6-Day Serengeti Migration Safari Overview
Our 6-day Serengeti migration safari package is meticulously crafted to offer two exceptional experiences: the Mara River crossings and the calving season. Each option provides a unique perspective on the wildebeest migration, ensuring that you witness the most dramatic and captivating moments. From the heart-pounding river crossings to the birth of new life in the calving grounds, this safari delivers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the Serengeti's dynamic ecosystems. The journey culminates with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, adding another layer of wonder to your adventure. With the guidance of experienced professionals, you will enjoy personalized attention and insightful commentary, making this safari both enriching and unforgettable.
Option 1: 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Mara River Crossing
Day 1: Arrival in Serengeti
Your journey begins with a morning flight from Arusha to the Serengeti, landing at Kogatende Airstrip around 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and embark on your first game drive en route to your camp. The Mara River area is renowned for its dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters in search of greener pastures. After a thrilling game drive, you will arrive at your camp in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent on another game drive, focusing on the river crossing points. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Mara River Crossing
Rise early for a full day dedicated to exploring the Mara River and its surrounding areas. This day is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing a river crossing. Your guide will position you at strategic viewing points where the wildebeest herds are likely to cross. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, keeping your eyes peeled for any movement towards the river. The afternoon continues with game viewing along the riverbanks, observing the predator-prey dynamics that play out during this tense time. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Northern Serengeti Plains
After breakfast, embark on a game drive across the northern Serengeti plains. This region offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. You will explore various habitats, from open savannas to wooded hillsides, each offering unique sightings. At noon, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the Serengeti’s natural beauty. The afternoon is spent further exploring the northern Serengeti, returning to your camp in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 4: Serengeti Exploration
Today, you will continue your exploration of the northern Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. This day offers flexibility, allowing you to revisit the Mara River if there are reports of crossings or to explore other areas rich in wildlife. At noon, you will have a picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the park. The afternoon game drive provides further opportunities to spot predators and other wildlife. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti as you make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the breathtaking views of the crater. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a full day of exploration. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Ngoitoktok Springs, surrounded by hippos and other wildlife. Continue your game drive in the afternoon, marveling at the crater's rich biodiversity. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Arusha, arriving in the early evening. This concludes your 6-day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari.
Option 2: 6-Day Serengeti Migration Calving Season Safari Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Serengeti
Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Arusha to the Serengeti, landing at Ndutu Airstrip around 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and take you on a game drive en route to your camp. The Ndutu area, part of the southern Serengeti, is renowned for the calving season, where thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting numerous predators. After a captivating game drive, you will arrive at your camp for lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the Ndutu plains, witnessing the abundance of newborns and the ensuing predator activity. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Calving Season Exploration
Rise early for a full day dedicated to the calving season. Your guide will take you to prime viewing areas where wildebeest are giving birth, a crucial time for the survival of the herd. The presence of vulnerable calves attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, providing dramatic wildlife encounters. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the spectacle of new life and predator-prey interactions. Continue your exploration in the afternoon, returning to camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Ndutu Plains
After breakfast, embark on a game drive across the Ndutu plains, where you will encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The nutrient-rich grasses of this region provide an ideal environment for the newborn calves to thrive. Your guide will lead you to areas with high concentrations of wildlife, ensuring an enriching experience. At noon, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the plains. The afternoon is dedicated to further game viewing, focusing on the diverse wildlife and dynamic landscapes of the Ndutu area. Return to camp in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Serengeti Plains
Continue your exploration of the southern Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. This day offers flexibility, allowing you to explore different areas within the Serengeti or to revisit favorite spots. At noon, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. The afternoon game drive provides further opportunities to observe the calving season’s unique wildlife dynamics. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti as you make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the breathtaking views of the crater. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a full day of exploration. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Ngoitoktok Springs, surrounded by hippos and other wildlife. Continue your game drive in the afternoon, marveling at the crater's rich biodiversity. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Arusha, arriving in the early evening. This concludes your 6-day Serengeti migration safari tour during the calving season.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Return flights from Arusha to Serengeti
- Private transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for unobstructed game viewing
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Park entry fees for all national parks visited
- Picnic lunches on all six days
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- Binoculars and wildlife field guides
- Overnight accommodation at lodges or campsites
Exclusions:
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for the guide/driver
- Any items of a personal nature (e.g., souvenirs)
Our 6-day Serengeti migration safari package offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the greatest wildlife show on earth. Whether you choose the dramatic Mara River crossings or the enchanting calving season, this safari promises to create lasting memories. The journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, adding another layer of wonder to your adventure. Book your 6-day Serengeti migration safari tour now and embark on a magnificent adventure into the heart of the Serengeti, where the circle of life unfolds in its most raw and captivating form. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in an unforgettable six-day escapade!