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Classic Migration Safari — 7 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Witness the Great Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, and experience Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations on this 7-day Northern Circuit safari. All park fees, lodge accommodation, and meals included.
No brokers · No markup · Direct to the operator since 1978
Safari Overview
This 7-day safari is designed for peak migration season (June-September) when over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Serengeti plains and rivers. You'll witness the drama of river crossings, predator-prey interactions, and the sheer scale of the world's largest animal migration.
The Northern Circuit route covers Tanzania's most wildlife-dense parks: Tarangire (elephants and baobabs), Lake Manyara (tree-climbing lions), Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five in a caldera), and the Serengeti (migration and predators). Each park offers distinct ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities.
We've been running this route since 1978. Our guides know where the herds are, which river crossing points are active, and how to position your vehicle for the best sightings without crowding. This isn't a follow-the-convoy safari—this is strategic wildlife tracking.
What's Included
Not included: International flights, Tanzania visa ($52 on arrival), travel insurance, alcoholic drinks at lodges, tips for guide and lodge staff (budget $10-15/day for guide, $5/day for lodge staff).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive time: 2 hours | Game drive: 4-5 hours
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive southwest to Tarangire National Park. This park holds the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania—herds of 200-300 are common during the dry season. The landscape is iconic: ancient baobab trees scattered across golden savanna, with the Tarangire River cutting through.
Your afternoon game drive follows the river circuit, where elephants dig for underground water and predators wait for thirsty prey. Expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and over 550 bird species. The baobabs here are massive—some over 1,000 years old.
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar (mid-range lodge with views over the park)
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Drive time: 1.5 hours | Game drive: 4 hours
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, tucked between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline lake. This compact park (330 km²) packs incredible diversity: groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open grassland, and lake shore.
Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions (they lounge in acacia branches to escape the heat and flies) and massive flocks of flamingos that turn the lake pink. You'll also see baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and over 400 bird species. The forest section is excellent for birdwatching—crowned eagles, silvery-cheeked hornbills, and narina trogons are common.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar (lodge on the Crater rim)
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater — Full-Day Game Drive
Crater descent: 600m | Game drive: 6-7 hours
Early breakfast, then descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater—the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor (260 km²) is a self-contained ecosystem with permanent water sources, which means wildlife doesn't migrate. You'll see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) in a single day. The crater has the highest density of predators in Africa.
Game viewing is extraordinary: lion prides lounging near Lake Magadi, black rhinos grazing in the grasslands (one of the last stable populations in Tanzania), hippo pools, flamingo flocks, and massive buffalo herds. The crater is also home to hyenas, jackals, servals, and occasionally leopards in the forested rim.
You'll have a picnic lunch at the hippo pool (with armed rangers), then continue game drives until mid-afternoon before ascending back to the rim.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar
Day 4: Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Central Seronera)
Drive time: 4 hours (game driving en route) | Afternoon game drive: 2-3 hours
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enter the Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate. The drive itself is a game drive—you'll pass through the southern Serengeti plains, stopping for wildlife sightings along the way. Expect to see wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelles, and resident predators.
You'll reach the central Serengeti (Seronera area) by midday. This region is famous for year-round lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings. The kopjes (rocky outcrops) are excellent for spotting big cats lounging in the shade. Afternoon game drive along the Seronera River, where hippos and crocodiles are abundant.
Overnight: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp or similar (mobile tented camp following the migration)
Day 5: Serengeti Migration Viewing — Northern Corridor
Full-day game drive: 8+ hours
This is the day you've come for. During June-September, the Great Migration moves through the northern Serengeti and crosses the Mara River into Kenya's Maasai Mara. Your guide tracks the herds using radio communication with other guides and spotter planes (when available).
River crossings are dramatic and unpredictable. Thousands of wildebeest gather at the riverbank, hesitating for hours before one brave individual plunges in—triggering a stampede. Crocodiles wait in the water. Some wildebeest drown in the chaos. Lions patrol the far bank. It's brutal, visceral, and unforgettable.
Even if you don't witness a crossing, the sheer scale of the migration is staggering—endless columns of wildebeest and zebra stretching to the horizon. You'll also see the predators that follow: lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and jackals.
Overnight: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp or similar (mobile tented camp)
Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive
Full-day game drive: 8+ hours
Another full day tracking the migration and exploring different areas of the Serengeti. Your guide adjusts the route based on recent sightings—if a lion pride made a kill overnight, you'll head there at sunrise. If a leopard was spotted in a particular kopje, you'll check it out.
The Serengeti is enormous (14,750 km²), so no two game drives are the same. You might explore the Grumeti River area (resident hippos and crocodiles), the Western Corridor (where migration crossings also occur), or the central plains (year-round predators). Optional early morning balloon safari available (extra cost, book in advance).
Overnight: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp or similar
Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha (or Kilimanjaro Airport)
Morning game drive: 2-3 hours | Drive/flight to Arusha: 6 hours or 1.5 hours
Early morning game drive to catch the sunrise and active predators hunting. After breakfast, you have two options: drive back to Arusha (6-7 hours via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) or take a short flight from Seronera airstrip to Arusha/Kilimanjaro airport (flight upgrade available for $208-250 per person).
If driving, you'll stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional museum visit) and have lunch en route. Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon. If flying, you'll be in Arusha by midday and can connect to international flights the same evening.
End of safari. Airport drop-off or overnight in Arusha (additional night available on request).
Best Time to Go
This safari is designed for June to September—peak migration season when the herds are in the northern Serengeti and crossing the Mara River. This is the most dramatic time to visit, but also the busiest. Expect more vehicles at river crossing points.
June: Migration enters northern Serengeti. Fewer tourists, good value. River crossings start mid-month.
July-August: Peak season. Herds concentrated in northern Serengeti. Most dramatic river crossings. Highest tourist numbers. Book 4-6 months ahead.
September: Migration starts moving back south into Kenya. Still excellent viewing, slightly fewer tourists.
Alternative migration timing: If you prefer fewer crowds, consider February-March (calving season in southern Serengeti—thousands of wildebeest calves born daily, attracting predators) or November (short rains, lush landscapes, lower prices).
Pricing & Booking
Deposit: 30% to confirm booking. Balance due 30 days before departure. Payment via bank transfer or credit card (3% processing fee for cards).
Cancellation policy: 60+ days before departure: full refund minus $208 admin fee. 30-59 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund (travel insurance recommended).
Why Book with Safaris Tanzania
We've been running safaris in Tanzania since 1978—before most tour companies existed. We're a ground operator based in Arusha, not a booking agent. When you book with us, you're booking directly with the team that owns the vehicles, employs the guides, and manages the logistics.
Our guides are career professionals, not seasonal staff. They've spent decades tracking wildlife in these parks. They know where the migration herds are, which lion prides control which territories, and how to read the behavior of predators. You're not getting a script—you're getting real expertise.
Ready to Book Your Migration Safari?
Chat with Kassim directly — no brokers, no call centre. He will confirm availability and send a detailed quote within 2 hours.
Based in Arusha, Tanzania · +255 786 110 786 · No brokers, no markup — direct to the operator since 1978
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport ($52 USD, cash or card). US citizens pay $104. Check Tanzania immigration website for your specific country. You'll also need a passport valid for 6+ months and proof of yellow fever vaccination if coming from an endemic country.
What should I pack?
Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive—avoid bright colors and black which attracts tsetse flies), sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens (200mm+), binoculars, light jacket for early mornings. Full packing list sent upon booking. Laundry service available at lodges.
Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes. Children 5+ are welcome. Game drives involve long hours in a vehicle (4-6 hours), so younger kids may get restless. Some lodges have family rooms. Child discounts available for under-12s sharing with adults. We recommend private safaris for families with young children so you can adjust the schedule as needed.
What are the chances of seeing a river crossing?
During July-August, chances are 70-80% if you spend 2-3 days in the northern Serengeti. Crossings are unpredictable—wildebeest may gather at the riverbank for hours or days before crossing. Your guide monitors radio reports from other guides and positions you at active crossing points. Even if you don't see a crossing, you'll see massive herds and predator activity.
Can I extend this safari?
Yes. Popular add-ons include: extra Serengeti days (add $364/person/day), Zanzibar beach extension (3-7 days), Kilimanjaro climb before or after (7-9 days), cultural visit to a Maasai village ($83/person), or hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti ($624/person). Contact us for custom itineraries.