Overview

The 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari is designed for travelers who want to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in a short but powerful adventure. This Tanzania migration safari focuses on following the movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. Depending on the time of year, your safari will be carefully planned to position you in the best possible location to experience dramatic river crossings, calving season activity, or massive herds gathering across the endless savannah.

The Serengeti Great Migration is not a single event but a year-round natural cycle. Our experienced guides at Serengeti Travels track the migration’s movement daily, ensuring that your itinerary maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you are traveling during the thrilling Mara River crossing season or the beautiful calving months in the southern Serengeti, this five-day safari offers an unforgettable immersion into Tanzania’s wildlife heart.

This itinerary is ideal for couples, families, photographers, and travelers combining safari with Zanzibar beach holidays. It can be customized as a private safari or upgraded to a fly-in option for added comfort and efficiency.

Highlights

• Explore Serengeti National Park, famous for the Great Migration
• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife paradise
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional guide
• Opportunities to see the Big Five and diverse wildlife
• Comfortable accommodation in lodges or tented camps

• Reserve now & pay later. Secure your spot while staying flexible.
• Bes price guarantee Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!

Where You Will Experience the Migration

The Serengeti Great Migration moves in a continuous cycle across different regions of Serengeti National Park. The exact location of the herds depends on rainfall patterns and seasonal grazing conditions. Understanding these regions is essential when planning a Serengeti river crossing safari or a calving season safari in Tanzania. Serengeti Travels carefully schedules each itinerary to position guests in the right area at the right time, maximizing the chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Northern Serengeti - River Crossing (July–October)

From July to October, the migration reaches Northern Serengeti near the famous Mara River. This period is considered peak season because it offers the most dramatic wildlife scenes of the entire migration cycle. Thousands of wildebeest gather along the riverbanks, building tension before making the dangerous crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem.

The Mara River crossings are unpredictable and intense. Herds surge forward in powerful waves, leaping into the water while strong currents and massive crocodiles wait below. Predators such as lions often patrol the riverbanks, adding to the drama. A Serengeti river crossing safari during this period provides some of Africa’s most iconic safari images and is highly sought after by photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Because this is peak season, early booking is recommended to secure prime accommodation in Northern Serengeti.

Southern Serengeti - Calving Season (January–March)

Between January and March, the migration settles in the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. This phase is known as calving season and offers a completely different but equally extraordinary experience. During these months, thousands of newborn calves are born daily across the short-grass plains.

The abundance of young wildebeest attracts intense predator action. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other carnivores take advantage of the vulnerable calves, creating frequent wildlife interactions. A calving season safari in Tanzania is ideal for travelers who want to witness natural predator-prey dynamics in open landscapes that allow clear visibility and exceptional photography opportunities.

The Ndutu area is particularly famous during this time, as large concentrations of herds gather on nutrient-rich plains that support rapid calf growth.

Central Serengeti – Year-Round Migration Movement

Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera region, offers year-round migration movement and consistent wildlife viewing. From April to June and again during November and December, the herds pass through this region while transitioning between the southern plains and the northern corridor.

Although river crossings may not occur here, Central Serengeti provides impressive herd concentrations along with resident predators that remain active throughout the year. This area is often included in longer migration itineraries because it provides excellent game viewing regardless of season.

For travelers asking about the best time for migration, the answer depends on the type of experience desired. River crossings dominate Northern Serengeti during peak season, calving defines the Southern Serengeti early in the year, and Central Serengeti offers reliable wildlife encounters throughout the migration cycle.

Detailed Itinerary

Day one begins with arrival in Arusha or pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a safari briefing, you travel toward Serengeti National Park. Depending on the migration’s location, the drive may pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking views of the highlands before descending into the Serengeti plains. A game drive en route introduces you to Tanzania’s incredible wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and large herds of plains game.

Day two is dedicated to a full-day game drive focused entirely on following the Great Migration. Your guide tracks herd movements early in the morning, positioning the vehicle strategically for optimal sightings. Whether observing river crossings in the north or calving activity in the south, the day is spent immersed in wildlife encounters. Picnic lunch is served inside the park to maximize time in the field.

Day three continues with extensive game drives in migration areas. The Serengeti’s ecosystem supports not only wildebeest but also predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You may witness hunting behavior, large herds stretching across the horizon, or peaceful grazing scenes during golden afternoon light. Each day is flexible to adapt to wildlife movement.

Day four offers another full exploration of the Serengeti. If time permits and depending on your routing, a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area may be included, adding variety to the safari experience with crater views and diverse landscapes.

Day five concludes with a final morning game drive before returning to Arusha or connecting to a flight. Guests extending to Zanzibar can transfer directly to the airport for onward travel.

Accommodation Options

The 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari offers flexible accommodation choices designed to match different travel styles and budgets. Whether you prefer a comfortable tented experience close to nature or an exclusive luxury lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, Serengeti Travels carefully selects properties positioned near active migration areas to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Budget accommodation typically includes clean and comfortable tented camps or lodges with private bathrooms, proper beds, and full board meals. These camps are strategically located inside or near Serengeti National Park, allowing guests to stay close to the migration while keeping the safari cost accessible. Budget options are ideal for travelers who prioritize wildlife experience over luxury amenities while still enjoying safety and comfort.

Mid-range accommodation offers upgraded comfort with spacious safari tents or lodge rooms, en-suite facilities, hot showers, quality dining, and excellent service. Many mid-range tented camps are semi-permanent and relocate seasonally to follow the Great Migration. This option provides a strong balance between comfort and value, making it one of the most popular choices for Tanzania migration safaris.

Luxury accommodation delivers a premium safari experience with elegant tented suites or high-end lodges featuring panoramic views, fine dining, personalized service, and exclusive locations in prime migration zones. Some luxury camps are positioned near the Mara River during crossing season or in the Ndutu area during calving months, offering exceptional proximity to wildlife action. Luxury options often include additional services such as private verandas, lounge areas, and superior guiding experiences.

Migration safari price depends on season and accommodation level. River crossing months from July to October are considered peak season and usually have higher lodge rates, while green season months may offer more favorable pricing. Serengeti Travels provides tailored quotations based on travel dates, migration location, and preferred comfort level to ensure the best possible experience.

Best Time for the Serengeti Great Migration

The Serengeti Great Migration can be experienced throughout the year, but different months offer unique highlights.

From January to March, the southern plains host calving season, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily. This period offers excellent predator action and open landscapes ideal for photography.

From April to June, the herds move toward Central and Western Serengeti. The scenery becomes greener, and visitor numbers are generally lower.

From July to October, the famous Mara River crossings take place in Northern Serengeti. This is the most sought-after period for dramatic migration scenes.

From November to December, the herds begin returning south, continuing the natural cycle.

Choosing the right month depends on what type of migration experience you seek, and our team advises you accordingly.

Migration Safari Price

The price of a 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari depends on travel season, accommodation level, and whether you choose a standard drive safari or a fly-in option. High season during river crossings typically has higher lodge rates, while green season offers more competitive pricing.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable tented camps to luxury lodges positioned strategically in migration areas. All packages include professional English-speaking guides, a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, park fees, accommodation, meals as specified, and bottled drinking water during game drives.

Migration safari price varies depending on whether you select budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation. For an exact quotation tailored to your travel dates, Serengeti Travels provides customized proposals based on herd movement and lodge availability.

Fly-In Option

For travelers who prefer to reduce driving time, the 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari can be upgraded to a fly-in safari. Scheduled light aircraft flights operate from Arusha or Zanzibar directly to Serengeti airstrips near migration areas.

A fly-in safari saves valuable time and provides aerial views of the vast plains below. It is ideal for luxury travelers, honeymooners, and guests combining safari with a Zanzibar beach extension. Upon landing, your private guide meets you for immediate game viewing.

This option enhances comfort while maintaining full migration focus.

Why Book This Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels

Serengeti Travels is a locally based Tanzania safari specialist with deep knowledge of migration patterns and seasonal wildlife behavior. Our guides communicate daily with other rangers and camps to track herd movement accurately. This local expertise increases your chances of witnessing dramatic migration moments.

We operate custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles designed for comfort and optimal photography. Each migration safari is privately guided unless guests request a shared departure. Our itineraries are flexible, allowing adjustments based on wildlife movement and guest preferences.

By booking directly with Serengeti Travels, you receive personalized service, expert planning, and direct local support throughout your journey in Tanzania.