9-Day Follow the Wildebeest Migration Safari
Duration
9 Days, 8 Nights
Tour Type
Game Drive
Transport
4x4 Safari Vehicle
This 9-day itinerary is crafted to follow the movements of the Great Wildebeest Migration through Serengeti’s key ecological zones. From calving season in Ndutu (Dec–March) to the dramatic Mara River crossings (July–October) in the north, you’ll track the herds, predators, and landscape that define Africa’s greatest natural spectacle. The route also includes Tarangire, famous for elephant herds and baobabs, and Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your Terra Safaris driver and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Distance: Approx. 1 hour from airport
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Standard: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Forest Hill
Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel / Gran Meliá Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. This park is known for its large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal riverbeds teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch and continue spotting wildlife en route to your camp or lodge.
Distance: Approx. 2.5–3 hours by road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Standard: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Tarangire Safari Lodge
Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge / Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti (via Ngorongoro)
Depart Tarangire and travel across the Ngorongoro highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Game viewing begins as soon as you enter the park via Naabi Hill Gate. Explore the wildlife-rich Seronera region, known for its big cats, before reaching your lodge or camp.
Distance: Approx. 6–7 hours by road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Standard: Into Wild Africa Camp / Tanzania Bush Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge / Melia Serengeti
Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Enjoy a full day exploring Central Serengeti’s varied landscapes and year-round wildlife. Search for lions lounging on kopjes, leopards in acacia trees, cheetahs on the plains, and vast herds of antelope. Your guide will customize your game drive based on movement patterns and sightings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Standard: Into Wild Africa Camp / Tanzania Bush Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge / Melia Serengeti
Day 5: Central Serengeti to Northern or Southern Serengeti (Migration Focus)
Depending on the migration’s current location:
July–October: Head north toward the Mara River for dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions.
December–March: Head south to Ndutu for the calving season where thousands of wildebeest give birth.
Enjoy a game drive en route and arrive in time for sunset over the migration herds.
Distance: 5–6 hours (by road/game drive)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options (North):
Standard: Mara Kati Kati Camp / Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Luxury: Lemala Kuria Hills / Sayari Camp
Accommodation Options (South/Ndutu):
Standard: Ndutu Heritage Camp / Lake Ndutu Tented Camp
Luxury: Lemala Ndutu Camp / Serengeti Safari Camp (Nomad)
Day 6: Full-Day Migration Game Drive (North or South Serengeti)
Spend the entire day tracking the migration. In the north, witness river crossings and predator ambushes. In the south, see newborn calves, predator hunts, and vast plains packed with wildlife. Your guide will position you in the best locations for sightings based on up-to-date tracking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Another Day with the Migration Herds
Enjoy a second day in your migration zone. Explore new areas, visit water sources, and take in the full spectacle of the wildebeest and zebra herds in motion. Each hour in these regions offers something new, from lion hunts to hyena packs trailing vulnerable calves.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 8: Migration Area to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After breakfast, drive back toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enjoy a scenic ascent to the crater rim, stopping for cultural visits (optional) or scenic photo stops. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the crater for a restful evening.
Distance: Approx. 4–6 hours depending on location
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:
Standard: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / The Highlands Ngorongoro
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Return to Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater floor is rich with wildlife including rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and flocks of flamingos. After lunch, ascend and drive back to Arusha for evening drop-off or airport transfer.
Distance: 3–4 hours game drive + 4–5 hours drive to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged)
Tour Includes:
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
All park entry and crater fees
Full-board accommodation as specified
Bottled drinking water during safari
Government taxes and levies
Tour Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, drinks)
Accommodation in Arusha (can be arranged on request)