9 Days Migration Safari

Duration

9 Days

Physical Rating

Medium

Minimum Age

12 Years +

Starting From

$5,299.00

*Starting prices are listed per person in USD.

Destination Highlights

Arusha
Mto wa Mbu Village
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti – Seronera
Kogatende
Zanzibar

Trip Overview

This nine-day journey with Vumbua Safari takes you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife and cultural destinations. You will witness the spectacular wildebeest migration alongside zebras, gazelles, and predators in the Serengeti, explore the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park, and experience the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater. The adventure concludes with a chance to relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy authentic local cuisine, cultural village visits, and comfortable camping accommodations, including migration mobile tented camps that bring you closer to the wildlife action.

Tip: We recommend to travel light to make your transfers more comfortable.

Highlights

  • Public camping accommodation
  • Migration mobile tented camps
  • Opportunity to witness the great wildebeest migration
  • Visit to top wildlife destinations in Tanzania
  • Cultural village visit
  • Experience local lunch in a traditional style

Full Itinerary

Best time to visit:

  • Mid-July to Early October – Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in Northern Serengeti as part of the Great Migration.
  • It’s the peak season for dramatic scenes with crocodiles, predators, and frantic river crossings.
Day 1: Arrival day | Meeting Day

Welcome to Arusha! Your adventure begins now. Set down your bags, take a deep breath, and refresh yourself with a cold drink. This evening, you’ll meet your Safari guide for a brief overview of the exciting experiences ahead. Enjoy every moment and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Accommodation: Outpost Lodge or similar lodges

Meal included: None

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park | Cultural Tour

After breakfast, you will visit Mto wa Mbu village near Lake Manyara, where local guides will introduce you to Tanzanian culture through visits to farms, businesses, and a wood carving factory. You will enjoy a traditional lunch at a family home before heading out for an afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos.

Note: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are advised for the village tour.

Accommodation: Foot on Africa campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Full Day

An early breakfast sets you up for a full day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dense wildlife population including endangered black rhinos. Expect bumpy terrain on the crater floor.

Note: Wearing comfortable shoes and bringing warm clothing, temperature on the rim of the crater rim can drop at night.

Accommodation: Simba campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

Today you will travel to the Serengeti with an afternoon game drive in the Seronera, the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. The vastness of the park means you should be prepared for long game drives; packing snacks and water is a good idea. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot wildlife, so keep your camera ready.

Accommodation: Seronera public campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti National Park - Full Day

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, famous for its big cats, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to get the best wildlife views and always follow your guide’s instructions to maintain a safe distance from animals.

Note: Expect early starts for the best wildlife sightings

Accommodation: Seronera public campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Kogatende and Mara River Crossing

Depart from Central Serengeti and head north to Kogatende, where you’ll witness the dramatic wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River. This experience can be unpredictable and thrilling. Waterproof gear is recommended in case of rain, and keep in mind that this remote area might have limited mobile coverage.

Note: Migration camps move seasonally based on herd movement.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps -Kogatende or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7: Kogatende and Mara River – Full Day

Spend the day by the Mara River observing the migration and other wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for river crossings. Bring plenty of water and snacks, follow your guide’s safety advice closely, and be patient to catch the best moments as animals navigate the river’s challenges.

Note: This is the highlight , have your camera ready at all times.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps -Kogatende or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8: Mara River - Full Day

Another day to immerse yourself in the migration spectacle, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and predators. Be ready for changing weather conditions and keep your binoculars and camera at hand for action-packed photo opportunities. 

Tip: Listen for the rumble of hooves and sound of Wildebeest in the distance, this is nature’s spectacle.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps -Kogatende or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9: Departure - Flight to Arusha or Zanzibar

Early in the morning, enjoy a last cup of coffee and one final chance to witness the river crossing before boarding your flight to Arusha or Zanzibar at 11:30 AM. Make sure your belongings are packed the night before. If continuing to Zanzibar, look forward to relaxing on the beach after your incredible safari experience.

Note: Pack luggage according to flight weight limits (15 kg soft bags). Transfers to the airport or hotel will be arranged for your convenience.

Accommodation: To be planned based on an individual preference

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Planning

To make your trip planning easier, we’ve prepared a simple list of what’s included in your tour package and what’s not. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect, and you can make any additional arrangements ahead of time for a smooth and enjoyable journey!

Includes

  • English peaking Safari Guides.
  • 4×4 Safari Land cruiser 
  • Three meals (Breakfast, lunch + dinner)
  • One-way domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha/Zanzibar.
  • All parks’ fees and Taxes
  • All activities mentioned under the program.
  • All accommodation under the program.
  • One way transfer from JRO-Arusha

Excludes

  • Tanzania Visa fee US $50 per person & US $100 per person for U.S.A passport holder
  • Zanzibar Insurance and infrastructure fees
  • Laundry services
  • Optional Activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for Guides
  • International Flight 
  • Bank charges for online transfer
  • An increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • All things of personal nature