Here’s a detailed 5-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari: Witness Nature’s Wonder itinerary, focusing on Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, two of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations. This safari gives you the chance to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in its natural, awe-inspiring setting, along with the opportunity to observe abundant wildlife in the heart of Africa.
This 5-day safari combines the spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities of the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, two must-see destinations for anyone visiting Tanzania. The Serengeti, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events. You’ll also experience the abundant wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological wonder teeming with diverse species.
5-Day Safari Itinerary: Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and the Great Migration
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, from the legendary Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti Plains. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and experience unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Non-game-viewing travel time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Distance: 190 km
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your professional guide warmly welcomes you. After a brief orientation, set off on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp, perfectly perched along the Crater Rim, offering panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a delicious lunch, take the afternoon to relax and absorb the tranquil beauty surrounding you. As the sun sets, savor a hearty dinner before retiring for the night, preparing for the thrilling experiences ahead.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive
Non-game-viewing travel time: Minimal (descending into and ascending out of the Crater)
Distance: Within the Crater (varies depending on wildlife movements)
Rise early for breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This ancient caldera is home to an incredible density of wildlife, offering one of the best game-viewing experiences in Africa. Throughout the day, encounter majestic lions, towering elephants, grazing buffaloes, and the elusive black rhino. The Crater’s soda lake, shimmering under the sun, attracts vibrant flocks of flamingos, creating a dazzling spectacle. Midway through your adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of this natural amphitheater. As the day concludes, ascend back to your lodge, where a warm dinner awaits, followed by another restful night on the Crater Rim.
Day 3: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Distance: 210 km
After a leisurely breakfast, journey from Ngorongoro to the iconic Serengeti National Park. Traverse through the rich savannahs and rolling highlands, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s unparalleled beauty with an afternoon game drive. Depending on the season, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, where endless herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of greener pastures. As dusk approaches, check into your lodge or camp, enjoy a sumptuous dinner, and relax in anticipation of the next day’s adventures.
Day 4: Serengeti – Great Wildebeest Migration Game Drive
Non-game-viewing travel time: Minimal (within the Serengeti)
Distance: Varies based on wildlife movements
Dedicate the day to exploring the Serengeti’s vast expanses and following the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration. Depending on the time of year, you may witness dramatic river crossings, where the herds brave crocodile-infested waters, or marvel at the sheer scale of the migration as millions of animal’s dot the horizon.
Throughout the day, watch for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas lurking nearby, ever-watchful of their prey. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the Serengeti’s breathtaking wilderness, then continue your game drive into the afternoon. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge for dinner and reflect on the unforgettable sights of the day before settling in for your final night in the Serengeti.
Day 5: Serengeti – Departure to Arusha
Non-game-viewing travel time: Approx. 1–2 hours (to Seronera Airstrip)
Distance: 50–80 km (depending on lodge location)
On your last morning, embark on a final game drive, capturing those last magical moments with the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the Seronera Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. If time permits, enjoy a brief exploration of Arusha, where you can shop for souvenirs or sample local delicacies before your onward journey. Depart with cherished memories of an extraordinary Tanzanian safari adventure.
Price Includes:
– All park entry fees
– Concession fees
– Flying Doctor Service
– All park camping fees
– Airport pickup
– Ngorongoro Crater service fees
– Accommodation at hotels, lodges, tented camps, or campsites as per the safari program
– Chef services
– Meals as per the itinerary
– English-speaking driver/guide
– Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
– Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the safari)
– One-night complimentary hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival, including breakfast
– Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs and tables
Price Does Not Include:
– International and domestic flights
– Fees for passports, visas, immunizations, and insurance
– Tips for staff, including driver-guides, chefs, and porters
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Best Time to Visit:
The Great Wildebeest Migration is best witnessed in the Serengeti between June and October, with the dramatic river crossings occurring between July and September. The Ngorongoro Crater is an excellent destination to visit year-round.
This 5-day Serengeti Great Migration Safari offers an exciting, fast-paced adventure through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas. You’ll be able to experience both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in their full glory, giving you a truly unforgettable safari experience. Would you like more details or adjustments to this itinerary?