6-Day Tanzania Safari: The Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti
Ngorongoro, Lobo and the Mara River Crossing
- approx. 12 hours flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
On an unforgettable 6-day safari in Tanzania, experience one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth – the Great Migration! Every year, around two million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water.
This safari takes you into the remote Northern Serengeti – fewer tourists, more wilderness, pure magic! In the Lobo and Wagakuria regions, you'll experience the drama of the migration up close: the perilous crossings at the Mara River, lurking crocodiles and predators waiting for their moment. A thrill you'll never forget!
On this 6-day safari in Tanzania, you'll begin at the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, the "Eighth Wonder of the World," before pushing deep into the Northern Serengeti. The best time to travel for this migration safari is from July to October, when the herds cross the Mara River.
Let experienced guides lead you to the best viewing spots and experience Africa at its wildest!
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arusha – Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 2: Ngorongoro – Serengeti (Lobo region)
- Day 3: Full-day safari in the Lobo region
- Day 4: Lobo – Northern Serengeti (Wagakuria)
- Day 5: Safari in the Wagakuria region at the Mara River
- Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Return to Arusha
Off-season (From-To)
2 people
X.XXX € *
4 people
X.XXX € *
6 people
X.XXX € *
Interim season (From-To)
2 people
X.XXX € *
4 people
X.XXX € *
6 people
X.XXX € *
High season (From-To)
2 people
X.XXX € *
4 people
X.XXX € *
6 people
X.XXX € *
Indicative costs per person, excluding flights to Tanzania
Our offer includes:
Optional additions:
Not included:
Customer testimonial
“Everything perfect – great trip and great price
Our safari with Safari Tanzania was unforgettable! Thanks to their collaboration with local providers, they offered us a huge selection of accommodations. While other providers were often hard to reach and had limited options, Safari Tanzania put together a tailor-made tour perfectly suited to our budget and preferences. We saw the Big Five and experienced the Great Migration! Our guide was top-notch, and the organization ran smoothly. Absolutely recommended for a personalized and affordable dream vacation!
Philipp Grünewald, a customer from Vienna
Daily Descriptions
Day 1: Arusha – Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
Karibu! Your 6-day safari in Tanzania begins with an absolute highlight – the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater beginsAfter a four-hour drive from Arusha, you'll reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
It's like stepping into Noah's Ark! The crater is 610 metres deep and covers around 260 square kilometres. With a wildlife population of roughly 25,000 large mammals, it offers the best wildlife viewing of any park in Tanzania. Within just a few minutes you'll spot wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and, with a little luck, the endangered black rhino. Visit Lake Magadi, home to flamingos and hippos – the perfect opening to your migration adventure!
Day 2: Ngorongoro – Serengeti (Lobo Region)
Today your journey takes you deep into the Serengeti – specifically into the remote Lobo region north of Seronera. The five-hour drive is an experience in itself, with the landscape changing dramatically and first wildlife sightings all but guaranteed.
The Lobo region is far less crowded than the Central Serengeti and offers excellent wildlife viewing with minimal crowds. Here you'll encounter resident wildlife year-round – elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs. During the migration season (July/August and October/November), the vast wildebeest herds move through this region. After lunch, an afternoon game drive takes you across the rolling hills, granite outcrops and open savannahs of this magical landscape.
Day 3: Full-day safari in the Lobo region
Today you'll explore the Lobo region and the Grumeti River on extended game drives. This remote area is a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
The Grumeti River draws impressive wildlife year-round – from majestic elephant herds and proud lion prides to elusive leopards and swift cheetahs. Birdwatchers get their money's worth too: kingfishers and fish eagles perch high above the river. The Serengeti is home to over 500 bird species! Enjoy the vastness, the stillness and the feeling of being completely immersed in one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth.
Day 4: Lobo – Northern Serengeti (Wagakuria Region)
Today your safari gets even wilder! After breakfast, you'll drive three hours further north into the Wagakuria region – the heart of the migration near the famous Mara River.
Along the way you'll be accompanied by giraffes, buffalo, elephants and countless antelope. The Wagakuria region is known for its high predator density – large lion prides lie in wait here for the passing herds. From August to October, the Mara River becomes the stage for one of the most dramatic natural events of all: the wildebeest crossings! Steep banks, raging currents and lurking crocodiles turn every attempt into a fight for survival. Whether you witness one comes down to timing – but the suspense is guaranteed!
Day 5: Safari in the Wagakuria region at the Mara River
A full day at the legendary Mara River – the most dangerous stretch of the Great Migration. The Wagakuria region offers breathtaking landscapes of kopjes (granite outcrops), woodland and open plains.
Welcome to the heart of the drama! During the peak season from August to October, thousands of wildebeest gather on the riverbank, hesitate, press forward – and finally plunge into the water. Crocodiles wait patiently while predators patrol the shore. Every game drive brings new scenes of survival, drama and the raw beauty of the African wilderness. Even away from the crossings, the wildlife density here is exceptional – over 4,000 lions and 1,000 leopards call the Serengeti home!
Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Return to Arusha
The final day of your 6-day safari in Tanzania has arrived. After breakfast, the choice is yours: a long but scenically spectacular drive back to Arusha or a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip for those in a hurry.
Let the impressions of the past few days pass before you once more – the endless plains, the dramatic river crossings, the predators on the hunt, the millions of hooves that set the ground trembling. With a heart full of memories, you'll arrive back in Arusha. This safari was far more than wildlife viewing – it was a journey into the ancient rhythms of nature, unchanged for thousands of years. Kwaheri – farewell!
Customer testimonial
“Top-organized safari with fantastic memories
Safari Tanzania, as an intermediary, enabled us to have highly individualized planning and saved us the effort of comparing dozens of providers online. They adapted everything to our wishes, connected us with the ideal local team, and offered flexible, prompt support – a relaxed highlight full of lasting memories.
Many safari organizers pushed for a personal call, only to offer a package tour in the end. Safari Tanzania sent us an offer after the first email, which we then minimally adjusted and swapped out one accommodation. This saved my girlfriend and me a lot of effort. Thank you very much!
Michael Simann, a customer from Frankfurt
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All prices listed are former prices for short and price-optimized trips. Current prices may be higher due to the respective season and inflation. Our terms and conditions apply.
Discover other 6-day safaris here.
passionate tour guide in Tanzania for 6 years
It fills me with pride to show guests the beauty of Tanzania and give them unforgettable moments. I love it when my guests see a lion in the wild for the first time or marvel at the savanna at sunset. It is important to me that my guests feel safe and well looked after – and return home with many beautiful stories.
My profession is not just a job for me, but something I'm passionate about."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for the migration safari?
The best time for Mara River crossings is July to October. In July and August the herds move north, and in October the return journey south begins.
Am I guaranteed to see the river crossings?
No – the migration is a natural event and can't be predicted. However, experienced guides will maximise your chances through local knowledge and flexible route planning.
How demanding is this 6-day safari in Tanzania?
The driving distances are longer than on classic safaris, but these remote areas reward you with fewer tourists and spectacular sightings.
What animals can I see besides the migration?
The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and over 500 bird species.
Where does this safari start and end?
Starts and ends in Arusha. On the final day, a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip is available as an option.
Is the Northern Serengeti less crowded?
Yes! The Lobo and Wagakuria regions see far fewer visitors than the Central Serengeti – ideal for an exclusive safari experience.
What makes the Ngorongoro Crater so special?
It's the largest intact caldera in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and offers the highest wildlife density of any park in Tanzania.
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