Africa Merit Safaris
7-Day Great Migration Safari

7-Day Great Migration Safari

Overview

Follow the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth on this 7-day migration-focused safari. The Great Migration sees over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse the Serengeti ecosystem in a continuous cycle, pursued by Africa's largest predator populations. This itinerary maximizes your time in the Serengeti with three full days tracking the herds, complemented by the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.

Highlights

Three full days dedicated to tracking the Great Migration in the Serengeti
Witness dramatic river crossings (seasonal) and predator-prey interactions
Full-day game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor — home to the Big Five
Explore Tarangire National Park with its iconic baobab landscapes and elephants
Journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with Maasai villages
Chance to see all Big Five members — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo

Gallery

7-Day Great Migration Safari — image 1
7-Day Great Migration Safari — image 2
7-Day Great Migration Safari — image 3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to Arusha Planet Lodge. Relax by the pool, enjoy the lush gardens, and receive a detailed safari briefing from your guide. The rest of the day is yours to rest after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Dinner

Day 2 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. Famous for its dense elephant population and striking baobab trees, Tarangire offers exceptional game viewing. Embark on an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, a vital water source attracting vast herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. Overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge overlooking the river.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Farm of Dreams Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

Depart Tarangire after an early morning game drive and drive through the scenic Rift Valley highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This natural amphitheater hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife — expect close encounters with lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and if you are lucky, the endangered black rhino. Ascend in the late afternoon to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge

Rhino Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Enter the Serengeti at Naabi Hill Gate and begin your first migration-focused game drive. Depending on the season, the herds may be in the Seronera Valley, the Western Corridor, or the northern reaches near the Mara River. Settle into Serengeti Sopa Lodge for the first of three incredible nights.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Into Wild Africa

Into Wild Africa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Full Day Migration Game Drive

An unforgettable full day tracking the Great Migration. Head out at first light to follow the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra as they move across the plains. Witness the constant drama of the migration — calves being born, predators on the hunt, and if timing and luck align, the breathtaking spectacle of a river crossing where thousands of animals brave crocodile-infested waters. Picnic lunch in the bush, returning to Serengeti Sopa Lodge at sunset.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Into Wild Africa

Into Wild Africa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 — Another Day Following the Herds

Another full day in the Serengeti, continuing to track the migration and exploring different areas of the park. Depending on wildlife movements, your guide may take you to a different region to maximize your chances of witnessing the migration's most dramatic moments. Beyond the herds, search for leopard lazing in acacia trees, cheetah scanning the plains from termite mounds, and massive lion prides. Enjoy a sundowner as the African sky ignites with color.

Accommodation

Mid-Range: Into Wild Africa

Into Wild Africa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 — Serengeti to Arusha

Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Serengeti, catching the last glimpses of the migration and any predators still active before the heat of the day. Return to the lodge for brunch, then begin the scenic drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon for your onward flight, a Zanzibar beach extension, or your journey home — carrying memories of the greatest wildlife show on Earth.

Included

  • Six nights mid-range lodge accommodation
  • All meals from lunch Day 2 through lunch Day 7
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and fridge
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide dedicated to your group
  • All national park entry fees and conservation charges
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent and service fees
  • Unlimited bottled water during game drives
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Arusha

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzanian visa fees
  • Travel, medical, and cancellation insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Laundry and other personal expenses

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