8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania – Safari Route & Style
The 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania is a professionally guided wildlife adventure through Tanzania’s most iconic ecosystems, following the path of the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration. Starting and ending in Arusha, this itinerary covers Tarangire National Park, Central and Northern Serengeti, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Each destination is hand-picked to maximize wildlife viewing and match the shifting phases of the Great Migration.
Watch a you-tube video below that shows a full documentary of Great Migration
This Tanzania safari is fully customizable and led by a Nextgen Safaris professional English-speaking driver-guide. German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian-speaking guides are available upon request. You’ll travel in a comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat access for each guest.
You can choose your preferred accommodation category—budget, midrange, or luxury—with lodge and tented camp options tailored to the best migration-viewing regions based on your travel dates.
Safari Overview – What to Expect on This 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
The 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania is designed to deliver peak migration experiences—whether you’re traveling during the dramatic river crossings in the north (June–September), the calving season in Ndutu (January–March), or the vast herds sweeping across Central Serengeti (April–May and October–December). Each day offers a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show: over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, braving predators as they journey for fresh grazing grounds.
Highlights of this 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania include;
Tarangire National Park: Kick off with giant elephant herds, baobab-dotted landscapes, and classic savannah game.
Serengeti National Park: Spend four full days exploring different migration zones—Seronera, Kogatende, Lamai, or Ndutu—depending on the season.
Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into the UNESCO World Heritage Site to search for Big Five species, including the rare black rhino.
Expect morning and afternoon game drives, breathtaking landscapes, optional hot air balloon safaris over the plains, and full-board meals with expert logistical coordination.
This safari route is ideal for travelers seeking a high-impact wildlife adventure that maximizes Great Migration sightings while still enjoying comfort, flexibility, and expert support every step of the way.
Day-by-Day Safari Highlights – 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
The you-tube video below shows Great Migration in Serengeti National Park and all the wildlife in this Park
This carefully designed 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania follows the natural path of the migrating herds through Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations. Depending on the season, the exact migration region in the Serengeti may be adjusted to match the movement of the wildebeest and zebras.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Overnight in Arusha (Options: Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Kingdom
Activities: Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park
Overnight: Near Tarangire Gate or inside the park
Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti – Begin the Migration Track
Activities: Scenic drive and en route game viewing
Overnight: Seronera region (ideal all-year game viewing)
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive – Central or Northern Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to full exploration based on the migration zone:
Jan–Mar: Ndutu area in Southern Serengeti for calving season
Jun–Sep: Kogatende or Lamai in Northern Serengeti for river crossings
Apr–May / Oct–Dec: Central Serengeti, best predator interactions
Overnight: In the migration corridor (matched with travel dates)
Day 5: Full Day Migration Safari – Following the Herds
Optional: Early morning hot air balloon safari (extra cost)
Overnight: Same camp or lodge as Day 4
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – En Route Game Drive
Overnight: Crater rim lodge or Karatu
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Big Five Experience
Activities: 6-hour crater floor game drive
Overnight: Karatu or Manyara area
Day 8: Lake Manyara (Optional) and Return to Arusha
End of 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania Safari
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary – 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a representative from Nextgen Safaris will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. This first day is for rest, trip briefing, and preparing for your unforgettable journey.
Recommended Lodges in Arusha:
Budget: Mc-Ellys Hotel
Midrange: Planet Lodge Arusha
Luxury: Gran Melia Arusha
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park (2.5–3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania’s largest population of elephants and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive through this classic African savannah with picnic lunch en route.
Highlights: Elephant herds, baobab trees, big cats
Recommended Lodges near Tarangire:
Budget: Whistling Thorn Camp
Midrange: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Luxury: Tarangire Treetops or Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Tarangire – Central Serengeti (6–7 hrs drive including game en route)
Today you drive toward Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you’ll spot wildlife and experience a transition from highlands to vast plains.
Highlights: Scenic views, wildlife corridors, predator-rich areas
Recommended Lodges (Seronera/Central Serengeti):
Budget: Into Wild Serengeti
Midrange: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti – Migration Region Based on Season
The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Explained | This you-tube video below explains the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park
Spend the day on a full safari tracking the herds during their migration phase. Depending on your travel dates, we’ll place you in the best Serengeti region:
Calving Season (Jan–Mar): Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
River Crossings (Jun–Sep): Kogatende or Lamai (Northern Serengeti)
Predator Activity (Apr–May / Oct–Dec): Seronera (Central Serengeti)
Recommended Lodges by Region:
Northern Serengeti: Mara Under Canvas, Chaka Camp
Seronera: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kati Kati, Kubukubu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Migration Safari
Enjoy another full day with early morning and evening game drives in the migration zone. This is the best opportunity to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions and large herds in motion.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (available in Seronera & Kogatende)
Overnight at the same lodge or camp as previous night
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area (4–5 hrs)
This you-tube video shows how beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania
After a morning game drive, exit Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The route offers wildlife encounters and stunning volcanic landscapes.
Recommended Lodges in Ngorongoro/Karatu:
Budget: Eileen’s Trees Inn
Midrange: Marera Valley Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, The Highlands by Asilia
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Full Exploration
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and haven for lions, elephants, hippos, and rhinos. Enjoy a 6-hour crater tour with packed lunch at a scenic spot.
Activities: Big Five game drive, picnic on the crater floor
Overnight: Same as Day 6
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Return to Arusha with Optional Lake Manyara Game Drive
This Video below shows an option Destination that can be added in this package, Lake Manyara National Park
Drive back to Arusha (or Kilimanjaro Airport) after breakfast. Optionally, include a quick Lake Manyara game drive or cultural visit based on your flight schedule.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Why Choose This 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
The 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife adventures on earth — and here’s why it stands out:
1. Experience the Entire Migration Circuit
This itinerary is crafted to follow the herds across Tanzania’s most iconic parks — from Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes to the Serengeti’s wildebeest and predator drama and the ancient Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll witness the exact stage of the Great Migration based on your travel month, ensuring the most rewarding safari experience.
2. Led by a Nextgen Safaris Professional Guide
You’ll be accompanied by a seasoned, English-speaking wildlife expert from Nextgen Safaris — one of Africa’s leading safari operators. Upon request, we also offer guides fluent in German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese for a personalized experience.
3. Flexible Lodging for Every Budget
We offer a wide range of recommended safari lodges, tented camps, and public campsites — from budget-friendly comfort to high-end luxury. Every option is handpicked based on location, transfer convenience, service, and proximity to wildlife action.
4. Authentic Human-Paced Travel
This is not a rushed trip. Our 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania is carefully paced to ensure you enjoy immersive experiences, cultural encounters, and rest — without long, stressful days in the car.
5. Guaranteed Window Seats and Private Transfers
Enjoy unlimited game drives in a custom-built 4×4 safari vehicle with a guaranteed window seat, roof hatch, and charging ports. Solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups all get tailored experiences.
6. Perfect Balance of Wildlife, Landscapes, and Comfort
You’ll explore everything from the golden plains of Serengeti to the lush crater floor of Ngorongoro, while sleeping in authentic safari-style with all the comforts of home — whether on a budget or seeking luxury.
Ready for the Ultimate Adventure? Let’s Plan Your 8 Days Great Migration Safari in Tanzania!
Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the world’s most iconic wildlife spectacles — the Great Migration. Our team at Nextgen Safaris is here to turn your travel dreams into a seamless, unforgettable experience.
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Included/Exclude
Private 4x4 custom safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Services of a professional English-speaking guide (other languages on request: German, Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, Chinese)
All park entrance and conservation fees (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara)
Full-board accommodation for 7 nights (based on chosen budget level: budget, midrange, or luxury)
Daily game drives as per the itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Pick-up and drop-off from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
Government taxes and levies
Emergency evacuation cover (AMREF/Flying Doctors)
International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Tanzania
Travel and medical insurance
Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon safari in Serengeti, Maasai village visits)
Tips and personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
Hotel accommodation before and after the safari (can be arranged on request)
