The 8-day Serengeti Migration Safari is a meticulously planned Safari Package - that takes you through the heart of the Serengeti National Park where the greatest wildebeest migrations in the world occurs. This 8-day Serengeti great migration Safari Package - offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the wildebeest migration.
The Overview Of The 8-Day Serengeti Migration Safari Package
This 8-day Serengeti Migration Tours package is designed to give you an immersive experience of the Serengeti's diverse ecosystems, each with its unique congregation of wildlife. The journey encompasses the central, western, and northern regions of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park, promising a rich and varied safari experience. Depending on the season, the itinerary will be optimized to follow the herds, focusing either on the lush Ndutu calving grounds (December to March) or the thrilling Mara River crossings (July to October).
Safari Highlights: What You Will Experience
This extended safari provides ample time to delve deep into the Northern Circuit's most iconic wildlife areas, moving beyond quick game drives to true immersion. Key highlights include:
- Witnessing the Great Migration: Tracking and observing the massive herds of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
- Mara River Crossings (Seasonal): If traveling between July and October, you will spend crucial time near the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti, watching the dramatic and often dangerous river crossings.
- The Ngorongoro Crater: Descending into the UNESCO World Heritage site, a natural caldera teeming with the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo) in a single day.
- Big Five Spotting: Excellent chances to see the Big Five across the different ecosystems visited.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experiencing the contrasting scenery, from the open plains of the Serengeti to the acacia woodlands of Lake Manyara and the lush floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Expert Guiding: Benefit from the in-depth knowledge of our professional, English-speaking guides, who specialize in migration movements and tracking.
Flow & Accommodation
The 8-day itinerary is structured to minimize driving time and maximize game viewing. We utilize strategically located seasonal tented camps or comfortable lodges (depending on your chosen package level) that move with the migration. This ensures you are always close to the action.
Your journey typically begins near Arusha, leading you through Lake Manyara or Tarangire, then to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and finally dedicating four to five full days to exploring the vast Serengeti National Park, with the migration's location dictating the daily game drive routes. Accommodation is carefully selected for its prime location and commitment to sustainable tourism, offering you a high-quality, authentic safari experience under canvas or in a well-appointed lodge.
8-day Serengeti migration safari price inclusions
- Transport (4x4 Land Cruiser) with open roof, equipped for photography
- All National Park and Conservation Area fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide and driver
- All current government taxes and surcharges
- Daily Full-Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the tour
- 7 nights' Accommodation (Lodge/Tented Camp based on package)
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- First aid emergency kit available
8-day wildebeest migration safari price exclusions
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended)
- Personal items and souvenirs
- International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Optional activities (e.g., Hot Air Balloon Safari)
- Beverages (alcohol, soft drinks) outside of included water
- Laundry services
- Tanzania entry Visa costs
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Number of nights: 7
The 8-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Package - Detailed Itinerary
This 8-day Serengeti Migration Tour is our premium package designed to give you a comprehensive, in-depth wildlife experience across Tanzania's legendary Northern Safari Circuit. We guarantee you will be positioned for the best possible Wildebeest Migration sightings, whether it's the calving season in Ndutu or the river crossings up north. Get ready for an unforgettable Tanzania Safari adventure.
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti Central Region (Seronera) - The Heart of the Action
The 8-day Serengeti Discover Migration begins with a scenic drive from Arusha (or a flight connection from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Seronera Airstrip, depending on your package). We drive across the stunning Ngorongoro Highlands and into the Central Serengeti (Seronera). This region is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the highest concentration of big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards) due to the permanent water source of the Seronera River. We will enjoy an afternoon game drive immediately upon arrival. The drive will take approximately 5-6 hours (325 km), culminating in a stunning sunset at your luxury Serengeti accommodation.
Day 2: Ndutu Area / Southern Serengeti - Calving Season Focus
On the second day, the itinerary shifts to the Ndutu area, which straddles the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a critical hotspot for the Wildebeest Calving Season (typically December to March). During these months, this day is dedicated to witnessing the birth of thousands of calves—a dramatic spectacle that attracts high numbers of predators, providing excellent hunting action. If traveling during the dry season, this day will be spent in the Central Serengeti, maximizing sightings of resident game. Journey time is approximately 3 hours (90 km).
Day 3: Western Serengeti - Grumeti River & Resident Wildlife
The third day of the 8-day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration takes us to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, famous for the Grumeti River crossings (typically May to June). We explore the unique riverine habitats and acacia woodlands, which are excellent for large herds of resident eland, topis, and the enormous Nile crocodiles waiting by the riverbanks. This area offers a quieter, more exclusive Serengeti game viewing experience. The drive will take about 5 hours (roughly 150 km) to transition to your designated lodging.
Day 4: Northern Serengeti - Journey to the Mara River
On the fourth day, we venture into the remote Northern Serengeti, the critical stage for the dramatic Mara River crossings (typically July to October). This is a longer, full-day game drive, transitioning through various landscapes to reach the Kogatende area. We will start tracking the splinter herds and scouts of the great migration as they approach the infamous river. We aim to settle into a Northern Serengeti Tented Camp situated close to the river to ensure early access the next morning. The journey from the Western to the Northern Serengeti will take approximately 6 hours (about 160 km).
Day 5: Serengeti North – Kogatende Area – The River Crossing Day
Day five is spent exclusively in the Kogatende area, focusing intensely on the Mara River. We drive along the riverbanks, searching for the massive groups of wildebeest gathering to attempt the risky crossing into Kenya's Masai Mara. This is the ultimate highlight of any Great Migration Safari. Be prepared for a long day of thrilling action, as river crossings are unpredictable. Your expert Tanzania safari guide will use their knowledge to position you perfectly for these dramatic wildlife photography moments.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site
On the sixth day of the 8-day Serengeti Wildebeest Safari, we make an early departure and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending straight into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. This natural caldera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an astonishing natural enclosure, offering the highest density of wildlife in Africa. It is one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered Black Rhino. We enjoy a full 6-hour game drive on the crater floor before ascending and checking into a lodge on the crater rim. The drive from the Northern Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater will take about 4-5 hours (approximately 145 km).
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions
Day seven takes us to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its high concentration of flamingos (seasonal), groundwater forests, and its iconic tree-climbing lions. This beautiful park provides a completely different ecosystem from the plains of the Serengeti, offering wonderful bird-watching opportunities and excellent sightings of baboons and large elephant herds. This is the final Tanzania game drive of the tour. The journey from the Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park will take around 2 hours (about 60 km).
Day 8: Departure – Lake Manyara to Arusha
The final day of the 8-day Wildebeest Migration Packages marks the end of this incredible journey. After a leisurely breakfast, we drive back to Arusha (or to Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO for your onward flight). Depending on your flight schedule, a stop for local souvenir shopping can be arranged. This concludes your highly successful Tanzania Great Migration Tour, leaving you with a lifetime of cherished safari memories.
Important Hints & Recommendations for Your Best Tanzania Safari
Timing is Key (Wildebeest Migration)
- Calving Season: Book between January and March to witness the births in the Ndutu/Southern Serengeti. Excellent predator action.
- River Crossings: Book between July and October for the best chances of seeing the Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti. This package is ideal for this timing.
- Green Season Value: Consider the shoulder seasons (April, May, November) for lower prices, fewer crowds, and stunning green landscapes.
Combining Your Adventure (Kilimanjaro Tours & Zanzibar)
For the ultimate African adventure, many travelers combine their safari with a climb or a beach holiday:
- Mount Kilimanjaro Tours: An 8-Day Serengeti Safari pairs perfectly with a 6 or 7-day Kilimanjaro Trek (like the Machame or Lemosho Route). We highly recommend booking both through the same operator for seamless logistics and better pricing.
- Zanzibar Beach Escape: Conclude your dusty safari by relaxing on the white sands of Zanzibar. Daily flights from Seronera/Arusha make this a simple add-on.
Accommodation and Comfort
Due to the distances covered in this 8-day itinerary, choosing the right accommodation is vital. Mobile Tented Camps are often the best choice as they move with the migration, minimizing your daily drive time and maximizing your game viewing. Discuss your budget and preference for Tented Camp vs. Permanent Lodge with your Tanzania Tour Operator.
The 8-day Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages offer an unforgettable journey through some of Africa's most celebrated wildlife areas. We invite you to join us on this remarkable Tanzania safari tour, promising a lifetime of memories. We hope you choose our 8-day Wildebeest Migration Tour for your next adventure. Book your Tanzania safari now!