7 Days Wildebeest Migration and the Big Cats Safari

5/5
Based on 2 Reviews

About this tour

This 7-day expedition is a specialized pilgrimage for wildlife enthusiasts, meticulously crafted to follow the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. The journey strategically dedicates multiple days in the Serengeti, positioning you first in the central plains and then in the northern Mara River region for the best chance to witness the dramatic river crossings. This core wildlife spectacle is complemented by classic Northern Circuit experiences, including the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, a cultural interlude in Mto wa Mbu, and the dense animal populations of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Designed for an immersive bush experience, the itinerary combines comfortable lodges with authentic tented camps located in prime wildlife areas. The focus is on providing extensive time in the field, with expert guides tracking the movement of the herds. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking the raw, thrilling spectacle of one of nature’s greatest events, offering a profound and focused adventure dedicated entirely to the rhythm of the migration.

At Glance

Customization

This tour can be customized

Duration

7 Days

Minimum Age

3 years

Countries

Tanzania

Comfort Level

Luxury

Maximum Group Size

Any group size

Physical Level

Moderate

What to expect

  • Spend a full day dedicated to tracking the Great Migration at the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti.
  • Enjoy three nights in the Serengeti, split between the central plains and the migration hotspot.
  • Search for large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu.
  • Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Look for the Big Five and a high density of predators across multiple iconic parks.

Best time

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Best for

  • Adventure Travellers
  • Families
  • Group Travellers
  • Luxury Travellers

Getting There

  • This Tour starts in Arusha, Ends in Arusha
  • Your flight should arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1:

Arusha

Your Tanzanian journey begins upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your driver-guide will provide a warm welcome. You will then embark on the approximately 90-minute transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This initial drive offers your first impressions of the Tanzanian landscape as you travel to the safari gateway town. You will arrive at the hotel with ample time to complete a relaxed check-in, unwind from your travels, and settle into your new surroundings. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace, resting and preparing for the incredible wildlife adventure that commences tomorrow.

Main Activities

  • Leisure stay

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Accommodation

Day 2: Tarangire

After breakfast, you depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its impressive concentrations of wildlife, especially its large herds of elephants. The iconic landscape is dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees. You will first check into the Tarangire Osupuko Lodge and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. The Tarangire River acts as a vital lifeline, attracting elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Your guide will navigate the park’s tracks in search of these animals and predators. You’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset view on your return to the lodge for dinner.

Main Activities

  • Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Accommodation

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

Today offers a deep cultural immersion away from the parks. After breakfast, you will travel to the lively village of Mto wa Mbu, a remarkable melting pot of different Tanzanian tribes. A guided walking tour will take you through vibrant banana and rice plantations, where you can interact with local farmers and learn about their daily lives and agricultural practices. The experience includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, providing an authentic taste of Tanzanian cuisine. In the late afternoon, you will drive to the lush highlands of Karatu to check into your lodge for the evening.

Main Activities

  • Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Accommodation

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

This is a day of incredible contrasts. After an early breakfast with a packed lunch, you will descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural amphitheater teeming with animals, offering one of Africa’s best chances to see the endangered black rhino alongside lions and flamingos. After a full morning of game viewing, you ascend the crater rim and journey towards the Serengeti. The scenic drive passes through highlands before you enter the park and proceed to your camp in the central plains for an afternoon game drive.

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Day 5: Serengeti

After breakfast, you embark on a full-day journey northwards through the Serengeti ecosystem towards the Mara River region, with game viewing along the way. This area is known for its high density of big cats. You will arrive at your specialized Mara River Camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will head out for your first game drive in this prime migration zone, scouting the riverbanks for signs of the gathering wildebeest and zebra herds, and the predators that shadow them.

Main Activities

  • Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Accommodation

Day 6: Serengeti

Today is entirely dedicated to the search for the Migration. After an early start, you will return to the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra often gather on the banks. Witnessing a river crossing—where herds brave crocodile-infested waters—is a matter of patience and luck, as the animals move on their own schedule. Your guide will use their expertise to position you at strategic points. You will spend the day exploring the dramatic riverine landscape, observing predator-prey dynamics, and hoping for the breathtaking spectacle of a crossing, enjoying a picnic lunch in the bush.

Main Activities

  • Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Accommodation

Day 7: Arusha

After a final wilderness breakfast, you will enjoy a last game drive as you transfer to the Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti. Here, you will catch your scheduled flight back to Arusha. Upon landing at Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be met and taken to a restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 7-day migration-focused safari.

Main Activities

  • Airport Transfer

Transport

  • Domestic Fllight

Meals

  • Breakfast, Lunch

Drinks

  • A bottle of soda, Coffee, Drinking water, Tea, Wine, Beer

Pricing

2026 Rates & Prices

Valid from January to December

PAX

Price per person sharing

2 People

US $3,580

3 People

US $3,185

4 People

US $3,020

Please note:

  • Prices are per person sharing (Ask a tour organizer for more price information)
  • Accommodations listed on this tours are subjected to availability, it may change depending on the time of booking
  • The price for this tour may also depends on government imposed charges. Please be in touch with the organizer of this tour at the moment of enquiring this tour.

Inclusions

Price Includes

  • A professional guide
  • All Accommodations
  • All activities
  • All meals
  • All taxes
  • All transport
  • Domestic Flights
  • Drinking water
  • Park Fees
  • Roundtrip airport transfer

Price Excludes

  • Additional Accommodation after Safari
  • Additional excursions
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • International Flight
  • Medical & Travel Insurance
  • Personal Item expense
  • Pre-arrival accommodation
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips
  • Visa Fees

Payment Terms

.

Cancellation Policy

.

Additional Information

  • A vegetarian option is available; please let us know at the time of booking if you require it.
  • Children must be accompanied by their parents
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Customer Reviews

5/5
  • Excellent
2 Reviews

Value for money5.0 / 5

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5/5 Based on 2 Reviews

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