Great Migration Safari Tanzania
Serengeti North • Mara River Crossings • Ngorongoro Crater
8-Day Great Migration Safari Itinerary
From Tarangire elephant herds to 2 full days staking out the Mara River — and the world's greatest wildlife spectacle unfolding before you.
The Great Migration river crossings happen July–October in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai area). Peak crossing months are August and September. This safari is specifically designed around that window. For year-round safari without migration focus, see our 7-Day or 10-Day Northern Circuit itineraries. January–March is Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti — also spectacular but a different experience.
Arrive Arusha — Migration Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Check in on a bed-and-breakfast basis. In the evening, your migration specialist guide will brief you on current herd positions, the best Mara River crossing hotspots, and what to expect over the coming days. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. Even during migration season, Tarangire delivers exceptional wildlife — Africa's highest concentration of elephants outside Amboseli, ancient baobab trees, lions, leopards, and over 550 bird species. Enjoy a full-day game drive with lunch in the bush. In the afternoon, drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Enter the Serengeti — Southern & Central Zones
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands into the Serengeti. Game viewing en route, then explore the central Seronera area — renowned for lions, leopards, and hippos at the Seronera River. Settle into your camp and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness over dinner.
Serengeti — Central to Northern Serengeti
Drive north toward the Mara River crossing zone (Kogatende/Lamai area) — the epicentre of the Great Migration river crossings. Game viewing continues across the endless plains as you travel north. Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra come into view. Arrive in North Serengeti and settle in for the evening, ready for two dedicated river days ahead.
North Serengeti — Mara River Crossing Day 1
A full day staking out the Mara River crossing points. Herds of 10,000–50,000 wildebeest build on the banks, pacing nervously — then plunge into the crocodile-filled waters in terrifying, breathtaking mass crossings. Crocodiles launch, chaos erupts, and the survivors scramble up the far bank. This is one of Earth's greatest wildlife spectacles. Your guide uses real-time herd tracking to position you at the most active crossing point.
North Serengeti — Mara River Crossing Day 2
A second full day in the Northern Serengeti. River crossings can happen multiple times in a day or take hours to begin — patience is rewarded in spectacular fashion. Crocodile attacks, dramatic scenes of survival, the roar of thousands of hooves — and extraordinary photography opportunities. Your guide covers multiple crossing points to maximise your chances.
Serengeti to Ngorongoro
A final morning check at the Mara River before heading south. Drive back through the central Serengeti, enjoying game viewing along the endless plains. Arrive at the Ngorongoro crater rim at sunset — the dramatic caldera views from the rim are unforgettable. Dinner and overnight at a rim lodge.
Ngorongoro Crater & Departure
An early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the Big Five including endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalos, and thousands of flamingos on Lake Magadi. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor. In the afternoon, ascend and drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.
Get Your Custom Quote
Pricing depends on your group size, travel dates, accommodation preference, and season. We build every safari to order — contact us for a personalised quote within 24 hours.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- ✓ All national park fees + North Serengeti concession fees + Ngorongoro Crater fee
- ✓ Professional English-speaking migration-specialist guide
- ✓ Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- ✓ All accommodation per selected tier
- ✓ All meals (fullboard on safari days, B&B in Arusha)
- ✓ Airport transfers
- ✓ Real-time herd position tracking daily
✗ Not Included
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Tanzania visa (~$50)
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Tips & gratuities
- ✗ Optional balloon safari ($500pp)
- ✗ Holiday surcharges
- ✗ Personal expenses
Great Migration Safari FAQ
The Great Migration Mara River crossings in Tanzania's Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai area) occur roughly July to October. Peak crossing months are August and September. The timing varies year to year depending on rainfall and herd movements — no crossing is guaranteed on any specific day, but spending 2 full days at the river gives high probability. January–March the migration is in the Southern Serengeti for calving season.
Pricing varies by group size, travel dates, and accommodation tier. Contact us for a personalised quote.
No wildlife experience can be guaranteed — but the Great Migration is one of the most predictable wildlife events on Earth. 1.5 million wildebeest follow the same circuit year after year. In the Mara River zone (July–October), herds congregate for days building the courage to cross. Spending 2 full days at the river means you have a very high probability of witnessing at least one crossing. Our guides track herd movements daily.
The Migration crosses between Tanzania (Serengeti) and Kenya (Masai Mara) multiple times. In Tanzania, the herds are in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) from roughly July–October. Kenya's Masai Mara is accessible from the same river on the north side. Watching crossings from the Tanzanian side in a private vehicle is often less crowded than the Kenyan side, and Tanzania park fees are structured differently.
Yes — Great Migration safari departures are available for 2026, 2027, and 2028. We recommend booking 4–6 months in advance for July–September departures as North Serengeti camps have limited capacity. Contact us early for the best camp availability and a personalised quote.
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