8-Day Mid-Range Tanzania Safari: Great Migration
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara
- approx. 12 hours flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
On an unforgettable 8-day safari in Tanzania, experience the heart of northern Tanzania and one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth – the Great Migration! This mid-range safari takes you through four of Africa's most legendary national parks: Tarangire, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
On this classic safari in a 4×4 vehicle, you'll experience Tanzania's highlights up close. Watch over 1.5 million wildebeest on their epic journey, witness the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River and search for the Big Five in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater. You'll also visit a traditional Maasai village and experience the fascinating culture of the local people.
The best time to travel for the river crossings is June to September, while the calving season runs from January to March. Your safari starts and ends in Arusha.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Safari in Tarangire National Park
- Day 3: Drive to the Central Serengeti
- Day 4: The Great Migration & the Mara River
- Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
- Day 6: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater & a Maasai village
- Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 8: Return flight from Kilimanjaro Airport
Budget accommodations
2 people
2.718 € *
4 people
2.106 € *
6 people
1.902 € *
Mid-range accommodations
2 people
2.718 € *
4 people
2.106 € *
6 people
1.902 € *
Luxury accommodations
2 people
3.472 € *
4 people
2.754 € *
6 people
2.515 € *
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: Arrival in Arusha
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be given a warm welcome by your driver. The scent of Africa hangs in the air as you're driven to Arusha – the gateway to your 8-day safari in Tanzania.
Use the rest of the day to relax and settle in. In the evening, you'll receive a detailed briefing on the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Safari in Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up and the roughly two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park begins. Welcome to the land of giants! This park is famous for its huge elephant herds and the majestic, ancient baobab trees that dominate the landscape.
The life-giving Tarangire River draws countless animals during the dry season. On your game drive in an open-roof 4×4, you'll watch elephant families, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and wildebeest. The king of the savannah – simba, the lion – and his elusive cousin, the leopard, are at home here too. Enjoy the spectacular landscape and the wonderfully varied wildlife!
Day 3: Drive to the Central Serengeti
Today your journey takes you through the fertile highlands, where the Iraqw people grow wheat, coffee and maize. You'll pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and catch a first breathtaking glimpse of the crater – a taste of the highlights to come.
Around midday, you'll reach the world-famous Serengeti – a name that means "endless plain" in the Maasai language. At over 15,000 square kilometres, it's Tanzania's largest national park. The landscape transforms into golden grass plains, marshes and acacia-dotted savannah. This is the stage for the legendary Great Migration – the greatest natural spectacle on Earth!
Day 4: The Great Migration at the Mara River
Getting up early pays off, because today you'll be following the Great Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, cross the Serengeti in search of fresh grass and water.
Depending on the season, your guide will take you to the most spectacular spots: from June to September, you'll witness the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River in the north – an unforgettable spectacle, with crocodiles already lying in wait. From January to March, the calving season takes place in the southern Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest calves are born every day. Predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards are never far away.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, you'll travel to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you'll have the chance to spot the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. The animals roam freely across open, unfenced reserves, making for authentic wildlife viewing.
Once at the crater rim, an unforgettable sight awaits: look down into the vast caldera – glittering streams, open grass plains and countless animals. Enjoy the sunset in shades of orange and the anticipation of tomorrow's safari highlight in the crater itself.
Day 6: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater & a Maasai village
Today the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater begins – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible ecosystems on Earth! The caldera was formed millions of years ago when an immense volcano collapsed. Covering roughly 260 square kilometres, it is home to around 25,000 large mammals and the highest predator density in Africa.
On your 6–7 hour game drive, you'll have excellent chances of spotting all of the Big Five – including the rare black rhino! Enjoy a picnic overlooking the flamingos on the crater lake. In the afternoon, you'll visit the village of Mto wa Mbu and experience local culture up close – banana plantations, local food and authentic encounters.
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
The penultimate day takes you to Lake Manyara National ParkThis small but wonderfully varied park is named after the shallow soda lake that covers much of its area. Thousands of pink flamingos and over 500 bird species make it a paradise for bird lovers!
On your game drive, you'll discover monkeys, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and elephants. With a little luck, you'll see the famous tree-climbing lions – a speciality of this park! The landscape shifts from open grass plains through forests full of primates to baobab-lined cliffs. After this final safari experience, you'll drive back to Arusha.
Day 8: Return flight from Kilimanjaro Airport
The final day of your 8-day safari in Tanzania has arrived. Enjoy a relaxed morning and let the unforgettable experiences pass before you once more – the endless plains of the Serengeti, the dramatic river crossings, the Big Five in the crater.
Depending on your flight time, you'll be taken to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Not quite ready to leave? Ask us about extension options – whether that's extra safari days or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar!
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
Discover other tours
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 8-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."
Get binding offers quickly
In Germany & Tanzania
Our team is at your side
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for the Great Migration?
You can witness the Mara River crossings from June to September. The calving season, with thousands of newborns, takes place from January to March.
Which parks do I visit on this safari?
You'll experience four highlights: Tarangire, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara – northern Tanzania's most famous parks.
What are the odds of the Big Five?
Very high! In the Ngorongoro Crater in particular, with its high wildlife density, all of the Big Five – including the black rhino – are seen regularly.
Where does the safari start and end?
The tour starts in Arusha (hotel pick-up) and ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
What is a mid-range safari?
A comfortable safari in a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof, good accommodation and an experienced guide – perfect for value-conscious travellers.
Can I combine the safari with Zanzibar?
Absolutely! Many travellers extend their safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar – ask us about combination packages.
Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, many activities are family-friendly. We recommend inquiring about specific age limits in advance.
Plan your own trip to Tanzania
Plan your own trip to Tanzania
Get personal advice now
After this call, you have…
- a list of all trips that fit your budget and availability,
- Bookable tours with fixed prices
- and answers to your open questions
- ... and all in under 30 minutes.