The wildebeest migration in Tanzania is a natural spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. Over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make the journey from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya over the course of several months, with the peak of the movement usually occurring over a 10-day period.
The migration is driven by the search for food and water, as the animals follow the new grass that grows after the rain. They must cross rivers and navigate dangerous terrain, including the Mara River, where crocodiles wait for their prey.
The best time to witness the migration in Tanzania is between January and February when the herds are in the southern part of the Serengeti. Accommodations and tours should be booked well in advance, as this is a popular time for visitors.
Note: On Arrival Day – Airport Transfer can be arranged for an extra cost
Arrive in Arusha and spend a day or two exploring the town and getting acclimated to Tanzania. Arusha is a bustling city with plenty of markets, restaurants, and cultural experiences to enjoy. Visit the Arusha National Park, take a walking tour, or check out the local crafts and souvenirs.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:
Luxury: The Mount Meru Hotel / Gran Melia / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range : Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Green Mountain Lodge
Head to Lake Manyara National Park, where you'll have the chance to see large herds of wildebeest and other animals like elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, so keep your eyes peeled! Spend a day or two exploring the park on game drives and guided walks.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation:
Luxury: Acacia Migration Camp / Kitela Lodge / Manyara Kilima Moja
Mid-range : Eileen’s Tree Inn / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite
Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that is home to an incredible array of wildlife. The crater is one of the best places to see the wildebeest migration up close, as well as other animals like lions, cheetahs, and hippos. Take a guided tour of the crater, and spend a night in a lodge on the crater rim for stunning views.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation:
Luxury: Acacia Migration Camp / Kitela Lodge / Manyara Kilima Moja
Mid-range : Eileen’s Tree Inn / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite
Next, head to the Serengeti National Park, where you'll spend two days exploring the vast savannahs and grasslands that are home to millions of wildebeest and other animals. This is the heart of the migration, and you'll have a chance to witness the incredible sight of herds of animals moving across the landscape. Take game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon rides over the park for an unforgettable experience.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation:
Luxury: Acacia Migration Camp / Kitela Lodge / Manyara Kilima Moja
Mid-range : Eileen’s Tree Inn / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite
After breakfast at the camp, we drive to Serengeti central, Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park and a world heritage site. The Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers an amazing game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation:
Luxury: Acacia Migration Camp / Kitela Lodge / Manyara Kilima Moja
Mid-range : Eileen’s Tree Inn / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite