5 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari in Serengeti

This 5-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari is designed for travellers who want to experience the Mara River crossing in Northern Serengeti, one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife events. The safari begins in Arusha with a game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds and baobab trees. You then travel through the Ngorongoro highlands to Northern Serengeti, where large herds of wildebeests and zebras gather near the Mara River during migration season. The safari also includes a Ngorongoro Crater game drive, offering strong chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hyenas and, with luck, the rare black rhino. This itinerary is ideal for travellers looking for a short migration safari with private game drives, tented camp stays, and well-planned wildlife viewing.

Wide Serengeti plains — Serengeti National Park Tanzania

Safari Highlight

Pick up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Full day game drive in Tarangire National Park
Scenic drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Stop at Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint
Transfer to Northern Serengeti with en route game viewing
Full-day safari near the Mara River
Chance to witness the Great Migration and river crossing in season
Ngorongoro Crater game drive with Big Five wildlife
Stay in Northern Serengeti migration camps
Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide

Detailed 5-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari Itinerary

Day 1, Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Full Day Game Drive

Elephant Family Herd Walks Across Savannah with Young Calf

Depending on your location in Arusha, meet your safari guide for a short briefing before departure. Proceed to Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds, baobab trees and rich wildlife. During your game drive, you may see elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, lions and a wide range of bird species. Tarangire offers diverse landscapes, from riverine areas to open savannah, making it one of Tanzania’s most rewarding parks. After the game drive, proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation Tarangire Safari Lodge or Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge

Day 2, Tarangire to Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Viewpoint and Game Drive

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey to Northern Serengeti. Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a stop at the crater viewpoint for panoramic views. Along the way, you may see Maasai villages and wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, antelopes and wildebeests. After lunch, continue with an en route game drive towards Northern Serengeti, the key area for migration viewing. Arrive in the evening, check in and relax before dinner. Accommodation: Mara River Camp, Malaika Mara River Camp, Serengeti Migration Camp.

Day 3, Northern Serengeti Great Migration Safari and Mara River Crossing

Herd of wildebeests in river crossing Tanzania safari — A herd of wildebeests in river crossing during a Tanzania safari

After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive in Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River. During the migration season, typically from June to October, large herds of wildebeests and zebras gather near the river. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed, but spending a full day increases your chances. You may also see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants and other wildlife in the area. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4, Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, Big Five Game Drive

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an en route game drive. Arrive near the crater in the early afternoon, have lunch, then descend about 600 metres into the crater floor for a game drive. You may see buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, hyenas, ostriches and, with luck, the rare black rhino. After the game drive, ascend and proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Hhando Coffee Lodge or Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

Lions and buffaloes on Ngorongoro crater — Lions and buffaloes on Ngorongoro Crater

Day 5, Ngorongoro to Arusha, Craft Stops and Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with optional stops for craft shopping. Depending on the time, you may have lunch and a short city visit before transferring to the airport. This marks the end of your 5-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari.