7 Days Fly-In Great Migration Safari Tanzania Migration Safari
Description
This 7-day fly-in Great Migration safari is specifically designed for travelers who want to maximize their time at the world-famous Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti. Flying directly to Kogatende means you are in prime migration territory from the moment you land, with zero time wasted on road transfers.
Two consecutive full days in Northern Serengeti gives you exceptional odds of witnessing the dramatic wildebeest river crossings. Your private vehicle and expert guide are positioned exclusively for your group, ensuring prime viewing angles at the best crossing points throughout both days.
Safari Highlights
Fly to Northern Serengeti to be in prime position for Migration river crossings
Light aircraft from Arusha directly to Kogatende/Lamai in Northern Serengeti
Two full days in Northern Serengeti for maximum Migration viewing opportunity
Expert guide monitors wildebeest herd movements in real time
Ngorongoro Crater included on the return for all Big Five
Light aircraft provides stunning aerial views of the Rift Valley, crater, and Serengeti plains
Baggage limit of ~15 kg per person applies — we help you pack smart for maximum comfort
Air medical evacuation available from all Serengeti airstrips in under 60 minutes
Multiple airstrips across the Serengeti allow flexible routing and park zone access
Day-by-Day 7-Day Fly-In Great Migration Serengeti Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Northern Serengeti from Arusha, Zanzibar or Nairobi
Begin your unforgettable safari with a scheduled flight from Arusha (ARK), Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Wilson Airport, Nairobi (WIL) to Kogatende Airstrip in Northern Serengeti (seasonal schedules apply). Upon arrival, meet your private professional guide and enjoy your first exciting game drive through the renowned Mara River ecosystem. Depending on the season, witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebra gathering for the Great Migration while lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and crocodiles patrol the surrounding plains. Continue with an afternoon safari before checking in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Northern Serengeti | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Great Migration Safari – Mara River
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Northern Serengeti, following the movements of the Great Migration across the Mara River and Lamai Plains. Your expert guide will position you at the best wildlife areas for possible river crossings, while also searching for resident predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and large elephant herds. Enjoy a scenic bush picnic before continuing your afternoon safari through one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Another Full-Day Northern Serengeti Safari
Enjoy another incredible day exploring Northern Serengeti, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossings during migration season. Explore Lamai Wedge, Bologonja, hidden river crossings and open savannah where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and resident wildlife roam freely. With fewer vehicles than other parts of Serengeti, this remote wilderness offers an authentic safari experience and exceptional photography opportunities.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic game drive south through the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. This full-day journey offers outstanding wildlife viewing while travelling through the Lobo area and eventually reaching the famous Seronera Valley. Along the way, encounter lions resting on kopjes, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and countless plains game before arriving at your camp in Central Serengeti for dinner.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Central Serengeti Safari & Optional Balloon Safari
Begin the day with an unforgettable optional Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise, drifting silently above the Serengeti before enjoying a champagne-style bush breakfast. Continue with a full-day game drive through the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley, Moru Kopjes and surrounding plains, renowned for exceptional sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Return to camp for another relaxing evening under the African stars.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Enjoy a final morning game drive through Central Serengeti before departing via Naabi Hill Gate. Continue through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Arrive in Karatu or the Ngorongoro Highlands where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's crater adventure.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge – Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha
Descend early into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable Big Five safari. Explore the diverse habitats of this UNESCO World Heritage Site while searching for endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos and thousands of other animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending the crater walls and driving back to Arusha. Transfer to your hotel, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or continue your journey to Zanzibar.
Accommodation: Arusha Hotel / Departure | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes & Excludes
All national park entry and conservation fees
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
Full board accommodation
All meals during safari
Bottled water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Charter/scheduled flights: Arusha to Kogatende (Northern Serengeti) and internal Serengeti flights
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The dry season (June to October) is ideal as animals gather near water sources making game viewing easier. The short dry season (January to March) is great for bird watching and the calving season. For the Great Migration river crossings, plan for July to October in Northern Serengeti. Contact us to discuss the best time for your specific interests.
Yes, all our safari itineraries are fully customizable. We can adjust the number of days, parks visited, accommodation category (budget to luxury), add Zanzibar beach extension, Kilimanjaro trekking, cultural experiences, or any other special request. Simply contact us with your preferences and we will design your perfect Tanzania safari.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive green), a warm fleece or jacket for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking confirmation.
Scheduled flights have a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) soft-sided bag limit per person. Charter flights can be more flexible. We recommend a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. We can arrange advance luggage storage at your Arusha hotel for items not needed on safari.
We typically use Cessna 208 Caravans (10-13 seats) or smaller Cessna 172/182 aircraft (3-4 seats) operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or similar licensed Tanzanian carriers. Flights are scheduled, meaning you share the aircraft with other passengers, unless you choose a private charter option.
Light aircraft flights are occasionally delayed by weather or visibility conditions. Our operators prioritize safety above all else. In the rare event of a significant delay, our ground team adjusts the day's itinerary to minimize impact. We recommend travel insurance that covers flight delays for complete peace of mind.

