Wildebeest Migration Safari

The Great Wildebeest Migration begins in the Serengeti. Wildebeest typically gather in February, when they give birth to around 300,000 calves. The southern Serengeti is chosen for calving because its rich soil, rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, provides the best nutrition for their calves. The short grass of the south also offers a safer environment for the young animals, as predators are less likely to hide in the shorter grass compared to other areas. This Wildebeest Migration Safari will take you to the best locations to witness this incredible phenomenon.

Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Overnight stay at the Mount Meru Hotel.

• Main Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

• Accommodation: Mutoni River Lodge (Mid-range hotel located in or near Arusha)

• Meals & Drinks: Bed & Breakfast included, Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart from Arusha for a two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by bustling Masai villages and open plains. Upon entering the park, begin your game drive through the golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river, which flows year-round, provides vital water for the local wildlife, including large elephant herds, zebras, and antelopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the river, but be cautious of the local monkeys. Later, take part in a night game drive for a different perspective of the wildlife.

• Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

• Best Time to Visit: June to October (animals gather at the river)

• High Season: June to October

• Best Weather: June to October (minimal rainfall)

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (Mid-range lodge located in Karatu)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3: Lake Manyara Safari

Start the day with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Along the lake’s edge, you’ll see thousands of flamingos and hippos in the shallows. Enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and continue your exploration through acacia woodlands and hot springs. End the day by watching a stunning sunset over the lake.

• Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

• Best Time to Visit: June to September

• High Season: July to March

• Best Weather: June to October (minimal rainfall)

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (Mid-range lodge located in Karatu)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. From the panoramic viewpoint, you’ll see why this vast caldera is a must-see. The crater is home to over 120 mammal species, including the Big Five. It’s one of the best places to spot endangered species. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue to explore the crater, where you might spot lions, leopards, and other predators, as well as herbivores like wildebeest and zebras.

• Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (Mid-range lodge located outside the Ngorongoro Crater)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Today, we’ll depart early for the Serengeti. On the way, drive through the rainforests of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may spot buffalo, baboons, and even elephants or leopards. Upon reaching Serengeti, enjoy a picnic lunch and embark on your first game drive, where you’ll witness the park’s iconic savannah landscape and an abundance of wildlife.

• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

• Best Time to Visit: June to February

• High Season: July to March

• Best Weather: June to October (little to no rainfall)

• Accommodation: Hippo Trail Camp (Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue exploring the Serengeti. Drive through the plains, passing kopjes and diverse landscapes. This day offers plenty of opportunities to spot everything from small dik-diks to large elephants and giraffes.

• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Hippo Trail Camp (Tented camp located inside Central Serengeti)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

Day 7: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Start the day early with a sunrise game drive, which is the perfect time to observe predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the movement of wildebeest and other herbivores. Afterward, enjoy a late breakfast before continuing your journey north. A picnic lunch will be provided, and your guide will choose the best route to maximize wildlife sightings. Overnight stay at Mara River Post Maramara Tented Luxury Lodge.

• Main Destination: Northern Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Masai Boma Lodge (Outside the gate in Northern Serengeti)

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

Day 8: Northern Serengeti National Park – Mara River

For an unforgettable experience, consider adding a morning balloon safari (optional and not included in the pricing). Afterward, return to your lodge for breakfast and continue your wildlife adventure with a picnic lunch. Your driver will tailor the day to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Main Destination: Northern Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Masai Boma Lodge

• Meals & Drinks: All meals included, All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

Day 9: Departure – Kilimanjaro Airport

On the final day of your Wildebeest Migration Safari, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading to the airstrip. You’ll take a flight back to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), marking the end of your safari.

• Main Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

• Accommodation: None (End of tour)

• Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included), All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

End of Wildebeest Migration Safari