Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
Where the Wildebeest Cross in Northern Serengeti
Witness one of the most dramatic wildlife movements on Earth in Northern Serengeti. This 9-day Tanzania safari is shaped around the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, with time dedicated to the Mara River crossing areas where tension builds before herds make their move.
Combined with Tarangire’s baobab-studded landscapes and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this adventure offers a focused northern circuit shaped by movement, timing, and expert guiding.
A Journey Shaped Around Movement
This safari prioritizes time in Northern Serengeti during migration season. Herds gather near the Mara River and may wait for hours before crossing, creating intense and unpredictable wildlife moments. Your guide adapts daily plans according to wildlife movement and real-time communication in the field.
In Tarangire National Park, large elephant herds move through landscapes shaped by the Tarangire River. Ngorongoro Crater offers one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife environments, completing a northern Tanzania journey built around contrast and diversity.
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Guided, Balanced, and Intentionally Paced
Game drives are structured with flexibility at their core. Some moments require patience near the riverbanks, while others unfold across open plains as herds move between grazing areas.
Comfortable lodge stays, full-board service, and seamless transfers ensure that the focus remains on wildlife and landscape rather than logistics. The result is a migration-focused safari that feels deliberate, steady, and well-balanced over nine days.
Best Time to Go
Jul–Oct: Peak migration viewing, including Mara River crossings
Dec–Mar: Calving season in the south, lush landscapes & predators
Popular Attractions
Weather
Jun–Oct: 20–30 °C, dry & sunny | Nov–May: 25–35 °C, hot with showers
Highlights
Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti
Possibility to witness Mara River crossings
Explore Tarangire National Park and its iconic baobab trees
Descend into the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater
Explore in open-rooftop vehicles, offering spectacular views of the natural surroundings and its inhabitants
Why Book with World Adventure Tours?
Customize Your Trip
Tailor every inch of your journey to suit your preferences, from destinations to accommodations, ensuring a personalized dream-come-true travel experience.
Best Price Guarantee
Competitive pricing with the assurance that you are receiving the best value for your travel investment. We match or beat any verified quote.
Flight Booking Assistance
Our agents simplify your travel planning by finding the best domestic and international flights for your travel plan, taking the hassle out of booking.
Multilingual Guides
Enjoy authentic experiences with guides who speak English, French, Spanish and German – ensuring clear communication and enriched explorations.
Certified Travelife Partner
We are a Certified Travelife Partner and GSTC Partner. Travel with a clear conscience knowing that you're choosing a responsible agency, committed to sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
Travel Guarantee
Travel Guarantee with Swedish Kammarkollegiet provides financial protection for your trip.
“The tour was amazingly carried out! We enjoyed the sights, the hotels and the amazing hospitality. Our tour guide Emmanuel really made the trip so special for us. He is incredibly knowledgeable and taught us so much about the land, animals and culture. He made us all feel so welcome in Northern Tanzania and kept us laughing throughout our time together. We were fortunate enough to see the big 5 animals and even saw a leopard on 2 separate occasions. The hotel selections were wonderful, we particularly enjoyed our time at the Serengeti Safari Lodge! I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in doing a safari.”
– Rewayi, Tourradar
Travel Plan
Day-to-Day Program – 7 Days
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania. After clearing customs, look for your driver, who will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. Your driver will transport you to Arusha, where your Northern Serengeti migration safari begins.
🍽 Meals: None
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
Day 2
Tarangire’s River and Baobab Landscape
Drive to Tarangire National Park in the morning. Tarangire is traversed by the Tarangire River, which never dries up. Being the only water source during the dry season, it draws hundreds of animals to the park, making wildlife and bird viewing spectacular. The landscape is varied, with grassy savannah plains, swamps, hills, and spectacular baobabs.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Highview Hotel or Similar
Day 3
Entering the Endless Plains of Serengeti
Head out after breakfast for the drive to Serengeti National Park. “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plain.” En route to the Serengeti, you can experience Maasai culture by visiting a Maasai village. You may also visit Olduvai Gorge (at an extra cost), known as the Cradle of Humanity. This museum is a testament to the long journey that humanity has made from its humble roots in East Africa to its current state as the dominant species on Earth. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge or Similar
Day 4
Toward the Northern Serengeti Migration Area
After breakfast, depart from Central Serengeti and begin your journey northward toward the Northern Serengeti, enjoying a game drive en route. Landscapes gradually shift from open plains to rolling hills, riverine areas, and acacia woodlands. As you travel, you will track wildlife and follow the movement of the great herds, with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and cheetahs. The drive brings you closer to the Mara River ecosystem, a key region for the Great Wildebeest Migration and possible river crossings.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp or Similar
Day 5
Mara River Crossing Focus
This day is spent around the main Mara River crossing points, where the chances of witnessing dramatic river crossings are highest during migration season. Patience is essential, as herds may approach the river multiple times before committing to a crossing. Your guide will coordinate positioning based on real-time movement of the herds, waiting at promising points and relocating when necessary to maximize viewing opportunities.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp or Similar
Day 6
Full Day Northern Serengeti Migration Tracking
The day is fully dedicated to tracking the herds as they move across the Northern Serengeti plains. Using experience and communication with other guides, the day follows a rhythm of waiting and repositioning as the wildebeest advance toward the river or shift between grazing areas. This approach allows for extended observation of herd dynamics, predator interactions, and the remarkable scale of the Great Migration.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp or Similar
Day 7
Scenic Return to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, depart the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) and begin a sceninc drive toward the Central Serengeti (Seronera), enjoying a final game drive en route through changing landscapes as the riverine terrain gradually opens into vast savannah plains. Along the way, you may encounter migrating herds, resident wildlife, and predators inhabiting the transitional zones between the northern and central regions. The journey is unhurried, with game-viewing stops as opportunities arise. Arrive in the afternoon for continued wildlife viewing before dinner at your lodge.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge or Similar
Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Experience
Ngorongoro Crater is a special place, and the first time you descend onto the crater floor is like no other safari experience in Africa. This is a world unto itself, where you’ll encounter the crater’s 600-strong population of hyenas, as well as critically endangered black rhinos. You’ll also find elephants with larger-than-average tusks and more than 50 lions living in the crater. From early morning, mist rises from the crater, revealing steep, forested walls, sheltered waterways where hippos wallow, and a world of abundant wildlife hidden away from the rest of the world.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
Day
Departure from Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, proceed to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 9-day Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
🏨 Accommodation: None (end of safari)
Why Pick This Travel Plan?
Extended time in Northern Serengeti near prime Mara River crossing zones
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A Migration-Centered Northern Tanzania Safari
This adventure is designed for travelers who want to prioritize the Great Wildebeest Migration while still experiencing the timeless rhythm of classic safari days. With multiple nights in Northern Serengeti, it allows meaningful time near the Mara River crossing areas, where herd movement shapes each day and anticipation builds along the riverbanks.
At the same time, Tarangire’s elephant-dotted plains and the dramatic wildlife density of Ngorongoro Crater ensure that the journey retains the full spectrum of the African savannah experience. It balances the intensity of migration with open horizons, traditional game drives, and the iconic wildlife encounters that define Tanzania.
Included in the Price
- Two nights accommodation in Arusha.
- Meals (As specified in the day- by- day section)
- Transport with a qualified driver/guide in 4×4 vehicles with a viewing roof
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation while on safari
- Transfer to and from the airport
- All park and entrance fees
- A professional English-speaking driver/guide during the safari.
- Ngorongoro Crater car supplement fee
- 24-Hour support during the safari from our office in Moshi
- Travel Guarantee with the Swedish Kammarkollegiet »
Price Does Not Cover *
- Domestic or International flights
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone, and postage
- Masaai village tour & Olduvai Gorge Tour
- Kikuletwa hotsprings Day excursion
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters – Find guidelines in our Help Center »
* Rest assured, we’re here to assist with anything not covered in the price. Your convenience is our priority.
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Accommodation
See all accommodation and upgrades available.
Springlands Hotel
Highview Hotel
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Accommodation Upgrades
Please note that accommodation upgrades are exclusively available with our private options.
Should you choose the group adventure, the standard – yet comfortable – accommodation will be provided.
Chanya Lodge
Endoro Lodge
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
Highview Coffee Lodge
Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes
Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Kenzan Tented Luxury Camp
Add-ons
Discover Africa with Our Exhilarating Activities. Pick and choose from our handpicked collection of activities and day trips to enrich your African travel plan with that special touch.
Our Safari Vehicles
Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge
Luxury tents perched along the Baobab tree line, each tent designed with luxury beddings, an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, and a private veranda with the perfect vantage point.
Strategically located on a towering Kopje hill, this lodge offers a breathtaking view of the Tarangire River and the path to the Silale swamp in the west, famous for attracting diverse wildlife all year round, thanks to its perennial water sources.
Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes
Ideally located in the Central Seronera region of Serengeti National Park, near Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi, this luxury camp is surrounded by hills and close to the Mbalageti/Seronera River and its diverse array of wildlife and a nearby hippo pool.
It features 20 well-appointed luxury tents, all en-suite with modern amenities, providing guests with panoramic views of nature and wildlife from the comfort of their beds or verandas.
Highview Coffee Lodge
This 8 cottage lodge comes with beautiful views over local hills and farmland, and is a gateway to Tanzania’s Northern circuit and local cultures, including Mbulu, Iraqw, Bushmen and Maasai tribes.
The lodge features 12 rooms, a pool, internet, a lounge with a bar and a fireplace, local and continental dinig, gardens, spa services and a gift shop.
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
This magnificent hotel Is located between the majestic Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, unveiling the natural beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Enjoy an oasis of five-star luxury and comfort with unbeatable facilities, exclusive suites, international cuisine, spa, an infinity pool and a gym – it’s the ideal retreat for an exciting safari adventure or a luxurious business meeting.
Endoro Lodge
Luxury accommodations with elegant chalet-themed rooms with fireplaces and immersion tubs, a swimming pool, a well-stocked bar and conference facilites with a P.A system for over 40 people.
Welcome to privacy, tranquility and elegance.
Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge is located at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, just outside Moshi in Tanzania. A convenient drive from the airport, it’s perfect for trekkers, tourists, families, and business visitors.
The residence offers 32 en-suite rooms, a large pool, a diverse cuisine restaurant, and beautiful grassy gardens.
Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp
The Serengeti Wild Camp features 20 spacious, self-contained tents, offers a close-to-nature experience including hearing distant elephant trumpeting at night.
Nearby, the Serengeti Wildebeest Camps - an extra area with 10 similar tents, providing comfortable wildlife encounters in the heart of Serengeti National Park.
Both camps offer modern amenities like internet, bars, a multi-cuisine restaurant and special dining experiences, including bush meals.
Upgrade to Serengeti Safari Lodge or Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes.
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Located in the Seronera Tana Spring Area of Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Safari Lodge offers 15 luxury self-contained tents with private facilites.
Enjoy a luxurious experience with amenities as a swimming pool, spa services, a restaurant with local and continental dishes, a bar with a fireplace, internet access and a gift shop.
Upgrade to Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Moru Kopjes.
Ikoma Wild Camp
This camp Is situated in the middle of Serengeti Ecosystem, between Grumeti and the Ikorongo Game reserve, and features a blend of 10 huts/Boma and 15 spacious, well-furnished tents with ensuite bathrooms.
Along with stunning views, the camp offers modern amenities like internet access, bar activities, sundowner cocktails, bush meals at private sites and the multi-cuisine restaurant provides a memorable dining experience alongside the impressive wildlife.
Upgrade to Serengeti Safari Lodge or Ole Serai Luxury Camp.
Highview Hotel
The hotel offers dining in its restaurant or in the serene garden, with a mix of local and international dishes served à la carte or buffet style. Packed lunches are available for day trips. In the lounge, relax with a drink, enjoy board games, internet access, or cultural shows. The gardens provide shaded seating and house an organic vegetable and fruit garden.
Guests can enjoy hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Upgrade to Highview Coffee Lodge or Endoro Lodge or Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge.
Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel in Moshi, 29 km from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), offers accommodation with amenities like an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, a bar, 24-hour reception, and free WiFi. Continental or à la carte breakfast is served at the hotel.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, satellite TV, a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with all essentials, including a kettle. Enjoy a hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Upgrade to Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel.
Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
Located in Seronera, central Serengeti, this camp provides a peaceful stay in a wildlife-rich area. With essential amenities as luggage storage,and dining services including bush meals and a breakfast buffet. Activities as safaris and balloon rides can be provided.
Rooms feature comforts such as free Wi-Fi, safari showers, and mosquito nets, catering to both luxury and convenience.
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