Ulitmate 9 Days Great Migration Luxury Safari Migration Safari
Description
This 9-day luxury Great Migration safari puts you at the heart of one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles. Journey from Tarangire's elephant kingdom through the Central Serengeti to the legendary Northern Serengeti, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempt dramatic crossings of the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Stay in world-class luxury lodges and exclusive migration camps perfectly positioned to witness the action. Your private Land Cruiser, expert guide, and premium camp service ensure every moment is deeply personal and unforgettable. Conclude with a full day descent into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater for a wildlife experience like no other.
Safari Highlights
Witness the iconic Great Migration river crossings in Northern Serengeti
Stay in premium luxury migration camps with front-row migration views
Big Five game viewing across Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
Sundowner cocktails overlooking the Mara River and endless plains
Full descent into Ngorongoro Crater - the 8th Natural Wonder of the World
Day-by-Day 9-Day Great Migration Luxury Safari Itinerary
Arrival Day: Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your private Safaris Mate guide and transferred in a luxury safari vehicle to your premium hotel in Arusha. After check-in, relax at your leisure before enjoying a welcome dinner and detailed safari briefing. This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the unforgettable Great Migration adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Premium Hotel, Arusha | Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire → Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its magnificent baobab trees, seasonal swamps and one of Africa's largest elephant populations. Enjoy a full-day private game drive searching for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and abundant birdlife. A gourmet picnic lunch will be served at a scenic location before continuing your afternoon safari. In the late afternoon, transfer to your luxury lodge in Karatu on the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge, Karatu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Karatu → Central Serengeti
After breakfast, journey through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. Enter through the famous Naabi Hill gate and arrive in Central Serengeti for an afternoon game drive through the renowned Seronera Valley, home to abundant predators including lions, leopards and cheetahs. Enjoy spectacular golden hour landscapes before dinner and overnight at your luxury safari camp.
Accommodation: Luxury Camp, Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti
Begin with an early morning game drive through the famous Seronera Valley before continuing north toward Kogatende and the legendary Mara River, where the Great Migration is at its most dramatic between July and October. Along the journey, enjoy rewarding game drives across changing landscapes. Arrive in the Northern Serengeti and settle into your exclusive luxury migration camp perfectly positioned overlooking the river. Dinner and overnight with the sounds of the wild surrounding you.
Accommodation: Luxury Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Northern Serengeti
Your first full day dedicated entirely to the Great Migration. Follow massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as they gather along the Mara River, where thousands may attempt the famous crocodile-infested crossing. Your expert guide will position the vehicle at the best vantage points throughout the day. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas patrol the riverbanks providing exceptional predator sightings. An optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari is available at additional cost.
Accommodation: Luxury Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Northern Serengeti
A second full day in the Northern Serengeti maximises your chances of witnessing multiple Mara River crossings. The herds can cross and recross several times in a single day as instinct drives them forward and back. Elephants, crocodiles, hippos and a dazzling array of plains game share the riverine habitat. Relax at your luxury migration camp between game drives, enjoying sundowner cocktails with panoramic views over the Mara River and endless plains.
Accommodation: Luxury Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Northern Serengeti
Your final full day in the Northern Serengeti. Explore different crossing points along the Mara River and follow the migration herds at a relaxed pace, soaking in the extraordinary atmosphere of the world's greatest wildlife spectacle. Even when river crossings do not occur, the area delivers exceptional safari experiences with resident predators, enormous elephant herds and countless bird species. Spend your last evening by the Mara River reflecting on three remarkable days.
Accommodation: Luxury Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti
After one final morning game drive near the Mara River, begin the scenic drive south through the endless Serengeti plains. Stop for rewarding game drives through changing landscapes as the terrain transitions from the rugged north toward the sweeping Seronera region. Arrive in Central Serengeti in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight at your luxury camp beneath a vast African sky.
Accommodation: Luxury Camp, Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Following a final morning game drive through the famous Seronera Valley, journey south through the Serengeti and into the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Pass through the crater rim and arrive at your luxury highland lodge with spectacular views over the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Enjoy a farewell safari dinner as the stars emerge over the crater.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Rise early for a spectacular descent over 600 metres into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable morning safari inside the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Search for the Big Five including the endangered black rhinoceros, alongside lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending the rim and beginning your journey back to Arusha. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of one of Africa's most extraordinary luxury safari experiences.
Accommodation: 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)
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.









