Best of the Tanzania Migration Safari
Duration: 8 Days | Route: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Lake Manyara → Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Western Serengeti (Grumeti) → Arusha
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Full day safari in Tarangire
- Day 3: Transfer to Lake Manyara and game drive
- Day 4: Drive to Central Serengeti (Seronera)
- Day 5: Full day safari in Central Serengeti
- Day 6: Transfer to Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
- Day 7: Full day safari in Western Corridor
- Day 8: Scenic flight to Arusha and departure
Tour Overview
This 8 day Tanzania safari focuses on the Great Migration route across the Serengeti while also covering key parks in the north. The journey begins in Tarangire with its large elephant herds, followed by Lake Manyara with its forest and lake setting. It then moves into the Serengeti, where the focus shifts to big cats and migrating herds.
The safari is planned to follow the movement of wildebeest and zebras through the central Serengeti and into the western corridor near the Grumeti River. This gives you a chance to witness herd movement and river crossings, along with strong predator activity. With a mix of landscapes and well timed locations, this tour suits travellers looking for migration focused wildlife viewing in a short duration.
Highlights
- Tarangire National Park with large elephant herds and iconic baobab landscapes
- Lake Manyara with forest habitat, birdlife and chance to spot tree climbing lions
- Central Serengeti with strong sightings of lions, leopards and cheetahs
- Follow the Great Migration across Serengeti plains with large herds of wildebeest and zebras
- Western Corridor near Grumeti River with chances to witness river crossings
- High predator activity in Serengeti with lions and crocodiles around migration routes
- Scenic flight over Serengeti and Rift Valley during return to Arusha
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 and 2: Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Landscape
Arrive in Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. This park is known for its large elephant herds and scattered baobab trees that dominate the landscape.
Over two days, enjoy game drives along the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year. You may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelope. Birdlife is also strong in this region. Return to your lodge each evening for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Forest and Lake Ecosystem
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park offers a mix of forest, lake and open areas.
During the game drive, look out for elephants, baboons, giraffes and blue monkeys. Lake Manyara is also known for tree climbing lions, though sightings depend on luck. In the right season, flamingos gather along the lake shore. Return to your lodge by evening.
Day 4 and 5: Central Serengeti (Seronera) – Big Cat Area
After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro region. As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens into wide plains.
Spend two days exploring the Seronera region, known for strong predator presence. The Seronera River supports year round wildlife, making it one of the best areas to see lions, leopards and cheetahs. You may also see large herds of herbivores moving across the plains.
Day 6 and 7: Western Corridor (Grumeti) – Migration Crossing
Travel to the western Serengeti, known as the Grumeti region. This area is important during the migration as herds move towards the Grumeti River.
Spend two days tracking the movement of wildebeest and zebras as they gather and attempt river crossings. This region also has strong predator activity, with crocodiles waiting at river points and big cats following the herds.
Day 8: Scenic Flight to Arusha and Departure
After a final morning in the Serengeti, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha.
The flight offers views of the Serengeti plains and the Rift Valley from above. On arrival, transfer to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your safari.
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Places You Will Visit
Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and camps throughout the safari
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Serengeti regions
- Park entry fees and conservation charges
- Private safari vehicle with experienced driver guide
- Picnic lunches during full day safaris
- Scenic flight from Serengeti to Arusha
- All transfers between parks and airstrips
- Airport pick up and drop in Arusha
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls
- Tips and gratuities for lodge staff and guides
- Any optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section
Customization options
Safari vehicle options (standard 4×4, private upgrades if relevant)
- Standard option includes a shared 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Private 4×4 vehicles can be arranged for exclusive use throughout the road safari portion.
Lodge options (budget, mid-range, high-end)
- Accommodation can be arranged at budget camps, mid-range lodges, or high-end tented camps in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Central Serengeti (Seronera), and Western Serengeti (Grumeti).
- Camp selection in the Serengeti may vary based on seasonal wildlife movement.
Game drive flexibility (timings if applicable)
- Game drives in Tarangire and Serengeti can be arranged as full-day or split morning and afternoon sessions.
- Lake Manyara game drive is typically conducted during the day based on park timings.
- Full-day game drives are included in both Central and Western Serengeti.
Add-on experiences (based on itinerary)
- Hot air balloon safari is available in Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti).
- Bush meals and sundowners can be arranged in both Seronera and Grumeti regions.
- Additional cultural visits can be included in Arusha.
Flexibility in number of nights per location
- Additional nights can be added in Central or Western Serengeti to extend wildlife viewing.
- Tarangire or Lake Manyara stay can be extended depending on preference.
- An extra night in Arusha can be included before departure.
Flexible departure options
- Departure is arranged via scenic flight from the Serengeti to Arusha.
- Flight timing can be adjusted based on onward travel plans.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Additional Information
Best time to visit (based on regions in the itinerary)
- June to October is suitable for wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and across Serengeti National Park due to dry conditions and higher wildlife concentration.
- May to July is relevant for the Western Corridor (Grumeti) in the Serengeti, especially for river crossing activity during the migration.
- December to March offers good viewing in the Central Serengeti (Seronera) with consistent resident wildlife.
- April and May are rainy months, which may affect road conditions, particularly on routes to Western Serengeti.
Optional activities (relevant to locations in the outline)
- Cultural visits can be arranged in Arusha before departure.
- Night game drives may be available outside Lake Manyara National Park through nearby lodges.
- Hot air balloon safari is available in the Central Serengeti within Serengeti National Park.
- Bush meals and sundowner experiences can be arranged in both Central (Seronera) and Western (Grumeti) Serengeti regions.
Who this tour suits (based on pace, parks, and travel type)
- This tour suits travelers looking to cover multiple Serengeti regions, including Central and Western Corridor.
- It is suitable for those interested in seasonal wildlife movement, particularly in the Grumeti area.
- The itinerary includes long overland drives and a flight at the end, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with mixed transport modes and structured schedules.
