Overview
A 12 days Tanzania Migration safari takes you to follow the legendary route of the Great Migration in the country. This safari starts and ends in Arusha. From Arusha, head to Tarangire National Park, and then across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey taken by the participants—wildebeests, gazelles and zebras—passes through the Ngorongoro Crater and then the Serengeti Plains. A chance to see their dramatic crossing through the Mara River in northern Serengeti is offered as well. Meanwhile these iconic destinations also offer views of the Big 5, that have lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your first day of the 12 days Tanzania Migration safari starts with pick up at Arusha by our guide. Then, transfer by car to Tarangire National Park for a distance of only 109 km to the northeast. Check in at your camp in Tarangire. This is the place where dinner and overnight stay occurs for you.
Day 2, 3, 4: Follow the Migration in Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up and get breakfast for this action-packed day. For the next 3 days, enjoy game drives to witness the place where the Great Migration begins. This and the southern side of the Serengeti National Park offer sights of the start of this rare spectacle. So transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 109 km northwest of Tarangire, to watch herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. So many baby wildebeests can be spotted if this trip is done in calving season.
Quite a distance from them, spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Lake Magadi, attracts so many flamingos, hippos, zebras etc. for you to look at and photograph. Picnic lunch is recommended for such a trip. But you have to return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay. Do this for all the 3 days while you head back to explore the Ngorongoro Crater on a game drive.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti National Park
In the morning, take enough breakfast, for the short transfer to Serengeti National Park. Between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, you drive a distance of only 66.3 km to cover. The journey is filled with wildlife views, as you get information about the path taken in the Great Migration. Arrive at your camp and check in for lunch, relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 & 7: Explore the Central Serengeti National Park
Wake up as usual in the morning and take breakfast before you do a game drive in the central Serengeti area. Witness the wildebeests, zebras and gazelles have fun while they graze. The Seronera area houses large populations of leopards and lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and elephants etc. Also be a witness to a number of iconic kopjes such as Moru and Pride rock. Return on day 7 for more opportunities to see animals and other features that you missed in the previous day. End each of these 2 days with dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Drive to North Serengeti
From central Serengeti, you transfer to the northern areas of the park for even more unique spectacles. The 139 km drive is as scenic as ever, yet offers even more views of wildlife and the rock outcrops. Relax because pauses for wildlife and scenery views are offered. Besides the wildebeests, zebras and gazelles, see the Big 5 and many bird species. A predator-prey action is a common occurrence in Serengeti so be on the look-out. Arrive and check in at your new camp. This is where you have lunch, dinner and overnight stay from.
Day 9, 10 &11: Game Drives in North Serengeti
Have early morning breakfast at your camp before a drive across the northern part of the Serengeti. In the Kogatende area, watch the animals cross the famous Mara River in dramatic fashion. A chance to see deadly crocodiles try to prey on them offers a predator-prey spectacle like no other. Kogatende is also home to large lion prides and elephant herds that offer great experiences. Enjoy these experiences and more for 3 days, as you also view numerous kopjes, and mammals like lions, leopards, and elephants.
Day 12: North Serengeti to Arusha. Departure
This is the final day of your 12 days Tanzania migration safari, and involves a departure to Arusha. After a nice breakfast at leisure, check out of your camp and start the journey to the southeast. Marvel at the numerous wild animals and flora while on the 442 km drive towards the southeast. Get lunch along the way before you reach Arusha. After drop off at Arusha, your safari comes to an end.