Tanzania · 8 days · MidrangeTop Pick
8 Days Great Migration Midrange Safari
An eight-day safari built around the wildebeest migration, with three nights positioned wherever the herds are expected for your dates — the southern plains in the calving season, the western corridor in early winter or the northern Serengeti in the river-crossing months.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Arusha
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Midrange
- Format
- Private safari
01 / Overview
The journey in brief.
An eight-day safari built around the wildebeest migration, with three nights positioned wherever the herds are expected for your dates — the southern plains in the calving season, the western corridor in early winter or the northern Serengeti in the river-crossing months.
This 8-day midrange itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Arusha. Accommodation: Overnight at the lodge.
- Ideal for
- Migration season · Photographers · Wildlife enthusiasts
- Safari style
- Midrange · Private · Photography
Destination guides: Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Route
Arusha
Start
Tarangire
Stop 1
Karatu
Stop 2
Serengeti migration area
Stop 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Stop 4
Arusha
Finish
02 / Highlights
What stays with you.
- 01
Three nights near the migration herds
- 02
Seasonal river crossings (July–October)
- 03
Tarangire and Ngorongoro
- 04
Guide experienced in tracking the herds
03 / Day by day
Travel it day by day.
8 days · driving times are approximate
Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
Airport pick-up and transfer to your Arusha lodge.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Overnight
- Arusha — Overnight at the lodge
Day 2 · Approx. 2 hours by road
Arusha to Tarangire
Drive to Tarangire for an afternoon game drive among baobabs and elephants.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Tarangire — Overnight at the lodge
Day 3
Tarangire to Karatu
Morning game drive, then climb to the Karatu highlands on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ngorongoro — Overnight at the lodge
Day 4 · Approx. 5–8 hours depending on the season
Into the Serengeti
Drive into the Serengeti towards the area where the herds are gathering: the southern plains around Ndutu (roughly December–March), the central and western Serengeti (roughly April–June) or the north (roughly July–October).
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Serengeti — Overnight at the lodge
Day 5
Following the migration
A full day with the herds. In the calving season, predators follow the newborn wildebeest; in the northern Serengeti, your guide waits at the Mara River for crossings, which are never guaranteed.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Serengeti — Overnight at the lodge
Day 6
Following the migration
Another full day in the migration area, following the herds and the predators that shadow them.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Serengeti — Overnight at the lodge
Day 7 · Full travel day
Serengeti to the Ngorongoro rim
Game drive through the central Serengeti on the way back to the Ngorongoro crater rim.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Ngorongoro — Overnight at the lodge
Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Descend about 600 metres to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, an enclosed caldera with its own resident wildlife: lions, buffalo, elephants, hyenas, large herds of zebra and wildebeest and one of Tanzania's few populations of black rhino. Lunch is taken at a picnic site on the crater floor. Return to Arusha or the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch
- Overnight
- End of safari
04 / Where you stay
Comfortable lodges.
Where the itinerary says “overnight at the lodge”, we propose specific lodges with your quotation, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
- Arusha1 night
Overnight at the lodge
- Tarangire1 night
Overnight at the lodge
- Ngorongoro1 night
Overnight at the lodge
- Serengeti3 nights
Overnight at the lodge
- Ngorongoro1 night
Overnight at the lodge
Quick planning facts
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Arusha
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Midrange
- Format
- Private safari
- Accommodation
- Overnight at the lodge
- Best for
- Migration season · Photographers
05 / What’s included
Clear from the start.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as described in the itinerary
- Meals as listed day by day
- Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees, including the crater service fee where the crater is visited
- Game drives as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless stated
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and phone calls
- Optional activities not listed as included
06 / Pricing
Honest, complete pricing.
This safari is priced on request. Your quotation covers the complete 8-day package, with the inclusions and exclusions shown on this page.
Price on request
Pricing depends on your dates, group size and accommodation. We will send a clear quote for the complete package.
Optional extras (not included)
- Olduvai Gorge museum visitEntrance paid on the day; price confirmed when you book.
- Maasai village visitQuoted on request
- Serengeti hot-air balloon safariQuoted on request, subject to availability.
07 / Good to know
Questions, answered.
Important notes
- The migration's timing and route vary each year with the rains. We position your lodges using current information when you book.
- In the northern Serengeti season, a light-aircraft flight can replace the long drive; quoted on request.
- Lodges are proposed with your quotation, based on your dates, budget and availability.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will adapt the day to recent sightings, weather and road conditions.
- Driving times are approximate and depend on road conditions, stops and wildlife encountered along the way.
- Park and conservancy fees are set by the authorities and may change; any change is passed on at cost.
How much does this safari cost?
This 8-day safari is priced on request because rates depend on your dates, group size and accommodation. Send us your details and we will reply with a full quotation for the complete package.
Where does the safari start and finish?
It starts in Arusha and finishes in Arusha.
Is this a private or group-joining safari?
This itinerary is quoted as a private safari with your own vehicle and driver-guide.
What accommodation is used?
The itinerary shows where you stay each night. Lodges are proposed with your quotation, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, pace, accommodation level and the order of stops can usually be adjusted. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.
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Ready to make this journey yours?
Tell us your dates, group size and travel style and our Nairobi team will tailor the safari.