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ROUTE THE GREAT MIGRATION II (JULY–SEPTEMBER):
WILDEBEEST CROSSING
THE LIFE-THREATENING MARA RIVER

Vast numbers of wildebeest crossing the life-threatening mara river. Experience one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts: the Great Migration.

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Brief Itinerary
  • Day 1: Moshi – Kilimanjaro
  • Day 2: Tarangire National Park
  • Day 3 -4: Ngorongoro Region, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
  • Day 5-6: Serengeti National Park
  • Day 7-9: Northern Serengeti National Park
  • Day 10: Departure
  • Day 11: Arrival Home

Route The Great Migration II (July–September)

By August, the herds have faced the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread throughout the Masai Mara’s northern region, with many remaining in the northern Serengeti. In years when the river is in full flow, the panic and confusion at the crossings — combined with waiting predators and surging currents — can cause massive loss of life.

But even in years of relatively gently flowing water the crocs take their toll, not to mention the lions and other large predators that patrol the banks, ready to ambush any wildebeest that makes it to the other side. There is no single crossing; at some spots, there are just a few individual animals, while at others you will see a mass of animals moving without break for hours.

10 days – customizable

850 km

1-4 pers

nature

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Moshi – Kilimanjaro

Welcome in Tanzania. A driver will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Moshi where you will spend the first night. The majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towers over this little African town which is known as a coffee producing hub boasting vast coffee plantations.

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

You are picked up by your personal safari guide after breakfast and head to the Tarangire National Park. This drive takes about 3,5 hours. Tarangire National Park is characterized by rolling country, the gorge (a deeply embedded river) which seldom runs dry, small swamps, and acacias.

 

It is famous for its enormous baobab trees and large elephant population that play around their ancient trunks and strip acacia bark from the thorn trees for their afternoon meal. There are also buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas and lions to be seen. In the dry season the animals assemble at the marshes for fresh drinking-water. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals during the annual dry season.

Day 3-4

Ngorongoro Region, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

Today you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park. With its location at the base of the east African rift valley along the Gregory rift, it offers spectacular viewing of the escarpment. Lake Manyara is one of those national parks which offer rich and diverse game viewing within a reasonably small area.

 

The next morning, you will drive into the Ngorongoro Crater. It is advisable to leave early to enjoy the nice morning light and before it gets too crowded. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The conservation area encompasses the famous Crater, the renowned Olduvai Gorge and vast plains of grasslands, forests and mountains extending to the Serengeti. This 8.000 km2 protected area is recognized for its natural beauty and was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors flock here to soak up the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It is famed for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

 

The crater is one of the prime areas to observe the black-maned lion and the endangered Black rhino, of which there are not many left in the crater. You will spend the whole day ‘on safari’ in the park looking for amazing wildlife. Your guide will bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. At the end of the day, we drive out of the crater, back to your accommodation.

Day 5-6

Serengeti National Park

After breakfast you will depart for the beautiful Serengeti National Park. An adventurous and bumpy road will take you there in about 4-5 hours. When time allows you will have a game drive in the afternoon before heading for your accommodation.

 

Serengeti National Park covers an area of 14.800 km2 and derives its name from the Maasai word ´Siringitu´, which means endless plain. The Serengeti is located along the rift valley and is abound with geological formations. One of Serengeti’s defining features are its round Kopjes (pronounced copies), a feature of continual weathering. These islands in the sea of grass are formed as the topsoil comprising of rock and ash is eroded, exposing a covered layer of metamorphic rock. They became round as a result of spherical wind weathering. The game drives in this park are exceptional and game viewing incredible. This Park offers the best opportunity for viewing cheetah, leopards and lions.

 

Serengeti is also famous for the Great Migration. In terms of numbers and drama, this is by far the most amazing natural spectacle you will ever see, coming face to face with thousands of wildebeest and zebras on their epic annual trek. Although there is no telling what exactly will happen in nature, we can advise you where you are most likely to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary phenomenon.

 

While spending these days in Serengeti National Park, you can do unlimited game drives between 06.00am and 06.00pm. This means you can start with an early breakfast, take a lunchbox, and come back to the camp in the later afternoon. Or you make an early morning game drive and come back to the camp for a so called ‘hot lunch’. Your guide will help you with the planning and the logistics. You just need to let him know your wishes and together you can plan for the day (usually done together with your guide the previous night).

Day 7-9

Northern Serengeti National Park

The last few days you will spend in the north of the Serengeti where you aim to see the Great Migration. It is here where the most beautiful photographs that appear in nature documentaries are shot. Obviously, it is any person’s dream to experience the famous and notorious crossing of the Mara River.

Day 10-11

End of tour - Departure - Arrival Home

Your guide will bring you to the Serengeti Kogatende Airstrip. Here you will say goodbye and fly to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home.

What is included?

Meet & Greet with your personal driver and guide at the Airport

All airport/hotel transfers

Described accommodations and meals

All guided road transfers and game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle (just for your own group)

Domestic flights (if applicable)

Park fees are included unless mentioned differently

Drinking water during the safari days

Flying Doctor membership

Standard accommodation includes all rooms at mid-range or luxury hotels, guesthouses or lodges, unless otherwise requested.

Most accommodations are booked on basis of DBB (Diner, Bed en Breakfast) or Full-Board.

In some accommodations local drinks are included.

What is not included?

International flights (book separately with us)

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, local premium and imported drinks (unless indicated differently)

Meals indicated as not included

Single Supplements

Visa Tanzania (USD 50 single entry)

Any extra activities (unless indicated as included)

Any items of personal nature

Travel and cancellation insurance

Gratuities and tips

Laundry

Zanzibar activities

Zanzibar infrastructure tax of $1,- p.p.p.n

Itinerary-The-Great-Migration-July-September-what-is-included

For who?

For those who want to be part of one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts: the Great Migration.

What makes this route unique:

After calving in the southern part of Tanzania's Serengeti, the animals migrate through the Serengeti. Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators.

How to get most out of it:

Extend your safari with a few days stay on the tropical island of Zanzibar.

Tailor-made Travel Advice

Every traveler has their own preferences. Need help deciding to make sure you make the right choice, we’re here to help! Together we fully customize the tour to your personal preferences, wishes and budget. We can assist you in many different ways. Our team of friendly and service-minded Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you making a personalized tailor-made travel proposal and to answer all questions you might have.

The land of safaris, idyllic beaches and wonderful wildlife, makes the country so memorable

Other Favourite Routes to Inspire

The Route ‘The Great Migration II (July–September)’ is just one of our sample itineraries. The itineraries we offer are fully customizable to your needs. You can book these, or you can use them for inspiration to build your own, tailor-made adventure. See below some of our other sample itineraries that we have put together. Discover Tanzania will always make sure that you will experience the journey of your dreams!

Tanzania Highlights & Zanzibar
Private guided safari to explore all the highlights of Tanzania with a relaxing end at the white beach of Zanzibar.

Length: 14 Days (customizable)

Price from: €2.750,- EUR

The Great Migration I (January–March)
Experience the movement of vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra towards better pastures during their calving season, followed by hungry predators.

Length: 9 Days (customizable)

Price from: €2.260,- EUR

The hidden gems of Tanzania & Zanzibar
Seek diversity; go off the beaten track and discover some beautiful hidden places; cool down in tropical Zanzibar.

Length: 14 Days (customizable)

Price from: €3.260,- EUR

Gallery Itinerary The Great Migration II (July–September)

Experience one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife!