The Great Wildebeest Migration
Witness millions of wildebeest and zebras moving across the Serengeti ecosystem.
- Northern CircuitSerengetiNgorongoroTarangireLake ManyaraMountains & CoastKilimanjaroZanzibar Beaches
Experience the extraordinary wildlife of Tanzania on a safari through some of Africa's most celebrated national parks. From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire's ancient baobab forests, every destination offers something different.
Tanzania Wildlife Safaris | Big Five & Great Migration Tours
Tanzania offers an unforgettable safari experience, where vast open plains, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife come together. Explore the endless Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, or watch elephants roam beneath Tarangire’s ancient baobab trees.From encountering the Big Five and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration to enjoying quiet moments in the wilderness, every safari brings something special. Whether travelling as a couple, with family, or on a private adventure, discover Tanzania at your own pace with experienced local guides and journeys shaped around you.
Tanzania offers more than wildlife sightings; it brings together some of Africa's most extraordinary natural experiences in one destination.
Tanzania is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from Africa's iconic Big Five to large herds of grazing animals and colorful birdlife. Across its national parks and conservation areas, every game drive offers the chance to discover something remarkable.
Discover the moments that make a Tanzania wildlife safari truly unforgettable, from witnessing the Great Migration to exploring iconic landscapes and encountering wildlife in its natural habitat.
The packages below come from years of listening to what people actually ask us for. Read them as ideas rather than as fixed products. Swap a park, stretch the days, upgrade a camp, or drop something entirely. We rebuild them all the time.
7 DaysThe essential northern circuit: Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in one compact trip.
6 DaysA wildlife-focused route chosen to give you the best chances of the Big Five across several landscapes.
9 DaysDiscover Tanzania’s hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife beyond the Big Five.
9 DaysPicture thousands of wildebeests and zebras moving together as one restless herd — moaning, braying, kicking up dust..
10 DaysCreate unforgettable family memories with exciting wildlife safaris, child-friendly lodges, and relaxing Zanzibar beach escapes.
10 DaysYour 10-day honeymoon in Tanzania and Zanzibar starts with a sense of adventure and ends with your toes in the sand.
Experience the extraordinary wildlife of Tanzania on a 10-day safari that brings together the country's iconic national parks and the unforgettable spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration. From Tarangire's elephant-filled landscapes and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater to the endless plains of the Serengeti, each destination offers something special.
Your Tanzanian adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your safari guide will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to Arusha, a lively town surrounded by coffee plantations, green countryside, and the impressive silhouette of Mount Meru. After settling into your lodge, take time to relax after your flight and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will introduce you to the journey ahead and answer any questions before your safari begins.
After breakfast, leave Arusha and travel towards Tarangire National Park, a beautiful wilderness known for its ancient baobab trees, rolling savannah, and impressive elephant populations. Once inside the park, enjoy a game drive through landscapes where elephants often move in family groups, giraffes browse among the trees, and zebras and wildebeest gather across the open plains. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes an important source of water, attracting a remarkable variety of wildlife. As the afternoon light softens over the baobabs, head to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Enjoy breakfast before setting out for a final morning game drive in Tarangire. There may be another opportunity to encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the many bird species that make this park so special. Later, continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the scenery gradually changes from dry savannah to rolling green hills and forested highlands. Along the way, enjoy views of rural Tanzania and the distinctive landscapes surrounding the crater. Arrive at your lodge and settle in for a peaceful evening in the cool highlands.
Rise early for one of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife experiences: a game drive into Ngorongoro Crater. Descend through the crater walls to discover a spectacular natural sanctuary of grasslands, woodland, lakes, and swamps. Watch for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, and lions, with the possibility of spotting the endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend and continue through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the Serengeti. As the highlands give way to vast open plains, you will begin to understand why this landscape is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Arrive at your camp or lodge in Central Serengeti for dinner.
Wake to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a full day exploring Central Serengeti. This region is known for its excellent year-round wildlife viewing, with the Seronera Valley and surrounding plains providing habitat for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and many other animals. Travel across open grasslands and around rocky kopjes, where lions are often seen resting in the shade. Your guide will choose the day's route according to recent sightings and the seasonal location of the migrating herds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Today, journey north through the Serengeti towards the region of the Great Migration. Enjoy game viewing along the way as the landscape changes from the familiar central plains to the more rugged northern country, with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and river valleys. Your guide will keep an eye out for migrating wildebeest and zebra, as well as resident wildlife along the route. During the northern migration season, the Kogatende and Mara River areas become important places to explore as the herds move in search of fresh grazing. Arrive at your seasonal camp and enjoy the evening surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.
Spend the day exploring the northern Serengeti, where the migration can create some of the most memorable wildlife scenes in Africa. Follow the herds across the plains and towards the Mara River region, watching as thousands of wildebeest and zebras move together through the landscape. If the animals are gathering near the river, your guide will help you find a suitable viewing area and explain their behavior. A river crossing may happen while you are there, but nature follows its own timetable; sometimes the herds wait, move along the riverbank, or change direction. Whatever the day brings, the scale of the migration and the beauty of the northern Serengeti make this a remarkable experience.
Enjoy another full day in the northern Serengeti, giving you more time to experience the migration without feeling rushed. Set out after breakfast with your guide to explore different sections of the region, searching for large herds, elephants, giraffes, and predators. If the wildebeest are still near the Mara River, you may have another opportunity to observe their movements and wait for a possible crossing. You can also enjoy quieter moments away from the main herds, taking in the vast landscapes and the extraordinary variety of wildlife that makes the Serengeti so special.
Make the most of your final full day in the migration region. Depending on recent sightings, your guide may take you towards the Mara River, across the open plains, or into quieter wildlife areas where elephants, giraffes, and big cats are often encountered. Take your time to appreciate the movement of the herds, the changing light over the landscape, and the incredible sense of space that defines the Serengeti. For photographers, this is another opportunity to capture the wildlife and scenery; for every traveler, it is a chance to enjoy one last unforgettable day in the African wilderness.
Enjoy breakfast at camp before transferring to the nearest suitable airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha. As the aircraft lifts above the Serengeti, take in the final views of the vast plains and winding rivers that have been the setting for your safari. On arrival in Arusha, connect with your onward travel arrangements. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also arrange an extension to Zanzibar or another destination in Tanzania.
This itinerary is fully customizable. The Tanzania WildWonders team can adjust accommodation levels, substitute specific lodges or tented camps, modify the duration, or re-route your safari according to your travel dates, preferences, and budget.
Each park brings a different perspective on Tanzania. Choose your favourite landscapes, wildlife experiences and travel style to build a journey that feels uniquely yours.
Northern CircuitHome to the Great Migration and some of the richest wildlife viewing on Earth.
Explore this Park Northern CircuitFamous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, especially in the dry season.
Explore this Park Northern CircuitA vast volcanic caldera with dense wildlife, including a good chance of seeing black rhino.
Explore this Park
Northern CircuitA compact park of groundwater forest, soda lake and escarpment views, rich in birds.
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Northern CircuitArusha National Park, nestled in northern Tanzania, is a scenic gem known for its striking diversity.
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Southern CircuitRuaha National Park is the second largest national park in Tanzania, known for its vast and diverse landscapes.
Explore this ParkTanzania is a year-round destination. The right month depends on what matters most to you.
Large herds, calving season and predator activity
Herds begin moving north and west
Herd movement and possible Grumeti crossings
Northern herds and possible Mara River crossings
We match accommodation to your style and budget, from refined tented camps to boutique lodges.
LuxuryEnjoy elegant tented suites in exceptional wildlife locations, with personalized service and comfortable spaces to relax after a day of photography. -
Mid-RangeA balance of comfort, location and value, with convenient access to the parks and wildlife areas included in your route.
BudgetPractical accommodation options for photographers who prefer to invest more of their time and budget in wildlife experiences.
So you know exactly what your trip covers and what to plan for separately.
This itinerary is designed for the northern migration season, generally July to October. For January to March, the four migration-region nights should be moved to Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. For May to July, the route can be adjusted towards the Western Corridor and Grumeti region. The herds' actual movements vary with rainfall, so river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
A little preparation makes your journey smoother. Consider your travel dates, route, transport and the type of experience you want before choosing a final itinerary.
Decide which wildlife, mountain or beach experiences matter most. Seasonal conditions can influence the best route and accommodation availability.
Explore the seasonsConsider driving distances, time in each park, internal flights where appropriate, and how much time you want to spend relaxing between activities.
Discover destinationsCheck passport and visa requirements, travel insurance, recommended health advice, baggage limits and any activity-specific equipment needs.
Discuss your tripTell us when you would like to travel, what inspires you and what kind of experience you have in mind.
Every journey is tailor-made. See which style fits you best.
Tell us a little about your dream trip and a travel specialist who lives in Tanzania will send you a tailor-made itinerary, free and with no obligation.