The Serengeti National Park - A natural wonder of the world


The Serengeti, probably the most famous safari destination on earth.

The Serengeti migration safari is one of the most breath taking wildlife experiences. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a vast circular journey from the Maasai Mara in Kenya south to the Serengeti. After giving birth, the wildebeest swing north through the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park and back into the Maasai Mara. This epic migration is driven by the search for fresh grazing and water. The animals are effectively following the seasonal rains.

A Serengeti migration safari offers a front-row seat to this dramatic spectacle, where you can witness perilous river crossings, where crocodiles and lions lie in wait,. The sheer scale and intensity of the migration make a Serengeti migration safari an unforgettable experience, highlighting the raw beauty and harsh realities of the natural world.

One of the most dramatic moments of any Serengeti migration safari is the crossing of the Mara River. You will thousands of wildebeest gather nervously at the water’s edge before plunging into the fast-flowing river, battling strong currents and predators. The sight of the herds scrambling up the muddy banks while lions lurk nearby is mesmerising.

There is an important role to the great migration. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Serengeti ecosystem, as the movement of the herds helps to fertilise the soil and control vegetation growth. A Serengeti migration safari is not just a wildlife adventure—it’s a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of life and the enduring cycles of nature.

.

Our Serengeti migration safari tour starts in Arusha and includes the four major parks of Northern Tanzania (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater). All you need to do is get to Tanzania! The safari includes all accommodations in Tanzania (parks and islands), all park entries, vehicles and driver/guides, unlimited mileage in the parks, free snacks/tea/coffee/sodas in the vehicles, return transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport, a hotel night in Arusha (HB) on arrival, free storage of (dive) gear during the safari days, lunch in Arusha before departure to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

In addition to the Safari is the option to stay on Zanzibar Island for 5 days scuba-diving and 6 nights of rest on the warm Indian Ocean – you will have ample time to explore the beaches, jungle, and historic sites of this Trade Winds Island

Giraffe and other wildlife on the Serengeti Safari Tour by African Oriental Travel Co.

WHEN AND HOW TO VISIT

People often ask “when is the best time to see the migration”. There are many answers, as this is a rolling event. If you wish to see a Migration Mara river crossing of thousands of wildebeeste you need to be looking at visiting the very far north of the Serengeti in July August and September. This can be crowded and is the most expensive time to visit with Serengeti Safari packages starting at $7000 per person

If you want to see the calving of the wildebeeste you should visit Ndutu Area of the Ngorogor conservation area in February. This is a photographers paradise, and prices are more reasonable at $5500 per person

In other months its possible to see the endless herds of wildebeeste and zebras trotting their way south and north. And where the Migration goes, the predators follow. Lions, Cheetahs and leopards are all seen in greater numbers when the great migration is passing. This is our most popular safari and costs start from $4500 per person. It often takes in Tarangire national park as well.

Contact us to organise your perfect Serengeti migration safari

The draft itinerary below gives you a solid Serengeti Safari tour.

During the safari, your guide and drivers stay with you the entire journey and will brief you every evening on what to expect the next day. They will discuss with you where they plan to go, based on preferences and the latest local sightings.

A pride of lions in the Serengeti, taken while on safari with the African Oriental Travel Co.

The Serengeti Tour - Day Plan

Serengeti Tour No. TZNTH010

  • Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll will be met by the drivers and a Matembezi representative. The drive to the Arusha Lodge takes about 1 hour, upon arrival at the Lodge you’ll check into your room, split luggage to be left with the operators if so preferred, and there will be time for drinks and dinner. The representative will be around for any last minute questions and a good night sleep is ahead of you.

  • Your drivers will collect you after breakfast, you set off on the short drive to Tarangire National Park. This road is still mostly tarmac, and soon you leave Arusha town behind. You see the first glimpses of bushlife, small Maasai villages and markets, and many bicycle pedal traders. This drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You will enter the park during the morning and spend the day game viewing this green and lush park. It is famous for its’ enormous herds of elephants, but you also have a good chance of seeing cheetah and leopard. The name ‘ Tara ngire ’ means ‘always water’ so high numbers of animals are a feature for this park, even when it gets hotter and drier. It has a high variety of landscapes enclosed in the park so it’s a perfect start.

    Overnight accommodation is in Sangaiwe Tented Camp, which is located on the eastern side of the Park on a hillside- offering amazing views from each of the wooden raised platforms, the enormous canvas tents are placed on stilted wooden floors and offer double/twin bed with fully western bathrooms, hot water and a cosy seating area outside. The dining area is connected with a stepped patio to sit and enjoy the sunset over the savannah, and if you like to cool down a small pool is here with a view of the watering hole for warthogs and zebras! Dinners are held under straw roofs and with an a la carte or buffet menu. Our guides join our guests during dinner, and will brief you on the next days’ plans. The lodges’ Masai guards will eventually walk you safely back to the tent afterwards and while you have your first night in the African bush – you may hear the lions roar in the night…

  • A fairly long drive today after breakfast but showing a huge range of ecosystems: from Tarangire National Parkl you will travel all the way into the Serengeti today.

    First you will climb the Crater Forest area – it’s a tropical mountain forest fringing the Escarpment of the Crater. As you rise in altitude, temperatures and fauna will change accordingly and in the end it is a cool, dripping, green mossy forest along the track. You then hit the edge of the Crater Rim at over 1800 metres – it is a stunning sight to gaze into this extinct volcano (caldera). This is the largest caldera in the world and similar in size to Paris. The road circles the Crater and on the northern slopes you will again descend partly and pass various traditional Maasai villages that live in this traditional land – dressed in striking blue and red they still herd their cattle in the old ways, roaming from water to grass. The road passes by another historical landmark – Olduvai Gorge, where the oldest footprint of men was found by Dr Leaky. If you like, stop for a brief look around here and have a coffee – contemplating the fact that Homo Erectus left their indelible print right here…. The last part of todays’ drive is dusty and bumpy – so keep that in mind. By noon you will finally enter the Serengeti proper at Naabi Hill Gates. You can actually visualise the meaning of the word ‘serengeti’ at this point – which means the ‘endless plains’ in Maasai – as you will be able to see the curvature of the earth here.

    After entering the Serengeti National Park, you will slowly game drive towards the location of your lodge for this evening: Kubu Kubu Camp. This is a lovely intimate small tented camp in the heart of the Park and your home for 2 nights. You have till sunset to reach here – while the grassland and famous ‘lion kopjes’ (stone outcroppings) teem with animals, large and small- so take your time.

    Kubu Kubu Camp offers perfect amenities in lovely designed large canvas tents – there is hot water of course and after the long day today – a pre dinner drink in the main area will be very welcome! It IS right in the heart of a park with wild animals so you may see a giraffe, zebra or an antelope wandering past your tent…. During the night you can hear the sounds of the plains….. Here as well the Maasai guards will walk you safely to and from tent and dining room, and the guides will discuss the day ahead.

  • *OPTIONAL ADD ON: a hot air balloon trip over the Serengeti. This would be instead of a morning game drive. A hot Air balloon trip would start pre dawn, and you return to camp around noon for lunch. It includes a transfer, flight, champagne breakfast, and return to camp. Please discuss this well in advance so arrangements can be made in time with the operators (not the camp). Then a afternoon game drive can follow.

    You have a second day in the Serengeti to enjoy the many, many herds of animals. The guides will be able to find the best sites locally based on the most recent sightings. Let them know what you would most like to see! It is your choice to either spend the full day out in the park with a picnic lunch or return to the lodge for lunch and a break from the heat – then go out again in the golden afternoon light.

    Besides the Big Stuff – take some time for smaller species that make the animal kingdom tick: lizards, bugs, birds, jackals, snakes, flowers and certain fauna: they all have their purpose in nature and it is fascinating to discover their connections. Ask your guide to show you some small wonders!

  • Today it is vital you have an early start – you will drive all the way back to the Crater to then enter and descend into the Crater in the afternoon. Your permit is for the afternoon entry – so let’s make sure you are ready and make the most of this incredible sight. This Crater holds its own ecosystem with cool temperatures on the top of the rim and warmer areas down below – a dramatic steep drop of 1800 mtrs on all sides means all kinds of animals find their living here. A very steep entry track leads down into this safe haven for animals. This is the only place you may be able to see Rhino, so have a good look around – and you might get lucky! The Crater of course houses a number of resident prides of lion, but also flocks of flamingos, elephant, buffalo, hippo, hyena, vultures, and giraffe will all get very very close to your car. There are a number of known leopard dens here so do ask the driver guide about any recent activity – they are shy, solitary and nocturnal hunters so it’s hard to spot one!
    You will catch the start of the sunset inside the Crater still, but by 6 PM you do need to be out of the Crater – when the animals take over again. You will be staying again at The Farm House nearby for a last evening and dinner in the wild.

  • Today you could take it a little bit easier on departure – the drive back to Arusha is approximately 2 to 3 hours only. So enjoy a good breakfast with some Kilimanjaro coffee before driving off and flying out to Zanzibar Island today for the next part of this adventure.
    The drive will lead to Arusha, where you will be offered an early Lunch at a Lodge (included) and dive / surplus gear can be collected from the operator. The drivers will then finally take you all to Arusha Domestic Airport in time for your flight to Zanzibar between 12:00/14:00 – they will make sure all check in procedures are smooth and sorted before waving you off.

  • Collection at Kilimanjaro International Airport on arrival / transfer to Arusha Hotel / 1 night in Arusha Hotel HB before safari / 5 nights accommodation in Safari Lodges / a 6 day safari in 1 vehicles & driver-guides / entry into 4 national parks (Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Crater) / Concession Fee Crater /unlimited mileage inside parks / all meals in parks / sodas & water & tea & coffee in vehicles during safari days /lunch in Arusha on return –last day /free storage of any dive & other surplus gear during safari / transfer back to Arusha Domestic Airport /

  • International flights / visas / Travel insurance / Dinner & drinks in Arusha before safari / Drinks of any sort in any lodge / Additional activities or optional extras – please see daily itinerary for options / Single surcharges / Any flights not mentioned / Additional activities in any lodge (extra game drives, spa, night drive, village visit etc) / Dive gear in Zanzibar / Personal expenses (for example souvenirs, tips and gratuities) / Any item not mentioned.

Serengeti Optional Extras:

Here are some additional features you can add to the above itinerary, please get in contact if you would like to customise them further or if you would like us to help design an exclusive tailor-made safari personalised to your own requirements.

  • Day 4: Ask your guides about an early morning walk along the property or fields just beyond: gorgeous views and nice to get out of the car! There is a site called Elephant Caves nearby: a small drive and then an hour's hike to waterfalls and lush forests. This must be done early morning so departure can still be on time.

  • Day 5: Hot air balloon trip over the Serengeti. This would be instead of a morning game drive. A hot air balloon trip would start pre-dawn, and you return to camp around noon for lunch. It includes a transfer, flight, champagne breakfast, and return to camp. Please discuss this well in advance so arrangements can be made in time with the operators (not the camp). Then an afternoon game drive can follow.

Serengeti Safari Prices:

Every serengeti migration safari that we organise is tailor made. However after years in the Safari Business, we have some guideline pri

  • A 5 day safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater costs £2200 (approx. US$2794) in the low season.

  • If the Safari is in August or Christmas this can rise to £4472 (approx. $5800) 

  • Add a week in Zanzibar including domestic flights £950 (Approx $1300).

  • Our best selling package is: 6 days on Safari, 7 days in Zanzibar, domestic flights and transfers for £4472, (approx. US$5800)

For further details or to book please contact us using the link below.