6 Day Great Migration safari
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Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Great Migration safari through Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit. Witness nature’s greatest show as thousands of wildebeest thunder across the Serengeti plains, encounter massive elephant herds in Tarangire National Park, and explore the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Your journey begins with a smooth arrival in Arusha and follows a professionally crafted itinerary. This adventure blends thrilling game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and Big Five sightings, perfect for safari lovers seeking a compact but powerful Tanzania wildlife experience.
Why Choose a 6-Day Great Migration Safari?
The Great Migration, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras, is a natural wonder best seen from July to October in Serengeti’s Central and Northern regions, as noted by tanzaniaodyssey.com. This compact 6-day itinerary balances wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, making it ideal for travellers seeking a focused Northern Circuit safari.
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 6-Day Tanzania migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Morning: Welcome to Tanzania
- Your 6-day Great Migration safari begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Our professional guide greets you upon arrival. Depending on your flight time, relax at the airport lounge or enjoy a brief orientation.
Afternoon: Transfer to Arusha Hotel
- Transfer to a comfortable hotel in Arusha, such as Arusha Planet Lodge, a 20-30 minute drive from the airport. Check in and unwind, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Tanzania’s safari hub.
Evening: Pre-Safari Briefing
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, followed by a detailed safari briefing from your guide. Rest early to prepare for the adventure starting in Tarangire. Overnight at Parrot Hotel.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park and Overnight in Karatu
Morning: Drive to Tarangire
- After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire sets the stage for your Tanzania safari.
Afternoon: Tarangire Game Drive
- Embark on a game drive, spotting elephants, zebras, and giraffes along the Tarangire River. A picnic lunch amidst the park’s acacia woodlands, enhances the experience.
Evening: Karatu Lodge
- Drive to Karatu and check into Marera Valley Lodge for dinner and overnight, offering a cozy retreat after your first safari day.
Day 3: Tarangire and Drive to Serengeti
Morning: Morning Game Drive
- Start with an early game drive in Tarangire, seeking lions, leopards, and the park’s diverse birdlife. After breakfast at a picnic site, prepare for the journey to Serengeti.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Serengeti
- Drive 4-5 hours to Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, for a historical interlude.
Evening: Serengeti Arrival
- Arrive at Sametu Camps in Central Serengeti. Enjoy dinner and a sundowner, immersing yourself in the savannah’s magic.
Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Morning: Central Serengeti Game Drive
- Rise early for a game drive in Central Serengeti, home to the Big Five and vast wildebeest herds. The Seronera area, rich in predators like lions and cheetahs, offers prime viewing.
Afternoon: Great Migration Viewing
- If traveling between June and October, witness the Great Migration as herds move through Central Serengeti. A bush lunch amidst the plains adds to the adventure.
Evening: Lodge Relaxation
- Return to Semetu Camp for dinner and stargazing, a highlight of any Northern Circuit safari.
Day 5: Northern Serengeti and Mara River
Morning: Drive to Northern Serengeti
- After breakfast, transfer to Northern Serengeti (2-3 hours), near the Mara River, where dramatic migration crossings occur from July to September.
Afternoon: Mara River Crossings
- Experience the Great Migration at its peak, watching wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters. Stay at a mobile camp for proximity.
Evening: Mobile Camp Stay
- Overnight at the Serengeti Rivers Camp , enjoying dinner under the African sky, fully immersed in the migration’s heart.
Day 6: Serengeti and Return to Arusha
- Morning: Final Serengeti Game Drive
- Enjoy a final game drive in Northern Serengeti, capturing last-minute migration moments or spotting resident wildlife like leopards and hyenas.
- Afternoon: Return to Arusha
- Drive to a nearby airstrip (e.g., Kogatende) for a short flight back to Arusha, a 1-1.5 hour journey. Alternatively, drive 6-7 hours if flights are unavailable or not required.
- Evening: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight, concluding your 6-day Great Migration safari.
What’s Included
- All park fees and permits for Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
- All internal flights
- 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 6-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.
Contact us at info@tanzaniabeautysafaris.com
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Tour Plan
Your safari adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, located just outside the bustling town of Arusha, the starting point for most Northern Circuit safaris. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your private safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to relax at the hotel, explore the local surroundings, or enjoy a brief orientation. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and a detailed safari briefing. Overnight stay at a comfortable lodge in Arusha, resting up for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a scenic 2-hour drive southwest of Arusha. Tarangire is renowned for its majestic baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and some of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. Enjoy a thrilling game drive along the Tarangire River, where wildlife congregates, especially during the dry season. Spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and possibly big cats. Pause for a picnic lunch within the park before continuing your exploration. In the evening, drive to the nearby highland town of Karatu for dinner and overnight at a cozy lodge overlooking the rolling hills.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with an early breakfast, then head out for a final morning game drive in Tarangire. Afterward, travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area on your way to Serengeti National Park. Along the journey, enjoy panoramic views of the crater highlands and make a cultural or historical stop if time allows. In the afternoon, descend into the endless plains of Serengeti, where wildlife sightings increase dramatically. Arrive at your lodge in Central Serengeti just before sunset. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and take in the sights and sounds of Africa’s most famous national park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the entire day exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti. This region offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa, particularly during the Great Migration season when wildebeest and zebras move in vast numbers across the landscape. The area is also home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and more. Enjoy a picnic-style bush lunch out on the savannah to maximize your time in the field. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax and enjoy dinner beneath a star-filled sky—an unforgettable Serengeti evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive north to the remote reaches of the Serengeti near the Mara River. This area is known for the dramatic river crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters during their annual migration. Spend the afternoon observing the movement of herds and the predators that follow. Your accommodation for the night is a seasonal mobile camp located close to the action—perfect for maximizing your wildlife encounters. Enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful night in the heart of the migration route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day, take an early morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti, capturing last glimpses of the wildlife and dramatic landscapes. After breakfast, transfer to a nearby airstrip for your scenic flight back to Arusha. Alternatively, return by road with picnic lunch en route, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands once more. Upon arrival in Arusha, relax at a local lodge or hotel before your transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 6-day Great Migration safari in Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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