8 Day Tanzania Safari Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
8 Day Tanzania Safari Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
Price
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Tanzania safari with Nihapa Tours, crafted to showcase the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park. This journey also explores Tarangire National Park, Famous for its vast elephant herds, and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, home to endangered black rhinos.
Starting in Arusha, you'll travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional guide, staying in carefully selected eco-lodges or luxury camps. Experience thrilling game drives through diverse landscapes, witness millions of migrating wildebeest (best viewed from June to October or December to March), and enjoy close encounters with Africa’s Big Five. This private safari combines comfort, conservation, and culture for a Once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Parks Visited: Tarangire, Serengeti (Central and Northern), Ngorongoro Crater
- Safari Style: Private guided safari
- Group Size: Flexible (2–16 recommended)
- Expert: English-speaking guides
- Start/End: Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport or hotel)
- Departure Time (Day 2): Be ready by 8:00 AM for a prompt 8:30 AM departure
- Return Time: Approximately 6:00 PM on Day 8
- Dress Code: Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat, spare clothing
- Customizations: Tailored upon request (e.g., Maasai village visits)
- Extensions: Available (e.g., Zanzibar beach stay, Kilimanjaro climb)
- Season: June-October (dry season, ideal for Great Wildebeest Migration in northern Serengeti); December-March (calving in southern Serengeti)
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- 24/7 support from Nihapa Tours
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, typically in the morning or afternoon
- Transfer to your Arusha hotel (~1-hour drive from JRO) arranged by Nihapa Tours
- Relax and prepare for the safari, an optional evening briefing with your guide
- Optional: Visit Arusha’s Cultural Heritage Centre or local markets (time permitting)
- Overnight at Arusha Serena Hotel
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- 8:30 AM pickup from your Arusha hotel
- Drive ~150 km (~2.5 hours) to Tarangire with picnic lunch
- Full-day game drive in Tarangire, known for baobab trees and elephant herds
- Spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and 550+ bird species
- Optional: Hot air balloon ride ($540/person) or night game drive ($100-$200/person)
- Overnight at Maramboi Lodge
Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti
- After breakfast, drive ~3 hours to Central Serengeti (Seronera area) via Ngorongoro Highlands
- Afternoon game drive in Seronera, rich with wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and lion prides
- Picnic lunch during the drive
- Overnight at Kubu Kubu
Day 4-5: Central Serengeti
- Full-day game drives (9:00 AM–6:00 PM) or split morning (6:00 AM) and afternoon drives
- Explore Seronera’s wildlife-rich habitat, with the Seronera River attracting lions, leopards, and elephants
- Spot resident wildlife and early Great Wildebeest Migration herds (season-dependent)
- Optional: Hot air balloon ride ($450-$550/person)
- Overnight at Kubu Kubu
Day 6: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
- Morning game drive in Central Serengeti, then drive ~2-3 hours to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area)
- Afternoon game drive targeting Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings (June-July)
- Spot wildebeest, zebras, crocodiles, and lions along the Mara River
- Overnight at Lake Masek Tented lodge
Day 7: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Morning game drive in Northern Serengeti for final migration sightings
- Drive ~3-4 hours to Ngorongoro with picnic lunch en route
- Optional: Olduvai Gorge Museum ($35/person) or Maasai village visit ($25/person)
- Relax with views of the 260 km² caldera
- Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Hotel
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
- 6:30 AM descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-hour game drive
- Spot black rhinos, lions, hippos, cheetahs, and flamingos at Lake Magadi
- Picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool
- Optional: Crater rim hike ($35/person)
- Drive ~3 hours to Arusha; drop-off at hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport by ~6:00 PM
- Optional: Visit Cultural Heritage Centre or coffee tour (time permitting)
- End of safari services by Nihapa Tours
Why Choose This Safari
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five, and diverse wildlife
- Ngorongoro Crater as the grand finale for a dramatic end
- Extended Serengeti time (3 days) for optimal migration viewing
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser for superior game viewing
- Ideal for wildlife photographers, families, and migration enthusiasts
- Flexible, customizable itineraries
- Stay in eco-friendly lodges or budget camps
Why Choose Nihapa Tours
Nihapa Tours crafts personalized Tanzania safaris with:
- Extended Exploration: Three days in Serengeti to track the Great Wildebeest Migration
- Expert Guides: Local experts like Fadhili provide deep wildlife insights
- Flexible Options: Budget camping, mid-range, or luxury lodges (e.g., Melia Ngorongoro)
- Private Tours: Exclusive 4x4 vehicles for intimate experiences
- Conservation Focus: Partners with Nature Steward for sustainable tourism
Best Time to Visit
- June-October: Dry season, ideal for Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings in northern Serengeti (June-July peak)
- December-March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti, with predator action
- April-May: Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, budget-friendly (migration less predictable)
Travel Tips
- Pack: Lightweight clothing, binoculars, camera, sunscreen
- Visa: Apply for a Tanzanian e-Visa online ($50 for most, $100 for US citizens)
- Vaccinations: Consult for yellow fever (if from endemic areas) and malaria prophylaxis
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted
- Safety: Follow the guide instructions; avoid wandering alone at night
- Arrival: Book flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO); Nihapa Tours arranges transfers
Read here the Best 10 hotels and lodges to stay for your Tanzania Safari
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Costs Includeds/Excludes
- All accommodations
- All activities - unless indicated as optional
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off Transfers
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Accommodation and Meals (Half Board - First & Last day, Full board - All other days)
- Taxes / VAT
- Bottled water, onboard snacks, wines, beer, coffee and soft drinks throughout the tour
- Binocular (1 per Vehicle)
- Medical kit
- AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Any other personal expenses
Day 1 Arrival and overnight in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a Nihapa Tours representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of Mount Meru or even Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours). Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a classic African safari experience. Enjoy a full-day game drive in a private 4x4 vehicle, spotting lions, giraffes, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
Day 3 Tarangire to Central Serengeti
Depart early for the Central Serengeti, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Game viewing starts the moment you enter Serengeti’s gates. The Central Serengeti is known for big cat sightings, especially lions and leopards. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive before settling into your lodge or camp in the heart of the park.
Day 4 Exploring Central Serengeti – Following the Wildebeest Herds
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Central Serengeti. This region is alive with wildlife year-round and is often a temporary home for parts of the Great Migration, depending on the season. Expect to see zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, and large lion prides. Return to your lodge for dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 5 Central Serengeti – Game Drives & Predator Encounters
Another full day to explore the vast grasslands and kopjes of Central Serengeti. You’ll track wildlife with your expert guide and possibly witness predator-prey interactions. During migration months, you may see dramatic river crossings or massive herds grazing. Sunset in the Serengeti is truly magical.
Day 6 Central to Northern Serengeti – Into Migration Territory
Today, you journey north, toward the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, a prime location for the wildebeest river crossings (best July to October). This scenic drive doubles as a game drive, with chances to see giraffes, elephants, and migratory herds along the way. Check in to your lodge near the Mara River.
Day 7 Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti, head southward toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This transition takes you through the Masai lands and highland forests. Stop for photo opportunities and cultural insights before overnighting at a lodge on the crater rim or nearby.
Day 8 Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in one day. Enjoy a 5–6 hour game drive in this natural amphitheater, then return to Arusha in the late afternoon for your onward flight or hotel drop-off.
Tour Accommodations
| Tour Day | Budget Camping Package | Standard Package |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | On Request | Arusha Serena Hotel |
| Day 2 | On Request | Maramboi Tented Lodge |
| Day 3 | On Request | Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge |
| Day 4 | On Request | Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge |
| Day 5 | On Request | Lake Masek Tented Lodge |
| Day 6 | On Request | Lake Masek Tented Lodge |
| Day 7 | On Request | Ngorongoro serena Lodge |
| Day 8 | No Accommodation | No Accommodation |
What’s the cost of a migration safari?
Will the safari be dusty?
Will I see the famous ‘Big 5’?
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
When is the best time to see the migration?
- Calving season (January–March): In southern Serengeti, ideal for baby animals and predator action.
- River crossings (July–October): In northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara, famous for dramatic scenes as wildebeest cross crocodile-filled rivers.
- Migration on the move (April–June and November–December): Best for quieter safari experiences as herds traverse central and western Serengeti.
Where does the migration occur?
How long does the migration last?
Are river crossings dangerous?
Is the migration only about wildebeest?
Will I see wildlife?
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
Do you arrange Airport pick-up and Drop off?
I would like to book but I have group is large group, is this a problem?
What can I expect on a typical safari day?
What do you mean by game drives?
What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?
When does the tour end?
When does the tour start?
Am I allowed to walk around the national parks?
Are drinks provided in the safari vehicle?
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