5-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Overview
This 5-day wildebeest migration safari takes you through some of the best wildlife hotspots in Tanzania, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. With a special focus on witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, this tour offers the unique chance to see thousands of wildebeests crossing the Mara River and encountering predators in action. Along with the wildlife, you’ll also explore stunning landscapes and discover the world’s largest volcanic caldera in Ngorongoro Crater.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE
- Pick-Up: 07:30 am from your hotel in Arusha.
- Drive to Tarangire: A 3-hour drive (115 km) to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants, baobab trees, and climbing tree pythons.
- Game Drive: Spend the day exploring the park’s diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and various species of birds. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the game drive.
- Accommodation: After a full day of safari, head to Fanaka Lodge or a similar lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2: TARANGIRE TO SERENGETI
- Breakfast & Packing: Start your day with breakfast and pack your lunch for the journey.
- Drive to Serengeti: Depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the scenic Rift Valley.
- Picnic Lunch: Stop at a scenic picnic site for lunch on the way.
- Evening Game Drive in Serengeti: Arrive in Serengeti and enjoy an evening game drive in Central Serengeti, where you’ll witness vast plains and possibly the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite inside Serengeti.
DAY 3: SERENGETI NORTHERN
- Early Morning Game Drive: Start early with a full-day game drive focusing on the wildebeest migration. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the dramatic Mara River crossing (typically in July to September) or observe the calving season (from January to March).
- Wildebeest Migration: During this season, the wildebeests move in search of fresh grazing and better water sources, often closely followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch inside the Serengeti.
- Return to Camp: After a full day, return to your camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER
- Sunrise Game Drive: Early morning game drive in Serengeti to catch the sunrise and observe more wildlife.
- Morning Game Drive: Continue the morning game drive until 11:30 am, with potential sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and more.
- Lunch: Return to the campsite for a hot lunch.
- Drive to Ngorongoro: After lunch, head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will get your dinner and overnight stay at Simba Campsite.
DAY 5: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR TO ARUSHA
- Breakfast: Early breakfast before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable day of game viewing.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, home to abundant wildlife, including lions, black rhinos, elephants, hippos, zebras, and wildebeests. This is also a prime location to spot a variety of bird species, including flamingos.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
- Departure to Arusha: After a full day inside the crater, your guide will drive you back to Arusha for an overnight stay or to your departure point.
Included:
- Accommodations: As per the itinerary (camping or tented camps).
- Airport Transfer: Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Activities: All game drives and activities as per the itinerary.
- National Park Fees: All entrance fees for parks and conservation areas.
- First Aid: First aid supplies available during the safari.
- Meals: All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Mineral Water: Provided throughout the safari.
- Professional Safari Guide: Experienced safari guide for the duration of the tour.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a guaranteed window seat.
Excluded:
- Flights: International and local flights.
- Meals and Drinks: Any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
- Optional Activities: Any additional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, extra activities, or personal costs.
- Private Travel Insurance: Recommended for personal safety during the safari.
Summary:
This 5-day wildebeest migration safari offers an immersive experience through Tanzania’s most iconic parks, including Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. From witnessing the thrilling Mara River crossing to observing the diversity of wildlife in Ngorongoro, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, this safari provides incredible opportunities for exploration and discovery.
