Overview

Safari Highlights

• Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti during the prime July–October season.

• Experience the excitement of the Mara River area at Kogatende with opportunities to see dramatic river crossings and large concentrations of wildlife.

• Explore Ngorongoro Crater, famous for its elephants, baobab trees and diverse landscapes.

• Enjoy classic game drives through the Central Serengeti with opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and large herds.

• Discover the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.

• Travel through changing landscapes from Tarangire’s baobab-dotted plains to the vast Serengeti and the crater highlands.

• Enjoy an expertly planned safari with Serengeti Travels combining migration-focused wildlife viewing with Tanzania’s iconic safari experiences.

• Return to Arusha with unforgettable memories of one of Africa’s greatest natural spectacles.

• 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 8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Your 8-day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels takes you through some of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.

Tarangire National Park Begin among elephants, baobabs and diverse wildlife in a beautiful northern Tanzanian landscape.

Central Serengeti Experience expansive savannahs and excellent year-round game viewing, with opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife.

Northern Serengeti Kogatende The main migration highlight, where you can search for massive herds and when conditions align, witness dramatic Mara River crossings.

Ngorongoro Crater Explore the crater floor home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife within a breathtaking natural setting.

Arusha Finish your safari back in Arusha the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Begin your safari from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a game drive among elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and the park’s iconic baobab trees. Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 2 – Tarangire to Central Serengeti

After breakfast travel toward the Serengeti through changing landscapes and local communities. Enter the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive across the Central Serengeti plains. Overnight in Central Serengeti.

Day 3 – Central Serengeti Full-Day Safari

Spend a full day exploring the Central Serengeti. Follow the wildlife activity and search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo and large herds of plains game. Overnight in Central Serengeti.

Day 4 – Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Drive north toward Kogatende, enjoying game viewing along the way. As you approach the Mara River region look for signs of the migration and seasonal concentrations of wildlife. Overnight in Northern Serengeti.

Day 5 – Northern Serengeti Migration Experience

Dedicate the day to exploring Kogatende and the surrounding migration routes. Depending on herd movements and river conditions there may be opportunities to witness wildebeest gathering near or crossing the Mara River. Overnight in Northern Serengeti.

Day 6 – Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

Enjoy a morning game drive before beginning the journey south. Continue wildlife viewing as you return toward Central Serengeti with plenty of opportunities for unexpected encounters along the route. Overnight in Central Serengeti.

Day 7 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final Serengeti game drive before travelling toward the Ngorongoro highlands. The scenery changes dramatically as you approach the crater area. Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 8 – Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an exciting morning game drive. Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and with some luck the endangered black rhino. After the crater experience, continue to Arusha, marking the end of your safari with Serengeti Travels.

Best Time to Witness 8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

The best time for the Northern Serengeti Migration Safari is generally July to October when the wildebeest herds move through the northern Serengeti and gather around the Mara River.

July to August offers some of the earliest opportunities for river-crossing activity while August to September is often considered a particularly strong period for witnessing dramatic crossings around Kogatende. October can still provide excellent wildlife viewing although herd movements become increasingly dependent on rainfall.

For the best chance of seeing a river crossing timing is important but there is no guaranteed crossing date. The herds move according to rainfall grazing conditions and natural instincts so flexibility and spending several days in Northern Serengeti can significantly improve the experience.

With Serengeti Travels the itinerary is designed to give you meaningful time in the migration zone rather than simply passing through it

Safari Inclusions

Your 8-day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels is designed to provide a comfortable and well-organized wildlife experience from Arusha and back.

• Professional English-speaking safari guide and dedicated safari vehicle
• Park entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
• All scheduled game drives and wildlife viewing activities
• Accommodation for 7 nights in carefully selected safari lodges, camps or tented camps
• Full-board meals during the safari, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• Ngorongoro Crater conservation and crater service fees
• Airport or hotel transfers in Arusha where applicable
• All applicable government taxes and tourism service charges
• Migration-focused game viewing in Northern Serengeti and Kogatende with opportunities to search for wildebeest herds and Mara River crossing activity

Important: Mara River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed as wildlife movements depend on weather, rainfall and herd behavior.

Accommodation Options

For the 8-day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari Serengeti Travels can arrange accommodation that combines comfort, location and easy access to wildlife areas. Options may vary depending on availability and the season.

Luxury Lodges & Camps Ideal for travelers looking for spacious rooms or luxury tents, excellent dining, private amenities and a relaxing safari experience after long game drives.

Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps A great balance between comfort and value offering well-equipped rooms or safari tents in convenient locations close to the parks.

Seasonal Migration Camps Particularly valuable during the July–October migration season. These camps are positioned closer to the northern Serengeti wildlife routes, helping reduce travel time when searching for herds and potential Mara River crossings.

Comfortable Safari Camps For travelers who want a more immersive experience, tented camps provide a closer connection to the natural surroundings while maintaining essential comforts.

Accommodation locations are selected according to the season, wildlife movements and availability with special attention given to spending quality time in Northern Serengeti during the migration period.

Fly-In Safari Options

For travelers who want to save driving time and spend more hours in the wilderness, Serengeti Travels can incorporate scheduled or private flights into the 8-day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari.

Arusha to Northern Serengeti Fly from Arusha to an airstrip serving the Northern Serengeti then connect with your safari vehicle and guide for game drives around Kogatende and the Mara River area.

Arusha to Central Serengeti Fly into the Central Serengeti and continue north by safari vehicle, allowing you to combine convenient air travel with game viewing along the route.

Northern Serengeti to Arusha After experiencing the migration fly from a Northern Serengeti airstrip back toward Arusha providing a comfortable alternative to the long road journey.

Fly-In & Drive Combination A popular option is to fly one way and drive the other. This gives you the convenience of air travel while still allowing you to experience Tanzania’s changing landscapes and wildlife between destinations.

Flight schedules and airstrips depend on the season, accommodation location and availability. For the best migration experience Serengeti Travels can coordinate the flights around your time in Kogatende and the Northern Serengeti.

Safari Cost

The cost of the 8-day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels depends on the travel season, accommodation category, number of travelers and whether you choose a road safari or add fly-in arrangements.

Mid-range safari: approximately US$2,500–4,000 per person

Luxury safari: approximately US$4,000–7,000+ per person

Private fly-in safari: typically US$5,000–8,000+ per person, depending on flights and accommodation.

The July–October migration season is generally the premium period, particularly around Kogatende when demand for accommodation and flights is high.

For an accurate quotation Serengeti Travels can tailor the safari around your preferred travel dates, accommodation level, number of guests and fly-in requirements.

Why Book 8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels?

Choose Serengeti Travels for a safari designed around the wildlife experience not simply the route.

Migration-focused planning Your itinerary is structured to give you valuable time in Northern Serengeti during the peak migration season.

Experienced safari guidance Local knowledge helps you make the most of changing wildlife movements, game-drive opportunities and seasonal conditions.

Flexible safari options Choose from comfortable, mid-range or luxury accommodation with fly-in options available for travelers who prefer less time on the road.

Well-balanced itinerary Experience Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro without missing Tanzania’s major highlights.

Personalized travel Your safari can be adapted to your preferred travel dates, accommodation style, group size and budget.

Value beyond the wildlife Enjoy a journey that combines spectacular landscapes, unforgettable encounters and the freedom to experience Tanzania at a comfortable pace.

Book with confidence: Serengeti Travels brings together local expertise thoughtful planning and a genuine focus on creating a memorable Northern Serengeti migration experience.

How to Book 8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Booking your 8-Day Northern Serengeti Migration Safari with Serengeti Travels is simple and can be tailored to your preferred travel style.

1. Send your travel details Share your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, accommodation preference and whether you would like a road safari or fly-in option.

2. Receive your personalized itinerary Serengeti Travels will prepare a safari proposal based on your dates, interests, accommodation level and budget.

3. Confirm your safari Review the itinerary and quotation request any adjustments then confirm the trip with the required booking deposit.

4. Prepare for your adventure Once your booking is confirmed, you can finalize flights and other travel arrangements while Serengeti Travels coordinates the safari logistics.

5. Start your Tanzania experience Meet your safari team in Arusha and begin your journey through Tarangire, Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

For the best chance of experiencing the Mara River migration, especially between July and October it is advisable to plan and book well in advance.