Trip Overview
This 6-day safari brings you face-to-face with the Serengeti’s most iconic spectacle: the Great Migration. Depending on the season, watch vast herds of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the savannah, forage in lush grasslands, or brave perilous river crossings. Along the way, experience classic game drives amid endless plains, unrivaled sunrises, and unforgettable encounters with Africa’s famed predators.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a friendly representative will be waiting. Transfer to your lodge in Arusha, a vibrant safari hub nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Take time to rest after your journey, explore the lodge’s serene surroundings, or stroll through the bustling town. Over dinner, meet your safari guide to discuss the thrilling days ahead before turning in for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Arusha – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. You may opt for a scenic flight from Arusha to an airstrip in the Serengeti (highly recommended for saving travel time) or take the journey by road, enjoying changing landscapes en route. By early afternoon, arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti, set among endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees. Embark on your first game drive later in the day, keeping an eye out for prowling lions, grazing zebras, and, if the timing is right, the migrating herds sweeping across the plains.
Day 3: Following the Migration in the Serengeti
Venture out at dawn when animals are most active. The Serengeti’s vastness comes to life with the thundering rhythm of hooves and the low grunts of wildebeest trekking in search of fresh grazing. Glimpse predators—like lions and cheetahs—stalking through tall grass, ever-watchful of the migrating herds. Pause for a picnic lunch, then continue traversing the plains, guided by reports of where the herds have gathered. Return to your camp at sunset, reliving the day’s highlights beneath a star-filled sky.
Day 4: Moving to Prime Migration Areas
Depending on the time of year, head north, west, or south to intercept the mass of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. For example, between July and October, the northern Serengeti hosts dramatic river crossings at the Mara River—a spectacle often accompanied by lurking crocodiles. From December to March, the southern plains bloom with green grasses, where herds calve, attracting countless predators. Spend the day tracking the migration, with breaks to appreciate the Serengeti’s quieter corners teeming with giraffes, elephants, and an array of birdlife.
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives & Encounters
Another full day in the heart of the migration corridor offers endless surprises. Early morning drives often reveal the big cats finishing a hunt or families of elephants marching across the savannah. Break for lunch under an acacia or near a waterhole, where hippos cool off. In the afternoon, explore off-the-beaten-path tracks if conditions allow, capturing panoramic photos of the wide-open plains. Your camp provides an inviting retreat each evening, complete with hearty meals and the chorus of the African night.
Day 6: Farewell to the Serengeti & Return to Arusha
Rise for a final sunrise game drive, soaking up any last wildlife sightings and sweeping savannah views. After breakfast, transfer to a nearby airstrip or enjoy a scenic drive back toward Arusha. Depending on your onward travel plans, there may be time for a relaxing lunch or a quick visit to local markets. Continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of thundering herds, golden plains, and the mesmerizing dance of the Great Migration.