Overview
A classic northern Tanzania safari built around the migration. We follow the herds with a private guide and vehicle, staying in small tented camps in the Serengeti and on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Because you travel privately, the pace flexes with the wildlife. If the lions are hunting at dawn, you stay out. Park fees, permits and all game drives are included.
Trip highlights
- Private guide and 4x4 throughout — no shared vehicles
- Timed for the Mara River wildebeest crossings
- Two nights on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater
- Balloon safari over the Serengeti at dawn (optional)
- Maasai village visit with a community guide
Day by day
8 days1Day 1Arrival in Arusha
Met at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to your lodge below Mount Meru. Safari briefing over dinner.
Lodge, Arusha
2Day 2Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire, famous for its baobabs and elephant herds, with a full afternoon game drive.
Tented camp, Tarangire
3Day 3Into the Serengeti
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti. Afternoon game drive en route to camp.
Tented camp, Central Serengeti
4Day 4Serengeti plains
Full day following the wildlife. Optional dawn balloon safari over the plains.
Tented camp, Central Serengeti
5Day 5Northern Serengeti and the Mara River
Drive north towards the river in search of crossing points and the big herds.
Tented camp, Northern Serengeti
6Day 6Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater at dawn for the best chance of rhino, then a Maasai village visit on the way to the rim.
Lodge, Ngorongoro rim
7Day 7Crater rim and Lake Manyara
Morning on the crater floor, then transfer to Lake Manyara for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Lodge, Karatu
8Day 8Departure
Drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight.
What's included
- Hand-picked accommodation as listed
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Daily breakfast, plus meals shown in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides throughout
- All entrance fees for included activities
- 24/7 support from your dedicated travel planner
Not included
- International flights (we can quote these separately)
- Travel insurance
- Visa and entry fees where applicable
- Personal expenses, drinks and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Departures & availability
Gallery
Traveller reviews
Write a reviewThe safari we had been dreaming about for years
Our guide Joseph could spot a leopard from a moving vehicle at half a kilometre. We saw a crossing on the Mara River on day five after two days of patient positioning, and the camp was small and genuinely comfortable. Worth every penny and then some.
Daniel Okafor
Lagos, Nigeria
Good to know
Best time to visit
June–October (dry season, river crossings)
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Language
Swahili, English
Time zone
Africa/Dar_es_Salaam (UTC+3)