The Great Migration of Serengeti National Park

From July to September, the herds of the Great Migration cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. You will visit three of the main national parks in the north.

The Great Migration

from 4000 $US

July to September

7 days

From age 5

Book a trip

The Great Migration

July to September

7 days

From age 5

from 4000 $US

Book a trip

Overview

This itinerary offers you a complete safari, with visits to three of the main national parks in northern Tanzania. You will explore the Manyara National Park and its salt lake, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the mythical Serengeti National Park, where you will witness the impressive Great Migration in the Serengeti in Tanzania.

July to September

7 days

From age 5

Once in a lifetime experience

Wildebeest and zebra gather in huge herds on the vast plains of Serengeti to feed on the green grass after the rainy season.
From July to September, the herds of the Great Migration move to the north of the park. It is here that, each year, more than 1.3 million wildebeest and more than 600,000 zebra cross the Mara River, marking the border between Tanzania and Kenya.

Travel Details

Your highlights

NIGHTS IN THE SERENGETI

Experience the comfort of a tented camp at the heart of Serengeti, a unique experience!

RETURN BY PLANE TAXI

You return to Arusha via charter plane, from an airfield in Serengeti. An incredible and comfortable experience that beats the long drive!

IN THE HEART OF THE BUSH

In this itinerary, no night of transit is planned in the city of Arusha. This allows you to experience 100% wilderness.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

Your trip is private and you are free to organise your days at your own pace. Each evening, you will check in with your guide towards the next day's journey.

Itinerary
details

Browse through our tour and contact us to tailor it to your travel needs.

Day 1: From Arusha to Lake Manyara

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival you will be met by your English-speaking guide. Setltle in your private 4×4 vehicle which will be yours for the entire stay. Road to reach directly the shores of Lake Manyara and feel from the first day, in the heart of Tanzania facing the Rift Valley. Installation in your charming lodge in the middle of the bush for 2 nights.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 2: Manyara Safari Park

Full day of safari in the Manyara National Park only 15 minutes from the Oremiti lodge. Picnic at noon inside the park. Will you be lucky enough to see the lions in the trees?

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Depart in the morning for the Ngorongoro Crater, a veritable paradise of Eden, for a day's safari with a picnic lunch in the crater at midday. You may be lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest, and is home to around 100 animals per km².

We then drive to the neighbouring Serengeti Park.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 4: Serengeti Park safari

A full day's safari dedicated to the Serengeti Park and its endless plains. You can set off early in the morning with your breakfast to watch the savannah awaken.

The night is spent in a charming tented camp with full board. The camp is right inside the park in the central region. You can hear the life of the park during the night from the comfort of your four-poster bed.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 5: Serengeti North Park Safari

You will head towards the north of the Serengeti Park. Full day safari between the center and the north of the park.

You will cross the great plains of the Serengeti and enjoy its beautiful savannah landscapes. Safari "Game Drive" en route, arriving in the late afternoon at the banks of the Mara River and installing yourself at the high-end camp in the park.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 6: Great Migration Safari

It is here, near the Mara River that we can observe the crossing of the river by the herds of wildebeest. Every year this migratory phenomenon concerns 3 animal species that move in infinite herds: more than 1.3 million wildebeest, 600,000 zebras and 400,000 gazelles follow, throughout the year, a circular migration in permanent search of new pastures.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 7: Return to Arusha

Road to the Serengeti North airfield, from there you will take a small plane to reach the city of Arusha.

We will then accompany you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. It is also quite possible to continue this trip with an internal flight to the island of Zanzibar.

Bush plane

Our added value:
A tailor-made experience

An extra day? This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes, your availability and your budget. Our travel designers are on hand to help you build the safari of your dreams.

Their experience

"Thank you for allowing us to meet Swedi and Pascal. They were extraordinary and we were amazed by their kindness and professionalism. I am not writing this email in English – or in Swahili! – but I hope that Swedi will be able to show him our gratitude. In hindsight, we realized that there is only 1 word that we did not learn during these 10 days. And that word is "please": we never had to say it. And a notable anecdote: First time in my life that I travel without being sick... so precautions are well taken.

Hugo & Cécile

See all reviews

More information

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge is a charming retreat on the shores of Lake Manyara. The lush vegetation, the diversity of birds and butterflies, the sunset and the view of the Rift Valley from the swimming pool are simply unforgettable!

Room for up to 6 people
Pool facing the Rift Valley
Several dining areas
Lodge on a more intimate scale
View of Lake Manyara

Check on TripAdvisor Watch the video

Tented camp in Serengeti

Tented camp in Serengeti

The great plains of the Serengeti welcome you in superb, cosy tents, fitted out for your utmost comfort: large sleeping area (family tent for up to 5 people), shower room and toilet. You'll enjoy an aperitif while admiring the sunset, followed by an incredible dinner in such a remote location.

The comfort of a hotel in the heart of nature
A camp on a human scale
Inside the Serengeti Park
Tented restaurant
Family rooms

Budget

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on the number of participants, since certain costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season. We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.
The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season.
We invoice in Dollars US, so please be aware of the conversion rate.

This trip starts at US$4,000 per person for 2 participants in a double room, during the low season.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

Full service from day 1 to departure transfer
The entire safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan vehicle equipped with radio, water cooler, fridge and sunroof, with a English-speaking guide.
Full board basis for meals
Accommodation in the establishments mentioned.
Government park entrance fees
Our assistance throughout your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Flights
Visa fees
Insurance

Main wildlife

Manyara National Park

Manyara National Park contains a hippo pool and tropical forest, with volcanic soil and a salt lake.

Look out for:

Giraffe - Zebra - Hippopotamus - Lion - Baboon - Birds including ibis, jacanas and flamingos.

Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro Crater contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest and there are around 100 animals per km2.

Look out for:

Lion - Zebra - Wildebeest - Hyena - Buffalo - Rhinoceros

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa's largest preserved ecosystems.

Look out for:

Big cats - Elephants - Wildebeest - Gazelles - Zebra

Extensions

At the end of this trip, you can definitely extend your stay and head for Zanzibar island. This itinerary pairs perfectly with a few days at the beach to complete your discovery of Tanzania.

You can also continue the adventure with a safari in the southern parks of Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for a safari in Tanzania?

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on a variety of factors. The number of participants, since some costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The type of transport: 4×4, planes for certain routes, private charters, etc. And finally the type of accommodation.

The Tanzanian government controls park entrance fees. These taxes are very important in your budget. You can find the prices of these fees on the Tanapa website.

The habit of tipping is very ingrained in Tanzania and you should also take this into account in your holiday budget.

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

You can travel to Tanzania all year round as long as you adapt your itinerary. Each season will reveal a different but beautiful landscape.

The dry season runs from June to October,where you cand find beauty in the dry landscapes. Evenings can be cool, especially in July and August.

The main rainy season generally extends from April to May. The main concentration of rain falls over two months.

The short rainy season, which starts in mid-October and lasts until February,rains only in the form of short showers. This is when nature is at its most beautiful and verdant.

The hottest months are from December to February..

Are safaris in Tanzania suitable for children?

You can travel to Tanzania with children, the important thing is to adapt the itinerary. Our travel designers are used to this and will be able to recommend the best itinerary according to their age. We can offer you family rooms specially designed to answer the safety questions that all parents ask themselves before taking their children on safari.

Children are generally entitled to a discount on accommodation up to the age of 12. For park taxes, the reduction is up to the age of 16. There is no tax for children aged 4 and under.

What are the most important things to remember before going on safari in Tanzania?

Formalities and Visa: For European and Canadian nationals, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return + a Tanzanian visa. The Tanzanian visa can be obtained on arrival or online at least 3 weeks before travel. The cost of a visa for Tanzania is 50 US dollars.

Health: Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory for entering Tanzania directly from Europe or North America. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Vaccination against rabies is also recommended.

Malaria is endemic to the country. Make sure you protect yourself against mosquito bites with repellents, mosquito nets and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
We advise you to make an appointment with your GP or a specialist for further information on this subject.

What to bring: Except for the coast and Zanzibar, it is essential to bring sweaters as the evenings and early mornings are cool. Avoid wearing black and blue on safari, as these colours attract tsetse flies.

You'll also get sunburn if you don't take precautions. Pack an anti-diarrhoeal in your first-aid kit. You should also take insect repellent and medication to combat travel sickness. And don't forget your camera, sunglasses and a pair of binoculars.

Currency and exchange: US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are the main currencies accepted. For US dollars, you will need banknotes dated after 2009.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are sometimes accepted in lodges, but not everywhere.

What to do and not do during a safari in Tanzania?

Dress code: On safari, shorts and short-sleeved clothing (T-shirts, blouses, etc.) are not a problem. Watch out for the sun!

On the coast and in the islands, the religion of Islam is predominant, so avoid clothing that could be perceived as an affront to the religion. Wear long sleeves and trousers. On the beaches, avoid any form of nudism or revealing clothing.

Safety: In order to adopt a few safety rules when travelling in town, we recommend that you consult your respective embassy website, under the 'Travelling abroad' tab.

Customs and traditions - Specific legislation: During Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public.
The Zanzibar authorities prohibit homosexual practices. Drugs and narcotics are severely punished. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Photographing and filming: When photographing people, do so sparingly and respectfully; try to put yourself in their shoes: how would you like to be photographed, how would you not like to be photographed? And always ask for consent!

You can photograph landscapes without limits! Please note, however, that it is forbidden to photograph military areas and buildings or officers in uniform. The use of drones is prohibited in Tanzania's national parks.

Tipping: Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, is a country under Anglo-Saxon influence, and tipping has become a way of life here. We will suggest a recommended amount as a guideline only, but you should never feel obliged to give a tip.

It is customary to tip at the various accommodation establishments where you will be staying. Most lodges and camps have tip boxes at reception where you can leave US$10 per room, per night, if you are satisfied with the service. The money is then shared between the staff.

It is also customary to tip your safari team at the end of the safari. As a general rule, we recommend around US$25 per day of safari for your guide.

Electricity: 220 and 230 volts, 50 Hz. Power cuts are fairly frequent. Sockets have three plugs, two horizontal and one vertical. We advise you to bring an adaptor for your electrical devices (UK type) before you leave.
In the lodges, the electricity often stops working after 10 or 10.30pm and starts up again around 6 or 7am.

Time difference: +3h to the UK standard (GMT +4h) in winter, +2h in summer.

Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Swahili is of Bantu origin, originally from the coastal region, and includes many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages of Nilotic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.