Overview

A 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels is an exciting Northern Tanzania wildlife adventure designed for travelers who want to experience the Great Migration while also exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. Starting from Arusha, this safari combines excellent game viewing with the opportunity to follow the seasonal movement of more than a million wildebeest, together with zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem.

Depending on your travel dates Serengeti Travels can plan the safari around the Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti or southern calving areas. During the river-crossing season, the Northern Serengeti around Kogatende offers opportunities to search for migrating herds near the Mara River. During the calving season, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area become important destinations for witnessing young wildebeest, predator activity and dramatic wildlife encounters.

The journey also includes the Ngorongoro Crater where you descend into one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife areas for a full game-viewing experience before returning to Arusha.

Safari costs generally range from $1,400 to $4,500 per person, depending on the season, accommodation standard, group size, private safari arrangements and migration location. Serengeti Travels can tailor the itinerary around your preferred travel dates and budget, helping you spend more time in the area where the herds are most likely to be found.

This safari is particularly suitable for travelers who have limited time but want a well-planned combination of Great Migration, Big Five wildlife viewing, Serengeti landscapes and Ngorongoro Crater in one memorable Tanzania safari.

Highlights

• Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration Follow the seasonal movement of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem.

• Explore Central or Northern Serengeti Enjoy game drives in areas known for exceptional wildlife and seasonal migration activity.

• Experience Mara River Crossing Season Travel to Northern Serengeti during the right months for opportunities to search for dramatic river-crossing scenes.

• Discover the Ndutu Calving Season Visit the southern Serengeti during calving months to see newborn wildebeest and increased predator activity.

• Enjoy Big Five Game Viewing Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos during guided game drives.

• Explore the Ngorongoro Crater Descend into the crater for a memorable wildlife experience among its diverse habitats.

• Professional Safari Experience Travel with an experienced local guide from Serengeti Travels who understands Tanzania’s wildlife, seasons and safari routes.

• Private and Flexible Safari Options Customize your accommodation travel dates and safari style according to your interests and budget.

• 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 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

Central Serengeti Experience excellent year-round wildlife viewing around the Seronera area, with opportunities to see migrating herds depending on the season.

Northern Serengeti Explore the Kogatende area during the July to October migration period, when the herds may gather around the Mara River.

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Visit the calving grounds from approximately January to March, when thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators become highly active.

Ngorongoro Crater Enjoy a crater game drive after your Serengeti experience, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos and other wildlife.

Arusha Begin and finish your 5 Days safari in Arusha, making it a convenient starting point for your Tanzania wildlife adventure with Serengeti Travels.

5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 – Arusha to Central Serengeti

Your 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari begins in Arusha with a morning departure toward the Serengeti. Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before continuing into the Serengeti. Depending on the season and migration location, your guide will plan the route toward the most suitable area for wildlife viewing. Enjoy your first game drive as you enter the Serengeti, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife before reaching your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Selected Serengeti camp or lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Full-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Experience

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti with your experienced guide. Your location will depend on the seasonal movement of the herds. During the river-crossing period, the safari can focus on the Northern Serengeti and Kogatende area, while during calving season, the route can be planned around Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. Enjoy extended game drives and search for wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and predators that follow the migration. Accommodation: Selected Serengeti camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 – Serengeti Migration and Wildlife Safari

Continue your Serengeti adventure with another full day of game viewing. This provides additional time to follow the migration and explore different areas rather than rushing between destinations. Your guide will monitor wildlife activity and choose suitable locations for game drives. Along the way, look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo and large herds of plains animals while enjoying the changing landscapes of the Serengeti. Accommodation: Selected Serengeti camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy an early morning game drive before leaving the Serengeti and heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey provides another opportunity for wildlife viewing as you travel through the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at your accommodation near Ngorongoro in the afternoon and relax while preparing for the following day's crater experience. Accommodation: Selected Ngorongoro lodge or camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

After breakfast descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. Explore the crater floor where the rich ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and with some luck the endangered black rhino. After the crater tour ascend and continue toward Arusha where your 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels comes to an end. Accommodation: Not included unless an extra night is requested
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Best Time to Witness 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

The best time for this 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari depends on which part of the migration you want to experience. July to October is ideal for travelers hoping to witness the herds in the Northern Serengeti and search for dramatic Mara River crossings. January to March is the best period for the Ndutu calving season when thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators are highly active around the young animals.

June to July can be excellent for following the herds as they move north while November to December offers good opportunities to experience the migration as the animals move toward the southern Serengeti.

For the best experience Serengeti Travels recommends planning your safari according to the expected migration location rather than choosing dates based only on the month. The herds move naturally so sightings cannot be guaranteed on a specific day.

Safari Inclusions

Private 4x4 safari vehicle Travel in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and excellent viewing opportunities.

Professional safari guide Explore Tanzania with an experienced guide from Serengeti Travels who understands wildlife behavior and seasonal migration movements.

Park and conservation fees All required entry and conservation fees for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas are included.

Game drives Enjoy scheduled game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with the route adapted to seasonal wildlife activity.

Accommodation Stay in carefully selected safari camps or lodges based on your chosen accommodation category.

Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided throughout the safari according to the itinerary.

Drinking water Complimentary bottled drinking water is available during the safari.

Airport and hotel transfers Transfers can be arranged for arrival and departure in Arusha according to your travel plans.

Migration-focused route planning Your itinerary is planned around the seasonal movement of the wildebeest to give you the best practical opportunity for migration sightings.

Government taxes and fees Applicable safari-related taxes and service charges are included in the package price.

Accommodation Options

Mid-Range Safari Camps and Lodges Comfortable accommodation in well-located properties around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, offering a balance of comfort, location and value.

Premium Tented Camps Enjoy a more immersive Serengeti experience with spacious tented accommodation, private facilities and close access to wildlife areas.

Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps Choose upgraded accommodation with enhanced comfort, quality dining and excellent locations for travelers seeking a more exclusive safari experience.

Migration-Focused Camps During peak migration periods, Serengeti Travels can select accommodation closer to the active herds, particularly around the Northern Serengeti for river-crossing season or Ndutu for the calving season.

Ngorongoro Accommodation Stay at a selected lodge or camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, providing convenient access for the crater game drive on the final day.

Accommodation is selected according to your travel dates, budget, preferred comfort level and expected migration location. Specific properties may vary based on availability, and a similar or upgraded option can be arranged when necessary.

Fly-In Options

For travelers who want to save time and spend more hours experiencing the Serengeti, Serengeti Travels can arrange a fly-in option instead of the long road journey from Arusha. Domestic flights can connect Arusha or Kilimanjaro with Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera for Central Serengeti, Kogatende for Northern Serengeti or Ndutu for the calving season.

Arusha to Serengeti Fly directly into the Serengeti and begin your wildlife experience shortly after landing.

Kilimanjaro to Serengeti A convenient option for travelers arriving through Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Zanzibar to Serengeti Combine a Zanzibar holiday with the Great Migration by flying from Zanzibar to a suitable Serengeti airstrip.

Serengeti to Arusha Fly back to Arusha after your safari instead of spending several hours on the road.

Migration-focused flights The arrival airstrip can be selected according to the season and planned safari area, such as Kogatende during the Northern Serengeti river-crossing period or Ndutu during calving season.

Flight availability, schedules and fares depend on the travel date and destination airstrip. Serengeti Travels can include domestic flights in your safari package and coordinate transfers between the airstrip and your camp or lodge.

Tour Cost

The cost of a 5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels generally ranges from $1,400 to $4,500 per person. The final price depends on the season, number of travelers, accommodation category, safari route and whether you choose a road safari or include domestic flights.

Budget to Mid-Range Approximately $1,400–$2,500 per person, with comfortable camps or lodges and a well-planned private safari experience.

Premium  Approximately $2,500–$3,500 per person, offering upgraded accommodation, excellent locations and greater comfort.

Luxury Approximately $3,500–$4,500+ per person, with high-end camps or lodges, premium services and carefully selected locations close to the migration.

Fly-In Safari The cost is higher when domestic flights are added, but flying significantly reduces travel time and allows you to spend more time in the Serengeti.

Prices can also change during peak migration months, especially when demand for Northern Serengeti accommodation is high. Serengeti Travels provides a personalized quotation based on your dates, group size, accommodation preference and preferred migration experience.