9 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

Experience the Wonder: Your Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

The Great Wildebeest Migration Tour is an incredible opportunity to witness one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on earth. Each year, over two million wildebeest, as well as zebras and gazelles, make a long and arduous journey from the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. This migration is a spectacular sight to behold, with the animals crossing rivers, dodging predators, and facing various challenges along the way.

During the Great wildebeest migration tour, visitors have the chance to witness the migration up close and personal, either by land safari or hot air balloon. Seeing the sheer number of animals traversing the savannah in search of food and water is truly awe-inspiring and offers a glimpse into the circle of life in the African wilderness. In addition to the migration itself, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as game drives, nature walks, and cultural interactions with the local Maasai people.

Overall, the Great Wildebeest Migration Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides an unmatched opportunity to witness nature in all its raw beauty. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone looking to experience something truly extraordinary, this tour is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Joining this safari is a chance to connect with nature and the wild in a way that few other experiences can match.

Great Wildebeest Migration Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your Great Wildebeest migration safari will commence promptly at 8AM with a pickup from your Arusha hotel and drive to Tarangire National Park which is a renowned destination for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse vegetation. The park covers a vast expanse of 3,000 sq km, named after the Tarangire river that flows through it. As we embark on our game drive, be prepared to be enthralled by the majestic Baobab trees, creating an enchanting backdrop for wildlife encounters. Although Tarangire is not the actual spot to observe the great wildebeest migrations but it offers an exceptional game viewing experiences due to its remarkable concentration of wildlife including the elephants. Enjoy an exceptional opportunity to witness the fascinating dynamics and interactions of the elephants families. Our adventure continues until late afternoon, with a brief stop for a delightful picnic lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, zebras, and if fortune favors you, perhaps even the elusive tree climbing python or the long-necked Gerenak.  Remember to have your camera ready to capture the beauty of this remarkable scenery. After the game drive, we will return to your camp or lodge, where a delectable dinner awaits. Rest well for tomorrow’s exciting adventures.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park To Serengeti
After a delicious breakfast at 8AM, you will begin your journey to the Ndutu savannah plains which is the main focus area for your great waidbeest migration tour. The scenic drive from Tarangire to Ndutu area takes about 3-hour drive. Upon reaching Ndutu, you will embark on an exhilarating game drive through the sweeping grasslands. Keep an eye out for the annual migration of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles. Witness the plains transform into a vibrant calving ground and nursery for the great migration. Ndutu is also home to six species of big cats – leopard, lion, cheetah, hyena, caracal, serval, and wildcat. At  17:00 pm you will retreat to your chosen accommodation for a freshly prepared dinner and a rejuvenating rest.

Day 3 & 4: Game Viewing in Ndutu 
As you continue with your wildebeest migration safari in Ndutu area you may possibly visit both Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation area since the area span between the two reserves. Today, you have the opportunity to witness the remarkable wildlife spectacle once again. Following breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive, following the migration’s location in either NCA or Serengeti. Experience the rich calving grounds, where hordes of predators prey on vulnerable young wildebeests, offering an unforgettable display of the circle of life. As the eventful day draws to a close around 5PM, retreat to your accommodation for a well-deserved dinner and rest, preparing for the next adventure.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park
After spending two days in Ndutu area, you will continue with your fascinating wildebeest migration safari into the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, celebrated for its abundant wildlife. After a satisfying breakfast, traverse the endless plains, captivated by the breathtaking view of the grassland stretching as far as the eye can see. With an expansive land area of 14,763 square kilometers, the Serengeti supports the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa and on the entire planet. Look out for the majestic “Big 5” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. The Serengeti’s massive granite outcrops famously known as “Kopjes” offer shelter to diverse flora and fauna. Amidst your full day game drive, enjoy a picnic lunch and conclude your wildebeest migration safari day with a hearty dinner, followed by a restful night in your accommodation.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park
Embark on a full day game drive through the central portion of the Serengeti National Park. Known as the Seronera area, this region boasts an abundance of wildlife, particularly lions and leopards. The Serengeti’s pristine ecosystem provides an exceptional game viewing experience throughout the year. Delight in the interactions and survival of the region’s lion prides. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive and conclude the day at around 5PM. Return to your accommodation for a satisfying dinner and a well-deserved rest, recharging for the next leg of your safari.

Day 7: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro CA
After a fulfilling breakfast, embark on a short game drive in the Serengeti before branching out towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Enjoy mild game sightings during the 2.5-hour drive to the impressive geological attraction of Ngorongoro Crater. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable rest at your chosen accommodation, preparing for the next day’s descent into the crater.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Begin your day with a quick breakfast before an early descent into the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater. With a floor spanning approximately 260 square kilometers and a depth of over 2000 feet, the crater offers a remarkable five-hour game drive. Be prepared for abundant animal action, including African elephants, buffalos, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the picturesque Hippo pool before ascending to the crater’s top exit. A two-hour drive will take you back to your accommodation in Karatu, where a delectable dinner awaits. Rest and recharge for the upcoming day of your safari.

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha
Commence the final day of your safari with an 8AM breakfast. Today’s destination is Arusha, with a half-day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park along the way. Traverse

Key Phases of the Migration:

• Calving Season (January to March): The southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania host the calving season, where approximately 500,000 calves are born within a few weeks. This period offers predators and visitors alike a unique spectacle of life and survival.

• Grumeti River Crossing (May to July): As the dry season approaches, the herds move northwest towards the Grumeti River. This crossing is fraught with peril, not just from the crocodile-infested waters but also from predators lurking in the tall grasses.

• Mara River Crossing (August to October): Perhaps the most iconic and dramatic phase, the herds reach the Mara River. Their attempts to cross into the Maasai Mara are a breathtaking sight, marked by chaos, courage, and the relentless cycle of life and death.

• Return to the Serengeti (November to December): The herds gradually move back towards the Serengeti, lured by the promise of fresh rainfall and grazing, ready to begin the cycle anew.