Tanzania Great Migration | Serengeti | Wildlife Safaris

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tanzania Great Migration Safari

tanzania

Not Rated

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Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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Overview

Tanzania Great Migration Safari ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Our Tanzania great migration safari is created to give you a front-row seat to one of the best wildlife shows on earth! Nothing is overlooked with this itinerary, so you can be sure that you’ll experience the very best of Tanzania.

From the coveted sightings of Africa’s majestic big cats, and a glimpse of a rare black rhino in the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, dramatic wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, to the sheer numbers of elephants and dwarf baobab trees in Tarangire, this bucket list itinerary will take you to the wilds of Tanzania for spectacular wildlife viewing.

For an even more soulful encounter, consider joining in an authentic cultural experience with members of the legendary Maasai tribe in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Seeing the great migration in Tanzania

Witnessing the great migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should top the bucket list of every safari enthusiast. During the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, when an estimated two million wildebeests cross the vast plains of the Serengeti into the Masai Mara of Kenya. To give yourself the best chance of appreciating the unparalleled scale, power and momentum of this natural wonder, it’s important to do everything you can to be in the right place at the right time. Thanks to our local knowledge of wildlife behaviours and movement in Tanzania’s parks and sanctuaries, we can save you many hours of dead-end online research, frustration and crushing disappointment.

So, what is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

It’s an endless loop of hooves and horns, hope and heartbreak, encompassing Africa’s Serengeti and Masai Mara – countless creatures in search of the rains and new grass. Over a million and a half trudging, leaping wildebeest are involved each year, alongside roughly 400,000 Thomson’s gazelle, 300,000 zebra and 12,000 elands.

When is the best time to see the great migration in Tanzania?

Based on our personal experience of many years of guiding in Africa and historical data, we know that from mid-June and July the migratory herds usually split into groups. One big herd heads to the Western Corridor and spreads across Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo. Many of them will then cross the crocodile-infested Grumeti River, which is a very impressive sight to behold. However, if most of these gnus cross to the other side of the river by early July, they can easily finish the green grassland there within two to three weeks, at which point they will be forced to head further north for more food and water.

The other large herd will go straight to the far north and attempt to make small crossings to Masai Mara. The mega-herd takes a bit longer and generally reaches northern Serengeti in August. During this time, you will be able to see crossings at least twice a day, in large numbers and at longer intervals.

It’s indeed hard to predict the exact timing of the crossing into the Mara. As we know, nature doesn’t always stick to a plan and these migratory herds depend heavily on unpredictable rain patterns. Over the years I have seen many clients have their hopes dashed after arriving in Tanzania and asking to be taken to specific locations in the Serengeti at a certain time of the year, only to find that the wildebeest decided to follow a whole different plan.

The truth about the great migration in Tanzania and Kenya is that the animals are continuously moving, plodding along more or less the same annual route through Serengeti and Masai Mara. Witnessing the migration is all a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and choosing between permanent camps and semi-mobile operations, which can follow the herds.

Why should you plan your safari to witness the great migration in Tanzania with our experts?

We are a team of locals from Africa who know our home like the back of our hands, and we are delighted to share it with you. We know the quality of accommodation options and will only recommend the places that we have personally stayed in and thoroughly inspected. By having us plan your trip for you, we can provide you with more realistic expectations than trying to figure everything out on your own, based on suggestions from booking engines, or worse, from big off-the-shelf packaged companies that have never been to Africa.

Unlike most travel companies, we only offer fully customized, private-guided African safaris that allow you to have full control over your experience and all the flexibility you need to plan your daily game drives with your private driver, exclusive safari vehicle, and an English-speaking safari guide. Ultimately, you choose exactly what you’d like to do, when you would like to start your private safari trip, and where you’d like to go.

Will you plan my great migration safari in Tanzania?

Absolutely! We would be delighted to help you plan your tailor-made safari experience in Tanzania based on your travel interests, budget and expectations. A detailed interactive digital itinerary for this private-guided safari is available upon request. Please call now at 1.315.805.4040 or email us for more information.

While the sample itineraries on our website are intended to provide inspiration and give you an idea of how to capture the soul of Tanzania’s wilds and touch the real heart of Africa, we will work with you to customize, tweak, and tailor your trip to a tee, so that you can start looking forward to your dream Tanzania wildlife safari experience.

What’s it like to be on a migration safari in Tanzania?

To get a sense of our amazing tailor-made safari experiences from all over Africa, please watch our short video.

Awesome We spent 3 marvelous days with Godwin in Tarangire, Manyara Lake and Ngorongoro crater. He speaks perfect english, is funny but formal. He explained to us a lot of things about the big amount of animals we could see. Also some curiosities about the flora. No doubt, we would repeat.

Alfredo Cuellar

1. September, 2021.

Amazing Safari experience! We started working with Abdullie to create our itinerary 2 years ago. Our original plan was to visit Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, however due to covid we decided to visit only Tanzania this year. We visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, the Northern Serengeti and the Central Serengeti. Every aspect of our safari was so well planned, and the accommodations were lovely. We had two guides during the duration of our trip, Michael and Juma. Both guides were not only extremely knowledgeable, but so personable and were just as excited to see things as we were, and they were so patient (we had a lot of questions!). It was great to hear how much they knew about the wildlife and the areas, but we really enjoyed getting to know them as individuals. To say Michael’s knowledge of birds was amazing would be an understatement. My husband would quickly describe a bird he saw to Michael and he would be able to tell us the type of bird and explain it to us. On top of that, he would always show us in the book and explain further. Juma’s knowledge of the areas we were in were just astonishing. Sometimes I wondered where we were driving (not that I would have known anyway!), or what we were waiting for, but Juma was always a step ahead. On our last day in the Central Serengeti he drove us further out, and didn’t stop searching for male lions as those were the one big cat we hadn’t seen. Sure enough, Juma found us 3 male lions together!! The best part? We were the ONLY car there, so we were able to spend as much time watching them. Abdullie and his team were available at all times…even with the time difference, Abdullie answered my emails and texts so quickly, regardless of the time. We really appreciated the communication between the team: Abdullie checking in on us, Michael connecting with Juma when we were changing locations, and vice versa. They just worked so well as a team…it wasn’t as if one individual knew something that the others didn’t, they were all in the communication loop. We truly loved every aspect of our trip. There isn’t anything we would change. Abdullie was so patient with me throughout the whole planning phase (believe me, I know I’m not the easiest person to work with!), always quickly responding to my numerous emails and questions. Michael and Juma ensured we saw everything we wanted to, and spent as much or as little time viewing the animals as we wanted. In Tarangire there were elephants everywhere, and since Michael knew how much I loved elephants, he would point them out and stop EVERY SINGLE TIME we spotted them (which was quite often lol), and he would just stop and wait until I had gotten enough of watching them. We saw several river crossings in the Northern Serengeti because Juma was determined to have us watch as many as we could. Everything throughout our trip was seamless. Would we work with Abdullie and Wito Africa Safaris again? Well, we have the second part of our trip booked for next year already and it wouldn’t be with anyone else! The amount of time Abdullie and his team put into creating the perfect itinerary for you really shows. I realize this is an extensive review, however this is short compared to how much more I wanted to write about Abdullie and his team, and our trip in general. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to plan their safari, to just get in touch with Wito…I guarantee from the first response you receive from Abdullie you’ll feel like he’s a friend who just wants to plan the perfect trip for you. You won’t regret it!

Miwa

28. August, 2021.

Godwin is an amazing guide, full of interesting knowledge about every living thing, and every flower. He has a lot of patience, and always answers any question happily. And takes care of everything down to the smallest detail.

איתן גבירצמן

9. June, 2021.

Incredible experience in Africa 🙂 When my friend and I booked our flights to Africa, we were sure we were going to plan the whole trip ourselves. Turns out that was a very overwhelming thing to even begin! So happy to have connected with Wito Africa Safaris, because not only did we get to do everything we set out to, we got so much more! A trip tailored to our wants and must dos, without any of the stress that comes with planning and not knowing what or who to book with and transfers to and from airports that we had never been to. It was the most amazing experience and not having to worry about the details made it that much more incredible. The most magical part of our trip was by far the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti. Words can’t describe how amazing it is! We also went to Zanzibar for the beach, Cape Town for the mountains (and wine!), Botswana for more animals and Zimbabwe for Victoria falls. If you’re considering booking a trip to Africa, don’t think, just do it! And planning with Wito Africa Safaris will make it a thousand times more relaxed and enjoyable:)

Kate M.

9. January, 2020.

This trip has left me speechless. Tanzania will take your breath away the Serengeti is an absolutely magical place and the ngorongoro crater is an absolutely must!!. Abdullie planned a dream trip for us. Every detail was perfection and tailored exactly to the type of trip we wanted to have. The accommodations were beyond expectations. The communication with this company is top notch, Abdullie was readily available for any and all questions prior and during the trip. I would very highly recommend booking your trip to Tanzania with Wito!!!

Rachel T.

6. January, 2020.

Amazing organization and logistics

John

31. December, 2019.

Amazing experience! Abdullie from Wito Safaris organized the perfect trip for us and while doing so, stayed in close contact with us to listen to our wishes and explain the possibilities. We explicitly chose an Tanzanian organization and we were very happy with the outcome. All the lodges were excellent quality with very nice staff. Our guide was the best. We stayed together for 6 days, so you better get along! And we certainly did. He had great knowledge of the wildlife and their ecosystem, which really enhanced our enjoyment. We had a chance to see all the animals, from the big 5 to the small beautiful birds. And everything went smoothly, we had no worries whatsoever. Perfectly organized trip and truly a trip of a lifetime.

mevrouw Combe

26. November, 2019.

Our experience with Wito Africa Safaris could not have been more pleasant from the initial communication through the completion of the safari in Ngorongoro. Our driver was courteous, fun and most informative of the surrounding area, the history of the park, and of every species we saw inside the park and even on the fringe. The vehicle was comfortable and accommodated our group well; the lunch was delicious and even special dietary needs were met. All prearranged details were executed precisely. I would highly recommend Wito Africa Safaris.

2. August, 2019.

Amazing safari and Kilimanjaro We had an amazing experience climbing Kilimanjaro followed by a few days safari. For both elements of our trip the guides were knowledgeable and fun, and everything went smoothly and seamlessly.

Myrtil

29. July, 2019.

Made it to Uhuru! Abdullie was phenomenal to work with before my trip. And the pairing of Wito and Pristine was incredible. Couldn't have had a better experience. Thank you.

Manny Peredo

11. July, 2019.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the vast Serengeti—home to the Great Wildebeest Migration
Stay in an amazing selection of intimate tented safari camps and well-appointed lodges that are strategically positioned in the best wildlife viewing areas
Enjoy uninterrupted wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities
Have an opportunity to walk and explore outside the vehicle
Fly the long stretches and enjoy scenic vehicle transfers inside the parks
Enjoy the incredible diversity of wildlife, landscape and culture

Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be warmly welcomed by a Wito Africa private vehicle and driver who will transfer you to your boutique accommodation in Arusha for a pre-safari briefing and overnight stay. Kick off your adventure of a lifetime with an exquisite fine dining experience. Your butler will then show you to your room where you will spend one night.

After a delicious breakfast, your Wito Africa private field guide and vehicle will transfer you to Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive and exploration. Tarangire is known for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and backdrop of baobabs. During your game drives, you will marvel at your first sightings of what is probably one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants, along with Cape buffalos, impalas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest who— in addition to some big cats and an abundance of mammal species—call the park their home. Lunch will be a classic safari picnic within the park, while enjoying a glimpse of the great wilds of Northern Tanzania. In the afternoon, check in to your camp, get settled and enjoy a private sundowner before having your delicious dinner. By magical moonlight, you can go in search of the African wild cat, leopards and bush babies, as well as nocturnal creatures such as bat-eared foxes, owls and nightjars. This camp uses specialized lighting to point out those animals that are rarely seen in the light of day, and you should also keep an eye out for lions and hyenas.

The next day, your guide will greet you and take you for an exciting early morning game drive in this unique wildlife-filled area of Tarangire. Return to the camp for lunch and relaxation before setting out again in the afternoon for further exploration. You can also experience the rawness of this wilderness on foot, for an even more vivid encounter with Africa’s wildlife – large and small – that will forever be etched on your memory.

After a leisurely breakfast, your Wito Africa private guide will greet you at the lodge and transfer you in the direction of the Great Rift Valley to the crater highlands, for a taste of culture. Your guide will take you to a local Maasai village, or perhaps to the FAME Africa Hospital, where you will meet the people who started this local hospital in order to help the people of Tanzania (you could choose to visit a school, orphanage, village, hospital … whatever most interests you!). After lunch, transfer to the lodge that borders Ngorongoro Crater for relaxation and an overnight stay.

The next day, after an early breakfast, you will descend with your private safari guide to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will find spectacular scenery (arriving nice and early gives you the best chance of witnessing the predators returning from their overnight hunts) and game viewing in what has been described by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world. Ngorongoro is a collapsed volcano – an incredible natural amphitheater, 25 km across, and teeming with more than 30,000 protected animals, including all members of The Big Five. Depart from the lodge with a picnic so that you can maximize your time in the Crater. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for sundowners and relaxation before your scrumptious dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, your Wito Africa private guide will transfer you to the Lake Manyara airstrip for your scheduled flight to the vast Serengeti National Park. You will be greeted at an airstrip in Serengeti by a private safari guide and vehicle and taken on a gentle game drive on your way to your luxury mobile camp. This mobile tented camp moves seasonally to be in the best location for migration viewing, all year round. A stay here offers a front row seat to the Great Wildebeest Migration. For the next four days, you will explore the resident wildlife and stunning landscapes, and venture to the river for a chance to witness the dramatic river crossing!

OPTIONAL – Why not take an unforgettable flight over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon!

You will say goodbye to the Serengeti with hearts and minds full of incredible memories, and board your scheduled flight to Arusha Airport. Since your flight home will probably not depart until later in the evening, we have arranged a day room for you at the unparalleled Machweo Wellness & Retreat. Here, you can wash up, rest and relax by the pool, take a tour of the coffee estate, and visit the remarkable workshop and gift store, Shanga. Shanga is an inspiring local initiative that strives to support the lives of Tanzanians with disabilities. We love connecting our clients to Shanga and encourage them to support their fair trade, handmade goods (made from recycled materials) as a way for us to highlight their amazing work.

In the evening, your driver will greet you and transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your scheduled flight home.

Included/Excluded

Professional private English-speaking safari guide;
Exclusive use of 4x4 safari Landcruiser (open-sided or enclosed with pop-up roof for game viewing);
Accommodation as detailed;
All Domestic flights;
All national park entrance fees for sightseeing, concession and camping fees;
All food – breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals during safari;
All local brand drinks (house wine, beer & spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, tea & coffee, juices);
Donations and payments to local community projects;
All government taxes and fees;
Emergency evacuation insurance;

International flights;
Travel and personal accident insurance;
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines;
Gratuities for airport transfer drivers, safari guide, hotel and camp staff;
Expenditure on personal bar bills for premium brand drinks (those not included), souvenirs, etc.;
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary;

Tour's Location

tanzania

FAQs

Based on our personal experience, many years of guiding in Africa and historical data, the best time to see the migration crossing the rivers in Tanzania is usually from mid-July to the end of September.

The classic time to visit Tanzania is during the main dry season, from June to October, when good weather conditions can be expected across the country and wildlife viewing should be spectacular.

Another major highlight is the migration calving season in Serengeti (December – March), which coincides with good trekking conditions on Kilimanjaro and fair weather down on the coast, too.

The Tanzania great migration is one of the best wildlife shows on earth. It is true that it’s hard to predict the exact timing of the crossing into the Mara. As we know, nature doesn’t always stick to a plan and these migratory herds depend heavily on unpredictable rain patterns.

The truth about the great migration in Tanzania and Kenya is that the animals are in fact continuously moving, plodding along more or less the same annual route through Serengeti and Masai Mara. Witnessing the migration is all a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and choosing between permanent camps and semi-mobile operations, which can follow the herds.

Thanks to our local knowledge of wildlife behaviors and movement in Tanzania’s parks and sanctuaries, we can save you many hours of dead-end online research, frustration and crushing disappointment.

This private safari experience starts in Tanzania at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and ends the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Our private safari guide and vehicle will meet and greet you upon arrival, and they will transfer you back to the airport on your last day of your safari experience with us.

Airport transfers are included in the price of this private safari experience. In this case our private safari guide/representative and vehicle will be at the airport to meet & greet you upon arrival. When you arrive at the airport, please proceed to the arrival areas and look for a sign with your last name written on it.