13 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari – Follow Nature’s Greatest Wildlife Journey

The 13 Days Tanzania Great Migration Safari by Terenga Safaris is designed for travelers who want to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles while exploring Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. This carefully planned journey takes you from the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park to the endless plains of the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles undertake their annual migration. Along the way, you’ll descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visit the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park, and stay in comfortable safari lodges and tented camps that place you close to nature without compromising comfort.

Unlike ordinary wildlife tours, this safari is crafted around the seasonal movements of the Great Migration. Since the migration never follows an exact calendar, our experienced safari specialists monitor wildlife movements throughout the year to position your itinerary where the action is happening. Whether it is the dramatic river crossings in Northern Serengeti, the calving season in Southern Serengeti, or the vast moving herds grazing across Central Serengeti, every safari is tailored to maximize your chances of witnessing unforgettable wildlife encounters.

From sunrise game drives across golden savannahs to evenings around the campfire beneath Africa’s star-filled skies, every day offers a new opportunity to experience Tanzania’s remarkable biodiversity. Whether you are a first-time safari traveler, an experienced wildlife photographer, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime African adventure, this 13-day safari promises memories that will last forever.

Safari Overview

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Destination: Tanzania

Main Parks Visited:

  • Tarangire National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Lake Manyara National Park

 

Suggested 13-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a professional Terenga Safaris representative welcomes you before transferring you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the lodge or explore the city while preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight: Arusha

 

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous baobab trees and one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. During your afternoon game drive, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, ostriches, lions, and numerous bird species that thrive along the Tarangire River.

Overnight: Tarangire

 

Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park

Spend the entire day exploring different areas of Tarangire. The park’s permanent water sources attract wildlife throughout much of the year, making it an excellent destination for observing animals in their natural environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Tarangire

 

Day 4: Tarangire to Karatu

After breakfast, drive toward the fertile highlands of Karatu. Along the way, enjoy scenic landscapes, local villages, and optional cultural experiences that offer insight into Tanzania’s rich traditions and rural lifestyle.

Overnight: Karatu

 

Day 5: Karatu to Central Serengeti

Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the world-famous Serengeti National Park. As the landscape gradually transforms into endless open plains, your first Serengeti game drive begins immediately upon entering the park.

Wildlife sightings may include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Elephants
  • Hyenas
  • Topis
  • Gazelles
  • Jackals

Overnight: Serengeti

 

Days 6–9: Exploring the Great Migration

These four days are dedicated entirely to following the Great Migration.

Depending on the season of travel, your guide will take you to the areas where migrating herds are concentrated. During these extensive game drives, you may witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest moving across the plains, massive zebra herds, predators stalking prey, and countless dramatic wildlife interactions.

Each day begins with an early morning game drive when animals are most active. After lunch and a short rest, continue exploring until sunset before returning to camp for dinner.

Optional experiences include:

  • Sunrise hot-air balloon safari
  • Champagne bush breakfast
  • Sundowner experiences
  • Wildlife photography sessions

No two migration safaris are ever the same. Every season presents unique opportunities, making each visit to Serengeti a completely different experience.

Overnight: Serengeti

 

Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy one final morning game drive before departing Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the journey, enjoy spectacular scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife along the route.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Area

 

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Today you’ll descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

The crater’s permanent water sources and fertile grasslands support an incredible concentration of wildlife throughout the year.

Possible sightings include:

  • Black rhino
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Hippo
  • Hyena
  • Flamingos
  • Warthogs
  • Elands
  • Wildebeest

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the crater floor before ascending back to your lodge.

Overnight: Karatu

 

Day 12: Lake Manyara National Park

Your final safari destination is Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush groundwater forests, scenic lake shores, and diverse wildlife.

Highlights include:

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Large baboon troops
  • Hippos
  • Blue monkeys
  • African fish eagles
  • Flamingos
  • Elephants

Later in the afternoon, return to Arusha for your final overnight stay.

 

Day 13: Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time depending on your flight schedule before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Although your safari comes to an end, the memories of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable Great Migration will stay with you for years to come.

 

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Full-board meals while on safari
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • All scheduled game drives
  • National park entrance fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater conservation fees
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • Government taxes
  • Emergency evacuation support where applicable

Safari Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Optional hot-air balloon safari
  • Laundry services
  • Telephone expenses
  • Tips for guides and lodge staff
  • Personal shopping
  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.