9 Days Tarangire, Serengeti Wildebeest Migration & Ngorongoro Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your adventure begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your lodge. You will have a safari briefing to prepare for the journey ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha town or relax at your lodge before dinner.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem known for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, attracts a variety of animals, especially during the dry season.
Highlights of the day:
- Game drive: Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
- Scenic landscapes: Enjoy the vast plains and the iconic baobab trees.
- Predators: Watch for lions and leopards hunting near the riverbanks.
Spend the night at a lodge or tented camp inside or near the park.
Day 3: Tarangire – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering Serengeti.
Once in the park, enjoy a game drive in the Seronera area, which is rich in resident wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. The Central Serengeti is known for its year-round wildlife activity, with large herds of herbivores and predators always present.
Highlights of the day:
- Big cats sightings: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are often seen hunting.
- Plains of Serengeti: Witness the endless golden savannah teeming with wildlife.
- Luxury under the stars: Spend the night at a lodge or tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti.
Day 4: Central Serengeti – Western Serengeti (Grumeti River)
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive before heading west towards the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor of Serengeti. This area is famous for being a major crossing point for the Great Wildebeest Migration as they attempt to cross the crocodile-infested Grumeti River.
Highlights of the day:
- Grumeti River wildlife: Watch for huge Nile crocodiles waiting for migrating wildebeest.
- Predators in action: Hyenas, lions, and leopards take advantage of the chaos at the river.
- Hippos and birdlife: Enjoy sightings of hippos, eagles, and other bird species.
Spend the night at a lodge or tented camp in Western Serengeti.
Day 5: Grumeti River Crossing
This day is dedicated to watching the dramatic Grumeti River crossing. Thousands of wildebeest gather along the riverbanks, hesitating before taking the leap into the dangerous waters. Some will make it across, while others fall prey to crocodiles or drown in the strong currents.
Highlights of the day:
- The Migration spectacle: See thousands of wildebeest and zebras struggling to cross.
- Predators on the move: Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the exhausted herds.
- Unforgettable photography opportunities.
After an eventful day, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Western Serengeti – Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, continue towards the Northern Serengeti, following the migration herds as they move towards the Mara River. This part of the park is less crowded and offers incredible sightings of the big cats, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos.
Highlights of the day:
- Migration tracking: Follow thousands of wildebeest and zebras heading north.
- Pristine wilderness: Explore the remote and less-visited part of Serengeti.
- Sunset game drive: Enjoy a magical evening watching wildlife as the sun sets.
Overnight in Northern Serengeti.
Day 7: Mara River Crossing
This is the most thrilling day of the safari as you witness the Mara River crossing, one of the most dangerous and spectacular wildlife events in the world. Wildebeest gather on the riverbanks, hesitating before making the plunge into crocodile-infested waters. The crossing is chaotic, with predators like lions and leopards waiting on the other side.
Highlights of the day:
- The Mara River crossing: Experience the heart-stopping moment as thousands of wildebeest brave the river.
- Crocodile attacks: Watch giant crocodiles lurking, waiting for an easy meal.
- Big Five encounters: Spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and possibly rhinos.
Return to your lodge or tented camp in Northern Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Northern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, drive back through Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Highlights of the day:
- Ngorongoro’s diverse wildlife: Spot rhinos, lions, buffalo, and hippos.
- Lerai Forest and Lake Magadi: Explore the different ecosystems within the crater.
- Maasai culture: Visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions.
Enjoy a final safari experience in the crater before heading to your lodge near the crater rim.
Day 9: Ngorongoro – Arusha (Departure)
After an early morning game drive in the crater, begin the journey back to Arusha. You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your incredible 9-day safari experience.
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking naturalist driver/guide
- Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
- Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, a communications radio, an electric cooler, and filtered water
- National Park gate fees, Park Commission, and Government taxes (based on current rates)
EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Optional tours (Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Village visit)
- Discount for kids under 15 years old
PRICE 3450 $ PER PERSON