6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha, where you’ll leave behind the town’s lively streets and embark on a scenic drive toward the Serengeti National Park. Traveling via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the journey offers spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley and the Masai highlands. Along the way, you’ll make a brief stop at a supermarket for any last-minute supplies or personal needs you will approach the Serengeti, the scenery transforms into rolling plains that stretch endlessly to the horizon. Upon entering the park through the Naabi Hill Gate, the magic of the Serengeti unfolds. The central region, known as Seronera, is teeming with wildlife. Its mix of open savannahs, riverine forests, and granite kopjes creates the perfect habitat for predators and prey alike.

Spend the afternoon on a game drive, where you may encounter lions basking on the kopjes, cheetahs stalking gazelles, or herds of elephants roaming the grasslands. By evening, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the Seronera area, ready for a hearty meal and a restful night.

The second day is dedicated to exploring the Central Serengeti, a region renowned for its high predator density and diverse wildlife. After breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive through the Seronera Valley, often referred to as the “big cat capital” of the Serengeti.

Here, you’ll witness the delicate balance of life and death that defines the savannah. Lions patrol their territories, cheetahs race across the plains, and leopards lounge in the branches of acacia trees. Meanwhile, herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles graze peacefully, always alert to the lurking predators.

Midday offers a break for a picnic lunch in a shaded area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the region’s iconic landscapes. Don’t miss the Retima Hippo Pool, where you can observe dozens of these massive creatures wallowing in the water.

As the sun sets, return to your lodge or camp to relax and recount the day’s sightings over dinner.

On this day, you’ll journey northward to the Kogatende area of the Serengeti. After breakfast, embark on a scenic game drive through the park’s changing landscapes. As you leave the central region, the rolling plains give way to a more rugged terrain dotted with hills and woodlands.

The northern Serengeti is famous for its proximity to the Mara River, where the Great Migration reaches its dramatic climax. From July to October, vast herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles congregate in this region, preparing to cross the river. These crossings are a spectacle of nature, with thousands of animals plunging into the crocodile-infested waters, facing strong currents and predatory dangers. Arrive at your lodge or camp near the Kogatende area in time for lunch, then set out for an afternoon game drive. Your guide will strategically position you to maximize your chances of witnessing a river crossing. Even if the herds are not crossing, the northern Serengeti is rich with wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and predators like lions and cheetahs. After a thrilling day, return to your accommodation for dinner and an evening under the stars.

Rise early to make the most of your time in the northern Serengeti. Begin the day with a morning game drive along the Mara River, capturing any last moments with the migrating herds. The serene beauty of the river, combined with the drama of wildlife interactions, makes this experience unforgettable.

Afterward, start your journey back to the central Serengeti. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals, from large elephant herds to solitary leopards resting in the trees. Stop for a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your adventure.

The central Serengeti remains a wildlife haven, offering new sightings even as you retrace your path. Spend the evening at your lodge or camp, enjoying the comfort of your accommodation.

After breakfast, embark on a final game drive in the central Serengeti, savoring your last moments in this iconic park. This region is home to the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo – as well as a wide variety of other species. Take in the breathtaking views of the endless plains as you search for wildlife.

Following lunch, begin your drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers stunning vistas as you ascend into the highlands. Arrive at the crater rim by evening, where your lodge or camp provides panoramic views of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Your final day begins with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa. This massive volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 animals, including elephants, hippos, flamingos, and rare black rhinos.

Spend the morning exploring the crater’s diverse habitats, from its open savannahs to its freshwater lakes. The abundance of wildlife and the dramatic landscapes create a photographer’s paradise. After a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, continue your game drive before ascending the crater rim. In the afternoon, begin your journey back to Arusha, where you’ll arrive in the early evening. Reflect on the incredible experiences of the past six days as you bid farewell to Tanzania’s wild beauty.