Serengeti Migration Safari – 10 Days Off the beaten track

Serengeti migration safari

Get ready for a unique off the beaten track Serengeti migration experience.

Day to day summary

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DAY 1: Arusha.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our attentive ground staff will be there to greet you, ensuring a seamless transition as they assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel for the night.

Arusha, a bustling city often referred to as the safari capital of northern Tanzania, offers a vibrant mix of culture and adventure. This dynamic city serves as an excellent launchpad for exploring the breathtaking landscapes that surround it. From the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to the hidden gem of Lake Masek and the stunning biodiversity of Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha is ideally positioned for the ultimate exploration of Tanzania’s natural wonders. The renowned Serengeti National Park, famous for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, is also within reach, making Arusha an indispensable hub for safari enthusiasts.

Tanzania is a land of remarkable contrasts, with diverse ecosystems that include lush forests, arid savannahs, and pristine coastal beaches. Its rich wildlife includes iconic species such as Lions, Elephants, and Rhinos, set against breathtaking backdrops of mountains and lakes.

As you embark on your safari, prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with incredible sights and experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. From thrilling game drives to relaxing moments by tranquil lakes, Tanzania’s unparalleled beauty and diverse wildlife await you.

DAY 2-3: Onwards to Lake Masek.

After a delicious breakfast we will make our way to Lake Masek, nestled between Tanzania’s renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern Serengeti, Lake Masek Tented Camp offers an exceptional safari experience year-round. Ideally situated on the shores of Lake Masek, this eco-friendly retreat provides breathtaking views of the shimmering water and distant mountain ranges while offering access to some of the region’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. From December to April, the camp becomes a prime location to witness the annual Wildebeest Migration, as massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the short grass plains, drawn by fresh grazing after seasonal rains.

The open landscape surrounding the camp makes game viewing effortless, offering regular sightings of Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions, and Hyenas during the migration season. As the drier months set in, big cat encounters become less frequent, but the area remains rich in wildlife. Elephants, smaller wild cats, flamingos, and a diverse array of birdlife are often seen, drawn to the tranquil lake and its surroundings.

For those seeking even more adventure, the camp offers optional experiences such as visits to nearby archaeological sites, where guests can explore the region’s deep historical roots, or a hot-air balloon safari, which provides a spectacular aerial perspective of the Serengeti’s vast expanse.

With its unique location, sustainable ethos, and range of unforgettable activities, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a gateway to both the beauty and the thrill of the Tanzanian wilderness.

DAY 4-5: Onwards to the Ndutu Region.

The Ndutu Region lies within the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stretches into the unfenced southern expanse of Serengeti National Park. This location marks a natural junction between these two iconic wilderness areas, creating an essential corridor for wildlife movement.

Characterized by its open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and alkaline soda lakes, Ndutu offers a diverse habitat that supports a wide variety of species, including predators such as lions and cheetahs, along with abundant birdlife. Its unique position allows visitors to experience the seamless interaction of two of Tanzania’s most celebrated ecosystems, making it a prime destination for both game viewing and witnessing the Great Migration.

We will be staying at Pamoja Migration Camp. This time of year, offers excellent game-viewing opportunities as the Great Migration moves through the region, alongside incredible sightings of resident wildlife such as Lions, Cheetahs, and diverse bird species.

At the camp, you can enjoy the comfort of eco-conscious accommodations, guided game drives across the vast grasslands, and the serene beauty of this untamed wilderness. Whether you’re relaxing under the starlit skies or exploring the abundant wildlife during safaris, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

DAY 6-7: Serengeti.

After breakfast we will be making our way to the awe-inspiring Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is one of the most iconic and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, located in northern Tanzania and extending into southern Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers, including Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and several game reserves. Its name derives from the Maasai word “Siringet,” meaning “the place where the land runs on forever,” reflecting its vast, open plains.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Serengeti plays a pivotal role in global biodiversity conservation. It is a living testament to the resilience of nature and offers a glimpse into Earth’s primordial wilderness, where the delicate balance between predator and prey unfolds daily in dramatic fashion. Its importance extends beyond tourism, as it is also a critical cultural and ecological landmark deeply tied to the heritage of the Maasai people, who have coexisted with its wildlife for centuries.

We will be staying at The Serengeti Kati Kati Camp which is a mobile safari camp strategically located in the heart of the Seronera region, which is central to the Serengeti National Park. This prime location offers us easy access to some of the Serengeti’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife, making it an ideal base for exploration. The camp is designed to blend adventure with comfort, offering an immersive experience of the Serengeti’s untamed wilderness while maintaining a high level of luxury.

The camp features 10 spacious, en-suite tents, each with a private porch that provides stunning views of the surrounding plains. This setup creates an intimate and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat after a day of game viewing. The camp’s design is also eco-friendly, as it is fully mobile and built with minimal environmental impact in mind. Its transient nature ensures that it moves with the seasons, leaving no long-term disruption to the pristine habitats of the Serengeti.

Kati Kati Camp offers a truly unique experience for guests who want to be at the heart of the action, providing a comfortable and sustainable way to enjoy the Serengeti’s beauty and wildlife

DAY 8-9: Ngorongoro Crater.

This morning, we bid farewell to the Serengeti as we make our way onwards to the Ngorongoro Crater.

The mighty Ngorongoro is indeed an amazing place. It is known as one of the wonders of Africa and has been featured in numerous books and films about Africa.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which borders the Serengeti plains, contains around 8,500 km2 (3,300 sq mi). Its principal feature is the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest uninterrupted volcanic crater. The caldera is ringed by very steep walls that rise 600 meters (2,000 feet) above the volcano’s floor.

Approximately 25,000 large mammals make their permanent home in the crater’s grasslands. The most common ungulates include Common Wildebeest, Hartebeest (Coke’s subspecies), African Buffalo, Plains Zebra, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, and Common Eland. Other animals to look for include the Hippopotamus, African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Baboons, Monkeys, and the rare Bohor Reedbuck. Predators are also present, with the crater being home to a sizable Lion population as well as some Spotted Hyenas and Servals. The small Lake Magadi is in the center of the crater and is home to thousands of Flamingos.

Getting to Ngorongoro Crater from Ngorongoro Farm House is both convenient and scenic. The lodge is located just 20-30 minutes from the Lolduare Gate, which is one of the main entrances to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This close proximity makes it an ideal base for visiting the Crater, providing a relaxed journey to one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world.

Once you enter the Conservation Area, the descent into the Crater itself takes about 30 minutes. We will be greeted with panoramic views of the vast caldera, a unique natural wonder that is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, and Flamingos. The drive to the Crater floor offers a fantastic opportunity to observe the surrounding landscapes, and your knowledgeable guide will accompany you to ensure you make the most of your experience.

DAY 10: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha and Departure.

And with that, a wonderful Tanzania safari sadly comes to an end.

Following breakfast, we will travel the three hours to Arusha, stopping along the way for lunch or last-minute shopping. We are heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch our flight back home.

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When is the best time to see the Serengeti Migration?

The best time to experience the Serengeti Migration is in April during the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. This is when thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles give birth, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Which wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

Highlights include the Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, African Elephant, and Buffalo – along with Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hyena, Topi, Hippopotamus, Defassa Waterbuck, and Hartebeest. Birdwatchers can spot Green Wood-hoopoe, Brubru, Superb Starling, Abdim’s Stork, Magpie Shrike, and Red-and-Yellow Barbet.

What makes this Serengeti Migration safari unique?

This is an off-the-beaten-track safari, offering intimate wildlife experiences without the crowds. Explore the southern and central Serengeti, Lake Masek, and Ngorongoro Crater while witnessing predator-prey interactions during the calving season, all while staying in comfortable lodges.