7 days · Tanzania · Private safari
The Great Migration Safari
Few sights on earth compare with the Great Migration: more than a million wildebeest, with zebra and gazelle alongside, moving in an endless loop through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass. We position you in the right part of the park for the season, with a private guide who reads the herds, and finish in the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five.
Enquire about this safariDuration
7 days / 6 nights
Route
Arusha · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Best time
Year-round, routed by season
Ideal for
First safaris · Photographers
The migration experience
The herds never stand still, so neither does our planning. From December to March they gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, where around half a million calves are born within a few weeks, and predators follow close behind. By April and May the long rains push them north and west through the central Serengeti. June brings the dramatic crossings of the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor. July to October is river-crossing season on the Mara River in the far north, the scenes that made the migration famous. In November the short rains draw them south again to begin the cycle once more. Whenever you travel, we choose camps that put you close to the action, then add the Ngorongoro Crater, a 260 km² volcanic caldera with one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhino.
Itinerary
Day by day
A sample route. Your planner will adjust camps and order to match the herds' position in your travel month.
Day 1 · Arrive in Arusha
Your guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drives you to a garden lodge on the slopes of Mount Meru for a relaxed first evening and a full safari briefing.
Days 2–3 · Into the Serengeti
Drive via the Ngorongoro highlands, or take a short flight, into the Serengeti. Game drives through the central Seronera Valley, famous for big cats, before moving to camp in the migration's seasonal area.
Days 4–5 · Following the herds
Two full days with the migration: calving on the southern plains, crossings at the Grumeti or Mara rivers depending on month. Full-day drives with picnic lunches let you wait for the moment. Optional sunrise balloon flight.
Day 6 · Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600 m to the crater floor at dawn for lions, elephant, buffalo, hippo and a real chance of black rhino. Overnight on the crater rim with views across the caldera.
Day 7 · Departure
A relaxed morning, then a scenic drive back to Arusha for lunch and your onward flight, or continue to Zanzibar for a beach extension.
Extend your journey
Popular additions: Tarangire for elephants and baobabs, a cultural visit with the Hadzabe or Datoga, or 4–5 nights on Zanzibar.
Included
— Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
— Professional English-speaking guide
— All park and conservation fees
— Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
— Bottled water on game drives
— Airport transfers
— 24/7 support from our Arusha team
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Travel insurance (required)
— Optional balloon safari
— Tips for guides and camp staff
— Premium drinks and personal items
Join us for a migration safari
We follow the herds every season and know which camps, crossings and quiet corners are working right now. Tell us your dates and we'll design your migration journey.
Enquire now