8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari

Trip Overview

A visit to Tanzania during the green season – from late March/early April through the first half of June – is the ultimate way to combine the thrill of the Wildebeest Migration with budget-friendly luxury. Since most tourists tend to stay away during this time of year (because of the rain), not only will you have the parks practically to yourself, but you can find wonderful luxury accommodations without breaking the bank!

This eight-day safari visits three of Tanzania’s most exciting northern-circuit national parks – Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater – with a special focus on tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration.

*Please understand that the Migration is a natural phenomenon influenced by rain patterns, which can vary from year to year, especially with worldwide climate change. While we will do everything possible to place you in a location that gives you the best chances of witnessing this incredible wildlife spectacle, it is difficult to provide any guarantees.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO TANZANIA!

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your Tansafari-Tours driver-guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha and give you a briefing about your safari. The rest of the day/evening is at your leisure to rest from your travels and enjoy your new surroundings.

DAY 2: ARUSHA – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and, together, you will head to Tarangire National Park with packed lunches for the first game viewing of your Tanzanian safari.

Tarangire has the highest concentration of wildlife in northern Tanzania after the Serengeti and is famous for its huge elephant population and its multitude of majestic baobab trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old! During the dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife such as wildebeests, zebras, lions, elephants, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes and gazelles.

After a great first day on the safari circuit, you will head to your accommodation in Karatu, where you can enjoy a sundowner before dinner and review the day’s excitement.

DAY 3: karatu – Serengeti national park

After breakfast, you will proceed to the world-famous Serengeti, but not before visiting an authentic Maasai village. Here, you will learn more about the rituals and way of life of one of Tanzania’s most famous tribes.

After this rich cultural experience, you will return to your vehicle and continue onward to Naabi Hill Gate, the entry point for the Serengeti National Park.

While your driver-guide takes care of the administrative details, you can stretch your legs with a walk to the small lookout point for some beautiful views. Once inside the park, you will enjoy your first Serengeti game drive on the way to your accommodation.

DAY 4: Serengeti national park – full day

Enjoy your first full day of game viewing in the Serengeti, with packed lunches. In the Maasai language, “seringit” means “endless plains” and you will soon understand why! The Serengeti National Park stretches over 15,000 square kilometers (approximately 5,790 square miles) and is quite simply the most magnificent wildlife sanctuary in the world, unparalleled in natural beauty and wilderness. Before sunset, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: THE ENDLESS PLAINs OF THE SERENGETI

Another early start, but trust us, it’s worth it! Your day will begin with the African savanna’s birdsong and a hearty breakfast. You will then head out for another full-day game drive in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Your experienced driver-guide will do everything possible to locate the herds for you. Early evening, return to your accommodation, where you can sip a sundowner and enjoy a delicious dinner before calling it a night!

DAY 6: ONE LAST FULL DAY IN THE SERENGETI

Enjoy one last full day in this incredible wildlife habitat! Golden-maned lion prides, leopards, a high density of cheetahs, great herds of buffalos, smaller groups of elephants and giraffes, and thousands upon thousands of elands, topis, kongonis, impalas, and Grant’s gazelles are here for you to find! Return to your accommodation before dark for one more precious night surrounded by the sounds of the bush!

DAY 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Rise and shine! This morning we will depart early and head straight to Ngorongoro Crater for the last game viewing of this safari. The crater is the world’s largest intact caldera, and, before collapsing, was probably once the size of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will descend the 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) to the crater floor for what promises to be an exciting day game viewing. Explore the forest area, the lake, and the open savanna where the lions roam. If you are very lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhino! Lunch will be near the hippo pool. Late afternoon, you will head to your accommodation in nearby Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: farewell Tanzania!

After a leisurely breakfast, we will begin our return trip to Arusha (with packed lunches) and onward to the airport for your trip home or other destination.