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6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari (Northern)

6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari (Northern)

Safari Overview

Between July and October, the northern Serengeti becomes the stage for the Great Migration's most dramatic chapter — the Mara River crossings. More than a million wildebeest and zebra push north from the central plains, compelled by ancient instinct toward the Mara River and the fresh grasslands of Kenya's Masai Mara beyond. What happens at the river is one of nature's most intense spectacles: thousands of animals plunging into crocodile-infested waters, chaos and courage and raw biological urgency playing out in full view. This 6-Day Northern Migration Safari is designed specifically for this crossing season — positioning you in the northern Serengeti when the herds are present in their greatest concentrations and the river crossings are most frequent. Your guide uses daily wildlife intelligence to position the vehicle before the crossings begin, ensuring you are in the right place at the right moment. This is active, expert guiding at its finest. Two full days in the northern Serengeti provides the best opportunity to witness multiple crossings — the herds can cross and recross the river multiple times in a single week depending on predator pressure and grassland conditions. The safari also includes the central Serengeti (for resident predators) and the Ngorongoro Crater (for year-round Big Five viewing). Best time: July to October. Contact Shammah Wonders Safaris for precise seasonal availability.
6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari (Northern) Route

Day to day description

Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha Town

Today you arrive directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) and will be transferred to your pre-safari lodge in Arusha  

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to lodge
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge 
Meals included: Dinner.

Day 1 Arusha Town - Ngorongoro Crater

Our journey begins with a pick-up from Arusha, followed by a scenic transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge before embarking on an afternoon safari tour. Descending over 600 meters into the crater, we'll be greeted by a stunning array of wildlife, thanks to the area's year-round water supply and lush vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and majestic African elephants roaming the plains. The park's dense predator population, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and elusive leopards, adds to the excitement of our adventure. Our exploration will take us to Lake Magadi, a picturesque alkaline lake teeming with flamingos, hippos, and various water birds. After a thrilling day of wildlife encounters, we'll retreat to our chosen accommodation for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Approximate driving time: 4 hours to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Meals included: Dinner.

Day 2 Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti (Lobo Area)

After breakfast, our adventure continues as we depart for the Serengeti National Park, leaving the highlands behind and descending into the heart of wild Africa. As we enter the Serengeti, we're greeted by its iconic endless plains, stretching as far as the eye can see. Our destination is the Lobo area, situated just north of the Seronera region in the central Serengeti National Park. This area serves as a crucial route for the annual wildebeest migration, with herds passing through around July/August en-route to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve, and again in late October/November en-route to the southern Serengeti National Park. Arriving in time for lunch, we'll fuel up before embarking on an exhilarating afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. Keep your cameras ready as we search for the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife against the backdrop of the Serengeti's breathtaking landscapes. After a day of thrilling wildlife encounters, we'll retire to our accommodation in the Serengeti Sametu for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay, tailored to your preferred level of comfort.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours to Serengeti 
Accommodation: Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 Serengeti (Lobo Area) Full Day

Following breakfast, immerse yourself in a full day of adventure with a game drive in the Serengeti National Park. The Lobo area and the Grumeti River region boast abundant resident game year-round, ensuring thrilling wildlife encounters at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for non-migrating species such as elephant, buffalo, gazelle, zebra, lion, leopard, and cheetah, all of which can be spotted throughout the area. Experience the serenity of the Serengeti as you traverse its vast plains, often with no other vehicles in sight—a truly immersive and intimate wildlife experience. Marvel at the majestic riverine trees lining the riverbanks and listen to the melodic calls of kingfishers and fish eagles echoing through the air. After a day filled with unforgettable wildlife sightings, return to your chosen accommodation in the Lobo area for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, tailored to your preferred level of comfort.

Accommodation: Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 Serengeti (Lobo Area) - Northern Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we head towards the far northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park, also known as the Wagakuria. We will do a game drive en route from the Lobo area to the Wagakuria area. As we head north, good sightings of giraffe, plains game, herds of buffalo,o and elephants can often be seen. We arrive in time for lunch at the lodge, and after lunch, we will enjoy an afternoon game drive in the area. The wildebeest migration can normally be found in the Wagakuria area from August to October, depending on rainfall patterns. A long stretch of the Mara River runs through the northern Serengeti National Park, and the Mara River provides the migration with its most difficult obstacle. Witnessing the frantic herds of wildebeest crossing the Mara River is amazing. Dinner and overnight in the Wagakuria area, as per the standard and type of accommodation option requested.

 Accommodation: Ikoma Wild Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Northern Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling full-day game drive in the Wagakuria area of the Serengeti. Known for its exceptionally high resident wildlife numbers, this region is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Encounter prides of lions, some boasting up to 30 members, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this wildlife paradise, especially from August to October. The Mara River serves as a focal point, offering the chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration as herds cross the river northwards and then return southwards a few days later. Please note, witnessing a crossing can be challenging and is often a matter of luck, as herds may linger by the river before deciding to cross. Despite this, the Wagakuria area's stunning landscapes, including kopjes, woodlands, riverine vegetation, and open plains, reminiscent of Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve, ensure an unforgettable safari experience. After a day of thrilling wildlife encounters, retreat to your chosen accommodation in the Wagakuria area for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, tailored to your preferred level of comfort.

Accommodation: Ikoma Wild Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Serengeti National Park - Arusha Town or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by Flight

Following breakfast at the lodge, we bid farewell to the Serengeti and begin our journey back to Arusha. You have the option to travel by road, enjoying scenic views along the way, or to join a scheduled flight from Kogatende airstrip to Kilimanjaro airport for a quicker return. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will connect your flight back to home.

 

Approximate driving time: 7 -8 hours to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

- from US$ 3,425 per person
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Migrations Safaris

Includes

Meals & accommodation

- Snacks & soft drinks

- Transfer fee

4x4 Land cruiser with pop up roof

Government taxes & VAT

All National Park conservation, park entry, camping, activity or concession fees as applicable 

Experienced English-speaking safari guide.

1 first aid kit per vehicle - In vehicle sanitizer, charging ports (Type G socket)

Excludes

International flights

Alcohol

Laundry & shopping expenses

Optional activities expenses

Extra excursion not listed in itinerary

– Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees