8 Days Flight to Migration

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your Arusha hotel. Safari briefing over dinner.

Board the light aircraft in Arusha. The flight passes over the Ngorongoro Crater rim, revealing the ancient caldera in miniature far below. Land at Kogatende airstrip in the far north of the Serengeti, just 45 minutes from the Mara River crossing points. An afternoon game drive sets the scene.

The northern Serengeti between July and October hosts the most dramatic chapter of the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest mass on the riverbank, then launch themselves into the water as massive Nile crocodiles strike from below. Your guide positions you at the best vantage point based on herd movements throughout the day.

Another full day in the northern Serengeti. If the crossings are between rounds, the surrounding plains offer extraordinary wildlife: huge lion prides, leopards in the riverine trees, and cheetahs with cubs on the open grassland. The Mara River is lined with hippos and crocodiles at all times.

Morning game drive in the north before driving south toward the central Serengeti. The resident wildlife along this route — particularly elephants and giraffe in the north — makes for rich game viewing throughout the journey.

A full day in the central Serengeti around Seronera. This is Tanzania's most reliable big cat territory year-round — lions, cheetahs, and leopards are almost guaranteed. Vast herds of zebra and buffalo fill the plains.

Drive to Ngorongoro and descend into the crater. The Big Five all inhabit this enclosed caldera. Black rhino are reliable here, along with some of Tanzania's densest lion prides. Maasai pastoralists herd their cattle along the crater rim — a striking reminder of the area's dual heritage.

Morning at leisure, then fly or drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.