3 Day Great Migration Safari – Serengeti and Ndutu
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3 Day Great Migration Safari – Serengeti and Ndutu
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Duration
Tour Type
Overview
A 3-day Great Migration safari offers a short yet unforgettable opportunity to witness the world’s largest overland migration. Depending on the month of your travel, this safari takes you either to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park or Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing. Despite being a short trip, a well-planned itinerary gives you the best chance of experiencing the migration’s most dramatic moments, including river crossings and the calving season.
What to Expect
- Focus on the Migration: Your safari is designed to target the migration’s highlights, from the thrilling Mara and Grumeti River crossings to the Southern Serengeti calving season, where thousands of newborn wildebeest attract predators.
- Timing is Key: The migration is a year-round cycle, and your 3-day safari must align with the right location for the best experience.
- Travel and Logistics: Most tours begin in Arusha (Tanzania), Zanzibar or Nairobi (Kenya). You can either drive or fly to the Serengeti or Masai Mara, followed by game drives dedicated to maximizing your chances of seeing the migration.
- Accommodations: Options range from budget camping safaris to luxury tented camps and lodges located close to the migration action.
Best Times for a 3-Day Great Migration Safari
- July – September (Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara): Witness the world-famous Mara River crossings, where wildebeest and zebras face crocodile-infested waters.
- January – February (Southern Serengeti / Ndutu): Experience the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth, and predators such as lions and cheetahs are highly active.
- June – July (Western Serengeti): See the Grumeti River crossings, another dramatic stage of the migration.
Whether you choose the Serengeti in Tanzania or the Masai Mara in Kenya, a 3-day Great Migration safari is a short but powerful experience that requires careful timing and early booking, especially during peak months.
Why Choose Tanzania Beauty Safaris?
- Expert Local Guides: Our experienced, English-speaking guides are passionate about Tanzania’s wildlife and culture, ensuring personalized and insightful safari experiences.
- Tailored Itineraries: From budget camping to luxury lodges, we customize your Tanzania safari package to match your preferences and budget.
- Sustainable Tourism: We partner with local communities and prioritize eco-friendly practices to preserve Tanzania’s natural beauty.
- Guaranteed Departures: No matter your group size, we ensure your Tanzania safari tour departs as planned, even for solo travellers.
- 24/7 Support: Our dedicated team provides round-the-clock assistance, from planning to the end of your African safari adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for a Great Migration safari depends on the season:
- June to October (Dry Season): Ideal for river crossings in northern Serengeti (Grumeti and Mara Rivers), with herds moving north, attracting predators like lions and crocodiles. Best for July 8, 2025 (today’s date).
- January to March (Calving Season): Perfect for Ndutu’s wildebeest calving, with over 500,000 calves born, drawing cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards.
- April to May (Green Season): Lush landscapes and fewer crowds, with migration herds in southern Serengeti. This itinerary is adaptable for July 2025, focusing on northern Serengeti’s river crossings, with Ndutu offering predator-rich game viewing.
Why Choose Serengeti and Ndutu?
- Serengeti National Park: A bucket-list destination renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse vast savannahs, pursued by predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Its diverse ecosystems ensure year-round wildlife sightings.
- Ndutu Region: Straddling Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu is a migration hotspot, especially during calving season (January-March), but also offers abundant predators and Big Five sightings in July, with open plains and lakes (Ndutu and Masek) ideal for game drives.
Sample 3-Day luxury Tanzania Migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (Northern Serengeti)
- Morning: Fly from Arusha Airport to Kogatende Airstrip in northern Serengeti (1-hour flight). Transfer to your luxury camp for a gourmet lunch.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a private game drive along the Mara River, targeting Great Migration river crossings (seasonal) and spotting lions, crocodiles, and zebras. Evening sundowner drinks in the bush.
- Accommodation: River Camp, a luxury tented camp with en-suite tents, private verandas, and Mara River views.
- Meals: Lunch, dinner included (fine dining with wine pairings).
Day 2: Northern Serengeti to Ndutu Region
- Morning: Morning private game drive in northern Serengeti, focusing on migration herds, followed by a 3-4 hour drive to the Ndutu region.
- Afternoon: Private game drive in Ndutu, spotting predators like cheetahs and leopards, with a hot air balloon safari ($520 per person) including a champagne bush breakfast. Optional private bush dinner (supplement of $100 per person) under the stars.
- Accommodation: River Camp, a luxury mobile camp with en-suite tents, private butlers, and migration proximity.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included (gourmet meals with premium beverages).
Day-3: Ndutu to Arusha
- Morning: Final morning private game drive in Ndutu, targeting Big Five and predator-prey interactions, followed by a flight from Ndutu Airstrip to Arusha (45-minute flight).
- Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Accommodation: None (day ends in Arusha).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch included (gourmet picnic).
What’s Included
- All park fees and permits for Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu region).
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and dedicated guide.
- Hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast (Optional).
- Luxury accommodations with private en-suite facilities, private butlers, and premium amenities.
- Full-board gourmet meals (as specified Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Drinking water within the safari
What to Pack
- Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for layering (5,000-9,000 ft altitude).
- Binoculars, high-quality camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a hat for sun protection.
- Evening attire for fine dining at the camp.
Book Your Tanzania Safari Today
Embark on a life-changing 3-day Tanzania migration safari with Tanzania Beauty Safaris. Our expertly crafted itineraries, sustainable practices, and dedication to customer satisfaction make us the top choice for your African safari adventure.
Contact us at info@tanzaniabeautysafaris.com
Tour Plan
Your journey begins with a scenic 1-hour flight from Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip in the remote northern Serengeti, home to the iconic Mara River. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and gourmet lunch at Sayari Camp, an award-winning luxury tented camp offering panoramic river views.
In the afternoon, set out on a private game drive along the Mara River. This area is famous for seasonal wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles lie in wait and lions stalk the banks. Cap the day with sundowner drinks in the bush, surrounded by Serengeti’s golden light.
Accommodation: Sayari Camp (luxury en-suite tented camp with private verandas)
Meals: Lunch, dinner (fine dining with wine pairings[
Start your day with a sunrise game drive in northern Serengeti, following massive herds and predators on the move. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 4 hour drive to the Ndutu region, where the Serengeti meets the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
In Ndutu, embark on an afternoon private game drive, with excellent chances of spotting cheetahs, leopards, and lions. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional hot air balloon safari over the plains ($550 per person), ending with a champagne bush breakfast. In the evening, elevate your experience with a calmsy dinner at your private luxury lodge.
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Ndutu plains, where you may witness rare predator-prey interactions or elusive rhinos. After breakfast, catch a 45-minute flight from Ndutu Airstrip to Arusha.
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward journey.
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)