6-Days Wildebeest Migration Safari In Tanzania
6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania to witness the annual wildebeest migration is an unforgettable experience. The wildebeest migration is considered one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles and occurs annually from July to October. During this time, millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This itinerary is designed to take you through the heart of the migration, providing you with the best possible chance to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the new environment.
Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park After breakfast, we will drive to Serengeti National Park, stopping along the way to enjoy the stunning views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We will arrive in Serengeti in time for lunch, after which we will embark on an afternoon game drive. You will spend the night in a comfortable lodge or tented camp within the park.
Day 3: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park Today we will spend a full day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, searching for the wildebeest herds and their predators. We will also have the opportunity to witness other wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and many more. You will return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater After breakfast, we will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at Olduvai Gorge for a fascinating tour of the prehistoric site. We will arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater in time for lunch, after which we will descend into the crater for a game drive. The crater is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos). We will spend the night at a lodge or tented camp on the crater rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park After breakfast, we will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. We will enjoy a morning game drive before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue with another game drive before returning to the lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Lake Manyara to Arusha After breakfast, we will drive back to Arusha, stopping along the way for souvenir shopping and a visit to a local village. We will arrive in Arusha in the afternoon, where you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
INCLUSIONS
Activities/services included in the cost:
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
Lodges on Full Board - Road transportation in 4wd land Cruiser safari vehicle
Game drives as per the itinerary - Park entrance fees and crater service fees
- English Speaking guides available for the safari
Emergency Evacuation/Flying Doctors
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
Activities/services excluded in the cost:
- Visit to Masai Cultural Village
- All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes
- Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance
- Excursions, services and activities not mentioned in this program
- Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips and gratuities
Passenger Information
- Passengers should bring only duffle bags safaris{not suitcases}
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
- Baggage on domestic flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
- Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Tourist Visa will be obtained at the entry points, but it is advisable to double check before travelling to Tanzania.
Why Choose the 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania?
Prime Wildlife Viewing: Experience the Great Migration, a natural phenomenon involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Witness river crossings, predator-prey interactions, and much more.
Expert Guides: Travel with seasoned safari guides who know the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography.
Diverse Ecosystems: From the central plains to the riverine landscapes of northern Serengeti, this safari offers a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats.
Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in handpicked lodges and tented camps that offer comfort and stunning views of the Serengeti.
Best Time for the 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari
The Great Migration is a year-round event, but the best time for this 6-day safari is from July to October when the wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. This is the peak time to witness dramatic river crossings and predator activity.
6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania – Witness Nature’s Greatest Show
The 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on Earth. This experience, set in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to explore the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of why you should choose this safari:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Start your Tanzanian safari adventure with a warm welcome in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Stay overnight at a comfortable lodge, surrounded by the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania.
Day 2: Drive to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
On day two, travel to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is the perfect backdrop for the great wildebeest migration. During this time, you’ll encounter large herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other grazing animals as they move across the plains. Your expert guide will help you spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, who follow the herds in search of prey.
Day 3-4: Witness the Great Migration (Northern Serengeti)
The northern Serengeti is where the true magic happens. This is the prime location for seeing river crossings, one of the most dramatic moments of the migration. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of greener pastures. Experience the raw power of nature as you witness these breathtaking crossings, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle.
Day 5: Explore Central Serengeti
On day five, explore the vast plains of Central Serengeti. Enjoy game drives with opportunities to spot the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Your guide will take you to prime wildlife-viewing areas, giving you a chance to see not only the migrating herds but also resident wildlife in their natural habitat.
Day 6: Return to Arusha and Departure
After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, return to Arusha for your onward travel. Reflect on your extraordinary experience as you leave behind the unforgettable memories of the Great Migration.
Key Routes for the Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania
The Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Africa. The Great Migration is a continuous cycle of movement involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and other grazing animals. The migration takes place in the Serengeti ecosystem, following seasonal patterns across different regions. Here are the main routes for experiencing this natural phenomenon:
1. Southern Serengeti and Ndutu (December to March)
Route: Arusha → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region)
- Best Time: December to March
- Key Highlights: This is the calving season, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth to their young. The nutrient-rich short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer excellent wildlife viewing. During this time, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas gather in large numbers, preying on the vulnerable newborn calves.
- Safari Focus: Game drives, predator-prey interactions, calving season photography.
2. Central Serengeti (April to June)
Route: Arusha → Central Serengeti (Seronera region)
- Best Time: April to June
- Key Highlights: In the central Serengeti, the migration begins its move northward. The Seronera area is known for its rich wildlife population and offers prime game viewing even outside of the migration. In addition to wildebeests and zebras, you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, and big cats, making this area ideal for year-round safaris.
- Safari Focus: Game drives in open savannah, spotting the “Big Five,” and watching the migration as it moves towards the Western Corridor.
3. Western Serengeti and Grumeti River (May to July)
Route: Arusha → Western Serengeti (Grumeti region)
- Best Time: May to July
- Key Highlights: As the migration pushes toward the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti, one of the most dramatic wildlife scenes unfolds – the river crossings. Although not as famous as the Mara River crossings, wildebeests and zebras face the daunting task of crossing the Grumeti River, often filled with massive crocodiles.
- Safari Focus: Witness thrilling river crossings, game drives along the Grumeti River, and watch out for the action-packed predator-prey interactions.
4. Northern Serengeti and Mara River (July to October)
Route: Arusha → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende region) → Mara River
- Best Time: July to October
- Key Highlights: The Mara River crossings are the most famous part of the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras attempt to cross the dangerous, crocodile-infested Mara River in the northern Serengeti. This spectacle is dramatic and often accompanied by predator action along the riverbanks.
- Safari Focus: Game drives focused on river crossings, wildlife photography, predator tracking (lions, leopards, and crocodiles), and exploring the remote and less-visited northern Serengeti.
5. Return to Southern Serengeti (October to November)
Route: Arusha → Central Serengeti → Southern Serengeti
- Best Time: October to November
- Key Highlights: After crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the wildebeests begin their return journey to the southern Serengeti. By November, they move back toward the short grass plains of Ndutu and the southern Serengeti for calving season. This marks the completion of the migration cycle.
- Safari Focus: Game drives in both central and southern Serengeti, observing the migration on its return route, enjoying fewer crowds as the herds start to spread out across the plains.
Which Route Should You Choose for a Wildebeest Migration Safari?
Your choice of route depends on the time of year and the specific part of the migration you want to witness:
- For Calving Season: Visit the southern Serengeti and Ndutu between December and March.
- For Central Plains Action: The Seronera region in April to June is ideal for general wildlife viewing.
- For River Crossings: Head to the western Serengeti (Grumeti) between May and July or the northern Serengeti (Mara River) between July and October.
