9 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
9 days| 8 nights
Short Tour Description
9 Days – Witness the Greatest Wildlife Spectacle on Earth
This Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari offers you a chance to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration – one of the world’s most spectacular natural events. The Great Migration is characterized by over 2 million wildebeests, accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles, on their annual journey through the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Along the journey, the migrating herds are hunted by predators such as elusive cheetahs, leopards, and lions. This annual spectacle is wonderfully witnessed on this 9-day safari, which begins in Arusha with a romantic stay at a coffee plantation before heading to the iconic wilderness of the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater – the Garden of Eden.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania
Day 2: Coffee plantation experience in Arusha
Days 3–6: The spectacular Serengeti Migration (4 full days)
Days 7–8: Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest wildlife habitat
Day 9: Departure
Why This Safari is Worth Taking
The Great Migration – Witness over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles on their annual journey
Predator Action – See lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting the migrating herds
Luxury Accommodation – Stay at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp, and Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Ngorongoro Crater – Descend into the world’s largest unbroken caldera, teeming with wildlife
Maasai Cultural Encounter – Visit a traditional Maasai village
Romantic & Exclusive – Perfect for honeymooners and discerning travelers
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your experienced local guide. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha for an evening of relaxation.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Coffee Experience in Arusha
A Taste of Tanzania’s Coffee Country
Spend today at your lodge – Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled deep in Tanzania’s coffee country among the verdant foothills of Mount Meru’s peak.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the surrounding plantation. Alternatively, you may choose to:
Simply absorb the aromas from your private veranda hidden in the dense gardens
Indulge in a spa treatment
Take in your surroundings from the stunning swimming pool
Visit Arusha National Park for sightings of bright turacos and blue monkeys perched among lush treetops
In the evening, enjoy sampling local dishes – from grilled meats to wood-fired pizza.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3–6: The Spectacular Serengeti Migration
Four Days Following the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Serengeti National Park to witness the annual Wildebeest Migration as it takes place.
The Great Migration is a year-round movement of over 2 million wildebeests, accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles. On your four days in Serengeti National Park, you will:
Explore the endless plains of the Serengeti
Follow the migration as it moves across the ecosystem
Spot other wildlife species including lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, gazelles, cheetahs, elands, giraffes, and more
Watch as wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles speed through the endless savannah plains, following the rains in search of lush grasses.
Each evening, enjoy cocktail sundowners around the fire overlooking an emblematic African sunset among the acacia trees. Savor Tanzanian fare and stories from your knowledgeable guides.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (each day)
Days 7–8: Ngorongoro Crater – The World's Largest Wildlife Habitat
The Garden of Eden
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to the Serengeti, and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater with an en-route game drive across the Serengeti Plains.
Often referred to as the Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater is home to a huge population of wildlife – including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino).
Day 7 Highlights:
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with en-route game viewing
Descend into the crater – the world’s largest unbroken caldera
Enjoy sweeping valley views with bright-blue lakes where an enormous array of wildlife thrives
Visit a local Maasai village for a cultural experience
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a picnic spot overlooking a lake crowded with hippos
Enjoy sweeping valley views and crater floor drives. Evenings feature sundowners over the crater and a buffet-style dinner showcasing wonderful local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (each day)
Day 9: Departure
Farewell to Tanzania
After breakfast, embark on your journey back to Arusha. Enjoy lunch along the way, then be dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home – bringing your safari to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Safari
Inclusions
- Airport transfers (pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport)
All accommodation
All meals as indicated
Professional English-speaking safari guide
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
All national park entry fees and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fees
Coffee plantation tour at Arusha Coffee Lodge
Game drives as described in the itinerary
Maasai village visit
Drinking water during game drives
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees (approx. $50 – obtainable on arrival or online)
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic and soft drinks (available for purchase)
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary