A week following the Great Migration through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti's river-crossing points — timed to your travel dates so you're in the right place when the herds move.
Overview
This itinerary balances the classic Northern Circuit parks with time positioned wherever the migration currently sits — river crossings in June and July, the southern plains and calving season from December to March. Each day is spent in the field with a private guide, based from small camps and lodges chosen for their proximity to the action rather than for size.
Route map
Day-by-day itinerary
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or your Arusha hotel, then drive to Tarangire for an afternoon game drive among its famous elephant herds and ancient baobabs. Overnight at a tented camp on the park boundary.
Tarangire → Lake Manyara
Morning game drive before continuing to Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions and dense birdlife along the Rift Valley escarpment.
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater floor at sunrise for a full-day game drive — the highest concentration of predators anywhere in Africa, all within an 8,300-hectare caldera.
Serengeti National Park
Three full days in the Serengeti, positioned according to where the migration currently sits — Grumeti crossings in June/July, Ndutu calving grounds in Dec–March, or Mara crossings in Aug–Oct. Full-day game drives with a packed breakfast and lunch in the field.
Serengeti → Arusha / Departure
Final morning game drive, then a scenic flight or road transfer back to Arusha in time for your onward flight, or an optional Zanzibar extension.
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- English-speaking professional guide
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Full board accommodation
- All game drives per itinerary
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional balloon safari
Accommodation
Tented Lodges
Private Conservancy Camps
Mobile Camping Safari
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the migration?
The migration moves year-round, so timing depends on what you want to see: river crossings happen June–July (Grumeti) and August–October (Mara), while calving season runs December–March in the southern Ndutu plains.
Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes — most camps on this route accept children, though a few luxury conservancy camps set a minimum age of 6–8. Let us know your children's ages and we'll match accommodation accordingly.
Can I add a balloon safari or Zanzibar extension?
Both are popular add-ons. A sunrise balloon safari over the Serengeti can be booked for Day 5 or 6, and a Zanzibar beach extension can be added directly after Day 7.
How many people will be in my vehicle?
Every Tembo Trails Safaris safari uses a private vehicle for your group only — we don't combine parties from different bookings.