Migration safaris
Tanzania migration Safari | 8-day private Serengeti tour
Migration safaris
Are you looking for that one specific wildlife experience that will outshine every trip you have taken before? The kind that leaves you speechless while enjoying it, but you will talk about for years to come?
Step into the heart of the Serengeti and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration. With this 8-day private safari, you can enjoy every moment at your own pace. It allows you to explore without rushing to follow a precise group time schedule. It lets you escape the crowds if you wish, yet have the best chances of observing the Great Migration and the famed river crossings. Our expert guides ensure all wildlife encounters happen with care and respect for the animals.
Including private transport, expert guides, elegant lodges, and domestic flight from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Good to know!
The Great Migration is a year-round journey. This itinerary is designed for July-October near the Mara River, but we craft similar experiences in other seasons and locations too. Ask us about the best version for your travel dates.
Highlights of this migration safari:
- Five indulgent days in the Serengeti, including 3 nights by the Mara River
- Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle at your own unhurried pace
- Exclusive, elegant tented camps in prime locations
- Flight from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport; quick, comfortable, and breathtaking views
Safari schedule example
Your safari at a glance
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha and prepare for your Serengeti adventure
Day 2
Lunch at a colonial coffee farm, then transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater rim
Day 3
Thrilling game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater en route to Serengeti
Day 4
Discovering the iconic Serengeti plains
Day 5
Following the path of the Great Migration
Day 6
By the Mara River, where nature writes its own drama
Day 7
Wildlife encounters beyond the riverbanks
Day 8
Scenic farewell to the Serengeti
Day 1 – Start your Tanzania journey in style
As you arrive in Tanzania, the excitement of the days ahead unfolds. Your private guide greets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport before whisking you away to a boutique hotel, immersed in a vibrant coffee plantation framed by majestic trees. Savor your first flavors of Tanzania over dinner while looking forward to the safari adventure that awaits.
Day 2 – From coffee fields to crater views
Begin with a leisurely transfer through the rolling hills to Karatu, where a sumptuous lunch awaits at the iconic Gibb’s Farm. This colonial farm is set amidst verdant gardens and coffee fields. For a touch of adventure, combine your lunch with an optional guided hike through the Ngorongoro Highlands to the mysterious Elephant Caves. Afterward, continue to the dramatic rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where sweeping vistas of Africa’s most famous caldera unfold.
Day 3 – Sunrise safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up with the sunrise and be among the first to enter the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s natural wonders. With fewer vehicles, you will enjoy a serene and exclusive game drive, spotting elephants, lions, hippos, and, if you’re lucky, the rare black rhino. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by breathtaking views.
Later, continue your journey towards the heart of the Serengeti, where the endless plains open up for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 4 – Immerse yourself in the heart of the Serengeti
Wake up in your luxury tented camp in central Serengeti. Today is yours to shape. Take a morning game drive to spot colorful birdlife and perhaps catch a glimpse of the famous hippo pool. Enjoy a delicious lunch beneath majestic Acacia trees, or simply watch birds from your verandah. Every moment invites you to soak in the Serengeti’s extraordinary beauty at your own pace.
Day 5 – Following the path of the Great Migration
Set off on a scenic drive from central to northern Serengeti, where every turn offers abundant wildlife sightings and unforgettable moments. Arrive at the Mara River in time to witness the awe-inspiring migration in all its glory. This promises to be a day of discovery, adventure, and extraordinary encounters, all at your own pace.
Day 6 – By the Mara River, where nature writes its own drama
Spend the day along the Mara River, where the Great Migration reaches one of its most dramatic stages. Herds may thunder across the waters or quietly gather on the banks, waiting for the right moment. There is no script and no rush. Just patience, respect, and space for the animals to move undisturbed. As your private guide leads you, take in the rhythm of nature at its own pace, whether it’s a wildebeest crossing or a quiet moment shared with elephants in the golden light.
Day 7 – Wildlife encounters beyond the riverbanks
Another day to explore along and beyond the Mara River. Venture into the more remote corners of the northern Serengeti, where big cats prowl, colorful birds flit through the trees, and smaller wonders reveal themselves to the attentive eye. Every sighting, every encounter, feels like a gift. Allow the Serengeti to surprise you, making space for moments as unforgettable as any river crossing.
Day 8 – Scenic farewell to the Serengeti
After your final morning in the Serengeti, take a scenic flight back to Kilimanjaro Airport. Soar over endless plains, winding rivers, and scattered wildlife, savoring one last aerial glimpse of the landscapes that have shaped your unforgettable safari. A perfect send-off to complete an unforgettable safari adventure.
Plan your safari
The migration is calling! Can’t wait to see the herds in action?
Contact us to receive your personalized Serengeti Migration Safari, tailored to your preferred travel dates and wishes. While July–October is ideal for the Mara River crossings, we can also create unforgettable migration experiences for other times of the year.
Did you know…
The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on earth, with over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles tracking in a clockwise loop of approximately 800 – 1000 kilometers. Each year, about 300,000 animals do not survive the journey due to predators, exhaustion, or lack of water. But do not worry; your own migration with Ajabu Adventures is quite the opposite: seamless, safe and comfortable, with every detail taken care of. While the herds battle the elements, you will enjoy expert guidance and care-free travel as we follow their epic journey.
Travel stories
What our guests say about THIS safari
“When we went to North Serengeti we saw a small crossing the morning after we arrived. We saw two big crossings the day after. Our guide John knew how the wildebeests behave and parked right where the wildebeests would likely cross. And as John predicted, wildebeests crossed not long after that.”
– Meg and Alex C., Malaysia
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about the Great Migration safari
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
When is the best time for this Mara River migration safari?
The prime months for witnessing the Great Migration along the Mara River are July through mid-October, when the herds gather and river crossings are most likely. Travelling during this period gives you the best chance to experience these iconic wildlife moments while enjoying pleasant weather and lush scenery. For a better insight into what to expect each month, check out our guide on when to travel to Tanzania.
Can we do a Migration Safari at another time of the year?
Absolutely! The Great Wildebeest Migration is a never-ending cycle. It sees hundreds of thousands of wild animals on the move to chase the rains in their epic struggle for survival. From December to March, the herds gather in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, where calving season offers a different but equally spectacular experience. Between April and June, they move towards western Serengeti, around the Grumeti region, navigating rivers and natural obstacles. Depending on your preferred travel period, we will craft a tailor-made itinerary aligned with the migration patterns, ensuring you witness the most memorable moments. For a detailed month-by-month overview, check out our Wildebeest Migration Guide.
What type of safari lodges are included in the itinerary? Are they luxurious and well-located for migration viewing?
For this Migration Safari, we select only premium lodges and tented camps like Siringit Serengeti Camp and Nyuki Migration Camp. They offer stunning locations, top-level comfort, and direct access to the migration routes. Expect stylish tents, sundowners under acacia trees, and spectacular views right from your verandah.
How private and exclusive is the safari? Will we avoid overcrowded game drives?
Our safaris are fully private. It is just you and your loved ones, in your own 4WD vehicle accompanied by a private dedicated guide. Even during peak season, when crowds are inevitable at key spots, our experienced safari guides have a keen eye for finding quieter corners, taking alternative routes, and creating intimate wildlife encounters. Every game drive is unhurried and personalized, so you can enjoy the Serengeti at your own pace.
What wildlife can we expect to see besides the Great Migration?
While the migration is the highlight, the Serengeti is home to big cats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and countless bird species. We will explore remote areas to increase your chances of unique sightings, creating a rich and varied wildlife experience.
Are the safari vehicles comfortable and suitable for long drives?
Absolutely. Our specially designed 4WD safari vehicles offer the perfect balance of luxury and adventure. With large windows, a pop-up roof, ample legroom, a small fridge, binoculars, and charging facilities, you will enjoy every mile of the journey. With unlimited kilometers, your safari guide can follow the migration at your pace, ensuring the ultimate flexibility and freedom during your safari. If you prefer, parts of the safari can also be covered by domestic flights to save time or reach more remote areas.
Can I extend the safari for an even slower, more relaxed pace?
Yes, you can because our safaris are fully tailor-made. If you would like to linger longer in the Serengeti or spend extra time at river crossings, we can create a slower, more indulgent experience. More private game drives, leisurely afternoons in the bush, and extra evenings under the stars.
Can we include a hot air balloon safari? And where would be the best location?
A balloon safari is a magical way to see the migration from above. In central Serengeti National Park, flights soar over wide-open plains dotted with wildlife. However, a balloon flight in northern Serengeti can be even more special. Drift over the Mara River in the golden light of the early morning, with chances of witnessing river crossings or the herds grazing peacefully on the plains. Together, we can plan your balloon adventure to match your preferences and wishes, enhancing your safari experience to the fullest.
What if we love this itinerary, but it is just beyond our budget?
No problem! Our safaris are fully tailor-made, and we can adjust accommodations, routing, and some experiences to suit your budget while preserving the essence of the migration journey. You will still enjoy private game drives led by expert guides and unforgettable wildlife moments. At the same time, we explore options together to create a more budget-friendly version that fits your financial requirements.