7 days · Arusha · Central Serengeti · North Serengeti · Ngorongoro & Karatu
The Great Migration
Serengeti, Mara River & Ngorongoro · Light Aircraft Safari
This journey travels the Serengeti from south to north, from the great central plains to the Mara River, before continuing into the Ngorongoro Highlands. Light aircraft links the main stages with little time on the road, while your own guide and vehicle stay with you throughout the safari.
The journey begins gently in Arusha, with a choice between exploring the Mount Meru surroundings on horseback and a visit to Kikuletwa Hot Springs. In the North Serengeti, an optional sunrise balloon safari can be added, offering a privileged perspective over the plains and, during migration season, the movement of the great herds toward the Mara River.
Planning your dates? Read our guide: The Great Migration, month by month.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Regions
- Arusha · Central Serengeti · North Serengeti · Ngorongoro & Karatu
- Best time to travel
- July to October to witness the river crossings; excellent year round
The route
- Light aircraft
- Game drive or road transfer
- Balloon safari
- Overnight stop
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
An illustrated overview of how the journey moves across Northern Tanzania, with each numbered stop matching the day by day itinerary above.
Rates: Grand Signature
Sample accommodation
- 1 x Laba Mama Simba, Arusha, TanzaniaIndividual Garden Cottage
- 1 x One Nature Nyaruswiga, Central Serengeti, TanzaniaLuxury One Bedroom Tent
- 2 x Sayari Camp, North Serengeti, TanzaniaTented Suite
- 1 x One Nature Nyaruswiga, Central Serengeti, TanzaniaLuxury One Bedroom Tent
- 1 x Gibb's Farm, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, TanzaniaLuxury Cottage
or similar lodges of the same category. Explore all the options in Where You'll Stay
Peak Season
16 May – 31 October · 15 December – 10 January
from $16,450
per person
Mid Season
1 November – 14 December
from $11,650
per person
Per person, based on two adults sharing, and includes accommodation, all park and concession fees, private guide and vehicle, internal flights where applicable, and emergency medical evacuation cover.
All prices include VAT. Indicative price for this sample itinerary exactly as described; if we tailor it, we send you the price for your version, confirmed together with availability.
Rates: Signature
Sample accommodation
- 1 x Siringit Villa, Arusha, TanzaniaLuxury Suite
- 1 x Warangi Ridge, Central Serengeti, TanzaniaLuxury Tented Suite
- 2 x Serengeti Migration Camp, North Serengeti, TanzaniaSafari Tent
- 1 x Warangi Ridge, Central Serengeti, TanzaniaLuxury Tented Suite
- 1 x The Plantation Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, TanzaniaCoffee House, Eucalyptus, Oldupai or Heliconia Suite
or similar lodges of the same category. Explore all the options in Where You'll Stay
Peak Season
16 May – 31 October · 15 December – 10 January
from $10,250
per person
Mid Season
1 November – 14 December
from $7,650
per person
Per person, based on two adults sharing, and includes accommodation, all park and concession fees, private guide and vehicle, internal flights where applicable, and emergency medical evacuation cover.
All prices include VAT. Indicative price for this sample itinerary exactly as described; if we tailor it, we send you the price for your version, confirmed together with availability.
What the price includes
- Accommodation in the lodges and room categories listed above, on full board
- All meals throughout the journey, including lunch boxes, plus water and soft drinks in the vehicle
- Private guide-driver and Land Cruiser throughout, airport transfers included
- Light aircraft flight from Arusha into the Serengeti
- All national park and conservation area fees, concession fees and vehicle fees
- Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater
- All the activities and visits in the itinerary
- Emergency medical evacuation cover with AMREF Flying Doctors
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Tanzania mandatory inbound travel insurance
- Travel insurance
- Sunrise balloon safari
- Tips and personal expenses
Make it yours
This itinerary is only a starting point. We can make it longer or shorter, change the lodges, travel between regions by light aircraft or by road, add experiences along the way and adapt the pace to the way you like to travel. Tell us how you picture your safari and we will design it with you.
Day by day