Highlights
Follow migrating herds from Tarangire through Serengeti towards northern Mara
- Experience: Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti
- Explore Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes before continuing through Tanzania’s northern wilderness
- Discover Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife during a dedicated game drive
- Follow migrating herds across Central Serengeti towards the Mara River area
- Enjoy optional hot-air balloon experiences above Serengeti’s endless plains
- Fly from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha
Follow migrating herds through Tanzania’s iconic parks, combining extended game drives, dramatic landscapes and a fly-out journey.
8 Days - The Great Annual Wildebeest Migration Safari (Drive In, Fly Out)
Experience eight unforgettable days following the Great Migration across
Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and wilderness landscapes.
Experience the spectacle of Tanzania’s Great Wildebeest Migration on an eight-day safari combining thrilling wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes and seamless travel. Follow the migration through the Serengeti, witnessing vast herds, predator action and unforgettable natural moments, while carefully planned game drives, comfortable stays and a fly-out journey create an immersive and memorable safari experience.
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro airport, transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and greet by our professional safari driver guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Distance: 55 km Estimated Driving Time: 50Min - 1hours
We recommend an arrival flight in the morning or afternoon to allow ample time for rest and acclimatization before the safari begins.
Overnight: Arusha Meal Plan: Dinner & Breakfast
Kerama Silent Lodge / Similar
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire NP
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the picturesque Maasai plains towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Upon arrival and after entry formalities, enter the park for an immersive game drive through vast savannahs dotted with iconic ancient baobab trees.
Distance: Approx. 120 km Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
Enjoy a leisurely safari pace, with ample time to appreciate the sweeping landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, and exceptional photographic moments before continuing to your selected accommodation for relaxation.
Overnight: Karatu Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Marera Valley Lodge / Similar
Day 3
Marvelling at Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro gate where after entry formalities, descend into the crater for a memorable game drive.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Tanzania. As you explore the crater floor, you will pass through open grasslands, forests, and soda lakes, with the dramatic crater walls creating a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Enjoy a full day of exploring this remarkable natural wonder before ascending the crater in the late afternoon and driving to your accommodation. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy dinner.
Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp / Similar
Day 4
Ngonogoro – Serengeti national park
After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro area and drive towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through beautiful landscapes, with an en-route game drive as you make your way into the park.
Upon entering Serengeti, continue with a game drive, exploring the vast plains and keeping an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy more time on safari before heading to your accommodation.
Arrive at the camp in the evening, where you can relax and unwind after an exciting day in the Serengeti. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the camp.
Distance: Approximately 145 km Estimated Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
Overnight: Serengeti National Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sound of Silence Serengeti / Similar
Day 5
Serengeti national park - Full day exploration
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by enchanted sounds and smell of the wilderness staring at a magnificent breathtaking sunrise view at the endless plains of Serengeti.
Optional Activity: usually at 5am transfer to the balloon lounging site for hot air Balloon experience, Follow up with bush champagne breakfast.
Game Drive Distance: Variable, approximately 100 – 120 km Estimated Game Drive Time: 6 – 10 hours total
Break for lunch at your accommodation and later have further Explorations into the Serengeti, Immersing Yourself in the Heart of the wilderness.
Sound of Silence Serengeti / Similar
Day 6
Serengeti central (seronera) to northern serengeti (Kogatende / Mara river area)
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by enchanted sounds and smell of the wilderness staring at a magnificent breathtaking sunrise view at the endless plains of Serengeti.
Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic journey through changing landscapes, from the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti to the remote northern regions.
En-route game drive distance: approximately 140–180 km (depending on camp location)
Estimated Game Drive Time: 5–6 hours, including an en-route game drive
Afternoon game in Northern Serengeti
Arrival in Northern Serengeti in time to relax at your lodge or camp near the Mara River, a key area for the Great Migration
Overnight: Serengeti National Park - Northern Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Intimate Camp Zebra / Similar
Day 7
Northern serengeti – Migration experience
Spend the day immersed in the Northern Serengeti, the prime area for witnessing the Great Migration. Explore the Mara River ecosystem, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra gather, often accompanied by dramatic predator activity.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari – An early morning balloon flight over the Serengeti plains, offering panoramic aerial views of wildlife and landscapes, followed by a celebratory bush breakfast.
Location: Northern Serengeti (Mara River region)
Game drive distance: Flexible, depending on wildlife movements
Estimated driving time: Flexible / Game viewing throughout the day
Overnight: Serengeti National Park – Northern Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Intimate Camp Zebra / Similar
Day 8
Northern serengeti – Arusha - Kilimanjaro Airport
Following a relaxed breakfast, depart from the camp with an en-route game drive as you make your way to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your international flight back home.
We hope you leave Tanzania with wonderful memories of your safari adventure and the incredible wildlife and landscapes you have experienced.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Includes
- Airport Transfers
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Services of a professional safari driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Unlimited mineral water, coffee, and selected soft drinks during safari game drives.
- Tarangire National Park entrance
- Serengeti National Park entrance and conservation fees.
- Migration experience in Northern Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater tour and crater service fees.
- Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the safari vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes and VAT.
- Flight from Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip) to Arusha
Excludes
- International and local flights.
- Tanzania entry visa (US$50 per person, where applicable).
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel, medical, and baggage insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, hotel staff, and porters.
- Laundry services.
- Telephone calls and other personal communication charges.
- Beverages not included in the meal plan (unless otherwise specified).
- Any items of a personal nature or expenses.
Fly from Northern Serengeti to Arusha before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport, completing your Great Wildebeest Migration safari with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your Great Annual Wildebeest Migration Safari
Find practical answers about migration viewing, Serengeti destinations, game drives, flights, accommodation and planning your eight-day Tanzania safari.
The itinerary includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti and Northern Serengeti, with dedicated time around the Mara River migration area.
The itinerary focuses on Northern Serengeti migration areas, but herd movements depend on seasonal conditions and cannot be guaranteed on specific dates.
Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted around your travel dates, accommodation preferences, wildlife interests, activities and preferred flight arrangements.
Yes, a hot-air balloon safari can be arranged as an optional activity in Serengeti, normally beginning early in the morning.
Plan Your Tanzania Journey With
Local Safari Experts
Share your ideas and let our team shape the trip around you.
- Honest advice from local experts
- Routes designed around your personal travel interests
- Save hours with practical safari planning support
Explore Tanzania Your Way
Explore Tanzania through wildlife, landscapes, culture,
mountains, beaches, and safari journeys
Hear From Our Travellers
Hear from travellers who discovered Tanzania with Lifetime Safaris
and shared their experiences
Good guide is very important
High recommend Danford and Lifetime Safaris! Danford is a skilled attentive driver with deep Safari knowledge and great instincts.
Paulo P
Love Lifetime Safaris
Great safari with our guide Humphrey! Safari roads are crazy and we felt safe, comfortable and well supported the whole time.
Kerri P
An unforgettable safari experience
An unforgettable experience indeed! We travelled with our friends and it’s a total six of us. Our guide Danford was excellent.
Stephen M
Trip of a lifetime with guide James
We have just recently returned from Tanzania, an absolute trip of a lifetime made even more special because of our guide James.
Cindy
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania visiting local villages and markets, Materuni waterfalls, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro parks.
Oscar
Unforgettable Safari Experience
We had an incredible experience on our safari, and a huge part of that was thanks to our amazing guide James "Bond".
stephen k
Ready to plan?
Tell us your interests, dates, and ideas, and we’ll help
shape your Tanzania safari journey
Journeys
Explore Tanzania with journeys shaped around your interests, pace, and travel style.
Contact Us
Have questions about your Tanzania safari? Speak with our local team and start planning your journey.
