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12 Days / 11 Nights

The Great Migration Safari — Tanzania

Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Central Serengeti → Western Corridor → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Wildlife photographers, nature documentary enthusiasts, bucket-list travellers

Safari Overview

Witness the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth — the Great Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles move in a giant circle across the Serengeti ecosystem, following the rains and fresh grass. Predators follow close behind — lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs all track the herds, creating constant drama and incredible wildlife viewing.

This 12-day Great Migration Safari is designed to position you in the best locations at the best times to witness the migration’s most dramatic moments — from the calving season in the southern plains to the legendary Mara River crossings in the north. With extended stays in the Serengeti and expert guides who track the herds daily, you will have the best possible chance of witnessing nature’s greatest show.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

 

Highlights: Airport pickup, safari briefing, overnight in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a Globotrek representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Meet your driver-guide, receive a comprehensive safari briefing about the migration, and relax before your adventure begins.

  • Accommodation: Arusha hotel or lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Highlights: Giant baobabs, elephant herds, first game drive

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a full-day game drive through the park's baobab-studded landscape. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. Picnic lunch in the park. In the late afternoon, arrive at your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire → Lake Manyara National Park → Karatu

Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, Rift Valley escarpment

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy a game drive through the lush groundwater forest and along the lake shore. Lake Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants, and stunning Rift Valley views. After lunch, continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

  • Accommodation: Lodge or camp in Karatu (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Karatu → Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Highlights: Ngorongoro Conservation Area views, first Serengeti game drive

After an early breakfast, drive to the Central Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at viewpoints along the crater rim before continuing to the Serengeti. Enjoy a game drive en route through the Seronera Valley, known for its resident wildlife and big cats. Arrive at your camp in the late afternoon.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full Day Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Highlights: Big cats, sunrise game drive, Seronera River wildlife

Spend a full day exploring the Central Serengeti. The Seronera Valley is one of the best places in Africa to see leopards, lions, and cheetahs. Start early for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Return to camp for brunch, then head out again in the afternoon.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Central Serengeti → Western Corridor (Grumeti River)

Highlights: Migration tracking, Grumeti River, crocodiles

After breakfast, depart for the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, following the migration herds as they move toward the Grumeti River. This area is known for its massive Nile crocodiles — some over 20 feet long — that lie in wait during river crossings. Enjoy game drives along the Grumeti River and witness the herds gathering. This is also the mating season, with lots of activity in the herds.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp in Western Corridor (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Full Day Western Corridor (Grumeti River)

Highlights: Grumeti River crossings, predator action, migration herds

Spend a full day in the Western Corridor, positioning yourself for Grumeti River crossings. The herds must cross the river to continue their journey north, and the crocodiles are waiting. This is a dramatic and unpredictable spectacle — patience is essential. Enjoy game drives along the riverbanks and surrounding plains.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp in Western Corridor (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Western Corridor → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Highlights: Scenic drive, migration tracking, arrival at Mara River

After breakfast, depart for the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende region) , the gateway to the Mara River. This is where the most famous river crossings take place. The drive takes you through stunning landscapes and offers excellent game viewing along the way. Arrive at your camp in the late afternoon for sundowners and dinner.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in Northern Serengeti (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Full Day Northern Serengeti — Mara River Crossings

Highlights: Mara River crossings, crocodiles, predator action, photography

Spend a full day positioned along the Mara River, waiting for the legendary crossings. The herds gather nervously on the riverbanks, pacing, approaching the edge, then pulling back — the tension is palpable. When the first animals commit, the rest follow in a surge, leaping into the water as crocodiles lie in wait and lions patrol the far banks. The peak time for crossings is between 6–9 AM, and patience is essential — crossings can take hours to begin and may fizzle out entirely.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in Northern Serengeti (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Full Day Northern Serengeti — Mara River Crossings

Highlights: Second day at Mara River, increased chances of witnessing crossings

Another full day at the Mara River. Staying multiple days significantly increases your chances of witnessing a crossing. Your experienced guide will position you at the best observation points and track herd movements. This is also excellent territory for spotting big cats, elephants, and other wildlife.

  • Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in Northern Serengeti (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Northern Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Highlights: Final Serengeti game drive, Maasai cultural visit, crater rim views

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for a cultural visit to a Maasai village (optional). Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim for breathtaking views. Enjoy sundowners and a gourmet dinner overlooking the crater.

  • Accommodation: Lodge or camp on Ngorongoro Crater Rim (Full Board)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha → Departure

Highlights: Big Five, crater floor game drive, departure transfer

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by wildlife. In the afternoon, ascend the crater rim and drive back to Arusha. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDES

  • Professional, English-speaking safari guide

  • Accommodation in Arusha before the safari

  • All safari accommodation (full board during safari)

  • Park entry fees and government taxes (VAT included)

  • Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

  • Unlimited game drives with no mileage restrictions

  • Unlimited bottled drinking water during safari

  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)

EXCLUDES

  • International and domestic flights

  • Visa fees and travel insurance

  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks, etc.)

  • Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges/camps

  • Optional activities (Maasai village, balloon safari, etc.)

  • Accommodation upgrades or extra nights in Arusha

  • Any services not mentioned under Price Includes

Book a GreatMigration Safari

+255 741 860 672

info@globotrek.co.tz | www.globotrek.co.tz

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