Experience the spectacular wildebeest migration on this 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha, an exciting Tanzania wildlife adventure taking you from the lively safari town of Arusha to the remote Northern Serengeti and the famous Mara River. This journey is designed for travellers who want more time to explore the Serengeti, search for the migrating herds and experience one of Africa's most remarkable natural events.

The safari takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before reaching Northern Serengeti, where large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through the grasslands during the northern migration season. The Mara River is one of the most recognised locations along their migration route, offering opportunities to witness the herds gathering along the riverbanks and, when natural conditions are right, attempting dramatic crossings.

Unlike shorter safaris, this five-day experience includes 2 nights in Northern Serengeti, giving you more time to explore different wildlife areas and follow the movement of the migration herds. You will also enjoy a night in Central Serengeti, where open plains, rocky kopjes and abundant wildlife provide an excellent introduction to the Serengeti ecosystem and also one night inside Ngorongoro highlands.

Travelling in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide, you will enjoy game drives, scenic landscapes and opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and many other animals.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, couple or family, this 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha offers an excellent opportunity to explore Tanzania's famous northern migration region.

5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari Highlights

• Explore the famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations.
• Spend your first night in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the crater.
• Enjoy game drives through Central Serengeti, home to lions, leopards, elephants and other wildlife.
• Travel through the Serengeti ecosystem towards the Northern Serengeti migration region.
• Explore the Mara River area in search of wildebeest and zebra herds.
• Enjoy two nights in Northern Serengeti for extended migration viewing opportunities.
• Experience the Great Migration during the northern season, generally July to October.
• Travel with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.

Detailed 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Scenic Journey and Overnight near the Crater

Your 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha begins with a morning departure from Arusha after breakfast. Meet your professional safari guide, who will welcome you and provide a short briefing before starting the journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania, passing local villages, rural countryside and the changing scenery of the Great Rift Valley highlands. As you approach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with lush vegetation, rolling hills and spectacular views of the crater highlands.

Depending on your arrival time and the day's arrangements, you may enjoy a scenic stop along the way before proceeding to your lodge or camp near the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the surroundings and preparing for the following day's crater adventure.

Your accommodation is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering convenient access to the crater for an early start the next morning. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this beautiful highland setting.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Angata Ngorongoro Camp, near the crater or similar

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive - Transfer to Central Serengeti

After an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. Often described as one of Africa's most extraordinary natural wildlife areas, the crater supports a remarkable concentration of animals within its vast volcanic caldera.

As you explore the crater floor, you will encounter open grasslands, freshwater pools, woodland areas and seasonal swamps that attract a wide variety of wildlife. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and different antelope species. Lions are frequently seen resting or moving across the grasslands, while the crater also offers one of Tanzania's important habitats for the endangered black rhinoceros.

Your guide will take you through different parts of the crater, helping you discover its wildlife and unique landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site before continuing your game drive.

In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and continue your journey towards Serengeti National Park. Travel across the beautiful highlands and into the vast Serengeti plains, where wildlife sightings may begin even before reaching your accommodation.

Arrive in Central Serengeti later in the day, check in at your camp or lodge, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the next stage of your Great Migration adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Wildlux Serengeti camp or lodge.

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti - Following the Great Migration

Wake up to breakfast at your accommodation before beginning the journey from Central Serengeti towards the Northern Serengeti. Today's adventure takes you through the vast Serengeti ecosystem, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.

Central Serengeti is famous for its resident wildlife and beautiful landscapes, particularly the rocky kopjes that provide shelter and resting places for lions and other predators. As you travel north, enjoy game viewing across the open plains, searching for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and predators.

During the northern migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may be encountered moving through the Serengeti towards the Mara River region. Your guide will pay attention to recent wildlife sightings and the movement of the herds to make the most of your journey.

Enjoy a picnic lunch along the route before continuing towards Northern Serengeti. As you approach the northern landscapes, the scenery changes to include rolling hills, rocky outcrops, open grasslands and riverine vegetation.

Arrive at your Northern Serengeti camp or lodge in the afternoon. After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner surrounded by the wilderness of one of Tanzania's most exciting wildlife regions.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Nyikani Migration camp or Similar.

Day 4: Full-Day Northern Serengeti Safari - Mara River and Great Migration Experience

Today is dedicated to exploring Northern Serengeti and the famous Mara River migration region. After an early breakfast, depart with your guide for a full-day game drive, taking time to search for the large wildebeest and zebra herds that move through this part of the Serengeti during the northern migration season.

The Mara River is one of the most recognised locations along the Great Migration route. During the migration season, large herds may gather along its banks, sometimes waiting before making their way across the water. These moments can create extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly when thousands of wildebeest move together through the river.

As you explore the river area, look out for Nile crocodiles resting in the water, hippos along the riverbanks and predators such as lions and leopards in the surrounding vegetation. Your guide will help you search for wildlife activity and identify suitable locations for observing the migration herds.

The timing of river crossings is entirely natural and unpredictable. Sometimes the herds cross quickly, while on other occasions they may gather near the river without crossing. Your guide will use local knowledge and recent sightings to help locate the herds and make the most of the day.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive through different sections of Northern Serengeti. Beyond the migration, this region offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, lions and many other animals.

Later in the afternoon, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and your second overnight stay in Northern Serengeti.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Nyikani Migration camp or similar.

Day 5: Northern Serengeti Morning Game Drive - Flight from Kogatende to Arusha and Departure

Wake up to your final morning in the beautiful Northern Serengeti. After breakfast at your safari camp or lodge, enjoy a final opportunity to explore the wilderness with a short morning game drive, depending on your scheduled flight departure time.

The early morning offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife as animals become active across the northern plains. You may encounter elephants moving through the woodland, giraffes browsing on acacia trees, zebras and wildebeest grazing across the grasslands, and predators such as lions and leopards returning from their night time activities. If the Great Migration herds are nearby, your guide will make the most of the available time to search for them.

After your morning game drive, return to camp, collect your belongings and check out. Your guide will then transfer you to Kogatende Airstrip, enjoying the final views of Northern Serengeti along the way.

Board your scheduled domestic flight from Kogatende to Arusha. The flight offers beautiful aerial views of Tanzania's landscapes as you leave the Serengeti wilderness behind. Depending on the airline and flight routing, you will arrive at Arusha Airport around midday or later in the afternoon.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will connect with your onward departure arrangements. If you are departing internationally from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a road transfer from Arusha to JRO can be arranged according to your international flight schedule. Guests with later departures may also have time for lunch in Arusha before continuing to the airport.

Your 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha concludes with unforgettable memories of Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti plains and the remarkable wildlife of Northern Serengeti.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch depending on the flight schedule and onward departure arrangements.
Flight: Scheduled domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha.
Departure: Arusha Airport or transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), depending on your onward flight.

Best Time for the Northern Serengeti Great Migration Safari

The best time to plan a Northern Serengeti Great Migration Safari is generally between July and October, when large herds of wildebeest and zebras commonly move through the northern part of the Serengeti ecosystem.

During this period, the Mara River becomes an important part of the migration route. Herds may gather along the riverbanks before attempting to cross into Kenya's Maasai Mara ecosystem. These crossings can create spectacular wildlife scenes, although the timing and location are unpredictable.

• July: Wildebeest herds may begin arriving in Northern Serengeti, depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.
• August: Often an excellent month to explore the northern migration region and search for herds around the Mara River.
• September: Large herds may continue moving through the northern plains, with further opportunities for river-crossing activity.
• October: Migration herds may still be found in Northern Serengeti, although their movements depend on seasonal rainfall.

The Great Migration is a natural wildlife movement, not a fixed event with guaranteed dates. We recommend allowing several days in the northern region and remaining flexible about the locations visited during game drives.

What Makes Northern Serengeti Special?

Northern Serengeti offers a different atmosphere from the more frequently visited central plains. Its landscape includes rolling hills, open grasslands, rocky outcrops and riverine forests that support an impressive range of wildlife.

The Mara River is one of the region's most famous natural features. During the migration season, wildebeest and zebras move towards the river in search of grazing opportunities across the wider ecosystem. The river also supports hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species.

Beyond the migration, Northern Serengeti provides excellent opportunities to observe resident wildlife. Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and numerous antelope species can be found throughout the region.

Spending three days in Northern Serengeti allows you to explore more than one area and enjoy a fuller experience of this remarkable wilderness.

Wildlife to See During the Northern Serengeti Migration

Northern Serengeti offers more than the famous wildebeest migration. Its varied habitats support an impressive range of wildlife throughout the year.

During your safari, you may encounter:

• Wildebeest and zebras: The main migrating animals, often travelling in large herds across the plains.
• Lions: Frequently seen around the grasslands, kopjes and migration routes.
• Leopards: Often found resting in trees or moving through riverine woodland.
• Cheetahs: Excellent hunters of the open plains, particularly where smaller antelopes are abundant.
• Elephants: Commonly seen moving through woodland and open landscapes.
• Giraffes: Often spotted browsing on acacia trees.
• Buffaloes: Frequently found in herds across different parts of the ecosystem.
• Nile crocodiles and hippos: Important wildlife around the Mara River.

Wildlife sightings vary according to the season and natural conditions, but Northern Serengeti offers rewarding opportunities for game viewing throughout the year.

Accommodation During the Safari

This safari includes four nights in carefully selected accommodation across the Ngorongoro and Serengeti regions.

• Night 1: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the crater.
• Night 2: Central Serengeti.
• Nights 3 and 4: Northern Serengeti.

We select accommodation based on your preferred comfort level, travel dates, location and availability. Options may include comfortable tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, dining facilities and welcoming safari hospitality.

Staying in Northern Serengeti for three nights is particularly valuable during the migration season because it reduces unnecessary transfers and allows more time for game drives around the Mara River region.

Your exact accommodation names will be confirmed in your safari quotation.

What's Included in the Safari?

• Four nights of accommodation during the safari.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
• Professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
• Serengeti National Park game drives.
• All applicable park entrance and conservation fees.
• Ngorongoro Crater service fee.
• Picnic lunches during game drives and road transfers as specified.
• Drinking water during game drives.
• Pick-up and drop-off at the Airport.

What's Excluded?

• International flights to and from Tanzania.
• Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari.
• Travel insurance.
• Visa fees.
• Personal expenses, laundry and telephone calls.
• Tips and gratuities for your guide and camp staff.
• Alcoholic and premium beverages.
• Optional domestic flight from Northern Serengeti to Arusha.
• Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services not specifically listed under inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I see the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti on a five-day safari?

Yes. This itinerary includes two nights in Northern Serengeti, with time to explore the Mara River region and search for wildebeest herds. Your chances of encountering the migration are generally better during the northern migration season, usually July to October.

2. When is the best time to see Mara River crossings?

The main northern migration period is generally July to October. However, river crossings depend on rainfall, herd movements and natural conditions. No specific crossing can be guaranteed.

3. Why does the safari include Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations. Including it adds a different wildlife experience to the safari, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and mostly the endangered black rhinoceros.

4. How many nights are included?

The itinerary includes four nights: one night in Ngorongoro, one night in Central Serengeti and two nights in Northern Serengeti.

5. Is this a private safari?

Yes, the itinerary is arranged as a private safari with your own professional guide and 4x4 safari vehicle. This allows flexibility during game drives and a more personal wildlife experience.

6. What should I pack for the safari?

Bring comfortable safari clothing, a light jacket for early mornings, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, personal medication and a camera. Soft-sided luggage is recommended if you choose to use a domestic flight, subject to the airline's baggage restrictions.

Book Your 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha

Experience the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania on a memorable journey from Ngorongoro Crater to the famous Mara River region of Northern Serengeti.

Whether you are hoping to witness the movement of the wildebeest herds, search for predators along the migration route or enjoy the extraordinary wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Beauty Safaris can help organise your journey with experienced local guides and carefully selected safari accommodation.

Contact Tanzania Beauty Safaris to plan your 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari from Arusha. Share your preferred travel dates, group size and accommodation preference, and our team will prepare a safari quotation for you.