Experience the spectacular Great Migration on this 7-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari in Tanzania, designed for travellers visiting between July and October. Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you meet your professional safari guide before travelling to Karatu for your first night in northern Tanzania.

Explore the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a remarkable wildlife destination known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse animal populations. After your crater experience, continue through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Central Serengeti, where open grasslands, rocky kopjes and river valleys provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Spend two nights in Central Serengeti, including a full day exploring the wildlife-rich Seronera region. Continue north towards the spectacular migration landscapes of Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration herds move towards the Mara River in search of fresh grazing and water.

Spend three nights in Northern Serengeti, exploring the Kogatende and Lamai areas and searching for the famous wildebeest river crossings. During this period, thousands of wildebeest and zebras may gather near the riverbanks before attempting to cross. Nile crocodiles inhabit the river, while predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas patrol the surrounding landscapes.

Although river crossings are unpredictable, spending several nights in Northern Serengeti gives you more opportunities to observe migration activity. Your safari concludes with a scheduled flight from Kogatende to Arusha, followed by lunch and onward departure arrangements.

This itinerary combines the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti and the migration landscapes of Northern Serengeti into one memorable African safari.

7 Day Great Migration Safari Highlights

This 7 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania offers an exciting opportunity to explore three of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife destinations;

• Begin your Tanzania safari at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Spend one night in Karatu near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Enjoy a game drive inside the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
• Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into Serengeti National Park.
• Explore Central Serengeti and its wildlife-rich Seronera region.
• Enjoy a full-day game drive in Central Serengeti.
• Spend three nights in Northern Serengeti near the Great Migration routes.
• Search for wildebeest herds gathering along the Mara River.
• Experience opportunities to witness dramatic Mara River crossings.
• Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife.
• Enjoy private game drives with a professional local safari guide.
• Fly from Kogatende to Arusha on the final day.

Detailed 7-Day Great Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Transfer to Karatu

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Tanzania Beauty Safaris representatives and introduced to your professional safari guide. After a short briefing about your upcoming adventure, begin your journey towards Karatu, a charming town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The drive takes you through beautiful Tanzanian countryside, local villages, coffee-growing landscapes and the scenic highlands surrounding the Ngorongoro region. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxed stop along the way before continuing to your lodge in Karatu.

On arrival, check in, enjoy dinner and relax after your international journey. Your safari guide will brief you about the following day's Ngorongoro Crater experience and the journey into Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Dinner (lunch depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive - Central Serengeti

After an early breakfast, depart Karatu and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Make your way to the crater entrance before descending approximately 600 metres into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

The crater is one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations, supporting a rich variety of animals within its spectacular volcanic landscape. Explore open grasslands, acacia woodland, freshwater pools and seasonal swamps while searching for wildlife.

You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and several species of antelope. The crater is also one of the best places in Tanzania to look for the endangered black rhinoceros. Lions are frequently seen in the open grasslands, while other predators inhabit the crater ecosystem.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site inside the crater before continuing your game drive. Later, ascend to the crater rim and continue your journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Serengeti National Park.

The journey offers beautiful views of the highlands and open plains, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. On entering Serengeti, proceed towards Central Serengeti and the Seronera region. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy some wildlife viewing en route to your accommodation.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the evening, where dinner and overnight await you in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness. This is a full and relatively long safari day, combining the crater experience with the transfer to Central Serengeti.

Accommodation: Land of Nature Tented lodge in Central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti - Full-Day Game Drive

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Central Serengeti, one of Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife-viewing destinations. The Seronera region is famous for its diverse habitats, including open savannah, rocky kopjes, seasonal water sources and riverine woodland.

These varied landscapes support a large population of resident wildlife throughout the year. Your professional guide will explore different areas in search of lions resting on rocky outcrops, leopards hidden among trees, cheetahs scanning the open plains and elephants moving through the woodland.

You may also encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and numerous antelope species. Central Serengeti is an important part of the Great Migration ecosystem, and depending on seasonal movements, you may also see migrating herds passing through the region.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a suitable location during your game drive before continuing your exploration in the afternoon. Your guide will use local knowledge and recent wildlife sightings to help you make the most of the day.

Later, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight, enjoying another evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Land of Nature Tented Lodge in Central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 4: Central Serengeti - Northern Serengeti - Great Migration Country

After an early breakfast, depart Central Serengeti and travel north towards Northern Serengeti, following the seasonal movement routes of the Great Migration.

Enjoy game viewing along the way as you cross different Serengeti landscapes. Depending on the season and herd movements, you may encounter large columns of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains. Other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions and various antelope species, may also be seen during the journey.

As you approach the northern region, the scenery changes to rolling hills, open grasslands and riverine vegetation surrounding the Mara River ecosystem.

Your guide will explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas around Kogatende and, where conditions allow, the Lamai region. These areas are particularly important during the July–October migration period, when herds may gather near the riverbanks.

Arrive at your migration camp in time to enjoy the surrounding wilderness before dinner and overnight. You will spend the next three nights in Northern Serengeti, giving you more time to explore the migration areas.

Accommodation: Gnus Lair migration camp in Northern Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti - Full-Day Great Migration Game Drive

Today is dedicated to exploring Northern Serengeti and searching for the Great Migration herds. After breakfast, set out with your guide towards the Mara River and surrounding migration areas.

During the July- October period, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may gather in Northern Serengeti as they follow fresh grazing. The river crossings are among the most dramatic wildlife experiences in Africa. Herds sometimes congregate along the riverbanks for extended periods before deciding to cross.

Spend time observing migration activity and searching for suitable viewing locations. If a crossing takes place during your visit, you may witness thousands of wildebeest entering the water while navigating strong currents and avoiding crocodiles.

Even when the herds are not crossing, Northern Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing. Look for lions resting in the grass, leopards in riverine trees, elephants moving through the woodland, giraffes browsing on acacia trees and hyenas searching for food.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive before continuing your afternoon exploration. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Gnus Lair migration camp in Northern Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 6: Northern Serengeti - Full-Day Migration and Wildlife Exploration

Enjoy another full day exploring Northern Serengeti, allowing additional time to search for the Great Migration and experience the remarkable wildlife of this region.

After breakfast, head out with your guide towards the Mara River, Kogatende and other suitable wildlife-viewing areas depending on the latest herd movements. Your guide will use local knowledge and recent sightings to determine where to focus the day's game drive.

This additional day is valuable because the Great Migration does not follow a fixed timetable. Herds may gather near a river crossing point, move along the riverbanks or cross at a different location. Some days may offer spectacular activity, while on others the animals may remain in the surrounding plains.

Beyond the migration, Northern Serengeti is home to a wide variety of resident wildlife. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and numerous bird species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration. Return to camp for your final evening in the Northern Serengeti wilderness.

Accommodation: Gnus Lair migration camp in Northern Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Day 7: Northern Serengeti - Flight to Arusha - Lunch and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your camp before transferring to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Arusha. Depending on your flight departure time, there may be an opportunity for a short morning game drive before leaving camp.

The flight offers beautiful aerial views of Tanzania's wilderness and provides a convenient conclusion to your safari without the long road journey from Northern Serengeti to Arusha.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met for your onward arrangements. Enjoy lunch at a selected restaurant in Arusha before continuing to your next destination that is transfer to the airport for departure.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation Summary

Total: 7 days and 6 nights.

Accommodation names can be selected according to your preferred choice, budget, availability and travel dates.

Best Time for the Great Migration Safari: July to October

The period between July and October is one of the most popular times to experience the Great Migration in Tanzania. During these months, large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through Northern Serengeti, particularly around the Kogatende and Lamai areas.

The Mara River forms part of their seasonal migration route, and herds may gather along its banks before attempting to cross into Kenya's Maasai Mara or returning into Tanzania.

• July: The first major groups may reach Northern Serengeti, although migration activity can still be concentrated in the Western Corridor and northern transition areas.
• August: Often one of the most exciting months for the Mara River migration experience, with large herds frequently found in the northern region.
• September: A popular month for Northern Serengeti safaris, with herds potentially moving between Tanzania and Kenya.
• October: Migration activity may continue in Northern Serengeti, although the timing of the return movement towards the south depends on rainfall.

These are general seasonal patterns. The migration can change direction and location depending on rainfall, grazing conditions and water availability. River crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.

What's Included in 7 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari

• Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Karatu.
• Accommodation for six nights during the safari.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide.
• Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
• Serengeti National Park game drives.
• Northern Serengeti migration game drives.
• Park and conservation area fees applicable to the itinerary.
• Ngorongoro Crater service and vehicle fees, where applicable.
• Scheduled domestic flight from Kogatende to Arusha, subject to confirmation.
• Lunch in Arusha on the final day.
• Drinking water during game drives.

What's Excluded

• International flights to and from Tanzania.
• Visa fees.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Tips for your safari guide and camp staff.
• Alcoholic and premium beverages.
• Personal expenses such as laundry and souvenirs.
• Optional hot-air balloon safari.
• Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
• Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport unless specifically included in your quotation.
• Any services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti?

July to October is generally the best period to plan a Northern Serengeti migration safari. August and September are particularly popular for possible Mara River crossings. However, migration movements depend on rainfall and grazing conditions.

2. Can I see wildebeest crossing the Mara River?

Yes, it is possible to witness wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the migration season. However, crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed on specific dates. Spending three nights in Northern Serengeti increases your opportunities to experience migration activity.

3. Why does this safari spend three nights in Northern Serengeti?

Three nights provide more time to explore different areas around Kogatende and the Mara River. This is important because migration herds move continuously, and river crossings can happen at different locations and times.

4. Does the safari start at Kilimanjaro International Airport?

Yes. Your safari guide will meet and pick you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to Karatu, where your Tanzania wildlife adventure begins.

5. What accommodation is available during the safari?

You will stay in a lodge in Karatu, a lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti and a seasonal migration tented camp in Northern Serengeti. Accommodation can be arranged in your own preference, budget, mid-range or luxury categories.

6. Is this a private safari?

Yes. This itinerary is arranged as a private safari with your own 4x4 vehicle and professional guide, allowing flexibility during game drives and wildlife viewing.

7. Can I book this safari in July, August, September or October?

Yes. The itinerary is designed for these months. We recommend confirming your exact travel dates early, particularly for August and September, when migration accommodation in Northern Serengeti can be in high demand.

Book Your 7 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Great Migration Safari

Make your dream of experiencing the Great Migration in Tanzania a reality with Tanzania Beauty Safaris. From the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater to the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti and the dramatic Mara River landscapes of Northern Serengeti, this seven-day adventure offers an unforgettable journey through Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Booking your 7 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania between July and October gives you an opportunity to explore Northern Serengeti during the main Mara River migration season.

Our local safari team will help you choose suitable accommodation, plan your migration viewing experience and arrange your domestic flight from Northern Serengeti to Arusha.

Contact Tanzania Beauty Safaris today to plan your 7-day Great Migration safari in Tanzania and discover the beauty of the Serengeti.