5 DAYS WILDEBEEST MIGRATION SERENGETI has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Not only does it offer incredible views of the plains dotted with huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, but the rivers are often infested with large Nile crocodiles lying in wait. Some of the best safari opportunities in the world are found here, across a landscape made up of volcanic grasslands and vast plains interrupted by rocky outcrops, rivers, and forests. Visiting the right area in the right season will treat travelers to astonishing sightings of this natural phenomenon.
Day 1 Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater
Our driver will pick you up from your Hotel in Arusha, with picnic lunch en route to a full day Ngorongoro Crater tour. You will be taken 2000ft down the crater by a 4wheel drive vehicle, explore the crater before ascending and drive to your Lodge set on a crater rim. The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main drawcard for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class attraction. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is home of Ngorongoro Crater. It was formed some 2.5 million years ago from a volcanic mountain sinking due to inactivity, and was initially thought to be higher than Tanzania’s famous Kilimanjaro. The crater has evolved into a unique and integral part of Tanzania’s eco-system. The crater is actually a caldera, measures 22.5 km’s across and the rim walls stand 600m high. Views from within and from the rim are breathtaking. The crater houses 30,000 animals and a large variety of birds, which rarely move from the area due to the availability of water through wet and dry seasons. In the evening, back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal: L,D Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 2 Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park
Pick up from your hotel after breakfast and then transfer to Arusha airstrip for your flight to Serengeti North. Upon arrival, meet your driver guide for a full day game drive in this part of the park to view the great migration.
The park is well known for its healthy stock of other resident wildlife, particularly the “big five”, named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: Lion: the Serengeti is believed to hold the largest population of lions in Africa due in part to the abundance of prey species. More than 3,000 lions live in this ecosystem. African Leopard: these reclusive predators are commonly seen in the Seronera region but are present throughout the national park with the population at around 1,000. African Elephant.
Meal: B,L,D Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camps
Day 3 Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
After breakfast at the Camp, depart with your picnic lunch for a game drive and to view the great migration.
Serengeti national Park — Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area, with prides of lion up to 30 strong, however from August to October the area turns into a wildlife paradise. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Please take note – to actually find a crossing is very difficult and is sometimes a matter of luck.
Meal: B,L,D Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camps
Day 4 Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of game dive at the Mara River viewing the great migration river crossing. In the evening, back to the camp for the evening bonfire, dinner and overnight.
River crossings at Kogatende start to occur every day in August as the mega herd settles into the area. From August to October, game viewing up here is superb with river crossings pretty much guaranteed every day. There is no distinct movement as the herds tend to cross back and forth over the river, following the rains and subsequent fresh grasses. It is not uncommon to see different herds crossing in different directions on the same day.
Meal: B,L,D Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camps
Day 5 Serengeti National Park – Departure
Depart after breakfast for a morning game drive. In the afternoon, transfer to Kogatende Airstrip or your flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your home flight.
Accommodation: No Accommodation
INCLUSIONS
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
EXCLUSIONS
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
