The 8 Days Tanzania Migration Safari is one of the most popular packages. The animal migration in East Africa and particularly between Serengeti NP in Tanzania and Masai Mara national park in Kenya is a year long event although most people may not understand its deep complexity. Despite a big number of people interested in witnessing it, it is important to know the particular time and place to be if you want to have chances of witnessing this annual event unfold before your eyes. This safari is best done in between June to October.
The mass movement of approximately 1.5m wildebeests, 500,000 zebras, 200,000 Thompson gazelles, and 18,000 elands in such for fresh pastures across the Serengeti and Mara plains is a great spectacle. The period between July and September witnesses the most epic experiences of the river crossing as this huge mass of animals moves across the river into the Masai Mara plains daily. During this period, visitors may be graced with sights of crocodiles and lions taking down their prey and these animals attempt to cross over. During the period of May to July, one may witness the first river crossing; the Grumeti river barrier as the animals migrate from the south to the western corridor. Later around July to September, the herd moves further north to cross the next big hurdle; the Mara River as they cross into Kenya.
It is important to note that the actual river crossing daily may not last more than 30 minutes, hence the aspect of luck must come into play if you are to catch this great phenomenon. This tour will give you a better understanding of Northern Tanzania as you visit the Tarangire NP popular for its huge Baobab trees and great elephant population, try your luck to see the tree climbing lions of L. Manyara NP and traverse the endless plains of Serengeti to see the great migration. Travel with Gorilla Trek Africa to enjoy this 8 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration safari.
8 Days Tanzania Migration Safari – Trip Summary
Day 1: Arrive at JRO. Transfer to Arusha (1.5 hours)
Day 2: Depart Arusha at 08:00. Transfer to Tarangire National Park (2.5 hours)
Day 3: Depart after breakfast at 08:30 to Lake Manyara National Park (1.5 hours)
Day 4: After an early morning breakfast, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5: Morning game drive in Central Serengeti and transfer to the north. (4-5 hours)
Day 6-7: Full days of game drives in Northern Serengeti
Day 8: Departure
Itinerary 1 (June to October)
Day 1: Arrive at JRO. Transfer to Arusha (1.5 hours).
Upon arrival, your driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Stay at Zawadi House (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Depart Arusha at 08:00. Transfer to Tarangire National Park (2.5 hours).
In the morning, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Tarangire NP. Upon arrival, go for a game drive from 10:30-13:00 as you look out for a variety of wildlife species. You may spot some of the dry-country antelopes like the fringe-eared Oryx and the long-necked Gerenuk which are less common in other packs. Large herds of elephants scratching dry river beds for underground water and the migratory antelopes thronging dwindling lagoons may be the great highlights of the day. The Park boasts of the highest population density of elephants in the whole of Tanzania and its sparse vegetation adorned with acacia and huge baobab trees gives it a beautiful scenery. Picnic lunch & relaxation, then afternoon game drive 14:30-17:00 before driving to your camp located outside national park for relaxation and overnight stay. Stay at EcoScience Tented Camp (Full Board)
Day 3: Depart after breakfast at 08:30 to Lake Manyara National Park (1.5 hours).
Early, in the morning set off L. Manyara NP named after the soda ash lake at the base f the rift valley called L. Manyara. Upon arrival, take a game drive around the park as you marvel at the great scenery of the park. Troops of baboons roaming the forest, herds of elephants, buffaloes, schools of hippos among other wildlife species may be great highlights of your day. Other species like tree-climbing lions, hyenas and leopards may be spotted on a lucky day while, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and wildebeests may be easily spotted. The magnificent views of the lake turning purple due to the presence of the flamingoes (depending on season), may be a great picturesque as you break off to have your picnic lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Then transfer to Karatu (1 hour) for relaxation and overnight stay. Stay at Tloma Lodge (Full Board) / Swimming pool is available in case the guests would like to arrive earlier and take a swim. Also there is a cultural tour available in the Tloma area (Iraqw tribe) but at an extra cost if time allows
Day 4: After an early morning breakfast, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater.
(1 hour to park gate + 1/2 hour to reach the rim view point, then 20 minutes of descent.)
In the morning you will drive down into the caldera for game viewing. This three million years old ancient caldera is home to some of the most beautiful havens on earth, surrounded with soaring walls and sheltering forests. With a diameter of about 20sqkm, the Ngorongoro crater is the largest unbroken and unflooded caldera in the world. Enjoy a morning game drive on the crater floor with chances of seeing elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes and many other wildlife species. After a picnic lunch, depart at 14:00 and transfer to Serengeti National Park, home to the big five mammals. (3 hours drive to the gate). Stay at Cherero Camp (Full Board)
Day 5: Morning game drive in Central Serengeti and transfer to the north. (4-5 hours).
In the morning, head out to explore the plains of central Serengeti where you may catch up with some of the migrating animals to the western corridor depending on the time of your visit especially around June and later proceed to drive to northern Serengeti. If time allows, do a game drive around Kogatende area before driving to your lodge. Stay at Aurari Camp (Full Board)
Day 6-7: Full days of game drives in Northern Serengeti by the Mara River,
For a chance to catch the Great Wildebeest Migration. (Optional hot air balloon ride one morning at an extra cost of US$600 per person). Between July and August, one may be lucky to witness the Mara River crossing spectacle where huge masses of animals gather at the banks to cross the river to the northern part into Masai Mara. Huge crocodiles feast at the weaker animals that fall prey during this river crossing adventure. You will have two days of game drives in this area to explore a lot in terms of wildlife viewing. Stay at Aurari Camp (Full Board)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kogatende Airstrip with an en-route game drive, arriving at 09:00 to check in for flight out of the Serengeti. ETD 09:45-10:15. Arrive back at JRO Airport at 12:30-13:00.
Price: US$5500pp x 2 (double) / US$8250 x 1 (solo) / US$5200 x 3 (triple) / US$4900 x 4 (2 doubles)
Inclusions:
– Required National Park entry & Conservation fees
– Accommodations as specified in the itinerary
– Meal plan as per itinerary + Lunch on the first day of safari
– One-way flight from Kogatende to Kilimanjaro Airport
– Service of an English-peaking driver guide while on Safari
– Wildlife viewing drives in a specially customized 4-wheel drive Land cruiser with pop-up roof for easy photography on exclusive basis
– Complimentary bottled drinking water provided in safari vehicle
– Flying Doctors air ambulance cover for the duration of your Tanzania safari
– Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) in Tanzania
Exclusions:
– Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages (purchase directly from camps/lodges)
– Any domestic flights not mentioned above
– Any international flights and applicable departure taxes
– Tanzania tourist visas
– Yellow fever vaccination and other immunization costs
– Travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.
– Optional night game drive in Tarangire (US$125 per person)
– Optional bush walk in Tarangire (US$80 per person)
– Optional Maasai village tour near Lake Manyara (US$50 per person)
– Optional hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti (US$560 per person)
– Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
– Excess luggage fees where applicable – book in advance (note 15kg per person)
– Laundry, phone calls, internet use and other items of a personal nature
– Tips for driver(s), guide(s), hotel/camp/lodge staff
– Any other items not mentioned above