9 Days Western Serengeti Migration Safari
This tour takes you through five of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations: Tarangire National Park (2 nights), the stunning Lake Natron (1 night), Central Serengeti (2 nights), Western Serengeti (2 nights), and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater (1 night). Your journey begins and ends in Arusha, offering a well-rounded safari experience guided by our expert driver-guides who ensure it will be an unforgettable adventure.
Based on migration trends observed in recent years, the best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Western Serengeti is between May and June. Therefore, this itinerary is specially designed for travel during these months to maximize your chances of seeing this extraordinary natural event.
Tour Plan
Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup at 7:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha. You’ll head to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch. Known for its striking baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire is Tanzania’s third-largest park and home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, oryx, and zebras. After an exciting day exploring the park, you’ll retire to your camp or lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2
Full Day in Tarangire
After breakfast around 8:00 AM, you'll continue to explore the varied landscapes of Tarangire National Park, known for its nine unique vegetation zones. As you journey through the park, you’ll again encounter towering baobabs, and may spot large gatherings of elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and predators like lions. The Tarangire River is a lifeline that draws numerous animals throughout the year, making it a fantastic location for game viewing. After another thrilling day, you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and rest.
Day 3
Journey to Lake Natron
You’ll leave after breakfast around 8:00 AM and drive toward Lake Natron with packed lunches, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours from Mto Wa Mbu/Manyara. This remote, otherworldly lake is shallow and highly alkaline, creating a unique ecosystem. After checking into your lodge and taking a short break, a local Maasai guide will take you on a scenic walk along the lakeshore, where you can spot countless lesser flamingos a major breeding site in East Africa. The day concludes with dinner and a restful night at your lodge.
Day 4
Lake Natron to Central Serengeti
Start your day early at around 6:00 AM with a short hike to the picturesque Ngare Sero Waterfalls, guided by a Maasai tribesman. After breakfast at your lodge, you’ll begin your drive toward Serengeti National Park, traversing changing landscapes from village life to open savannahs. Entering the Serengeti in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route to Central Serengeti, known for its wildlife-rich plains and chances to see wildebeest herds, zebras, and lounging lions. The day ends with dinner and a night at your lodge or camp.
Day 5
Exploring Central Serengeti
You can either begin your day early with a 6:00 AM game drive or after a relaxed breakfast around 9:00 AM. Today, you’ll explore the heart of Serengeti’s ecosystem: the Seronera region. Known for its dense populations of lions and leopards, this area is rich in wildlife throughout the year thanks to the Seronera River, which provides a vital water source. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch during your full-day safari before heading back for dinner and overnight at your accommodation.
Day 6
Central to Western Serengeti
Today, you’ll transition from Central to Western Serengeti. Depending on your preference, you can start early with a morning game drive or leave around 8:30 AM after breakfast. The western corridor, particularly Grumeti and Kirariwa areas, is teeming with wildlife in May and June as part of the wildebeest migration route. Along the way, you may encounter zebra, gazelles, topi, buffalo, hippos, and even Nile crocodiles near the Grumeti River. A picnic lunch will be served en route before you settle into your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 7
Full Day in Western Serengeti
Another day to witness the magic of the Serengeti! Depart early at 6:00 AM or take a more relaxed start at 9:00 AM. If your visit falls between May and mid-June, you may be lucky enough to witness the migration crossings at the Grumeti River an intense and dramatic spectacle involving wildebeests battling strong currents and crocodile-infested waters. Picnic lunch will be provided during your game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night after an unforgettable day.
Day 8
Western Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, begin the journey towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a game drive en route. A picnic lunch will be served as you travel through the ever-changing scenery. Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense wildlife population nearly 30,000 animals reside within its walls. You’ll arrive at your accommodation near the crater in time for dinner and a restful night.
Day 9
Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return to Arusha
An early start around 6:30 AM takes you down into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-hour game drive. The crater floor is a rich wildlife haven where you may see black rhinos, elephants, hippos, hyenas, and prides of lions. After a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, ascend the crater rim and begin your return journey to Arusha approximately 4 hours by road. You’ll arrive back in the evening and be dropped at your preferred location with unforgettable memories to cherish.
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