long overland return from Northern Serengeti to Arusha — approximately 300 km and 7–8 hours of driving after a final morning game drive. For travelers who prefer to minimize road time or have an early international connection, a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged at an additional cost. This is worth considering, especially if you plan to continue to Zanzibar or have a tight departure schedule.
Yes — this itinerary is an excellent choice for first-timers. The day-by-day structure is well-paced, the accommodations are comfortable, and your professional driver-guide handles all wildlife tracking, park logistics, and meal arrangements. The combination of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti means you experience Tanzania’s greatest highlights in a single trip. A detailed safari briefing on Day 1 in Arusha ensures you arrive fully prepared and know exactly what to expect.
Yes — the itinerary is 100% tailor-made and can be adjusted to suit your preferences and budget. Popular customizations include adding a Zanzibar beach extension after the safari (a very popular combination), upgrading to luxury lodges or fly-in safari options, including a Maasai village cultural visit, or extending to additional parks such as Ruaha or Nyerere (Selous). The safari can also start on any date that suits your schedule — there are no fixed departure dates.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige — avoid bright colors that can startle wildlife). Essentials include a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, a camera with a zoom lens or binoculars, comfortable closed-toe shoes or safari boots, and a light fleece or jacket for cold early morning game drives. A power bank is useful since charging opportunities vary by camp. Don’t forget your visa documents, travel insurance, and any personal medications prescribed before travel.
Booking is straightforward. Fill out the quote request form on the tour page, or reach the team directly via WhatsApp at +255 766 633 052 or by email at info@exceptionaltravelexpert.com. A Tanzania safari specialist will respond within 24 hours with a personalized proposal based on your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Once confirmed, they will guide you through the full booking process, visa requirements, pre-departure preparation, and any customizations. The team provides 24/7 customer support from inquiry through to your return home.
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Tanzania Travel Tips and Useful Information
Get key travel tips for visiting Tanzania, including advice on visas, health, safety, and local customs. Find practical information to help you plan safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, and Zanzibar trips with ease.
