12-Day Great Migration Safari

Wildlife Safari

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Price

From $7000

Min Age

Duration

Max People

Overview

This extraordinary 12-day Great Migration safari by Tanzania Footprints Adventures is the definitive tour for anyone who wants to witness one of the most magnificent natural spectacles on Earth. The itinerary is strategically designed to maximize your time in the Serengeti National Park, positioning you to be in the best possible location to follow the movement of the Great Wildebeest Migration, whether it's the dramatic river crossings or the chaotic calving season. Beyond the herds, you will experience the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and the shores of Lake Manyara. This safari is a deep dive into the heart of Tanzania's wilderness, offering unparalleled opportunities for photography, game drives, and an intimate connection with nature. You will be staying in luxury lodges and mobile tented camps that are specially positioned to ensure you are always close to the action.

Highlights

Immersive and extended safari experience focused on the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Staying in a mobile tented camp that moves with the herds for optimal wildlife viewing.
Exploring different sectors of the Serengeti National Park to follow the migration's path.
Descending into the incredible Ngorongoro Crater to see the Big Five.
Visiting Tarangire National Park and its famous elephant herds.
A thrilling game drive experience in a custom-built 4x4 safari vehicle.
The opportunity for an optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at dawn.

Other Important Information

Best Time to Travel: The Great Migration is a year-round cycle, but the location of the herds changes with the seasons. This itinerary is best suited for specific times of the year, such as July to October for the Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti, or January to March for the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. It's crucial to book this trip with your travel dates in mind.
Accommodation: The itinerary includes stays in premium lodges and, most importantly, mobile tented camps. These camps offer a true safari experience with all the luxury amenities, and their mobility ensures you are always in the right place to witness the migration.
Flexibility: Due to the unpredictable nature of the migration, the daily schedule may be adjusted by your guide to follow the herds and secure the best possible sightings.
Photography: This tour is a photographer's dream. Be sure to bring a camera with a good zoom lens, extra batteries, and plenty of memory cards.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your Great Migration safari begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A representative from Tanzania Footprints Adventures will welcome you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. You'll have a pre-safari briefing with your guide to discuss the journey and then enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, we depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant population and iconic baobab trees. You will have a full day of game drives along the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts a huge concentration of animals. Look out for lions, leopards, and a vast array of bird species.

Day 3: Tarangire to the Serengeti

Today, we make our way to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, the heart of the Great Migration. The drive itself is a magnificent en-route game drive. The landscape will transform from the highlands to the endless plains of the Serengeti. We will check into our tented camp, which is strategically located to be near the migration herds.

Day 4 & 5: Deep Dive into the Serengeti (Central)

These two days are dedicated to exploring the central Serengeti, an area known for its prolific resident wildlife and high concentration of predators. We will follow our guide as they track the movement of the herds. We'll look for lion prides on the kopjes and cheetahs on the hunt. The landscape here is stunning and provides a classic safari backdrop.

Day 6 & 7 & 8: Following the Migration (Northern/Southern Serengeti)

Over the next three days, we will move to the specific region of the Serengeti where the migration is located. If it is the dry season (July-October), we will head to the northern Serengeti to witness the exhilarating Mara River crossings, where wildebeest and zebra face massive Nile crocodiles. If it is the calving season (January-March), we will be in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, where thousands of baby wildebeest are born, attracting a high density of predators. We will have multiple game drives per day to maximize our chances of witnessing these incredible events.

Day 9: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, we will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey is scenic, with views of the Rift Valley escarpment. We will check into our lodge on the crater rim, offering magnificent views of the caldera below.

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Prepare for a spectacular day as we descend 600 meters to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. This self-contained ecosystem is home to an incredible density of wildlife, including a high probability of spotting the Big Five, with a strong chance of seeing the endangered black rhino. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending back to our lodge.

Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park

On our penultimate day, we will visit Lake Manyara National Park. This park is known for its diverse habitats, from acacia woodlands to the famous soda lake. We'll take a game drive to search for the park's famed tree-climbing lions and spot hippos, baboons, and a wide variety of birds, including flamingos (in season). In the afternoon, we will drive back to our lodge in Arusha.

Day 12: Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure, taking with you a lifetime of memories from your immersive Great Migration safari.

Included/Excluded

Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
All safari transport in a custom 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof.
Highly experienced, professional English-speaking safari guide
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari.
All National Park and Conservation Area fees.
Accommodation as per the itinerary (luxury lodges and mobile tented camps).
Unlimited bottled drinking water during game drives.

International flights and visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance.
Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari.
Tips and gratuities for the safari guide and lodge staff.
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs, premium beverages)

Tour Map

Frequency Asked Questions

What’s included in a Tanzania Footprints Adventures safari package?

Our safari packages typically include park entry fees, full-board accommodation, professional English-speaking guides, game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles, and bottled drinking water. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?

The dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the green season (November–March) is perfect for birding and witnessing the Serengeti wildebeest calving season. With Tanzania Footprints Adventures, every season has its own unique highlights.

How many days do you recommend for a safari?

Most guests enjoy 5–7 days, which allows time to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Shorter safaris (3–4 days) are great for quick getaways, while longer trips (8–12 days) cover more parks at a relaxed pace.

What type of accommodation do you offer?

We work with a wide range of options—from budget camping safaris to mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps. Tanzania Footprints Adventures tailors accommodation to match your budget and style.

Are your safaris safe?

Yes. Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are trained to handle wildlife encounters and ensure your comfort throughout the journey. Camps and lodges also provide 24-hour security.

What should I pack for my safari?

We recommend lightweight neutral-colored clothes, a warm jacket for evenings, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. A detailed packing list will be shared once you book with us.

Will I see the Big Five on safari?

Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and even the rare black rhino.

Can my safari be customized?

Absolutely. At Tanzania Footprints Adventures, we design tailor-made itineraries to match your preferences—whether that’s more time in Serengeti, cultural visits with local tribes, hot-air balloon safaris, or adding a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, most travelers require a tourist visa. You can apply online (e-visa) before traveling or obtain it on arrival. We’ll guide you through the process once your safari is confirmed.

Can I combine my safari with other adventures?

Yes. Many guests combine their safari with Kilimanjaro trekking or a relaxing beach extension in Zanzibar. We also arrange cross-border trips to Kenya and Rwanda for gorilla trekking.