6 Days Serengeti Great Migration Safari
Experience the world's greatest wildlife spectacle on this 6-day migration-focused safari (June-October) tracking the massive wildebeest herds in Northern Serengeti. Witness dramatic river crossings at the Mara River as thousands of animals brave crocodile-infested waters.
This private safari can be customized to midrange, luxury or high-end accommodation levels, with expert guides dedicated to finding the best migration action during your travel dates.
Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti
Your migration safari begins with morning pickup from your Arusha hotel or Arusha Airport (additional charges apply for JRO airport transfers). After briefing, we depart for Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enter Serengeti at Naabi Hill Gate for picnic lunch before afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti (Seronera). This predator-rich area offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round - look for lions, leopards and cheetahs as we make our way to your selected lodge or camp.
Dinner and overnight in Central Serengeti, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness as you prepare for tomorrow's journey north toward the migration.
Day 2: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, we begin our journey north (approximately 4-5 hours drive) toward the Mara River where the Great Migration typically occurs June-October. Game viewing en route as we traverse different habitats.
Arrive in the Kogatende/Lamai area in time for lunch at your selected camp/lodge. The afternoon is dedicated to searching for the massive wildebeest herds and their predators. Your guide will track recent movement patterns to position you for potential river crossing action.
Dinner and overnight in Northern Serengeti, strategically located for optimal migration viewing. Fall asleep to the distant sounds of thousands of hooves moving across the plains.
Day 3: Full Day Northern Serengeti Migration Viewing
Dawn departure for full day tracking the migration. We position ourselves near likely crossing points along the Mara River, ready to witness one of nature's most dramatic events as wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters.
Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the river. The entire day is flexible to follow wildlife movements - some crossings take hours to develop as animals gather courage. Between crossings, explore the northern woodlands rich with resident wildlife including elephants and giraffes.
Return to your accommodation at sunset after an exhilarating day. Share stories of the day's sightings over dinner under the stars.
Day 4: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti - another opportunity to witness river crossings or explore areas you may have missed yesterday. The migration is constantly moving and each day offers new drama.
After lunch at camp, begin the scenic drive south through Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 5-6 hours with game viewing en route). Stop at scenic viewpoints along the crater rim as we arrive at your lodge in time for sunset.
Dinner and overnight at your crater edge accommodation, with cooler temperatures at this elevation providing a comfortable night's rest before tomorrow's crater descent.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour - Return to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn when wildlife is most active. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts about 25,000 large animals in its volcanic caldera, including all the Big Five.
Morning game drives offer excellent chances to see endangered black rhinos, large elephant herds and abundant predators. Enjoy breakfast at the scenic Ngoitokitok picnic site near a hippo pool, surrounded by wildlife.
After lunch, ascend the crater walls and drive back to Arusha (approximately 4 hours), arriving by late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport, concluding your unforgettable migration safari experience.