Arusha → Tarangire → Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Lake Eyasi
You arrive in Tanzania to warm air and wide-open skies, where your safari story begins. After personal welcome, you transfer to Arusha, a calm town nestled beneath Mount Meru. This safari is designed to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles - the Great Migration river crossings at Mara River. Fly to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) for prime crossing viewing, explore Big Cat Territory in Central Serengeti, descend into Ngorongoro Crater, and experience Hadzabe culture at Lake Eyasi.
Arusha → Tarangire → Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Lake Eyasi
Parks and places: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi.
You arrive in Tanzania to warm air and wide-open skies, where your safari story begins. After personal welcome, you transfer to Arusha, a calm town nestled beneath Mount Meru. The evening is unhurried, time to rest, enjoy the lodge surroundings, and prepare for the journey ahead. Even here, birdlife is vibrant, with weavers and sunbirds bringing the gardens to life.
Your safari begins in Tarangire National Park, a park known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. During the dry season (July-October), wildlife concentrates around the Tarangire River, creating excellent viewing opportunities. Herds of zebras and wildebeest gather, while lions and leopards quietly follow. Birdlife is exceptional, with raptors, hornbills, and colorful rollers active throughout the park.
Today you fly directly into the northern region of Serengeti National Park, landing in the Kogatende area - the heart of the migration during these months. From the air, the landscape reveals its scale: rolling hills, river systems, and scattered herds moving across the plains. Upon arrival, your safari begins immediately as you head toward the Mara River corridor, where the migration gathers.
These days are dedicated to one of nature's greatest spectacles, the Great Migration River crossings. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather along the Mara River, often waiting for hours or even days before crossing. The tension builds slowly. When the moment comes, the herd surges forward, jumping into the river, navigating strong currents, and facing crocodiles below. It is raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable. Between crossings, you explore the surrounding areas, where predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the herds.
Continue exploring Northern Serengeti and Mara River corridor. The landscape here is greener than the central plains, with riverine forests and rolling hills. Birdlife is also rich, with species like kingfishers, herons, and birds of prey thriving along the riverbanks. Each day is different, shaped by the movement of the migration - this is what makes the experience so special. Track the herds, witness river crossings, and enjoy incredible predator action as big cats follow the migration.
After final morning in Kogatende, you journey south to the central Serengeti. The landscape gradually opens into vast plains, known for year-round wildlife and strong predator populations. This region is famous for lions, leopards, and cheetahs, often seen hunting or resting among the kopjes (rocky outcrops). The transition from the lush north to the open plains offers a new perspective of the Serengeti's diversity.
After a morning safari, you travel toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the crater reveals a concentrated wildlife haven. Here, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, hyenas, and hippos in a relatively small area. Flamingos often gather along the soda lake, adding vibrant color to the landscape. In the afternoon, you continue to Lake Eyasi, where the environment becomes quieter and more cultural.
Your final morning offers a meaningful cultural experience. You visit the Hadzabe bushmen, learning about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and deep connection to nature. You also meet the Datoga community, known for their craftsmanship and traditions. After this enriching experience, you transfer to the airport for departure, or continue your journey with a flight to Zanzibar, where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters provide the perfect ending to your safari.
Lodges are subject to availability; we confirm them, or equivalents of the same standard, in your quote.
Meals are listed for each day in the itinerary above. Activities on this trip include game drives in Tarangire, game drives in Serengeti, game drives in Ngorongoro, game drives in Lake Eyasi.
A short flight takes you from Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar for three to five nights on the beach. We coordinate it as one journey.
See Safari + Zanzibar ideasYes. You can follow this itinerary as written or change the length, the lodges, the parks or the pace. Tell us what you would like and we will send an adjusted itinerary and price.
Tell us which you prefer. A private safari gives you your own vehicle and driver-guide; a shared safari lowers the cost. We will quote the option you choose for your dates.
Serengeti: late June to October for dry-season game viewing and river crossings in the north; December to March for calving on the southern plains. Tarangire: best in the dry season (June to October), when elephants gather along the river. Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara: good all year.
Not included: International & Domestic Flights; Visa Fees for Tanzania; Travel Insurance (highly recommended); Optional Activities, including: Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti (USD 500/person); Alcoholic & Soft Drinks (unless specified by the lodge); Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.); Tips & Gratuities for guide, driver, and lodge staff (Recommended: USD 20-30 per group per day for guide); Any Additional Accommodation or Activities not mentioned in the itinerary; Extra Charges due to Changes in Government Taxes or Park Fees.
A 30% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 60 days before arrival (full payment if you book within 60 days). Accepted payment methods are listed on your written quote. See our Booking Terms for full details. Cancellations must be made in writing. More than 60 days before departure: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee. 31–60 days: 50% refund. 15–30 days: 25% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance. Full details are in our Booking Terms.
Read what travelers say about planning their safari with us.
Read More Traveler Reviews on TripAdvisorThis 8-day safari and beach escape combines 6 days of thrilling wildlife adventure with 2 days of island relaxation. Journey through Tarangire's baobabs, Serengeti's…
Priced to your dates and group
Begin the day with scenic flight from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport, leaving behind turquoise coastline as you head back toward mainland. Upon arrival, safari guide war…
Priced to your dates and group
A visit to breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater offers close-up encounters in one of Africa's most unique ecosystems. We designed this trip for you as you are seeking perf…
Priced to your dates and group
Keep it as it is or change anything.