8 Days (North Serengeti Migration) - Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

From $2,619 per person

Experience Tanzania’s iconic parks on this unforgettable safari. Visit Tarangire National Park for its elephants and baobabs, explore the scenic Lake Natron with its flamingos and waterfalls, and discover abundant wildlife in the Central and Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds (July–Oct). Conclude your journey at the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, home to breathtaking views and incredible wildlife diversity, before returning to Arusha.

Short itinerary

Full itinerary

Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire

Pick up from your hotel in Arusha at 7:30 AM and depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch for a full-day game drive. Known for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers classic African scenery and abundant wildlife. Along the Tarangire River, you may spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and more. After your game drive, return to your camp or lodge to enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner under the African sky.

Day 2 - Lake Natron

After breakfast, depart around 8:00 AM with packed lunch boxes and drive towards Lake Natron, located about 3.5 hours from Mto wa Mbu/Manyara. Lake Natron is a surreal and otherworldly landscape, known for its highly alkaline, shallow waters and striking scenery. After checking into your lodge and taking a short break, join a Maasai guide for a walk along the lake’s shores in search of birdlife, especially the vibrant flocks of lesser flamingos. Lake Natron is East Africa’s most important breeding site for these birds, hosting up to two million during the breeding season (September–January). After the hike, return to your camp or lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Day 3 - Lake Natron to North Serengeti

Start your day early with a light hike to the nearby Ngare Sero Waterfalls, accompanied by your guide. Enjoy the refreshing mist and beautiful scenery as water cascades through the rocky gorge  sturdy shoes recommended. Return to your accommodation around 8:30 AM for breakfast before setting off toward Serengeti National Park.

The drive offers a scenic journey through villages, open savannah, and woodland, with chances to spot antelope, wildebeest, and zebra along the way. Enter the Serengeti in the afternoon and continue toward the Northern Serengeti, enjoying a game drive across the vast plains. Keep an eye out for herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, or perhaps a pride of lions resting in the shade. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the drive. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your camp or lodge inside the park.

Day 4 - North Serengeti

Choose between a full-day game drive starting around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch, or an early morning drive at 6:00 AM followed by breakfast and an afternoon drive. Between mid-June and September, you may witness the dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration.

You might also explore the Lobo Valley, a scenic area of woodlands, plains, and granite kopjes, home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other wildlife. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the game drive, and the day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 5 - North Serengeti to Central Serengeti

Start the day with either a relaxed breakfast and a game drive around 9:00 AM or an early morning drive at 6:00 AM. Return for breakfast and then depart toward the Central Serengeti with a packed lunch. The four-hour drive takes you through hills, woodlands, and open plains, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

The Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, centered around the Seronera River, which attracts a variety of animals. Keep an eye out for the many lion prides that thrive in this region. A picnic lunch is enjoyed during the drive, and the day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 6 - Central Serengeti

You can choose between a full-day game drive starting around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch or an early morning drive at 6:00 AM, returning for breakfast before heading out again for an afternoon drive. Today you will explore the Seronera area in the Central Serengeti, one of the park’s richest wildlife habitats.

The Seronera River attracts a wide variety of animals, and the region is famous for its lion and leopard populations, providing excellent wildlife viewing year-round. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the game drives, and the day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 7 - Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest collapsed volcanic crater, is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and home to around 30,000 animals. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 8 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) to Arusha

Start early with breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater around 6:30 AM for a 5-hour game drive. The crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool before ascending the crater and driving back to Arusha. You will be dropped off at your hotel by around 6:00 PM, concluding your safari with unforgettable memories.

Inclusions

  • Daily game drives while on Safari.

  • 4×4 Land Cruiser.

  • Park Fees (for Non-Residents).

  • A professional English speaking driver/ guide.

  • Concession/ Camping Fees.

  • Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).

  • All Taxes and VAT.

  • Meals as per itinerary.

Exclusions

  • Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).

  • Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.

  • Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Tips 

  • International flights.

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Weather Information

Tarangire

In October, Tarangire, Tanzania typically experiences warm and dry weather. Average daytime temperatures usually range from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Rainfall is generally low, with occasional short rains beginning towards the end of the month. The landscape remains mostly dry but is often starting to show signs of the upcoming rainy season, leading to lush greenery as October progresses. This time of year is popular for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.

Lake Manyara

In October, Lake Manyara, Tanzania typically experiences warm and dry weather. The average daytime temperatures range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).

Rainfall is generally low during this month, as it is towards the end of the dry season, and you can expect clear skies with plenty of sunshine. Humidity levels may start to rise as the region approaches the short rainy season, which usually begins in November. Overall, October is considered a good time for wildlife viewing in the area, as animals are often concentrated around water sources.

North Serengeti

In October, the North Serengeti region of Tanzania typically experiences warm weather as it enters the dry season. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures often range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Rainfall during this month is generally low, making it a popular time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around available water sources. The skies are usually clear, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities and photography. Overall, October is considered a pleasant time to visit the North Serengeti.

Lake Natron

In October, Lake Natron, Tanzania typically experiences warm to hot weather. The average temperatures usually range from about 25°C (77°F) during the night to around 35°C (95°F) during the day. This period is part of the dry season, so rainfall is minimal, and the humidity levels are generally lower. The region can have sunny skies with very limited cloud cover. Overall, October tends to be characterized by dry heat, making it a good time for outdoor activities in the area.

NCA

In October, the typical weather for NCA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) in Tanzania is characterized by warm temperatures and the onset of the short rainy season. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).

October often sees an increase in humidity and occasional rain showers, particularly towards the end of the month, as the region transitions into the rainy season. Overall, it’s a time when wildlife is quite active, making it a popular month for visitors.

Karatu

In October, Karatu, Tanzania typically experiences a warm climate as it transitions from the dry season to the rainy season. Historical averages indicate temperatures generally range from around 15°C (59°F) at night to about 28°C (82°F) during the day.

Rainfall in October is usually limited but can increase as the month progresses, with average precipitation around 30-50 mm. Humidity levels begin to rise, and occasional afternoon showers may occur towards the end of the month as the region approaches the short rainy season. Overall, the weather is generally sunny with a mix of warm days and cool nights.

Central Serengeti

In October, the typical weather in Central Serengeti, Tanzania features warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions as the region transitions from the dry season towards the short rainy season. Average daytime temperatures usually range from around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to about 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Rainfall during this month is generally limited, with averages typically around 20-30 mm, and it’s common to have a few short, afternoon showers as the month progresses. October is also characterized by lower humidity levels, making it a pleasant time for wildlife viewing, with many animals still easily visible as they gather around water sources.

Addons

Add-on tours in Serengeti

Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Rhino Tracking: USD 130 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person

Add-on tours in Ngorongoro

Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person

Add-on tours in Tarangire

Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge

Add-on tours in Karatu

Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
Iraqw Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person

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