Witness the Greatest
Wildlife Spectacle on Earth
Small group safaris to the Serengeti for the Great Wildebeest Migration — Mara River crossings, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
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What Is the Great
Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest movement of land animals on the planet. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest — joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles — travel in a giant clockwise circuit across the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania.
The most dramatic moment is the Mara River crossing — when enormous herds leap into crocodile-infested waters in a desperate dash for fresh grazing grounds. This spectacle unfolds between July and October in the Northern Serengeti — entirely within Tanzania.
Witnessing it is a life-changing experience that no documentary can replicate. It must be seen in person.
When to Witness the Migration
Our group departures run July through October — the peak season for Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti. Here is what to expect each month.
Herds arrive at the Mara River. First dramatic crossings of the season. Excellent predator activity. Dry conditions create ideal game viewing.
The absolute peak. Multiple crossings possible each day. The entire Northern Serengeti is alive with wildebeest and predators. Book early — spots go fast.
Crossings continue in full force. Fewer visitors than August — equally spectacular. One of the finest months for photography and game drives.
Herds begin moving south. Later crossings still occur. Excellent value with fewer tourists and fresh green landscapes arriving from short rains.
Choose Your Migration Experience
Two carefully crafted itineraries — both designed for small groups of maximum 8 travellers. Both include the Mara River crossing experience.

Classic Migration Safari
7 Days · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti
Our most popular Migration package — covering Tanzania's greatest parks from the elephant herds of Tarangire to the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, culminating in the dramatic Mara River crossings of the Northern Serengeti.
- Tarangire National Park — largest elephant herds in Tanzania
- Ngorongoro Crater — Big Five in Africa's greatest caldera
- Central Serengeti — year-round resident wildlife & predators
- Northern Serengeti — Mara River crossing experience
- Mid-range tented camp accommodation throughout
- Maximum 8 guests — intimate small group experience

Ultimate Migration Safari
8 Days · 2 Nights Northern Serengeti · Most Popular
The definitive Migration experience. An extra night in the Northern Serengeti gives you two full days at the Mara River — maximising your chances of witnessing a crossing. More time, more sightings, more memories.
- All Classic package parks included
- 2 full nights in Northern Serengeti — maximum crossing chances
- 2 full game drive days at the Mara River
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (supplement applies)
- Mid-range tented camp accommodation throughout
- Maximum 8 guests — exclusive small group experience
At the Mara River, positioning is everything. With only 8 guests in one vehicle, you get prime spots at the bank — not stuck behind a convoy of tourist buses.
per departure
per group
attention
Travel on your own dates with your own group. Fully customised itinerary, private vehicle and guide. Available year-round.
Balance due on arrival
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from 150+ travellers
2026 Departure Schedule
All departures depart from Arusha, Tanzania. Groups are capped at 8 travellers. Only a 20% deposit is required to secure your place — balance due on arrival.
| Departure | Dates | Parks | Price pp | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic July | 1 – 8 July 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti | $1,890 | 8 spots available | |
| Classic August | 1 – 8 August 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti | $2,050 | 6 spots remaining | |
| Classic September | 2 – 9 September 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti | $2,050 | 8 spots available | |
| Classic October | 1 – 8 October 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti | $1,890 | 8 spots available |
| Departure | Dates | Parks | Price pp | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate July | 15 – 23 July 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North) | $2,450 | 8 spots available | |
| Ultimate August I | 12 – 20 August 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North) | $2,750 | 5 spots remaining | |
| Ultimate August II | 22 – 30 August 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North) | $2,750 | 6 spots remaining | |
| Ultimate September | 14 – 22 September 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North) | $2,750 | 8 spots available | |
| Ultimate October | 12 – 20 October 2026 | Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North) | $2,450 | 8 spots available |
* Prices per person based on shared accommodation. Single supplement available on request. All prices in USD. 20% deposit secures your place — balance due on arrival in Tanzania.
Parks You Will Visit
Both packages cover four of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations — each extraordinary in its own right.

Home of the Migration and Africa's most iconic savannah. Central and Northern zones included.

Witnessed entirely from the Tanzania side of the Serengeti — no Kenya needed.

The world's largest intact caldera. Home to the Big Five including the rare black rhino.

Tanzania's elephant capital. Ancient baobab trees and year-round resident wildlife.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- +All accommodation in mid-range tented camps throughout
- +All meals from Day 1 dinner to final day breakfast
- +All game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
- +Experienced English-speaking professional safari guide
- +Airport transfers from and to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
- +All national park and conservation area entry fees
- +Ngorongoro Crater descent and game drive fees
- +Drinking water throughout the safari
- +MNRT licensed and fully insured operation
- −International flights to and from Tanzania
- −Tanzania visa fees — currently $50 USD for most nationalities
- −Personal travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
- −Hot air balloon safari — available as an optional add-on
- −Alcoholic beverages and personal soft drinks
- −Tips for your guide and camp staff — recommended
- −Personal shopping and souvenirs
- −Items of a personal nature
Why Book With Exceptional Travel Expert
Every review reflects our commitment to outstanding service, knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics.
Small groups mean more personal attention, a private atmosphere and far better positioning at the river.
Officially registered and licensed by Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
Only a 20% deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania.
Based in Arusha — at the gateway of Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Our guides live and breathe this ecosystem.
Every enquiry answered personally by our team — not a chatbot. We respond within 24 hours.
Over 150 travellers have explored Tanzania with us. Their referrals are the foundation of our business.
We witness the Mara River crossings entirely from the Tanzania side — no need to cross into Kenya.
Your Accommodation
Carefully selected mid-range tented camps — comfortable, authentic and perfectly located for wildlife viewing.
Perfectly positioned near the Mara River for maximum crossing access. En-suite tented accommodation with warm bush atmosphere and campfire evenings under the Serengeti stars.
View Camp WebsiteA classic Serengeti experience in the heart of the central plains. Spacious en-suite tents, excellent food and outstanding resident wildlife right outside your tent.
View Camp WebsiteImmersive tented camp directly in the migration zone. Wake to the sounds of the wild — wildebeest and predators move through camp during migration season.
View Camp WebsiteWe did a combo trip, safari first with Shafi then straight into the Kili climb with Minja. Both were incredible in their own way. The coordination between everything by Exceptional Travel Expert was seamless. Jackline sorted all our booking questions before we flew out — super helpful.
Travelled with friends · March 2026 · Verified TripAdvisor Review
The Mara River crossing was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Our guide knew exactly where to position us — we watched three crossings in a single morning. An experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Honeymoon trip · August 2025 · Verified TripAdvisor Review
From the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro to the final transfer back to the airport, everything was perfectly managed. The small group format makes such a difference — it feels like a private safari at a group price.
Solo traveller · September 2025 · Verified TripAdvisor Review
Frequently Asked Questions
The Migration Waits
for No One
2026 departures are open now. Spots are limited to 8 per group and fill fast — especially August and September.
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Great Migration 2026 — Departures from $1,890 pp · Max 8 spots per group
Join a 2026 Migration Departure
We respond personally within 24 hours. Only a 20% deposit required to confirm your spot.
We respond to every enquiry personally within 24 hours. Your information is never shared with third parties.
Thank you. Our team in Arusha will be in touch within 24 hours — usually much sooner via WhatsApp.
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