The great wildebeest migration in one of the greatest spectacles in nature as two million animals are on the move across the Serengeti. From June to August, track the herds and watch the drama unfold from a mobile camp that follows the migration. This luxury itinerary immerses you in all the intimate wonders, from the dramatic river crossings to the thrilling predatory scenes, complemented by an evocative safari in three other fabled national parks.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Arusha – Relaxed First Night in Tanzania
With a late evening arrival to Kilimanjaro, you won't be able to see any wildlife, but you will be able to hear it. Bushbabies chirp from the trees around your lodge; distant monkey calls echo through the trees, and an exotic soundtrack tweets softly through the night. Through the darkness, you can sense the wild, and you anticipate the world that stretches out across the slopes of Northern Tanzania. You will be picked up at the airport for a short transfer to the lodge which lies on the fertile lower slopes of Mount Meru, outside the town of Arusha. Rest and relax; the safari starts tomorrow.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lake Manyara – Tranquil Safari Introductions in Lake Manyara
Day 3
Lake Manyara – Exploring the Safari Surrealism of Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4
Serengeti – Indelible Impressions of Nature's Greatest Spectacle
Day 5 - 7
Serengeti – Mobile-Tented Camp Safari Following the Great Migration
Day 8 - 9
Maasai Mara – Following the Migration Trail Into Kenya
Day 10
Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Track the great wildebeest migration with four days of safari adventure in the Serengeti
- Marvel at the galloping herds and admire the raw-hunting scenes that play out on the Serengeti plains.
- Stay in a luxury mobile tented camp that's positioned to be among the migration, regardless of when you visit from June - August
- Game drive to crocodile-infested rivers that the wildebeest must cross to continue their migration
- Follow the migratory trail by as you cross into Kenya and spend your final two nights at a luxury camp in the Masai Mara
- Start your safari experience with an idyllic day driving through Lake Manyara, one of Africa's most picturesque parks
- Journey across the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater floor, where tens of thousands of diverse mammals congregate in nature's lost Eden
- Fly across the Serengeti in a light aircraft and admire the stunning scale of the famous grass plains
Detailed Description
Dust swirls and you can hear the hooves as hundreds of thousands are on the move when the enormous wildebeest herds cross the grass plains of the Serengeti. Hyenas follow their trail to scurry along to feast on the weak and injured. Cross a ridge, and a black and white mass slowly ripples out into tens of thousands of zebra. Lionesses are on their tails to seek a weak link in the huddled herds. Leopards, cheetahs, and jackals abound, and the scent of danger is everywhere, an unmistakable part of the migration's atmosphere. Every year the cycle plays out as up to two million mammals journey across the uninterrupted grass plains of the Serengeti to head towards the grazing lands of the Masai Mara. Drama always unfolds as you follow the spectacle with the clash between predator and prey unceasing.
This handcrafted safari itinerary places you center stage among this phenomenal theater to give you the ultimate access to nature's greatest show. The wildebeest migrate in their large herds from April to August to graze as they cross the Serengeti, though the heavy rain of April mean June to August is a more realistic timetable for an uninterrupted great migration experience. Regardless of what traditional migration maps may indicate, this is not a static or predictable movement as the herds move in clusters, perhaps up to half a million on the move together. The path of the migration is dictated by the rains and the grass, and while the routes do follow patterns, they are rarely the same. A luxury mobile camp is the premier way to track the migration as the camp is erected among the herds, constantly moving dependent on where the wildebeest are.
Spend your first days tracking the migration to admire the emotion that swirls with the dust. Wildebeest gallop and rut as strong males showcase their strength and virility. The weak and injured are quickly set upon, a menagerie of predators have their carnivorous feast as jaws crunch through the black and white stripes. Dozens of lion pride are seen and spotted cats lurk menacingly in the grass. Every moment seems to bring another intimate scene, another personal piece of the migration that's only seen by you. Your days keep you submerged in the baffling scale; when there are two million mammals it often feels that the great migration never ends.
To complement the great wildebeest migration, this luxury safari also includes three very diverse national parks. Admire the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara, a pristine expanse of lake and forested hills that make an easy introduction to safari. Explore Ngorongoro Crater, where a surreal amount of mammals congregate on a utopian landscape. Your next days are spent in the Serengeti, an experience that starts with a thrilling micro flight over the wildebeest-dappled plains. Then continue north to cross into the Masai Mara for days of opulent safari in one of Africa's most abundant destinations. On a rolling grass valley, find the predators expectant and waiting for the wildebeest to follow you over the river.
The great wildebeest migration continues through the year and follows an ancient annual cycle that's dictated by the rains. The month of your visit dictates which part of the spectacle you will see. June to August is the time of great herds on the move and incredible river crossings. If your Serengeti safari is earlier in the year, a handcrafted itinerary can focus on wildebeest calving in the southeast of the park.
Starting Price
$13,900 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 567 reviews.
The travel company was outstanding. We received Exceptional service and attention to detail. Zicasso's tour company absolutely delivered on everything they promised. We could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, courteous, and professional guide than ours. He was simply extraordinary. The travel company and our trip coordinator had the entire trip meticulously organized.
Reviewed By Wayne K.
Zicasso’s trip coordinator was very easy to work with. I asked for several modifications to the itinerary, which she handled expediently and everything went on without a hitch. The tour operator was excellent. They met with us "in the field" to answer any questions and I had a direct line to them in Tanzania for any issues. It was nice to deal with someone in the U.S. while in the planning stage. Not necessary, but definitely a luxury.
Reviewed By Belinda B.
The trip was the best we have ever had. Africa is a very special place. Zicasso's travel expert did a fantastic job of organizing the itinerary. The only disappointment was that we were not scheduled to see the mass migration across the river.
Reviewed By Andrew K.
The trip was exhilarating and the job done by our Zicasso travel agent was second to none.
Our trip was 20 days, with multiple locations, flights, and activities. Our agent arranged things so well, we hardly had to do anything. Guides and contacts always arrived on time and led us through each location efficiently and safely.
The gorilla trek in Rwanda was amazing. On safari, we saw the Big Five by the end of day two and saw many, many unique animal encounters. We did a walking safari one day, which was also a highlight. Our agent recommended the Lewa Conservancy as a stop and this was wonderful for seeing many black and white rhinos.
I would give our travel company a 10/10 for personal care and attention. I highly recommended them for a high-quality, memorable African adventure!
Reviewed By Michael D.
This was an amazing trip. It was well planned by Zicasso's travel company and executed to perfection. The lodges were beautiful and strategically located. The game drives were so much fun. The guides were tremendous. I have never been on such a well-designed trip.
Reviewed By Gina I.
We had a wonderful journey, with every step detailed and escorted from end to end. Our Zicasso travel experts did a great job and were always available for support.
Reviewed By Margarita M.