9 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Safari
A 9 Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari offers enough time to track the herds through Tanzania’s Serengeti and explore multiple sections of the park. The route varies by time of year, as the herds gather in the south during calving season and cross rivers in the north from July to October. Game drives offer a chance to get closer to wildebeest, zebras, lions, and other animals, but there is no guarantee you will see the migration or any crossings. Staying in different camps or lodges can cut down on long drives and bring you closer to the migrating herds.
Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (central-west / east)
Day 4: Northern Serengeti & Great Migration (opportunity to witness the well-known Mara River crossing)
Day 5: Northern Serengeti & Great Migration (opportunity to witness the well-known Mara River crossing)
Day 6: Serengeti National Park (central-west / east)
Day 7: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Crater included)
Day 8 – 9: Departure international flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Pricing for a 9-day Wildebeest Migration Safari
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- 2 people: US $ 4,200 per person
- 4 people: US $ 3,302 per person
- 6 people: US $ 3,005 per person
Detail 9 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
As you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your dedicated Wilds of Africa guide welcomes you with a smile, shouting, ‘Karibu Tanzania - welcome to Tanzania!’ You’ll be transferred directly from the airport to your hotel in Arusha town, where you can unwind and soak up the African atmosphere. The next day, you enjoy a private safari with your guide, so you can travel at your own pace. Enjoy a private safari jeep to yourself and indulge in the luxury of watching the animals to your heart’s content!
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is renowned for large herds of elephants and numerous giant baobab trees. Baobab trees can live for hundreds of years, and they also serve as a water source for elephants during the dry season because elephants know how to extract water from them. Furthermore, the Tarangire River is the only water source during the dry period; therefore, during the dry season in Tarangire, you will find up to 250 elephants along with other animals. Dinner and overnight at Manyara Best View Lodge and Spa
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
The main attraction of Serengeti National Park is that it’s one of the best places for a safari because of the migration that moves through the park. Nothing is more amazing than the great herds migrating and running, and the huge number of predators in the park: more than four thousand lions, two hundred cheetahs, a thousand leopards, three thousand five hundred hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs! Your guide will also be happy to help you spot many other wonderful animals. In the evening, drive to Serengeti Sound of Silence Camp for dinner and an overnight.
Day 4 - 5: Northern Serengeti & Great Migration (possibility to see the famous Mara River crossing)
Picture yourself traversing the northern plains of the Serengeti with your guide, watching millions of wildebeest and zebras bleating and moaning as they try to cross the crocodile-infested river. This is the great migration’s famed Mara River Crossing, which you can witness each year between July and October on the northern side of Serengeti National Park. This would be an extremely thrilling experience – after all, did we say the predators are lying in wait on the other side, just as hungry as the herds for fresh grazing? Dinner & Overnight at Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
Day 6: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
There are many places to enjoy a safari, but Serengeti National Park is no doubt the most popular. The park is home to one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration – that takes place here. The sheer size of the herds and the huge number of predators here are absolutely amazing: more than 4000 lions, over 200 cheetahs, 1000 leopards, 3500 hyenas, and numerous wild dogs. And of course, many other fantastic animals! In the evening, drive to Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp for Dinner and overnight
Day 7: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (includes Crater)
The well-known Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s seven wonders. Two million years ago, a large volcano erupted, forming the crater. The fertile volcanic lava created a distinct environment that supports Africa’s highest animal population. Once you enter the crater, you will find yourself among thousands of animals, including lions, zebras, buffalo, and black rhinos. At midday, stop for a picnic lunch at one of the picnic sites overlooking Lake Magadi, then proceed with the game drive en route to Manyara for dinner and overnight at Manyara Best View Lodge and Spa
Day 8 - 9: Outbound international flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport
The last day! Depending on your flight time, you can relax in the lodge a bit longer before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home. Having second thoughts? It's also possible to add a few days to your holiday by going to one of Tanzania's paradise islands, such as Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia!
Optimal Timing for a 9-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari
Calving Season in Southern Serengeti and Ndutu
The best time to visit the southern Serengeti and Ndutu is during the calving season, usually from late January to March. During this time, you can see newborn wildebeest and the predators they attract, making for great wildlife viewing. Since the herds move around, check with your tour operator about their current location and ask about backup plans if the animals move.
Migration Viewing in the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti
If you want to see the migrating herds or catch a river crossing, plan your trip to the Western Corridor and northern Serengeti between June and September. These areas offer the best chances to see these events. If seeing a river crossing is important to you, spend several days in the area to improve your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania?
The ideal time to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania depends on whether you want to experience the
Calving Season or the awe-inspiring Mara River Crossings.
Seasonal Breakdown
January-March (Calving Season):
Location: Ndutu Plains & Southern Serengeti.
High Points: About 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day (February being the peak month), which brings about predator activity from big cats and hyenas.
Location: Ndutu Plains & Southern Serengeti.
High Points: About 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day (February being the peak month), which brings about predator activity from big cats and hyenas.
April-May (Transition/Long Rains):
Location: Central & Western Serengeti.
High Points: Herds will migrate north in a lush landscape. Fewer tourists will mean lower costs.
Location: Central & Western Serengeti.
High Points: Herds will migrate north in a lush landscape. Fewer tourists will mean lower costs.
June-July (Grumeti River Crossings):
Location: Western Corridor.
High Points: The herds gather, and they face their first major obstacle: rivers and crocodiles.
Location: Western Corridor.
High Points: The herds gather, and they face their first major obstacle: rivers and crocodiles.
August-October (Mara River Crossings at its Peak):
Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai).
High Points: Incredible river crossings where the herds must cross water full of crocodiles. This is the prime time for safari tours.
Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai).
High Points: Incredible river crossings where the herds must cross water full of crocodiles. This is the prime time for safari tours.
November-December (Return Trek):
Location: Eastern & Northern Serengeti.
High Points: Short rains bring the herds south again
Location: Eastern & Northern Serengeti.
High Points: Short rains bring the herds south again
Where is the best place to view the wildebeest migration?
The best place to view the wildebeest migration is either Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, depending on the time of year.
Best Places to View the Migration According to Time of Year
- Southern Serengeti and Ndutu (January to March): Best location for the calving period, as thousands of babies are born each day.
- Western Corridor and Grumeti River (May to June): Best for early river crossings and less crowding than other northern rivers.
- Northern Serengeti and Mara River (July to October): Best period for Mara River crossings as wildebeest face danger from crocodiles.
- Masai Mara, Kenya (August to September): Best place to view the successful migrating wildebeests that have crossed into Kenya.
What should I expect during my safari in Tanzania with Wilds of Africa?
With us, you can visit and observe Tanzania’s fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery. Our safaris are private, meaning you’ll have a 4×4 Land Cruiser or jeep for your personal use. We can arrange your safari time to suit your preferences, and our experienced guides will help you on the day of your safari. Whether you want to see the animals at their most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the weather is comfortable, or finish your day at the pool, it is your choice. The wildlife of Tanzania is active during different times of the day.