9 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

OVERVIEW

The 9 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari with Unique Africa Tours is designed for travelers who want to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. This luxury safari takes you through Tanzania’s finest national parks including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and different sections of the Serengeti, timed to follow the migration route. With private game drives, exclusive bush picnics, and stays in top luxury lodges and camps, this itinerary blends adventure with indulgence, ensuring unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Unique Africa Tours and transferred to your luxury hotel in Arusha. The day is dedicated to rest and relaxation after your long flight. If time allows, you may take a city tour of Arusha, visiting cultural markets or a nearby coffee plantation. In the evening, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the lodge as you prepare for the exciting safari ahead. Arusha, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of Mount Meru, is the perfect gateway to your Tanzania safari adventure.

Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Lake Duluti Lodge
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. On arrival, embark on your first game drive where you will encounter wildebeest, zebras, lions, and leopards among other wildlife. The Tarangire River attracts a large concentration of animals, making it ideal for game viewing. Enjoy a luxury picnic lunch inside the park, followed by an afternoon game drive as you explore more of this scenic landscape. In the evening, settle into your luxury lodge or camp and unwind with sundowner cocktails before dinner.

Accommodation Options: Tarangire Treetops by Elewana, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful destination nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and the pink flamingos that dot the lake’s shoreline. You will enjoy a game drive that takes you through diverse habitats including forests, acacia woodlands, and grassy floodplains. A luxury picnic lunch will be served in the park. In the evening, transfer to your luxury lodge near the park where you can enjoy a fine dining experience overlooking the stunning scenery.

Accommodation Options: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Today you will head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater floor for a full-day game drive where you will spot an abundance of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the rare black rhino. The crater’s diverse ecosystems of lakes, grasslands, and forests provide a perfect environment for wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the crater before continuing your exploration. In the evening, ascend to the crater rim and settle into your luxury lodge with panoramic views of this natural wonder.

Accommodation Options: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands Ngorongoro, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive toward the Central Serengeti, often referred to as the Seronera Valley, which is well known for its big cat populations. Along the way, you may stop at Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered. Upon arrival, check into your luxury camp or lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head out on your first Serengeti game drive where you can encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants. End the day with sundowners in the wild before returning to your lodge for a gourmet dinner.

Accommodation Options: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Central to Northern Serengeti (Following the Migration)

After an early breakfast, set off for the Northern Serengeti where the Great Migration is often at its peak between July and October. This area is known for dramatic river crossings along the Mara River, where wildebeest and zebras risk their lives against crocodiles and predators. Enjoy a game drive en route, arriving in time for lunch at your luxury lodge or tented camp. In the afternoon, explore the northern plains, witnessing vast herds and thrilling predator action. In the evening, relax in your lodge with exceptional service and stunning views over the Serengeti.

Accommodation Options: Sayari Camp by Asilia, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Today is dedicated to following the migration in the Northern Serengeti. Begin with a sunrise game drive where you can witness predators on the move and the wildebeest herds gathering at the river. Breakfast will be served in the bush, followed by a full-day safari that takes you deeper into migration hotspots. You will likely see thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as well as lions, cheetahs, and vultures. A luxury picnic lunch will be provided during the game drive. In the evening, return to your lodge to enjoy spa treatments, a campfire, and a fine dining experience under the stars.

Accommodation Options: Singita Mara River Tented Camp, One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti, &Beyond Klein’s Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Morning Game Drive in Northern Serengeti

On your last full day in the Serengeti, rise early for a magical sunrise game drive followed by breakfast in the wild. Spend the morning exploring the northern plains one final time, capturing photographs of the migration and predators in action. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can choose between another short game drive or simply enjoying the luxury amenities of your lodge such as a pool or spa. The evening will be celebrated with a farewell bush dinner, a perfect way to conclude your Serengeti adventure.

Accommodation Options: Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Serengeti Migration Camp by Elewana, Sayari Camp by Asilia
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Serengeti to Arusha – Departure

After an early breakfast, you will enjoy a short game drive en route to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a luxury day room where you can freshen up before connecting to your international flight home. Depending on your schedule, you may also explore local markets in Arusha for souvenirs. This marks the end of your 9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Tour with Unique Africa Tours, leaving you with lifelong memories of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 9 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari.