8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari: Witness the Mara River Crossing
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
Tour Overview
This 8-day Great Migration Safari takes you deep into Tanzania’s most beautiful wilderness areas. You will visit the endless plains of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Timed between July and October, this adventure follows the great wildebeest herds as they make their dramatic Mara River crossing in the Northern Serengeti.
You’ll enjoy exclusive game drives, stay in luxury tented camps close to the action, and experience Tanzania’s most scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife, all guided by a professional safari expert in a private 4×4 safari jeep.
Day by Day Itinerary
- Travel Distance/Time: 45 km / 1 hour drive from JRO Airport
- Accommodation: Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Arusha Hotel
- Vehicle Type: 4×4 private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Activities: Private airport transfer and pre-safari briefing with our tour consultant.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your driver guide and transferred in a private 4×4 safari vehicle to Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Arusha. The hotel is located in a quiet area with a swimming pool, gardens, and wellness facilities, perfect for relaxing after your flight. Later, you will meet with one of our tour consultants for a detailed safari briefing, including any important instructions to help you prepare for your journey. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Arusha Hotel
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- Travel Distance/Time: 120 km / 3 hours to Tarangire + 90 km / 2 hours to Karatu
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, Karatu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Vehicle Type: 4×4 private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Activities: Guided game drives
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, well known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. You will enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch inside the park while spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many bird species. In the late afternoon, continue to Karatu, where you will check in at the charming Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge surrounded by green gardens. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Lodge.
- Travel Distance/Time: 45 km / 1 hour to Ngorongoro Crater + 160 km / 4–5 hours to Serengeti
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti Central
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Vehicle Type: 4×4 private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Activities: Crater tour, wildlife spotting, and guided nature experience.
Start early with breakfast before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, and the rare black rhino. After a picnic lunch at the hippo pool, continue your journey towards Serengeti National Park, driving across the plains with wildlife sightings along the way. By evening, you will arrive in the Central Serengeti and check in at Moyo Camp Central, a comfortable tented camp located inside the park. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Moyo Camp Central.
- Travel Distance/Time: Game drives inside Serengeti (minimal transfer)
- Accommodation: Moyo Camp Central, Serengeti Central
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Vehicle Type: 4×4 private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Activities: Full-day game drives, migration tracking, and big cat sightings.
Today is a full day of game drives in the Serengeti Central (Seronera area), one of the best places for spotting big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This area is also rich in resident wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, and large herds of wildebeests and zebras. You will enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch in the bush. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Moyo Camp Central.
- Travel Distance/Time: 150 km / 4–5 hours game drive en route
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Vehicle Type: 4×4 private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Activities: Full-day game drives, migration tracking, and big cat sightings.
After breakfast, you will begin your journey north through the Serengeti, enjoying a game drive along the way. The Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area) is the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration safari during July–October, where herds of wildebeest and zebras attempt the famous Mara River crossings. Arrive at Moyo Migration Camp, a tented camp located in Northern Serengeti, by evening. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Moyo Migration Camp.
- Travel Distance/Time: Game drives in Northern Serengeti (minimal transfer)
- Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp,
Nyikani Migration Camp – Kogatende / Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
Northern Serengeti - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Vehicle Type: Private 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Activities: Full-day game drives, migration tracking, and big cat sightings.
Spend the full day in Northern Serengeti, exploring the Mara River region. With a bit of luck, you may witness the dramatic wildebeest river crossing, where thousands of animals plunge into the water while crocodiles lie in wait. The area also offers great chances to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. Morning and afternoon game drives will be arranged. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Moyo Migration Camp.
Travel Time: Around 6–7 hours (340 km)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Vehicle Type: Private 4×4 Safari Jeep
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading south toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you’ll pass through Maasai villages and scenic highlands. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim, where you can unwind with magnificent views before dinner.
Travel Time: Around 4–5 hours (190 km)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Vehicle Type: Private 4×4 Safari Jeep
Early in the morning, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa’s most extraordinary game drives which takes about 5-6 hours in the crater rim. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Big Five and offers incredible scenery. After a picnic lunch inside the crater, begin your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Your 8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari ends with unforgettable memories of the Serengeti’s wild drama and the spectacular Mara River crossings. From the golden plains to the rim of Ngorongoro, you’ve witnessed nature’s grandest theatre unfold before your eyes.
Ready to experience the Great Migration?
Contact Exceptional Travel Expert today to reserve your front-row seat to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
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
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Contact Information
Looking for a Tanzania safari? Talk to our Tanzania expert and plan your perfect trip!
- +255-766-633-052
- +255-626-058-246
- info@exceptionaltravelexpert.com
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania Safaris
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
Tanzania has amazing places to visit like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Island, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.
You can see all the big 5 animals, like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, plus lots of others like giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
Yes! Many places are great for families, with fun activities for kids. It’s an amazing experience for children to see wild animals up close and it’s guaranteeing safe.
Most people need a visa. You can get it when you arrive in Tanzania, but check the rules for your country.
Talk to a doctor before you go. They’ll tell you if you need yellow fever vaccines or medicine for things like malaria. Note yellow fever vaccines is recommended in Tanzania.
Swahili and English are spoken. You can get by with English, but learning some Swahili phrases is helpful.
Yes, Tanzania is usually safe for tourists, especially in popular safari destinations and attractions. Just follow the rules and be respectful.
You can stay in budget hotels, mid-range lodges, luxury mid-range hotels, luxury hotels, luxury lodges, and tented camps. There are various accommodations options you will find in Tanzania!
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
Go from June to October, when it’s dry. Animals gather around water, so it’s easier to spot them. But if you like green landscapes, go from November to May, when it’s wet. All seasons have an incredible and a wonderful experience
Bring light clothes, safari boots, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, a camera, and any medicine you need. And most importantly, be ready for a memorable adventure!
Most safaris last from 3 to 7 days. This gives you time for seeing animals, relaxing, and learning about the Tanzania culture.
Yes! You can go to Zanzibar for beach vacation, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti to see all big 5 animals at once.
Yes, you can go on a safari even if you have a disability. Many safari places are accessible by vehicles and places to stay that are easy to use. They make sure everyone can enjoy the safari, even if they have disabilities or find it hard to move.
Tanzania has amazing 22 national parks, more than 12 game reserves, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Mount Oldoinyo Lengai, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Zanzibar Island. It’s a special place for a safari adventure!
You can book through travel companies or directly with lodges and camps. Make sure to read reviews and choose a trusted place.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a massive movement of wildebest and zebra in from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya. It starts in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania around December and heads north Serengeti across to the Maasai Mara river in Kenya by July. Then, it goes back to the Serengeti by October. You can witness it from December to July in Tanzania and from July to October in Kenya.
You can use safari vehicles for game drives. Some places offer walking safaris or hot air balloon rides for a different experience.
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.
