7 Days Tanzania Migration Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

This 7-day Tanzania migration safari focuses on Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Northern Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations. The itinerary is designed for travellers who want more time in the Serengeti, with game drives in the Northern Serengeti, Mara River area and Central Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may see wildebeest and zebra herds moving across the plains or gathering near the Mara River. The safari also includes Olduvai Gorge, a crater rim experience, a full-day Ngorongoro Crater game drive and a Maasai Boma visit, giving you a strong mix of wildlife, landscapes and culture.

Cheetah Hunting Gazelle Calf on Ndutu Plains

Safari Highlights

Day 1, Drive from Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Day 2 and 3, Northern Serengeti migration safari and Mara River area
Day 4, Mara River game drive and transfer to Central Serengeti
Day 5, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge and crater rim
Day 6, Ngorongoro Crater safari and Maasai Boma visit
Day 7, Departure from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Drive to Serengeti National Park and Evening Game Drive

Depending on your location in Arusha, meet your safari driver guide and begin your journey to Serengeti National Park. This is a long but scenic drive through Northern Tanzania, with lunch served en route. As you approach the Serengeti, the landscape opens into wide plains, one of the most iconic safari settings in Africa. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon or evening game drive, depending on travel time. The Serengeti is known for large herbivore herds and excellent predator sightings. You may see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas and hippos near water areas. After the game drive, proceed to your booked lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Central Serengeti Tanzania Bush Camp for mid-range, Seronera Wildlife Lodge for lower luxury, Melia Serengeti Lodge for luxury

Day 2 and 3, Northern Serengeti Migration Safari and Mara River Area

Wildebeests crossing Mara river — Wildebeests crossing the Mara river

Spend two full days exploring the Northern Serengeti, one of the best areas for migration viewing during the right season. Each day begins with an early morning game drive when predators are more active and temperatures are cooler. Your guide will search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, waterbucks, wildebeest and zebras. The Northern Serengeti is especially known for the Mara River area. Depending on the travel season and movement of the herds, you may see wildebeest and zebras gathering near the river or crossing between Tanzania and Kenya. River crossings are dramatic but unpredictable, so they should be presented as a possibility, not a guarantee. After lunch, continue with afternoon game drives across open plains, riverine areas and migration routes. This gives you more time to follow wildlife movement and enjoy different sightings across the region. Return to your lodge each evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation Mara River Camp by Tanzania Bush Camp for mid-range, Malaika Mara River Camp for lower luxury, Serengeti Migration Camp by Elewana for luxur

Day 4, Mara River Game Drive and Transfer to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive around the Mara River area, focusing on wildlife activity along the riverbanks and surrounding plains. This area can be especially rewarding during migration season, but it also supports resident wildlife throughout the year. You may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and predators such as lions or leopards. Later, begin your transfer to the Central Serengeti, with game viewing along the way.

The landscape gradually changes from northern river areas to open plains and rocky outcrops known as kopjes. Stop for lunch during the journey, then continue with an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region, known for year-round wildlife and strong predator activity. Proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Central Serengeti Tanzania Bush Camp for mid-range for Seronera Wildlife Lodge for lower luxury, Melia Serengeti Lodge for luxury. Optional Activity: Hot air balloon safari

Day 5, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge and Crater Rim

After breakfast, leave Serengeti National Park and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a packed lunch. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of East Africa’s most important archaeological sites. The area is known for discoveries linked to early human history and offers insight into the long human story of the region. Continue through the Ngorongoro highlands, where you may see Maasai communities, grazing cattle and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short crater rim walk or viewpoint stop before proceeding to your lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Hhando Coffee Lodge for mid-range, Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge for lower luxury, Ngorongoro Lodge by Melia for luxury

Day 6, Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Maasai Boma Visit

After breakfast, take your packed lunch and descend about 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater is one of Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing areas because of its high concentration of animals within a relatively compact landscape. During the game drive, you may see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos and different antelope species. Explore the crater’s open grasslands, swamp areas and Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species depending on the season. After your crater game drive, visit a Maasai Boma for a cultural experience. This visit offers insight into Maasai traditions, homestead life, cattle keeping and local customs. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7, Departure from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport

After a relaxed breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your drive back to Arusha. Depending on your travel schedule, you will be dropped off at Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Arusha. This marks the end of your 7-day Tanzania migration safari.