Book 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Tanzania Safari

9 Days / 8 Nights Tanzania Safari

Best 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Tanzania Safari

This 9-days Tanzania safari covers 4 of the Northern Tanzania’s top safari parks and safari areas. You will visit Lake Manyara (1 night near the park / Karatu), Serengeti (4 nights within the park and migration areas), Ngorongoro Crater (1 night within/outside the crater area / Karatu) and Karatu (1 night near Ngorongoro Highlands) with additional 1 night stay in Arusha city on arrival day before the safari begins. The tour starts with airport pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / Arusha Domestic Airport (ARK) and ends with airport drop off at the end of the safari. With our Certified, professional, experienced and passionate safari guides, it will be a trip of a lifetime.

Starting from Arusha City, this safari is one of the best options for travelers who want to experience the Great Serengeti Migration and a complete northern Tanzania safari itinerary. The journey combines Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Karatu, giving visitors the chance to enjoy scenic landscapes, birdlife, seasonal wildebeest migration, predator action, endless savannah plains, crater wildlife, highland views, cultural surroundings, and incredible wildlife diversity that make Tanzania one of Africa’s leading safari destinations.

9 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance

  • Safari Name: 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Tanzania Safari
  • Starting Point: Arusha City
  • Ending Point: Arusha City
  • Accommodation Before Safari: Overnight stay in Arusha
  • Night 1: Lodge / Hotel in Arusha City
  • Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near Lake Manyara National Park / Karatu
  • Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
  • Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
  • Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park / Migration Area
  • Night 6: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park / Migration Area
  • Night 7: Lodge / Tented Camp within or outside Ngorongoro Crater area / Karatu
  • Night 8: Lodge / Tented Camp in Karatu near Ngorongoro Highlands
  • Main Attractions: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Great Wildebeest Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Karatu
  • Wildlife: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, rhinos if lucky, flamingos, baboons, antelopes, and many bird species
  • Best For: Migration lovers, wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, first-time safari travelers, and safari adventurers

Important Travel Information

Location Distance & Travel Time
Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions
Arusha Airport to Arusha City Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park / Karatu Approximately 125 km to 150 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions
Lake Manyara Game Drive Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration around forests, lakeshore areas, wetlands, grasslands, and viewpoints
Lake Manyara / Karatu to Serengeti National Park Approximately 205 km to 260 km | About 5 to 7 hours drive including scenic stops, wildlife viewing opportunities, and park entry procedures
Serengeti Game Drives Full-day wildlife exploration across endless plains, kopjes, river areas, woodland zones, predator territories, and seasonal migration routes
Central Serengeti to Northern / Western / Southern Serengeti Migration Area Approximately 80 km to 250 km | About 2 to 6 hours drive depending on season, camp location, route, wildlife viewing, and road conditions
Great Serengeti Migration Experience Full-day wildlife exploration following seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements, predator action, river crossings when in season, calving areas when in season, and open plains game viewing
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater Area / Karatu Approximately 145 km to 190 km | About 3 to 5 hours drive with wildlife viewing along the route
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive Half-day wildlife exploration inside the crater floor
Ngorongoro Crater Area to Karatu Approximately 30 km to 60 km | About 1 to 2 hours drive depending on lodge location and route
Karatu to Arusha Approximately 150 km | About 3 to 4 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions

Places You Will Visit on This 9 Days Tanzania Safari

Arusha City – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safari

Arusha City is the main starting point for northern Tanzania safaris and serves as the tourism capital of Tanzania. It offers easy access to Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Karatu, and the Great Serengeti Migration routes.

Most travelers spend a night in Arusha before the safari begins, allowing time to rest and prepare before entering the wilderness.

Lake Manyara National Park – Scenic Beauty and Birdlife

Lake Manyara National Park is a beautiful safari destination located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forest, open grassland, acacia woodland, wetlands, and the alkaline lake.

The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, flamingos, pelicans, and many other bird species. Its compact size and scenic landscapes make it a perfect introduction to northern Tanzania safari.

Spending one night near Lake Manyara or in Karatu allows travelers to enjoy relaxed wildlife viewing, beautiful Rift Valley scenery, and comfortable access before continuing to Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains and Big Cats

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and one of the best places in Tanzania for big cats, open savannah landscapes, and unforgettable game drives. The park is also home to the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration.

The park supports large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Its endless plains create one of the most spectacular safari landscapes on Earth.

Spending four nights inside Serengeti allows travelers to explore different wildlife regions, follow seasonal migration routes, maximize opportunities for predator sightings, enjoy photography, and experience the magic of the Serengeti in greater depth.

Great Serengeti Migration – Wildebeest, Zebras and Predator Action

The Great Serengeti Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water, followed closely by predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles.

Depending on the season, travelers may experience different migration highlights, including the southern Serengeti and Ndutu calving season, central Serengeti predator action, western corridor movement, or northern Serengeti river crossing areas. Each season offers its own unique wildlife drama and unforgettable safari moments.

This 9 days safari gives travelers more time in Serengeti, improving the chance of seeing migration activity, big cats, dramatic wildlife encounters, and beautiful open plains scenery.

Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Wildlife Eden

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife throughout the year.

Visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the endangered black rhino within a relatively small area.

Its unique ecosystem and spectacular scenery make Ngorongoro Crater one of the highlights of any Tanzania safari. Spending a night near the crater area or in Karatu allows travelers to enjoy convenient access before or after the crater game drive.

Karatu – Highland Views and Safari Comfort

Karatu is a peaceful highland town located between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. It is known for its green hills, farms, local villages, cool climate, beautiful lodges, and easy access to both Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

The area offers a relaxing safari atmosphere with scenic views, cultural surroundings, local markets, coffee farms, and comfortable accommodation options. Karatu is also an excellent place to rest before or after visiting Ngorongoro Crater.

Spending one night in Karatu gives travelers time to enjoy the highland scenery, recover after long safari drives, and prepare for the final part of the journey back to Arusha.

Why Choose This 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Tanzania Safari?

  • Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles, the Great Serengeti Migration.
  • Spend four nights inside Serengeti National Park and migration areas.
  • Visit Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Karatu.
  • Explore different Serengeti regions depending on the season and migration movement.
  • Search for wildebeest herds, zebras, gazelles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and many other wildlife species.
  • Experience predator action across the Serengeti plains.
  • Visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Enjoy Lake Manyara’s scenic landscapes and birdlife.
  • Experience Karatu’s highland scenery, peaceful lodges, and local surroundings.
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
  • Outstanding photography opportunities.
  • Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
  • Explore Tanzania’s most iconic northern safari destinations.

Best Time for This 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Safari

This 9 Days Great Serengeti Migration Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the best location for the migration depends on the season. From December to March, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas are often excellent for calving season, newborn animals, and predator action. From April to June, the herds may move through central and western Serengeti areas, creating dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities.

From July to October, the northern Serengeti is especially popular for travelers hoping to witness river crossing action as wildebeest and zebras move near the Mara River. From November onward, the herds may begin moving south again as fresh grazing returns. Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Karatu add scenic beauty, wildlife variety, and comfortable highland experiences to the safari throughout the year.

trip overview
trip overview
trip overview

TRIP ITINERARY

Day

1

Moshi / Arusha to Tarangire National Park (152.7 Km/2.45 Hrs. Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges

This will take place after breakfast in the morning. We will provide you with all the essential information, before we set off westwards to our first safari destination, Tarangire National Park. Tarangire National Park is best known for its great elephant herds, savannah, baobab trees, seasonal swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River. Animals gather at the river like giraffes, bushbucks and hartebeests are often seen. The park is also home to buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests which are always closely followed by a range of predators such as lions. Leopards are seen every once in a while, but cheetahs are rarely spotted. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will be able to view the landscape and watch the variety of animals. In late afternoon, you will go to your accommodation for evening meal and our overnight stay.

Day

2

Tarangire National Park to Karatu Town (135 Km/2.30 Hrs. Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges

After a morning breakfast you will head out on another game drive in the Tarangire National Park. During the dry season between June and October, the Tarangire River is the only permanent source of water and the wildlife tends to concentrate in its vicinity. You will stop at one of the picnic spots for lunch. In the afternoon, you leave this beautiful park behind. Passing through the multi-cultural town of Mto wa Mbu, the higher lands are soon reached and wonderful views of the Masai Plains and the Lake Manyara open up before you. After the obligatory photo stop, you will make your way to the vegetation-rich crater highlands, Accommodation and bit movement at Karatu town.

Day

3

Karatu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park (53Km/1Hr – 145Km/3.5Hrs Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges

After breakfast, drive towards the Serengeti National Park via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down into the Ngorongoro Crater. Grass steppes and acacia forests are home to almost all the species of animals found in the East African savannah. In only a few hours, you have the chance of spotting the “BIG FIVE” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard). After extensive game viewing and a picnic in the crater, you will leave the highlands of Ngorongoro in the afternoon and continue to the Serengeti. You will soon see the seemingly endless plains of the southern Serengeti and finally reach the Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti then go directly to overnight and dinner in your accommodation.

Day

4

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (145 /3.5 Hrs. Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

After breakfast, we undertake our en route game drive to the Northern Serengeti region. From Seronera is about 100km to the Northern Serengeti is a gentle rolling countryside broken by small rivers, occasional hills, and kopjes. Here resides a multitudinous permanent population of wildlife , with also very striking geological occurrences such as the beautiful Lobo Kopje. The Northern Serengeti is an interesting and varied destination that is far from the park’s main entry point in the south hence receiving fewer visitors. The migration is found in this area during August and witness the most spectacular of river crossings as the herd attempt to cross the Mara River and avoid the strong currents and hungry crocodiles. After a full day, we head for your accommodation where we will enjoy our dinner and overnight stay under the magnificent African sky out upon the ‘Endless Plain’.

Day

5

Full Game Drive in Northern Serengeti / River Crossing

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

After an early breakfast, you will head out to make the most of the day in the North Serengeti. There high chance to see the animals crossing the Mara River. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather together on the banks of the river, gazing wistfully across the turbulent water at the green grass on the other side but no animal will make a move. All it takes is one brave wildebeest to take the literal plunge and, then, all follow! The animals that do successfully avoid the awaiting crocodile jaws and make it over the river are rewarded with the lush green grazing grass of the Masai Mara. Back to your accommodation for the overnight and dinner.

Day

6

Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti (121Km/3Hrs Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

After breakfast, you will return to Seronera with further opportunities to experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of the Serengeti National Park. Apart from the migrating herds, we may have the opportunity to see the resident predators, leopard, cheetah, and lion, fulfilling their role in the circle of life. After an extensive game drive, we head for our Accommodation for a hearty dinner and another night by the fire of relaxation and conversation under the sweeping majesty of the star bright African night out upon the ‘Endless Plain’.

Day

7

Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater (145 Km/3.5 Hrs. Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

After breakfast, you will embark upon another incredible game drive in the Serengeti National Park before travelling to the Ngorongoro Crater. Arriving at the edge of the crater in the afternoon, you will have your first glimpse of what awaits you the following day, glistening streams, open grassland and an infinite number of animals. You will spend the night at a nearby accommodation near the rim of the crater.

Day

8

Full Game Drive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

Very early in the morning after an early breakfast, we descend down onto the crater floor for a day of wildlife game viewing in one of the most incredible places on Earth. The Caldera was formed about three million years ago with the massive explosion of a volcano that rivaled Kilimanjaro in height. It is 610m deep and covers roughly 260 square kilometers. It is one of the best places in Africa to view the BIG FIVE, as well as wildebeest, gazelle, reedbuck, and many others, along with about 500 bird species. You will stop for a picnic lunch near the hippo lake and in the afternoon, you will ascend up the steep road out of the crater. You will overnight and take a dinner at a nearby town of Karatu.

Day

9

Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha/Moshi (27Km/30min – 120Km/2 Hrs. Drive)

Accommodations : Client’s selection public campsite/ tented campsite/ Lodges.

After breakfast, you will drive to our final destination on this private safari. Lake Manyara National Park is a relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha. It is so named for the shallow Salt Lake that covers about seventy percent of the surface area, flooding and drying with the seasons and home to thousands of flamingos and in the extraordinary region of 500 other bird species. On your exploration of the park, you will see monkey, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and, with some luck, lions climbing in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs. After lunch, we head back to Arusha/Moshi where we will arrive in the late afternoon.

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