8-Day Great Migration Luxury Safari in Tanzania - Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

8-Day Great Migration Luxurious Safari & Local Tribes Experience

8 Days 7 Nights

Overview

This 8-day great migration luxury safari is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this 8-day great migration luxury safari with us

First, every 8-day great migration luxury safari we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Tarangire National Park tours.

Tour Overview

  • Starting Point: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • Ending Point: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip)
  • Duration: 8 Days
  • Accommodation Options: Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps

Highlights:

Packing Essentials: Bring a camera with a zoom lens, extra memory & batteries, and binoculars. You will also need lightweight clothing, safari boots, mosquito repellent, a sunhat and UV-protected sunglasses.

Tour Description

This immersive 8-day African wildlife safari combines thrilling game drives with unforgettable cultural encounters in northern Tanzania. It especially suits travellers who want a deep connection to nature and indigenous culture. So the tour covers the iconic Northern Circuit, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the world-renowned Serengeti during the Great Migration.

Along the way, you see tree-climbing lions, huge herds of elephants and, later, the dramatic wildebeest river crossings in the Northern Serengeti. In addition, you go off the beaten path to spend time with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi. You also meet the Maasai and gain unique insights into traditional African lifestyles.

Itinerary

Travel Time: Approximately 2½ hours

Distance: 120 kilometers

Activities: Non-game viewing

First, after breakfast, you depart for Tarangire National Park, a scenic journey of about 2½ hours. The park lies along the Tarangire River, on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, among gently rolling hills. Wide acacia woodland and majestic African baobab trees dominate the landscape, while vast swamps cover the southern region.

During the dry season, the river and swamps become a vital water source, so they attract large numbers of animals. As a result, Tarangire hosts some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. It is also home to three rare species: the greater kudu, the fringe-eared oryx and the ashy starling.

Dinner and Overnight: Accommodation in a mid-range or luxury safari lodge, depending on your selected package.

Travel Time: 0.5 hrs | Distance: 30 km

Next, you spend a full day on a game drive in Lake Manyara. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos, as well as breathtaking scenery at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge

Travel Time: 1.5 hrs | Distance: 68 km

First, you join the Hadzabe Bushmen on a morning hunt and learn their ancient survival skills. Then you visit a Datoga blacksmith village. In this way, you gain first-hand experience of two indigenous Tanzanian tribes.

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge

Travel Time: 6 hrs | Distance: 205 km

Today you travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the central Serengeti, the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife country. As soon as you arrive, you set off on an afternoon game drive.

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge

Next, you have two options for the day:

  • Option 1: First, an optional hot air balloon safari (pre-arranged at extra cost)
  • Option 2: A full-day game drive on the way to the Northern Serengeti, so you reach the Mara River region in the evening

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge

Early in the morning, you head out on game drives along the Mara River to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Then you watch wildebeest and zebras face the river’s crocodile-infested waters. Meanwhile, they make their dramatic attempt to cross into the Masai Mara.

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge.

Today you spend another full day exploring the northern Serengeti and following the migrating herds. With patience and a bit of luck, you may also witness another breathtaking river crossing. In addition, you may see predators hunting on the open plains.

Dinner & Overnight: Mid-range or luxury safari lodge.

Enjoy a final morning game drive before you transfer to Kogatende Airstrip. From there, you then take your scheduled flight to Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport or Zanzibar. Finally, you can reflect on your incredible safari as your adventure comes to an end.

Included & Excluded

  • 8-day guided safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit
  • All park entry fees & permits
  • Airport transfers before and after the safari
  • Accommodation in mid-range or luxury lodges
  • All meals during the safari
  • 4x4 customized safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fridge, power outlets (230V), and Wi-Fi (optional)
  • Professional, English-speaking, multi-lingual safari guide
  • Unlimited game drives and cultural visits
  • 1.5 liters of bottled water per person per day
  • Beverages at lodges and camps
  • Laundry services
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • International and domestic airfare (unless requested)
  • Entry visa fees and travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What’s the best time to visit Northern Tanzania for safari?

Generally, June to October is ideal. In particular, July–September is the best time for the Great Migration river crossings in the Northern Serengeti.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes, most travellers need a visa. You can apply online for an eVisa; otherwise, you can get one on arrival at the airport.

What is the local currency? Can I use USD?

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, parks and staff also widely accept USD for park fees and tipping.

Are meals included in the safari package?

Yes, full board is standard, so the tour provides breakfast, lunch and dinner.

1% Off
From $8600 $8526
/ Adult
8-Day Great Migration Luxurious Safari & Local Tribes Experience

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