Overview
This ten-day safari gives the Serengeti five nights, long enough to follow the wildebeest rather than just pass through. It begins in Tarangire and Lake Manyara, moves into the Seronera area and then heads to Kogatende in the far north, where the herds usually cross the Mara River between about July and October.
Two full days in the northern Serengeti are followed by a return through the central plains and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater, giving the trip two chapters: migration drama in the north and the crater's easy, concentrated wildlife at the end.
The herds move on their own timetable, so talk to us about your dates before booking and we will route the safari towards where the migration is expected.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (10 days)
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO ARUSHA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at any time. Get your tourist visa on arrival (US$100 per person for US and Canadian passport holders, paid in exact cash); you also need a yellow fever certificate and a passport valid for six months beyond your return with blank pages. Our representative meets you after immigration and drives you to your hotel in Arusha.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
A day in Tarangire National Park, where the permanent river draws birds, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and huge elephant herds in the dry season. Lions and leopards are regularly seen. Your lodge in the park has a lookout for sundowners over the plains.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
You drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but varied park of lake, groundwater forest, grassland, hot springs and woodland below the Rift Valley wall, home to more than 350 bird species and famous tree-climbing lions. After a picnic lunch you return to your lodge.
SERONERA: BIG CAT COUNTRY
A full day of game driving in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti, one of the most dependable places in Africa for big cats all year round, and ideal for photography thanks to its density of predators.
OLDUVAI GORGE AND THE CENTRAL SERENGETI
A day exploring the central Serengeti, with an optional visit to Olduvai Gorge and its museum of early human finds. The plains here are dotted with acacias and kopjes, and from December to February the migration is usually close by, while giraffe, buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah and leopard are resident all year.
Overnight at a tented camp in the Serengeti.
MARA RIVER CROSSINGS AT KOGATENDE
A full day following the migration around the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, where resident wildlife is also plentiful around Wagakuria. Herds may cross north one day and back south a few days later, though crossings need patience and luck. The kopjes, woodland and open plains here are very like Kenya's Masai Mara.
Overnight at a tented camp in the northern Serengeti.
SECOND DAY IN THE NORTHERN SERENGETI
Another day in the Kogatende area with a picnic lunch, following the herds and waiting for the next crossing, before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Overnight at your northern Serengeti camp.
BACK TO THE CENTRAL SERENGETI
An early start gives you a full day in the park. Your guide chooses the best spots for the season, from the hippo pool and lion prides to the migrating herds and the rocky kopjes that shelter predators. Look for elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lion, and with luck leopard and cheetah, plus birds from secretary birds to ostriches.
Overnight at a tented camp in the Serengeti.
NGORONGORO CRATER
After an early game drive you head for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, managed for wildlife and the Maasai alike. After a stop at the gate, you drive along the rim and then descend to the crater floor, a natural sanctuary for lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and sometimes leopard, though never giraffe, as the walls are too steep. In the late afternoon you drive to your lodge.
DEPARTURE
Depending on your flight time, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Serengeti National Park and ends in Olduvai Gorge.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.