8 Days serengeti wildebeest migration

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Morning: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.
• Afternoon: Relax at your lodge or explore the vibrant town of Arusha. Optional activities include visiting the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre or enjoying the serene views of Mount Meru.
• Evening: Briefing with your safari guide to prepare for your journey.
• Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Gran Melia, or a similar luxury lodge.

Day 2: Fly from Arusha to Central Serengeti

• Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scenic flight to the Serengeti (~1 hour). Land in Seronera Airstrip, the gateway to Central Serengeti.
• Afternoon: Begin game drives immediately upon arrival, exploring the Seronera Valley, known for its year-round wildlife activity. Spot lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of antelopes.
• Evening: Check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening amidst the Serengeti plains.
• Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Camp.

Day 3: Full Day in Central Serengeti

• Morning: Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Central Serengeti, a hotspot for predator-prey interactions. The Seronera River attracts diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
• Afternoon: After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the expansive plains and rocky kopjes. Look for resident species such as cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for a traditional dinner and relaxation under the stars.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 2.

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart for Northern Serengeti (~4 hours). Along the way, spot migrating herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
• Afternoon: Arrive in the Northern Serengeti, home to the Mara River, and begin game drives to witness the migration’s dramatic river crossings (seasonal).
• Evening: Settle into your lodge and enjoy the serene beauty of the northern plains.
• Accommodation: Mara River Lodge or Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge.

Day 5: Full Day in Northern Serengeti (Migration Viewing)

• Morning: Spend the day tracking the migration along the Mara River. Witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the river while predators like crocodiles and lions wait nearby.
• Afternoon: After a picnic lunch, continue your exploration of the scenic Northern Serengeti. This region is also excellent for spotting elephants, giraffes, and elusive leopards.
• Evening: Relax at your lodge with stunning sunset views and a gourmet dinner.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 4.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in the Northern Serengeti before heading back to Central Serengeti (~4 hours). En route, enjoy sightings of wildlife transitioning between the two regions.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Central Serengeti and continue exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, focusing on wildlife-rich areas around kopjes and waterholes.
• Evening: Check into your lodge for an evening of rest and reflection.
• Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Camp.

Day 7: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater and Karatu

• Morning: Depart Central Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (~4-5 hours). Along the way, enjoy final game drives through the Serengeti’s plains.
• Afternoon: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable safari experience. Spot the “Big Five,” along with zebras, wildebeests, and pink flamingos near the soda lake. Have a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by its spectacular scenery.
• Evening: Ascend the crater rim and drive (~45 minutes) to Karatu for your overnight stay in a cozy lodge surrounded by lush highlands.
• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or Acacia Farm Lodge.

Day 8: Karatu to Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport

• Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha (~2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local craft markets or relax at a day-use lodge in Arusha.
• Evening: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you incredible memories of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.