8-Day Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

Explore Tanzania on an 8-day Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration safari with Central and Northern Serengeti game drives and Ngorongoro Crater.

Overview

Experience one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events on this 8-Day Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration Tour with Africa Incoming Adventures. This unforgettable Tanzania safari takes you across the legendary Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grass and water, followed by hungry predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

From the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti to the migration routes of Northern Serengeti, this adventure offers excellent opportunities for game drives, wildlife photography, and witnessing the dramatic rhythms of the African wilderness. The journey also includes the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.

The itinerary can be tailored to follow the migration’s seasonal movement, with accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury tented camps.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative of Africa Incoming Adventures and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the lodge or explore the town at your own pace.

In the evening, meet your safari guide for a briefing about your upcoming Great Migration adventure. Your guide will explain the safari route, wildlife expectations, and seasonal migration movements.

Day 2: Arusha to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, meet your professional safari guide and depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, begin your first game drive through a beautiful landscape of open grasslands, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps.
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. During your game drive, look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and various antelope species. With luck, you may also spot lions or leopards resting beneath the trees.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration. Later, leave the park and travel to your mid-range lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera region, known for its diverse wildlife and year-round game-viewing opportunities.

Your guide will take you across open plains, river valleys, and rocky kopjes where lions often rest and scan the landscape. You may also spot leopards resting in trees, cheetahs hunting across open grasslands, and large groups of herbivores grazing nearby.

Depending on the migration’s location, you may witness groups of wildebeest and zebras moving through the central plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, travel towards Northern Serengeti, enjoying a game drive along the way. This region features rolling hills, open grasslands, riverine forests, and remote wilderness areas that attract wildlife throughout the year.

During the migration season, Northern Serengeti can provide opportunities to follow enormous wildebeest herds as they move towards the Mara River. Your guide will monitor recent wildlife sightings and adjust the route where practical.

Arrive at your northern camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this remarkable safari destination.

Day 5: Full-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

Today is dedicated to following the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti. After an early breakfast, set out with your guide to search for wildebeest herds, zebras, and the predators that follow their movements.

If the herds are gathered near the Mara River, you may have an opportunity to observe them approaching the riverbanks. River crossings can be dramatic, but they depend on herd movements, weather, water levels, and other natural conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive before continuing to explore the region. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before travelling back towards Central Serengeti. The journey provides additional opportunities to observe wildlife and appreciate the changing landscapes of the national park.

Your guide will select the route based on wildlife sightings and road conditions. Watch for elephants, giraffes, topis, gazelles, and predators as you travel through different habitats.

Arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti later in the day, where you can unwind and enjoy dinner.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy breakfast before departing Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue with a game drive as you leave the Serengeti plains, taking in the scenery and wildlife along the way.

Depending on the route and timing, you may stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Ngorongoro highlands. The area is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, grasslands, forests, and rich cultural and ecological heritage.

Arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater rim or in the Karatu area. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the final wildlife adventure.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. This spectacular volcanic caldera supports a high concentration of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, and other animals.

With luck, you may also encounter the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site before ascending the crater and beginning your return journey to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements.

Your 8-Day Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife and spectacular landscapes.