7 DAYS ARUSHA – TARANGIRE – CENTRAL SERENGETI – NORTHERN SERENGETI – NGORONGORO CRATER – ARUSHA SAFARI
Embark on the ultimate Tanzania Great Migration safari, tracking millions of wildebeest and zebras across the iconic East African savannah. Crafted specifically for wildlife enthusiasts, this premium 7-day itinerary takes you straight to the heart of the action in the Northern Serengeti for high-stakes Mara River crossings. Alongside this dramatic spectacle, you will experience world-class wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your professional safari guide. Enjoy a private transfer through the vibrant landscapes to your comfortable city hotel in Arusha. Relax, shake off any jet lag, and receive a comprehensive safari briefing ahead of your upcoming Tanzanian wilderness adventure.
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- Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel Arusha
- Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK (LAND OF THE GIANTS)
After an early breakfast, journey to Tarangire National Park, a striking wilderness famous for its prehistoric, giant baobab trees that dominate the horizon. This park protects one of the largest and most dense elephant populations in Africa, allowing you to witness massive family herds browsing through the bush. Pop open the safari roof for an immersive game drive along the life-giving Tarangire River, tracking iconic wildlife like towering giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests. Keep a sharp eye on the terrain, as you might catch a glimpse of a lion pride stalking through the tall grass or an elusive leopard relaxing in the branches above. After an extensive day of exploration, drive to Karatu for a warm dinner.
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- Accommodation: Eileen’s Trees Inn
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, and bottled drinking water
DAY 3: KARATU TO CENTRAL SERENGETI (THE BIG CAT CAPITAL)
Depart Karatu with a gourmet picnic lunch, transiting through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend the crater rim for a breathtaking view before heading down into the endless plains of the legendary Serengeti National Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the central Seronera Valley. This world-famous wildlife haven is renowned for its high concentration of large predators, making it your best opportunity to see resident lion prides, cheetahs hunting on the open plains, and leopards resting in acacia branches.
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- Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, and bottled drinking water
DAY 4: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO NORTHERN SERENGETI (MIGRATION TRACKING)
Travel northwards through the expansive plains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your destination is the rugged, untouched Northern Serengeti, where the landscape shifts to rolling hills and kopjes. This is the exclusive territory of the Great Wildebeest Migration during the dry season (July to October). Keep your cameras ready as you drive; you will pass massive migratory herds, dynamic predator-prey interactions, and diverse wildlife before arriving at your camp in time for a spectacular African sunset.
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- Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps (Mara River Camp)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, and bottled drinking water
DAY 5: FULL DAY EXPLORING NORTHERN SERENGETI & MARA RIVER
Dedicate a full day to tracking the Great Migration herds near the infamous Mara River. Witness the intense anticipation as thousands of wildebeest gather on the riverbanks, building up the courage to plunge into the water and face giant Nile crocodiles in a thrilling fight for survival. Beyond the heart-pounding migration spectacle, the North Serengeti supports an abundance of resident wildlife including hippops, giraffes, elephants, and the rare oribi antelope. Return to camp for a campfire chat under the stars.
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- Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps (Mara River Camp)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, and bottled drinking water
DAY 6: NORTHERN SERENGETI TO CENTRAL SERENGETI
Enjoy a rewarding morning game drive in the north to catch predators during their active early hours. At midday, begin your drive southwards back toward the Central Serengeti. This transit drive acts as a continuous game viewer across the golden savannah, maximizing your chances of spotting any elusive wildlife you might have missed, before checking back into your central camp for a relaxing evening.
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- Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, and bottled drinking water
DAY 7: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR TO ARUSHA
Depart early and descend 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a pristine volcanic caldera teeming with over 120 mammal species. This enclosed ecosystem is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world and offers your absolute best opportunity to view and photograph the endangered black rhinoceros. Watch large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool waters and spot the rest of the African Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo). After a spectacular lunch on the crater floor, drive back to Arusha for your airport drop-off (ideal for flights departing from 21:00 hrs onwards).
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- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and bottled drinking water
SAFARI QUOTE & PRICING
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- Price: From USD 3050 per person sharing (pps) (Based on 2 Pax)-The more the guests, the cheaper the rates
🌟 Safari Inclusions:
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- All National Park fees and concession fees
- Comprehensive, unlimited game drives as detailed in the itinerary
- Full-board accommodation at safari camps, lodges, and city hotels
- Expert, English-speaking professional driver-guides with deep knowledge of migration patterns
- Private 4×4 open-roof Safari Land Cruiser equipped with charging sockets and a cooler box
- All Government Taxes and VAT
❌ Safari Exclusions:
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- International and domestic flights
- Post-safari accommodation in Arusha
- Soft drinks, fresh juices, and alcoholic beverages
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees)
- Optional bucket-list activities (e.g., Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Village visits)
Ready to Witness the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth?
Don’t just read about the dramatic Mara River crossings—experience them live. Spaces for our peak-season Northern Serengeti Great Migration Safaris (July to October) fill up up to a year in advance due to strict camp capacities.
Secure your private 4×4 Land Cruiser and expert migration guide today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
When is the best time to book this safari to see the Mara River crossing?
The best time to book this specific itinerary is during the dry season, from July to October. During these months, the Great Migration herds congregate in the Northern Serengeti, and you have the highest probability of witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossings.
Are we guaranteed to see a wildebeest river crossing?
While this itinerary places you in the absolute best geographic location (Northern Serengeti) during the peak crossing months, river crossings are entirely natural events. Wildebeest can gather on the banks for hours or days before plunging across. Our expert guides use radio networks and years of tracking experience to maximize your chances of witnessing a live crossing.
Can this 7-day Great Migration itinerary be customized?
Yes. This program is fully customizable. If you wish to upgrade to luxury lodges, extend your stay in the Northern Serengeti, or add a Zanzibar beach extension at the end of your Arusha bush safari, our travel experts can tailor the route to your exact preferences.
What should I pack for a Serengeti migration safari?
We highly recommend packing neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green) to blend into the savannah. Avoid dark blue and black clothing as they attract tsetse flies. Essential items include high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, quality binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens (at least 300mm), and a warm jacket for chilly early morning game drives.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater safe for walking safaris?
All game viewing on this tour inside the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park is conducted from the safety of a private, closed 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. Walking safaris are not permitted on the crater floor due to the dense population of large predators, ensuring your maximum safety.