5 Day Great Migration Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Name: 5 Day Great Migration Safari - Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Brand: Tanzania Beauty Safaris
SKU: tour_en_4920
Price: 2980 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

From

$2980.00

5 Day Great Migration Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Ndutu, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

From

$2980.00

Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Reviews

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Overview

A 5-day Serengeti Great Migration safari is one of the best ways to witness the world-famous wildebeest migration in Tanzania. This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the vast plains in search of fresh grazing. Depending on the season, you may experience the dramatic Mara River crossings (June–October) or the calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Area (January–March), when predators like lions and cheetahs are most active.

Most 5-day Serengeti safari itineraries also include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations, offering chances to spot the Big Five i.e. lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, in a single game drive. Activities usually feature daily 4×4 game drives with expert guides, and you can add a breathtaking hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti for a unique perspective of the migration (supplement of $540 per person).

The cost of a 5-day Serengeti Migration safari ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per person, depending on the season, accommodation style (budget, mid-range, or luxury lodges and tented camps), and level of service. Peak travel months are June to October for the Mara River crossings, while December to March is ideal for the calving season.

A Serengeti Migration safari is perfect for travellers who want an immersive African safari experience, combining dramatic wildlife encounters, iconic landscapes, and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

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 Tanzania safari is during the dry season (late June to October), ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and the Great Migration features dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti (July-August). The short dry season (January-February) offers clear skies and fewer crowds, perfect for photography. The green season (March-May) brings lush landscapes and lower rates, though light rains may occur. For the Ngorongoro Crater, year-round access ensures excellent wildlife sightings, with February being prime for wildebeest calving in the Serengeti.

Sample 5-Day Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

Activity: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Arusha for a welcome briefing and relaxation.
Highlight: Rest in a charming lodge to prepare for your safari adventure.

Day 2: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Activity: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3 hours). Full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Highlight: Spot black rhinos, lions, and flamingos in the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera.

Day-3: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

Activity: Drive to Central Serengeti (3-4 hours). Afternoon game drive to track Great Migration herds.
Highlight: Witness wildebeest and zebra herds, with chances to see cheetahs, hyenas, and lions.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Northern Serengeti Focus)

Activity: Full-day game drive in Northern Serengeti, focusing on Mara River crossings (season-dependent, July-October peak). Optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost).
Highlight: Experience dramatic river crossings and predator action in the migration’s hotspot.

Day 5: Serengeti to Arusha & Departure

Activity: Morning game drive in Serengeti. Fly back to Arusha (1-hour flight) or drive (6-7 hours). Depart via Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Highlight: Final wildlife sightings before heading home.

What’s Included

All park fees and permits for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
Professional driver-guide and full-board meals (as specified).
Accommodation (camping, mid-range, or luxury, based on your preference).
Drinking water during game drives and transfers.

What to Pack

Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for layering (5,000-9,000 ft altitude).
Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent (for tsetse flies in Tarangire).
Comfortable walking shoes and a hat for sun protection.

Book Your Tanzania Safari Today

Embark on a life-changing 5-day Tanzania 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.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your journey begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main entry point for Northern Tanzania safaris. A professional guide from Tanzania Beauty Safaris will greet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha, Tanzania’s bustling safari hub surrounded by coffee plantations and the foothills of Mount Meru.

Enjoy a welcome briefing where you’ll learn about your upcoming adventure through Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Spend the rest of the day unwinding in a tranquil setting, soaking in the peaceful ambiance before the wildlife action begins.

Day 2: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive, exploring its lush grasslands, soda lakes, and acacia forests.

This wildlife-rich paradise boasts Big Five sightings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard), alongside hippos, flamingos, and jackals. With permanent water sources, the crater supports a dense animal population year-round. Your expert guide will help you spot the elusive black rhino, a rare highlight for any safari-goer.

Day 3: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

This morning, drive across the Ngorongoro highlands and enter the iconic Serengeti National Park via the Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing with a game drive through Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera Valley, a region famous for its year-round wildlife and predator density.

In the afternoon, witness herds of wildebeest and zebras as they graze across the plains, alongside possible sightings of cheetahs, leopards, and lions on the hunt. The sweeping savannahs and kopjes provide excellent backdrops for photography.

Day 4 - Northern Serengeti National park

Today, journey northward to reach the Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, which becomes a key stage for the Great Migration during the dry season (July to October). Spend the entire day on game drives along the riverbanks, where you may witness the dramatic river crossings, an adrenaline-filled scene as thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge into crocodile-infested waters, pursued by predators like lions and hyenas.

This region is less crowded and offers breathtaking views of rugged hills and acacia-dotted landscapes. The game viewing is spectacular, with opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, elands, and large predator interactions. For an unforgettable moment, consider an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise for panoramic views of the migration herds (pre-booking required).

Day 5 - Northern Serengeti to Arusha

On your final day, enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, your last chance to spot the Big Five and migration herds. After breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for a scenic flight back to Arusha (included in your package). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to a local restaurant or cultural centre, depending on your departure time.

Later, connect to your international flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport. For those extending to Zanzibar, we can assist with planning and seamless flight connections.