9 Days Serengeti Great Migration Safari

DAY 1  Arusha National Park-Nature Walk Off the Beaten Track!

This morning you will likely be awoken by the clamor of baboons playing in the trees around your room. After breakfast on the terrace, we will depart in our private vehicle for Arusha National Park. As we drive away from the sanctuary, the landscape will transform into farmland, residential before we enter this relatively undiscovered park with Tanzania’s indelible mammals make their first appearance, the giraffes. First day safaris are always a bit of a blur, the day racing by as Africa’s magnificent wildlife is seen in the flesh for the first time. Black and white Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys swing through branches, showing remarkable agility as they cheekily pass by. Moreover, giraffes are taller than the trees.

Being on the base of the second highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru, it has spectacular features of waterfalls dropping from a height of almost 30mIrs high, over a cliff and they can be accessed on walking trips accompanied with an armed park ranger. Exploring on foot gets you closer to animals. Everyone has seen photos or video before. However, it’s different to see it all from just a few meters away. Buffalos stare and stamp their hooves, showing off their one-ton frames and bushy hair. Giraffes, which is the gentle animal, and iconic – think about getting a selfie with them!

Arusha NP has more than 400 bird species have recorded in this wonderful wildlife park which stands out as an imposing count. Momella lakes which were formed from the volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. These soda lakes are among the most beautiful places in the whole of Tanzania to see various water birds. Such as, the common hadada ibis, common greater and lesser flamingo, silvery-cheeked hornbill, white naked raven, helmet guinea fowl, pelicans, little grebes, great crested grebe, a profusion of herons, Hartlaub’s turaco, bar-tailed trogon, black Saw-wing, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Egyptian goose, the common waders as well as ducks. Verreaux. eagles, African fish eagle and the Augar buzzards in addition to other raptors associated with the cliff can frequently be seen soaring above the impressive Ngurdoto Crater. Also, other animals found in the tropical rainforest near the crater, are common waterbuck, red duiker, blue /Sykes monkey, Dik dik’s, etc.

DAY 2 Lake Manyara National Park – Birds lagoon!

We will depart for the second day in safari in Africa, to lake Manyara National Park for a full day game viewing and stay in Ngorongoro highlands of Karatu.

Cherished Lake Manyara is a perfect first start on this trip, with a diverse collection of habitats. Starting our game drive within the Mick forest, a mystical world where each turn can bring new wonder. Baboon troops playfully roam, swinging through the trees and then skipping across the trail. Impala lurks in the trees, the first of many antelope species were going to see today. When the trees rescind, it’s the floodplains that dominate the horizon, lush grass covered in silent giraffe and ponderous elephants.

Wading across the escarpments are cumbersome hippos, great hulks of flesh posturing and arguing over the best spots in the lake. Flamingos scatter across the surface like plum blossoms, their pinkness and the billowing clouds above reflected in the mirrored surface. Exploring all corners of the park dotted with acacia trees and they hide a surprising resident Tails twitch, eyes blink, manes glow, and the tree-climbing lions sits serenely on the thick branches. They sleep with one eye open, forever opportunistic as they dominate this animal kingdom. While leaving the park we will get an aerial view of the lake from the top.

DAY 3 Ngorongoro Crater – The unique wonders of the world!

Wake up early and leave for a moming game viewing while experiencing the spectacular African sunrise. We leave Karatu town while driving slowly through Ngorongoro highlands towards Loduware crater gate. We descending into Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable experiences. Wonderfully diverse with evergreen forest, escarpment, acacia woodland, and lakeshore. The compacted caldera is home to all the most admired African safari animals -lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo! You’ll be submerged in an animal kingdom, as a wild game comes within touching distance.

The Ngorongoro Crater floor is never quiet Slowly you descend into this inactive volcano, the steep track taking you down 2000 feet and into a surreal animal world. Elephants and zebra are making the same journey, heading down the slopes but keeping a watchful eye for the abundant lions. Some prides rest by the trail. Big cats roam throughout Ngorongoro, the land able to sustain huge numbers of predators. Zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, warthog – there’s plenty to go around.

Ngorongoro’s secret lies in its rich fertile soil. The grass always grows, the trees always rise, and the savannah continuously provides for an immense concentration of four hoofed inhabitants. From the crater floor you can easily make out the outline of all the crater walls. This isn’t a big place, and a 360° swing of the eyes takes in an uncountable variety of big game. Bushy haired buffalo love to stare, their prominent horns compared with comical stuck out ears. Some of Africa’s biggest elephants roam lonely in the acacia forest here – giant old bulls choosing Ngorongoro as their retirement home. Grassland, forest flamingo-tinged lakes, iconic savannah, and now some boggy swamps filled as always by the bobbing heads of hippo. All safari sights are memorable, but spotting a black rhino is a tale that will linger on for days, the scene constantly relived as people share stories over dinner and a campfire. Let’s not forget some of the smaller and less known sights that grace Ngorongoro. Hyenas seem to be everywhere, scampering around as they seek an easy meal. After a half day on the crater floor you’ll ascend and begin the journey to Serengeti National Park.

As we are on route to Serengeti, there magnificent views while gazing onto unforgettable scenery, of this majestic natural wonder.

Ngorongoro Serengeti Ecosystem – Journey Across the Famous Endless Plains. The grass begins as we drive from Ngorongoro Plains, part of the Serengeti Ecosystem. These grasslands are home to the great wildebeest migration and the most substantial number of mammals found anywhere on the planet. Its a journey that’s hard to forget In Ngorongoro Serengeti ecosystem, there are perhaps 100,000 mammals within your panorama: eland, topi, impala, Grant’s gazelle, buffalo, wildebeest zebra, and even more; having so many of those with four hooves means a sufficient number of those with four paws. It takes a whole rest of the day to explore the plains and reach the camp. But it’s not a drive along the tarmac. Its a game drive that brings an unfathomable abundance of wildlife sightings. The Serengeti’s endless plains deserve five days, enabling you to explore different areas of the world’s most famous park. The north will be the home to the Great Migration, while the central plains has an astonishing abundance of big cats, and a surreal portrayal of untamed Africa. We’ll be spending the entire days among this impressive plains, or whether you wish to return to the camp for lunch and some shade. As you will be traveling in a private safari vehicle with only yourselves and the day will be completely customized to you. As the late afternoon sets in, you will travel to a unique vantage point where you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the wildebeest covered landscape. Return to the camp to unwind from this magical day over dinner, the fire and eventually, bed. Fall asleep to the lion roars, grunts of the wildebeest and elephants wandering around the outskirts of your camp.

On the next two days, our game drive will focus on the central Serengeti to the Massa! pronounced ‘Siringet’ or ‘where the land runs on forever where resident animals seen here always, the numbers and the scale are baffling, especially when you’re in the heart of it all.

DAY 4 & 5 Central Serengeti – Immersed in Nature’s Greatest Theatre.

These five days will offer a breathtakingly authentic experience in Africa’s game-filled wilderness, while also providing luxury and comfort Central Serengeti is our theater today, will track the jaws of hungry cats, mainly it is home to leopard, hyena, jackal, cheetah, and lion, and the battle between predator and prey is almost unending. However, the Serengeti ecosystem is also a place of elevated intimacy. Every day in the Serengeti is filled with wildlife, and the long list of viewable mammals easily stretches onto a few pages. It’s a landscape defined by abundance. Lush grass brings a colorful collection of herbivores, from the proud horns of a hartebeest to the easy skipping of Thompson’s gazelle.

Hon pride is easiest to spot as they will happily lounge in the open. There are always other predators like hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. Moreover, let’s not disregard the Serengeti’s other residents, like giraffes, warthogs, and hippos will ignite the imagination, bringing you close to most of the park’s resident cast Ina strong zebra herd, you can focus on so many scenes of emotion, from the pairs who rest their necks on each other’s backs to the babies who are spooked continuously. As the late afternoon sets in, you will go to a unique vantage point where you can enjoy a cocktail, bottle of wine, fresh coffee as the sun sets over the landscape. Return to the camp to unwind from this magical day over dinner.

DAY 6 TO 8 Venture Onwards to the northern Serengeti

This morning you will travel away from central Serengeti and towards the northern plains of the Serengeti. The grass plains seem to stretch for eternity, going beyond the horizon and with giant herds of wildebeest and zebra. This is where the Great Migration takes place, an annual journey of some two million mammals, dictated by the rains and followed by a hungry cast of predators.

Arriving in the late afternoon, spend the remainder of the day wandering around this expansive property, you will have every comfort in the heart of the wilderness. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner in the airy dining room before retiring to your private suite for the night

Witness the Great Migration Crossings in North Serengeti

Begin your explorations of this world famous landscape, touring from the comfort of a hot air balloon. Departing before sunrise, seizing the opportunity to drift high above the savannah is the only way to grasp the absolute vastness of the region. The silence of the wilderness is sweeping from these heights, creating an inexpressible sense of magic and wonder. As herds of wildebeest mottle the landscape below, with the occasional elephant roaming through, the experience will feel completely surreal Descend after an hour to enjoy a champagne breakfast prepared fresh in the bush. Your morning will be spent traversing the savannah, observing the interactions between predators and herbivores as they navigate the landscape. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest zebra, and impala graze happily in the plains if your timing is right, while lions stalk them with hunger in their eyes.

It will be your decision whether you opt to pack a picnic and spend the entire day in the wilderness or return to the camp for some midday relaxation. Much of the wildlife retreats to the shade during these peak hours, making this the perfect time to browse the photos you took during the game drive. Set out again in the late afternoon for a final round of explorations, seeking out a few final species you have yet to see, or visiting past favorites once more Enjoy one last evening of sundowners, a thoughtful meal, and an extra-long fireside gathering before drifting asleep to the surreal sounds of the bush.

DAY 9 Return to Arusha by Charter Flight

This morning, wake to watch a final sunrise over the Serengeti with a warm cup of coffee. Feast on your breakfast overlooking the plains before we dove towards the Kogatende airstrip. Here, you will board a charter plane that will fly you back to the city of Arusha, landing in time to connect onwards with your international flight Depending on the time of your scheduled departure, it may be possible to return to the lodge for the afternoon.

Of course if at this point, you’d like to add on a few extra days of adventure, we would be happy to organize a bespoke trip extension. After days in the bush, many guests enjoy a few days of indulgence on the tropical shores of Zanzibar, exploring all that the island’s Swahili culture has to offer. Others experience a more physical challenge, opting to hike Mount Kilimanjaro on a four to eight day trek. The country is ultimately yours to discover, and we will happily work to ensure that this trip is no less than perfect.

Northern Serengeti Migration Crossings

Wildebeest arrive at the Mara River in their tens of thousands and gather waiting to cross. The river in the north is terrifying to the wildebeest firstly because of the animals’ fear of the water itself and the creatures it may hide, and secondly because water generally means vegetation and thickets that may conceal predators. Yet the wildebeest have an inherent instinct to trek in a particular direction at any cost, despite their terror.

For days, their numbers can be building up, and anticipation grows, but many times, for no apparent reason, they turn and wander away from the waters edge. Eventually, the wildebeest will choose a crossing point something that can vary from year to year and cannot be predicted with any accuracy. Usually, the selected spot will be a relatively placid stretch of water without too much predator-concealing vegetation on the for side although occasionally they will choose seemingly suicidal places and drown in their hundreds.

Perhaps, once again, this is because crossing places are genetically imprints in the minds of the animals. Some fords do attract more significant numbers of animals than others, though, probably because they’re visible from a greater distance and the arriving herds can see others of their kind either in the process of crossing the river or grazing on the lush grass on the far side.

However, natural selection steps in once more: the wildebeest that crossed the rivers in previous generations survived to breed, so the waters pose no fear to their progeny, those that did not make it gave any further input to the gene pool.