8-Day Serengeti Northern Migration Safari Adventure

Arusha, Arusha, Tanzania
Tour Cover

Duration

8 Days

Group size

Up to 15

Activity

Easy

Meeting point

Includes private pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).

About this experience

Experience one of the planet's greatest wildlife spectacles on an 8-day luxury expedition into the heart of Northern Tanzania. Designed to track the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration as it negotiates the treacherous Mara River, this itinerary seamlessly connects Tarangire's elephant herds, Lake Manyara's birdlife, the endless plains of Central Serengeti, the high-stakes river crossings of Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), and the wildlife-dense floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Day-by-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Arusha to Tarangire National Park Activities: Morning departure from Arusha for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Enjoy an extended afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, observing lions, giraffes, and diverse birdlife before driving to your lodge. Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (or similar luxury lodge) Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park to Central Serengeti (Seronera) Activities: Early morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores. Proceed through the Ngorongoro Highlands into Central Serengeti. Begin exploring the predator-rich Seronera Valley during an late afternoon game drive. Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (or similar luxury tented camp) Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Region) Activities: Journey north through the changing landscapes of the Serengeti towards the Mara River region. Track resident game en route and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the banks where the Wildebeest Migration concentrates. Accommodation: Mara River Tented Camp (or luxury mobile migration camp) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Days 4 & 5: Full Days Tracking the Great Migration & Mara River Crossings Activities: Two dedicated full days exploring the Kogatende sector. Position near strategic Mara River crossing points to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving crocodile-infested waters. Enjoy full-day game drives with gourmet bush picnics alongside your expert safari naturalist. Accommodation: Mara River Tented Camp (or luxury mobile migration camp) Meals Included: Breakfast, Bush Lunch & Dinner daily Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Activities: Morning game drive out of Northern Serengeti as you transfer south. Enjoy scenic views across the Malanja Depression and Olduvai Gorge as you ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for an evening sunset over the caldera. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (or Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge) Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner Day 7: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari Activities: Descend 600 meters into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a comprehensive 6-hour game drive. Search for the rare black rhino, bull elephants, lions, and hippos before enjoying a hot lunch near the Ngoitokitok hippo pool. Accommodation: Karatu Acacia Farmhouse (or similar luxury lodge in Karatu) Meals Included: Breakfast, Hot Bush Lunch & Dinner Day 8: Cultural Visit in Karatu & Return to Arusha Activities: Enjoy a relaxed morning farm walk or cultural village visit in Karatu. Return on a comfortable drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Highlights

  • Hidden Gems
  • Private Tour
  • Family Friendly
  • Photography
  • Nature

What's included

  • Private round-trip transfers (Arusha/Moshi hotel or JRO/ARK airport)
  • Top-tier licensed professional safari guide and naturalist throughout the 8 days
  • Private luxury 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, Wi-Fi, charging ports, and mini-fridge
  • All national park entry fees, transit fees, and conservation permits for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
  • Mara River migration sector conservation and vehicle fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent and service fees
  • All luxury lodge and high-end mobile tented camp accommodations (7 nights)
  • All meals as specified (breakfasts, packed/hot bush lunches, and multi-course dinners)
  • Unlimited premium bottled mineral water, soft drinks, wine, and local beer in the safari vehicle
  • Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover within park boundaries
  • Pre-tour and post-tour accommodation in Arusha or Moshi
  • Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari (available as an optional add-on)
  • Domestic flights (e.g., bush flight from Kogatende to Arusha/Zanzibar, unless requested)
  • Tips and gratuities for driver-guide, camp staff, and local trackers
  • Mandatory international travel and medical insurance
  • Tanzania tourist visa fees
  • Personal expenses, premium imported spirits, souvenirs, and laundry service

Policies & safety

Cancellation policy

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following cancellation fee schedule applies based on when notice is received: 60+ days before arrival: 90% refund (10% retained). 30–59 days before arrival: 50% refund (50% retained). Less than 30 days before arrival: Non-refundable (100% retained). Booking & Deposit Terms: A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before tour commencement. Bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment immediately.

Safety notes

Safari & Wildlife Regulations: Guests must stay inside the private 4x4 safari vehicle at all times, except in designated picnic sites or lodge grounds. Maintain low noise levels around animals, never feed or call out to wildlife, and strictly follow your driver-guide's instructions. Mandatory Travel & Medical Insurance: Clients are strictly required to hold comprehensive international travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and emergency medical evacuation. Health & Bush Safety: Malaria prophylaxis and insect repellent containing DEET are strongly recommended. Avoid walking unescorted around tented camps or lodge grounds after dark; staff escorts are provided for your safety. Sun & Dust Protection: High equatorial UV exposure and dusty trail conditions require daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and light, breathable clothing in neutral shades (khaki, tan, or green; avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies). Luggage & Vehicle Limits: Soft-sided duffel bags are required for easy packing inside 4x4 vehicles (and potential bush flight transfers), with a weight limit of 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs) per guest.

Your guide

Petro Paul Mihambo

Petro Paul Mihambo

Verified
5.0 (7)·25 tours·12 yrs guiding

Trekking, Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Tours, Adventure, Photography, Zanzibar beach holidays

View profile