Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
Serengeti Migration Trails is a private nine-day journey across northern Tanzania. Over eight carefully paced nights the route moves from the forested slopes of Arusha National Park to Tarangire's baobab woodlands, through the Central Serengeti's big-cat country, north to the Mara River migration area, and finally into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Your party travels alone in a dedicated 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking Tanzanian guide-driver. There is no convoy timetable: mornings can start before sunrise and the vehicle can remain at a promising wildlife sighting for as long as conditions and park rules allow.
Comfortable lodges are combined with authentic in-park tented camps. Two consecutive nights near the Mara River create a full flexible day in the Northern Serengeti without long daily transfers. The route is designed for July to October but remains fully customizable and is repositioned seasonally as the Great Migration moves.
The displayed per-person price is based on two travelers sharing in high season. Solo travel is available only by tailored quotation because the single-room supplement depends on exact dates and availability. Wildlife and river crossings are natural events and can never be guaranteed.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days / 8 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Semi-Luxury |
| Starting point | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Ending point | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destinations | Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Lodge, Tented Camp) |
| Meal plan | Lunch for arrivals before midday, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic brunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Honeymoon, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 9 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kilimanjaro International Airport → Usa River → Arusha | Arusha | ~ 45 km | 1 hour | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 2 | Arusha → Arusha National Park → Arusha | Arusha | ~ 70 km round trip | About 2 hours of road driving plus a full day in the park | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Arusha → Tarangire → Karatu | Karatu | ~ 195 km | 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours plus a full-day game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater Rim → Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Serengeti | ~ 145 km | 4-5 hours with viewpoints and game viewing en route | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Northern Serengeti → Northern Serengeti | Serengeti | ~ 145 km | 4-5 hours driven as a long game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Northern Serengeti → Mara River → Northern Serengeti | Serengeti | Local game-drive loops | Flexible full day with a picnic lunch | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 7 | Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Ngorongoro Crater Rim | Ngorongoro | ~ 280 km | 7-8 hours structured as game drives with breaks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 8 | Ngorongoro Crater Rim → Ngorongoro → Arusha | Arusha | ~ 190 km | Approximately 4 hours of transfer driving plus up to 6 hours in the crater | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 9 | Arusha → Airport road → Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | ~ 50 km | 1 hour | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania - Welcome to the Foothills of Mount Meru
Day 1 — Arrival in Tanzania - Welcome to the Foothills of Mount Meru
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Usa River |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | On arrival |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approximately 1 hour after airport pick-up |
| Approx. distance | ~ 45 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 1 hour |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer privately through coffee farms and rural villages to Usa River. Settle into the lodge before a welcome briefing and dinner.
Morning
Arrival formalities at Kilimanjaro International Airport according to the international flight schedule. A representative welcomes you with a name board and cold drinking water.
Afternoon
Transfer through the green Arusha-Moshi corridor toward Usa River. Morning arrivals can enjoy lunch at the lodge before resting in the gardens and nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Evening
Meet your safari consultant for an itinerary walk-through, park etiquette briefing and final questions before dinner at the lodge.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — Kilimanjaro International Airport (1 Hour)
- 🏞 Transfer — JRO To Usa River (1 Hour)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Mount Meru Game Lodge (Afternoon)
Meals
Mount Meru Game Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge at Usa River between JRO Airport and Arusha with lunch for early arrivals and dinner. The green arrival setting includes a small wildlife sanctuary. Alternatives are Arumeru River Lodge and Rivertrees Country Inn.
Keep essentials and one safari outfit in your hand luggage in case of airline baggage delays. Early check-in or a day room can be requested for pre-dawn arrivals from approximately US$ 90 per room.
Day 2 Arusha National Park - Forests, Crater Rims and the Momella Lakes
Day 2 — Arusha National Park - Forests, Crater Rims and the Momella Lakes
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Arusha National Park |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha National Park |
| Approx. departure | 08:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:00 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 70 km round trip |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2 hours of road driving plus a full day in the park |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a full day exploring Arusha National Park from its montane forest and colobus habitat to the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater rim before continuing to an Arusha city lodge.
Morning
Drive to Ngongongare Gate and follow forest tracks where black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys move through the canopy.
Afternoon
Picnic beside the Momella Lakes before driving the Ngurdoto Crater rim and scanning the swamp floor for buffalo. Optional guided walking and canopy activities are available by advance arrangement.
Evening
Return to Arusha city for lodge check-in, pool time and dinner before the northern circuit begins.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Arusha National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Bird Watching — Momella Lakes (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Arusha National Park (Full Day)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Mid-range Arusha city lodge on full board with a pool and a convenient position for the early Day 3 departure. Alternatives are Ilboru Safari Lodge and Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Forest mornings are cool so carry a light fleece and binoculars. A ranger-guided walking safari or treetop canopy walkway can be added for approximately US$ 25-35 per person plus applicable ranger fees.
Day 3 Tarangire National Park - Baobabs and the Elephant Kingdom
Day 3 — Tarangire National Park - Baobabs and the Elephant Kingdom
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire |
| Ending location | Karatu |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | 07:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 18:30 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 195 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours plus a full-day game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Travel across the Maasai Steppe for a full Tarangire game drive among baobabs, river loops and elephant habitat. Continue through the Rift Valley escarpment to the Karatu highlands.
Morning
Depart west across the Maasai Steppe and enter Tarangire among giant baobabs and golden grassland threaded by the Tarangire River.
Afternoon
Game-drive through the river valley and enjoy a picnic lunch before exploring the Silale Swamp and river loops. Leave the park late in the day and climb into Karatu.
Evening
Arrive at the farm-style highland lodge for dinner featuring local produce and views across coffee country.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Arusha To Tarangire (Morning)
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
Meals
Farm of Dreams Lodge
About this stay
Mid-range farm-set lodge in the Karatu highlands on full board. It is positioned between Tarangire and the Serengeti road. Alternatives are Ngorongoro Farm House and Marera Valley Lodge.
Tarangire can be dusty in the dry season so carry a scarf and a dust-proof camera bag. A coffee-farm tour or Karatu village walk can be arranged for approximately US$ 20-35 per person.
Day 4 Into the Serengeti - Across the Crater Highlands to Seronera
Day 4 — Into the Serengeti - Across the Crater Highlands to Seronera
| Starting location | Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 07:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 18:00 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 145 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 4-5 hours with viewpoints and game viewing en route |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill Gate to enter the Serengeti. Continue on an afternoon game drive through the granite kopjes and river loops of the Seronera Valley.
Morning
Climb through highland forest and pause at a Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint before descending past Maasai homesteads onto the open plains.
Afternoon
Cross the short-grass plains to Naabi Hill Gate for a picnic lunch and continue on a Serengeti game drive through the Seronera Valley.
Evening
Reach the tented camp inside the park for a sundowner and dinner under canvas with lion and hyena calls in the distance.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Karatu To Naabi Hill Gate (Morning)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Seronera Valley (Afternoon)
Meals
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
About this stay
Mid-range tented camp inside the Central Serengeti in the Seronera area on full board. Alternatives are Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp and Thorn Tree Camp.
High-season park formalities can take time and the picnic stop is planned around them. A dawn Serengeti balloon safari can be pre-booked for approximately US$ 599 per person subject to weather and availability.
Day 5 North to the Mara River - Following the Migration Corridor
Day 5 — North to the Mara River - Following the Migration Corridor
| Starting location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Northern Serengeti |
| Ending location | Northern Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:30 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 145 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 4-5 hours driven as a long game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Follow a long unhurried game-drive route from Seronera through the western woodlands and Lobo hills into the Northern Serengeti. In season the landscape fills with wildebeest and zebra columns as camp is reached near the Mara River.
Morning
Game-drive north through the Seronera Valley at first light and follow the western woodlands toward the Grumeti drainage.
Afternoon
Picnic in the Lobo or Togoro area before entering the greener riverine Northern Serengeti. Your guide assesses herd positions and river activity for the following day.
Evening
Settle into the tented camp near the Mara River for dinner beneath the remote northern night sky.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central To Northern Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Lobo And Mara River Areas (Full Day)
Meals
Tanzania Bush Camps - Mara River Camp
About this stay
Mid-range tented camp inside the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River on full board. Two nights remove long daily transfers. Alternatives are Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp and Nyikani Migration Camp.
Treat the entire route as a game drive and keep cameras ready because important sightings often happen between the main stops. Departure can be before dawn when a balloon flight has been booked.
Day 6 A Full Day on the Mara River - The Migration's Grand Stage
Day 6 — A Full Day on the Mara River - The Migration's Grand Stage
| Starting location | Northern Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Mara River |
| Ending location | Northern Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Before sunset |
| Approx. distance | Local game-drive loops |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible full day with a picnic lunch |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a completely flexible day along the Mara River and around Kogatende. During river season the guide reads herd behavior near known crossing areas; at all times the northern hills and kopjes support excellent resident wildlife.
Morning
Leave at dawn with a packed breakfast and explore known river areas. In migration season the guide studies the herds as they mass and hesitate near crossing banks.
Afternoon
Picnic near the river before further drives around Kogatende and the Wogakuria kopjes. Outside crossing season the quieter tracks remain productive for resident game.
Evening
Enjoy a sundowner overlooking the river followed by dinner and campfire stories at camp.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Northern Serengeti And Mara River (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Mara River (Full Day)
- 🏞 Sundowner — Mara River Area (Evening)
Meals
Tanzania Bush Camps - Mara River Camp
About this stay
Second night at the mid-range tented camp inside the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River on full board. The repeated stay creates a full flexible river day without a transfer.
River crossings are entirely controlled by nature and cannot be promised. Bring additional memory cards and allow your guide to hold a respectful park-compliant position. Private bush dining can be arranged for approximately US$ 45-95 per person.
Day 7 The Long Way South - Serengeti Traverse to the Crater Highlands
Day 7 — The Long Way South - Serengeti Traverse to the Crater Highlands
| Starting location | Northern Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 18:30 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 280 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 7-8 hours structured as game drives with breaks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Traverse the Serengeti from the Mara River through Lobo, Togoro and Seronera before crossing the short-grass plains and climbing into the Ngorongoro highlands. The long route is structured as continuous game drives with breaks.
Morning
Take a final sunrise drive beside the Mara before traveling south through Lobo hills and the Togoro plains toward Seronera.
Afternoon
Pause for lunch at Seronera and continue across the short-grass plains to Naabi Hill. Exit the park and climb into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Evening
Arrive at the luxury highland lodge for a hot shower, fireside drink and early dinner before the dawn crater descent.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Northern To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Serengeti To Ngorongoro Highlands (Whole Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti Traverse (Full Day)
Meals
Laba Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands on full board and under one hour from the crater descent road. Alternatives are Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge and Tloma Lodge.
This is the longest driving day and preserves unhurried time on Days 5 and 6. Motion-sensitive travelers should sit mid-vehicle. A scheduled Kogatende flight can replace the road traverse with a revised itinerary and price.
Day 8 Ngorongoro Crater - Dawn on the Floor of a Lost World
Day 8 — Ngorongoro Crater - Dawn on the Floor of a Lost World
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 06:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 18:00 |
| Approx. distance | ~ 190 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approximately 4 hours of transfer driving plus up to 6 hours in the crater |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for an extensive game drive across the caldera floor. After a picnic brunch and final wildlife loops continue through Karatu and the Rift Valley to Arusha.
Morning
Descend the 600-metre access road as mist lifts and explore the crater floor for lion, elephant, buffalo, hyena and the possibility of black rhino.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic brunch near the hippo pool and final loops through Lerai Forest before ascending. Continue via Karatu and the Rift Valley toward Arusha.
Evening
Check into the Arusha lodge and toast the journey over a farewell dinner.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Arusha (Afternoon)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Mid-range Arusha city lodge on full board for the final night. Alternatives are Ilboru Safari Lodge and Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Crater-rim mornings can be below 10 C so dress in layers. A Maasai boma visit or Mto wa Mbu village and banana-farm tour can be added for approximately US$ 25-50 per person.
Day 9 Farewell Tanzania - Departure Day
Day 9 — Farewell Tanzania - Departure Day
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Airport road |
| Ending location | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | Timed to flight |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Airport arrival 3 hours before departure |
| Approx. distance | ~ 50 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | 1 hour |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Enjoy a relaxed final morning and lunch in Arusha before a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport timed to arrive three hours before the international flight.
Morning
Enjoy breakfast and a late morning at the lodge. Depending on flight time you may relax by the pool or independently visit a local attraction.
Afternoon
Lunch is included in Arusha before a feedback chat and private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport with ample check-in time.
Evening
Depart Tanzania or begin a separately arranged Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro extension.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Arusha (Morning)
- 🏞 Transfer — Arusha To JRO (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Kilimanjaro International Airport (Afternoon)
Meals
Airport queues grow in peak season so the transfer is scheduled conservatively. A post-safari day room or extra Arusha night can be requested. Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro-foothills extensions are also available.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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An exclusive private pop-up-roof Land Cruiser gives every traveler a window seat and a flexible schedule.
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A professional English-speaking Tanzanian guide-driver plans each day around wildlife movement, light and your interests.
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Two consecutive nights in the Northern Serengeti provide a full flexible day near the Mara River.
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Dawn starts and picnic-lunch game drives allow unhurried viewing without a shared-group timetable.
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In-park tented camps and character lodges keep the safari close to wildlife and include two selected luxury-lodge nights.
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The route crosses montane forest, baobab savannah, Serengeti plains, the riverine north and the Ngorongoro Crater floor.
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Golden-hour drives and open roof hatches create outstanding wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.
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The Ngorongoro Crater descent explores dense big-game habitat and offers a chance to look for black rhino.
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Seasonal routing follows the Great Migration south during calving season instead of remaining tied to a fixed map.
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Kilimanjaro International Airport meet-and-greet and return transfers are included.
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Direct support from the Arusha operations team includes a pre-departure briefing and assistance throughout the safari.
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Responsible wildlife viewing follows park regulations and supports respectful sightings and community-owned suppliers.
Included
- Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof exclusively for your party
- Professional English-speaking guide-driver throughout the safari
- Eight nights of accommodation as specified or confirmed equivalents
- Meals stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National park entry fees for non-residents
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater service fees for non-residents
- Camping and concession fees for non-residents
- All game drives and park activities described in the itinerary
- Round-trip Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers
- Unlimited bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Applicable government taxes and VAT
- Pre-departure safari briefing and printed itinerary pack
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover for the safari duration
- 24-hour emergency logistical support from the Arusha operations office
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance and medical expenses
- Vaccinations and personal health preparation
- Tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs and other personal purchases
- Laundry unless offered by a property
- Phone data and spa services
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages unless specifically included
- Optional balloon safaris and walking or cultural activities
- Domestic flights unless expressly added to the quotation
- Accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 9
- Bank transfer and card-processing charges
- Government tax or park-fee increases imposed after quotation
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing (Jun–Oct). Green seasons are beautiful and quieter (Nov–Mar).
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes — add days, change lodges (lodge/camp), or include balloon safaris/cultural visits.
What is the typical group size?
Private tours are just your party with a driver-guide. Shared departures may have 4–7 guests per vehicle.
See it for yourself
A few moments from this safari, filmed on the ground.
