6 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari
Overview
Join us on this unforgettable 6 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari for the ultimate African wildlife experience. This safari is designed to combine the Great Migration of the wildebeest and the most iconic national parks of Tanzania. This incredible journey begins in the spectacular Northern Serengeti with the legendary Mara River crossings, continuing on through the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti, the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and finally to the elephant paradise of Tarangire National Park. This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, honeymooners, families and first time visitors and offers fantastic game viewing and unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa.
Between July and October, the Great Migration arrives in the Northern Serengeti as more than two million wildebeest, as well as hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, head north in search of fresh grazing. One of nature’s most spectacular events unfolds along the Mara River, where vast herds gather before their courageous crossings. These crossings are teeming with excitement as wildebeest throw themselves into crocodile-infested waters while predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas wait patiently in the wings. Each crossing is different and so every safari is a truly unique experience.
Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip or a comfortable drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands and Central Serengeti to the Northern Serengeti. Flying maximises your time in the migration area, whilst driving gives you spectacular landscapes and constant wildlife viewing en route. On arrival you will start exploring one of the best safari destinations in Africa straight away, with rolling hills, riverine forests and open savannahs providing the perfect habitat for abundant wildlife.
Explore the Northern Serengeti for a full day with your experienced guide tracking the migration herds seeking out active river crossings and incredible wildlife encounters. The area also hosts elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, topis, impalas, hippos, crocodiles and a remarkable concentration of predators, in addition to the migration. Whether it’s wildebeest in their thousands crossing the Mara River or a pride of lions on the hunt, game drives are filled with unforgettable moments.
The safari continues to the world famous Central Serengeti with its endless golden plains, granite kopjes and amazing wildlife all year round. The Seronera Valley has permanent rivers and one of the highest predator populations in Africa. This means unparalleled opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas and a multitude of antelope species. Resident wildlife and migrating herds combine to provide excellent game viewing throughout the year.
Leaving Serengeti, you will travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area with spectacular views of volcanic landscapes and lush highlands before an overnight stay in Karatu. Next day we drive to Tarangire National Park famous for its majestic Baobab trees and one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa. The Tarangire River has amazing concentrations of wildlife including elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, lions, leopards, and over 550 species of birds, and is the perfect way to end your safari adventure.
On your journey you will travel in a custom built 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, comfortable seating, charging facilities and large viewing windows. You will be joined by a professional English speaking safari guide who will give you fascinating insights into wildlife behaviour, migration patterns, ecosystems and conservation efforts that make Tanzania one of the world’s leading safari destinations.
The 6 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari offers an unforgettable experience whether you dream of witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings, capturing the Big Five on film or simply immersing yourself in Africa’s stunning wilderness. The best safari itinerary in Tanzania for travellers looking for the ultimate wildlife adventure combines the excitement of the Great Migration with the beauty of Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Safari Itinerary
You will start your safari with a morning flight from Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip or a scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Central Serengeti towards Northern Serengeti. On arrival you will be met by your professional safari guide and enjoy an exciting afternoon game drive in search of the Great Migration herds. Explore the stunning Mara River area looking for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs and the enormous wildebeest herds preparing for dramatic river crossings. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, transfer to your dinner and overnight stay at your luxury tented camp or safari lodge.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
After an early breakfast, head out to explore the Northern Serengeti, one of Africa’s top wildlife viewing destinations during migration season. Join your expert guide in search of active Mara River crossings, following the migration herds as they cross waters filled with crocodiles in search of greener pastures. All day you will have good game viewing as you look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds. Have a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing with your afternoon game drive. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
After breakfast, depart from Northern Serengeti for a full-day game drive, heading south through the Serengeti plains to Central Serengeti. You will experience different landscapes along the way from rolling grasslands, river valleys to rocky kopjes home to many predators. Arrive in the famous Seronera area, renowned for its resident wildlife and great predator sightings all year round. Continue with your afternoon game drive in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and many species of antelopes before proceeding to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Relaxed breakfast before heading out on a game drive through the plains of Central Serengeti where you will find abundant wildlife. Continue your exploration of the Seronera Valley in search of predators returning from their nightly hunts and grazing herds of herbivores spread across the endless plains. After lunch leave Serengeti and drive through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area with breathtaking views of volcanic highlands and Maasai landscapes. Arrive in Karatu late afternoon where you can relax at your lodge before dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast proceed to the magnificent Tarangire National park, one of Tanzania’s best wildlife destinations. Travel around to see the varied terrain, famous for giant baobabs, seasonal wetlands and the life-blood of the Tarangire River. Meet great herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, impalas, warthogs and many predators including lions and leopards. Bird lovers can also enjoy spotting colourful kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters and a host of others. Following a pleasant afternoon game drive, transfer to your lodge or tented camp near Tarangire for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
After breakfast, take a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, where wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River during the cooler times of day. Take your final photos of elephants roaming under ancient baobab trees and watch out for lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, ostriches and many bird species. After your game drive you will head back to Arusha on a scenic drive and then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onwards flight, thus ending your unforgettable 6 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari on a memorable note.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Tanzania Calving Season Safari is a unique wildlife experience that occurs every year from late January to March when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains. It is one of the most spectacular phases of the Great Wildebeest Migration and provides for some exceptional wildlife viewing and predator action.
Tanzania Calving Season Safari Best Time: Late January to early March. February is normally the peak of calving season when thousands of wildebeest are born every day, creating incredible wildlife activity on the plains.
The calving season is mainly in the Ndutu area, Southern Serengeti National Park and sections of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These short-grass plains are full of nutrients -- the perfect place for wildebeest to give birth to their babies.
The volcanic grasslands of the southern Serengeti are full of minerals and nutrients and there is plenty of food for nursing mothers. The open plains also enable wildebeest to spot predators from afar, which improves the survival chances for newborn calves.
Yes. Migration is concentrated in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area during the calving season. There are no dramatic river crossings, but you will see vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle with thousands of newborn calves taking their first steps.
Besides the wildebeest and their young calves, you will most probably see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, jackals, hippos, gazelles, warthogs, ostriches and more than 500 species of birds. It is particularly a great time for predator sightings.
Yes, sure. Tanzania Calving Season Safaris offer some of the best wildlife photography experiences in the world. The combination of baby animals, thrilling predator interactions, lush green scenery, beautiful skies and active wildlife offers great photographic opportunities for the professional or beginner photographer.
Yes. Tanzania Calving Season Safaris are a great choice for families. In a safe, educational environment with experienced professional safari guides, children can experience one of nature’s great events, learn about conservation and witness incredible wildlife behaviour.
Tanzania’s green season is also the calving season when the days are warm (between 24°C to 30°C (75°F–86°F). Rain showers tend to be short, usually only lasting a short while, and the landscape is lush, green and great for wildlife viewing and photography.
Bring along light-coloured, lightweight clothing, a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives, a waterproof rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, binoculars, a camera and extra batteries and any personal medications. A small daypack is also handy for day trips.
7 to 10 days is the ideal duration for a safari to experience the calving season in all its glory, as well as other famous destinations such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Longer itineraries can additionally include a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Lake Manyara and Lake Natron.
Tanzaniatrail we specialise in tailor made private safaris to suit your interests and travel style. Our experienced professional guides have an in-depth knowledge of the Serengeti ecosystem and closely monitor migration movements to maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities. We offer comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles, hand-picked lodges, personalised service, flexible itineraries and a commitment to memorable safari experiences whilst supporting responsible tourism and wildlife conservation.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.
