Hot air balloons over a river and open savannah at sunrise.

Migration safari

8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari

Explore Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro on this 8-day itinerary.

Lake Manyara · Ndutu · Central Serengeti · Ngorongoro

Duration
8 days
Journey style
Migration safari
Places on the route
Lake Manyara · Ndutu · Central Serengeti · Ngorongoro

The journey

About This Safari

Join us for an extraordinary 8-day safari following the Great Wildebeest Migration from its calving grounds to the heart of the Serengeti and beyond. From the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara to the dramatic calving season in Ndutu, and the Big Five in Ngorongoro, this comprehensive safari combines prime wildlife viewing with comfortable accommodations and expert guides. Witness one of nature's most spectacular events as millions of wildebeest brave predators and challenges in their annual journey.

Our safari packages include professional guides, comfortable transportation, and all park fees. Experience the wonders of the complete migration cycle with Heavenly Wonders Safaris.

Find your fit

Who Is This Safari For?

Travellers interested in Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the experiences described in this itinerary.

Day by day

Your Itinerary

Follow the published route, one day at a time.

Plan This Safari

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, enjoy a welcome briefing about your safari and preparation for the migration experience. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha
  • Midrange: Arusha Serena Hotel
  • Budget: Outpost Lodge
Tall city building beside a road.
Lake Duluti near Arusha with forested shores and Mount Meru beyond

Arusha area imagery.

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, and diverse birdlife. The alkaline lake hosts thousands of flamingos, creating a spectacular sight.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
  • Midrange: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Panorama Safari Camp
Broad lake beneath a cloudy sky.
Flamingo reflected in still blue water.

Route destination imagery.

Day 3: Lake Manyara – Ndutu

After breakfast, drive to Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti, the heart of the calving season. Witness large herds of wildebeest, newborn calves, and predator action in this unique ecosystem.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Sanctuary Kusini Camp
  • Midrange: Ndutu Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Ndutu Wilderness Camp
Lion cub walking across dry ground.
Lion cub beside a tree trunk.

Migration-season wildlife imagery.

Day 4: Ndutu – Full Day

Spend the whole day in Ndutu during the peak of the calving season. Expect thrilling predator-prey interactions and thousands of wildebeest calves.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Sanctuary Kusini Camp
  • Midrange: Ndutu Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Ndutu Wilderness Camp
Cheetah resting in grass with another behind.
Lion cub beside a tree trunk.

Migration-season wildlife imagery.

Day 5: Ndutu – Central Serengeti

Follow the herds northward towards the Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti, home to lions, leopards, and abundant plains game.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti
  • Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Lion cub beside a tree trunk.
Wildebeest resting and grazing in green grass.

Migration-season wildlife imagery.

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Full Day

Explore the central plains with morning and afternoon game drives. Perfect location to spot big cats and catch stunning Serengeti sunsets.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti
  • Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Two warthogs standing beside a muddy bank.
Giraffe walking beside dry shrubs.

Route destination imagery.

Day 7: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro

Drive towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive. Spot black rhinos, lions, and elephants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
  • Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
  • Budget: Rhino Lodge
Leopard resting in the branches of a tree.
Monkeys sitting among tree branches.

Route destination imagery.

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Kilimanjaro Airport

Morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. After breakfast, ascend the rim and return to Arusha for your onward flight. Scenic views of the Maasai Steppe will complete your journey.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Day-use at Gran Meliá Arusha
  • Midrange: Kibo Palace Hotel
  • Budget: Outpost Lodge
Wide view across a crater landscape.
Elephant resting beneath an acacia tree.

Route destination imagery.

Places along the way

Destinations & Parks

Part of the programme

What’s Included

  • Accommodation in selected lodges/camps
  • All park entrance fees and conservation fees
  • Professional safari guide and driver
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Transportation in safari vehicle
  • Drinking water throughout the safari

Plan ahead

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

General Northern Tanzania travel guidance

When to Travel

The catalogue’s seasonal guide covers green landscapes, drier conditions and migration movements. Rainfall, park conditions and herd locations vary each year; it is not a guarantee of weather or sightings.

Explore the seasonal guide

From the published programme

More About This Journey

Why Choose This Migration Safari

Why Choose This Migration Safari Complete Migration Cycle Experience the migration from calving season to the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. Expert Local Guides Learn from experienced guides who know migration patterns and optimal viewing locations. Comfortable Transportation Travel in our well-maintained 4WD vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing. Sustainable Tourism We support local communities and conservation efforts across multiple ecosystems. Perfect Timing Our safari is scheduled during peak calving and migration season for optimal viewing. Personalized Service Dedicated staff to cater to your needs throughout your migration safari experience.

About the Wildebeest Migration

About the Wildebeest Migration Migration Timeline Calving season: January-March Central Serengeti: April-June Northern Serengeti: July-September Return to Ndutu: November-December What to Expect Newborn calves taking their first steps Predator-prey interactions Large herds in Southern and Central Serengeti Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater

Before you enquire

Safari FAQ

How long is 8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari?

8 days is the published package duration. See the day-by-day itinerary for the published programme.

Where does this journey go?

The package covers Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro. Refer to the itinerary for the individual stops.

Who might choose this itinerary?

Travellers interested in Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the experiences described in this itinerary.

What does this package include?

Accommodation in selected lodges/camps; All park entrance fees and conservation fees; Professional safari guide and driver; All meals as per itinerary. The full published list appears in What’s Included.

What is excluded from this package?

International flights to/from Tanzania; Personal travel insurance; Tips and gratuities for guides and staff; Tanzania visa fees. See What’s Not Included for the complete published list.

How do I enquire about 8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari?

Use Plan This Safari below or the configured WhatsApp contact. The form identifies this package automatically. Tell the team about your dates and any changes you would like to discuss; confirm arrangements before booking.

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Tell us what draws you to 8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari. Start with the published route and discuss your plans with the team.

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