Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Great Migration safari through Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations. This journey takes you from the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park to the endless plains of Serengeti, where the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration unfolds, and finally into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater — one of Africa's most wildlife-rich environments. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, photographers, and small groups.
Travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with an expert safari guide as you explore diverse ecosystems and witness nature at its most dramatic. Depending on the season, you may experience thrilling Mara River crossings (June–October) or the calving season in Southern Serengeti (December–March), where thousands of newborn animals attract predators in a powerful display of the circle of life. With carefully selected midrange lodges and tented camps, this safari offers an ideal balance of comfort and authentic wilderness experience.
Itinerary & prices reviewed
Why travellers choose this safari
01
Witness the Great Migration
Depending on the season, witness the world's largest wildlife migration — millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers and plains in search of fresh grazing, pursued by predators.
02
Three Iconic Parks
Explore Tarangire's baobab-studded landscapes, the vast Serengeti plains, and the Ngorongoro Crater in a single itinerary. Each park offers a unique ecosystem and wildlife experience.
03
Big Five Guaranteed
The Tarangire-Serengeti-Ngorongoro combination offers the highest probability of spotting all Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino — across diverse habitats.
04
Photographer's Paradise
From the iconic baobab silhouettes at sunset to the drama of the Great Migration river crossings, every moment offers world-class photography opportunities.
05
Private Expert Guide
Your private guide brings years of experience and deep knowledge of animal behaviour, ecosystems, and the best locations for sightings in each park.
06
Comfort & Value
Well-appointed midrange lodges and tented camps offer an ideal balance of comfort and authentic safari experience — great value without compromising on quality.
Day by day
7-Day Great Migration Safari itinerary
7 days · 7 stops · starts in Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Day1Arrival — Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Transfer + evening briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey, followed by a detailed safari briefing in the evening to prepare for your adventure ahead.
Day2Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Full-day game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring diverse wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park. Later in the afternoon, transfer to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.
Day3Karatu to Serengeti National Park
Scenic drive + afternoon game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, journey through the scenic Ngorongoro highlands, passing local communities and enjoying views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Continue into Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the endless plains. Spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards before heading to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day4Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Full-day game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration herds crossing rivers and plains, or observe resident wildlife including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and big cats. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before returning to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day5Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning drive + transfer
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes. Arrive at your lodge located on the crater rim, offering breathtaking views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day6Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Return to Arusha
Half-day crater drive + transfer
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to a dense population of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and the rare black rhino. After a picnic lunch, ascend and drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Day7Departure — Transfer to Airport
Departure transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight. Optional extension to Zanzibar can be arranged. This concludes your 7-day Great Migration safari adventure.
Where you sleep
Where you'll stay
Hand-picked lodges & camps · similar alternatives may be offered subject to availability
Arusha City
Arusha Planet Lodge
A peaceful lodge set in lush tropical gardens with spacious rooms, swimming pool, and restaurant. Perfect for arrival and departure nights with easy access to Kilimanjaro Airport and the safari starting point.
Karatu
Marera Valley Lodge
A charming lodge in the Karatu highlands with panoramic views over the valley. Features include comfortable en-suite rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a lounge with fireplace.
Central Serengeti
Serengeti Heritage Camp
A classic tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, offering an authentic bush experience with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and gourmet dining under the stars. Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness just steps away from the migration routes.
Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Perched on the crater rim with sweeping views of the Ngorongoro Crater floor. This lodge offers comfortable rooms with panoramic windows, a restaurant with crater views, and a sun deck to watch wildlife below.
Rates & inclusions
7-Day Great Migration Safari prices
Per person in US dollars · private tour · switch currency in the header
All meals during safari (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Daily game drives & wildlife experiences
Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
Government taxes and VAT
Not included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees & travel insurance
Hot air balloon safari (optional, $550/pp)
Tips for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Maasai village & Olduvai Gorge visit fees
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Before you go
Good to know
Best Time for the Great Migration
The migration is year-round but location varies. December-March: calving season in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu). April-May: herds move through central Serengeti. June-July: Grumeti River crossings. August-October: Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti. Plan your dates to match the action you want to see.
Safari Photography Tips
Bring a lens with 200-400mm zoom for wildlife shots. Early morning (6:30-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:30 PM) offer the best golden light. A bean bag (or lens cloth) stabilises your camera on the vehicle roof. Pack spare batteries and memory cards — charging opportunities are limited.
What to Pack for Safari
Neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive green) — avoid bright colours and white which attract dust. Layer up: early mornings are cool (15°C/59°F), afternoons warm (30°C/86°F). Closed comfortable shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle.
Wildlife Spotting Tips
Watch for vultures circling (indicates a kill), listen for alarm calls from zebras and baboons, and pay attention to other safari vehicles stopping — they've often found something interesting. Trust your guide's radio network with other drivers — it's your best asset for rare sightings.
Safari Health & Safety
Stay hydrated (drink 2-3 litres of bottled water daily), apply sunscreen regularly, and use insect repellent for morning/evening drives. Always follow your guide's instructions — never stand up or exit the vehicle without permission. A small first aid kit is recommended for personal medications.
Money & Tipping Guide
Carry USD cash for tips (recommended: $20-30/pp/day for guide, $10-15/pp/day for lodge staff). Most lodges accept credit cards but park gates and local shops prefer cash. ATMs are available in Arusha but limited on safari. Tipping is appreciated and customary in Tanzania.
Questions
7-Day Great Migration Safari FAQs
Can't find your answer? Our Moshi-based team replies within 24 hours.
Tarangire National Park is famous for massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. The Serengeti offers predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas alongside the migration herds. The Ngorongoro Crater provides one of the best chances in Africa to see black rhinos, alongside lions, hippos, flamingos, buffalo, and many other species.
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes, children aged 6+ are welcome on this private safari. The lodges can arrange family rooms and child-friendly meals. Game drives can be adjusted to shorter durations for younger guests. Please note that children under 5 are not permitted on game drives in Tanzanian national parks.
What type of vehicle will I travel in?
You will travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography. The vehicle is equipped with a cool box for refreshments, charging ports for your devices, and comfortable seating. Your private guide and vehicle are exclusively for your group throughout the safari.
Can I add a hot air balloon safari?
Yes! A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti is available on Day 4 morning. The cost is approximately $550 per person and includes a champagne bush breakfast after landing with a flight certificate. This is an unforgettable way to experience the Serengeti from above and highly recommended.
What should I pack for this 7-day safari?
Pack neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for early morning drives, swimwear for lodge pools, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens (200-400mm), binoculars, and any personal medication. Luggage should be in soft bags — hard suitcases are difficult to pack in safari vehicles.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Your guide carries a first aid kit and communication equipment, but comprehensive insurance provides essential peace of mind for your international travel.
What is the best time to book this safari?
June to October (dry season) offers excellent wildlife viewing with animals concentrated around water sources. January-February is ideal for the calving season in the Serengeti. We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance to secure preferred dates and accommodations, especially during peak season (July-October and December-February).
Plan this journey
Make it yours
Tell us your dates and group size — we'll confirm availability and send a tailor-made quote for the 7-Day Great Migration Safari.