11 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari & Wildebeest Migration

11 Days Tanzania Wildebeest

An 11-day Tanzania safari from Arusha to the Serengeti for the wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Nyerere National Park, with game drives and boat safaris on the Rufiji River.

Why this safari works

This eleven-day safari spends two days in each of Tanzania's northern parks, so there is time to follow the wildebeest herds in the Serengeti rather than passing through. Flying into the Serengeti at the start, then driving back through the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, keeps the road travel short. It finishes with a flight south to Nyerere National Park for game drives and a boat safari on the Rufiji River, a contrast to the northern savanna.

Highlights

  • Two full days following the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti
  • Two days of game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, staying on the crater rim
  • Flamingos and pelicans along the shores of Lake Manyara
  • Elephant herds and baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
  • Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park

Your route

  1. Arusha Tanzania · 1 night
  2. Serengeti National Park Tanzania · 2 nights
  3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania · 2 nights
  4. Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania · 2 nights
  5. Tarangire National Park Tanzania · 2 nights
  6. Nyerere National Park Tanzania · 1 night
  7. Dar es Salaam Tanzania · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Arrival in Arusha

    When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania, our friendly representative will be there to warmly welcome you. They will assist you with immigration procedures and then transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and get accustomed to the city.

    • Airport pick-up
    • Hotel in Arusha
  2. Days2–3
    Wildebeest swimming across muddy river, Serengeti, Tanzania

    Serengeti National Park. Wildebeest Migration Safari

    After enjoying breakfast, leave Arusha and take a flight to Serengeti National Park, which is known as one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and is renowned for the incredible wildebeest migration. Once you land, your experienced safari guide will meet you and take you to your lodge or camp situated in the heart of the Serengeti.

    Spend the two days exploring the Serengeti National Park during this wildebeest migration. Wake up early each morning to maximize your chances of witnessing thrilling wildlife activity. After breakfast, set off on full-day game drives that will take you into the Serengeti as you follow the herds’ movements.

    Witness firsthand as the wildebeest travel across plains, navigate rivers and face challenges from predators while striving for survival. Be amazed by the number of animals. Capture breathtaking photographs while immersing yourself in nature’s raw beauty.

    Besides the migration itself Serengeti National Park boasts a range of wildlife that calls it home.
    You can see elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras and various types of antelope in the park. Bird enthusiasts will also have plenty of opportunities to spot bird species as there are over 500 recorded in the area.

    • Migration game drives
    • Lodge or camp in the Serengeti
  3. Days4–5
    Zebras grazing on track in green crater, Ngorongoro, Tanzania

    Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    On Day 4 of your tour you’ll leave the Serengeti after breakfast and make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a caldera that remains intact. The drive to the crater rim offers fine scenery. Once you arrive at your lodge or camp on the rim you’ll have lunch.

    For two days you’ll explore the Ngorongoro Crater, known for its wildlife population. Descend into the crater for game drives and experience firsthand the incredible biodiversity within this natural amphitheater. You’ll have chances to spot lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalos as well as a variety of bird species. Don’t forget to capture photos of the views and landscapes that make this place a unique safari destination.

    • Ngorongoro Crater game drives
    • Lodge or camp on the crater rim
    • Lunch
  4. Days6–7
    Pelican in flight over water, Tanzania

    Lake Manyara National Park

    On Day 6 of your itinerary it’s time to leave the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and head towards Lake Manyara National Park, a diverse park situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley. Here you can enjoy game drives along the shores of Lake Manyara where fascinating flamingos, pelicans and other water birds can be observed.
    Discover the woodlands of the park and have incredible encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes and different species of monkeys as they gracefully climb trees. Immerse yourself in the awe inspiring sights of the rift valley and relish in the peacefulness that this picturesque park offers.

    • Lake Manyara game drives
  5. Days8–9
    Elephant herd walking past acacia, Tarangire, Tanzania

    Tarangire National Park

    Start your day with a breakfast before setting off on a drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its magnificent herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Set off on thrilling game drives to spot an array of wildlife including elephants, regal lions, graceful giraffes, striking zebras and a myriad of bird species. Witness the captivating movements of animals that add to the diversity of wildlife encounters. Capture photographs amidst the landscapes that adorn this remarkable park.

    • Tarangire game drives
  6. Day10
    Greater kudu in dry grass with palms, Selous (Nyerere NP), Tanzania

    Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

    After enjoying a breakfast bid farewell to Tarangire as you take a flight to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for a lunch experience. In the afternoon set off on exciting game drives and serene boat safaris along the Rufiji River. Encounter a range of wildlife including elephants in their habitat, mighty lions commanding their territory and elusive leopards showcasing their stealthy gracefulness; witness hippos basking in water bodies while crocodiles lurk nearby. Keep an eye out for captivating bird species that inhabit this wilderness within Nyerere National Park.

    • Game drive and boat safari
    • Lodge or camp in Nyerere
    • Lunch
  7. Day11

    End Of Safari

    Once you’ve finished breakfast it’s time to bid adieu to the wildlife-filled landscapes of Tanzania. You’ll be heading back to Dar es Salaam or any other place you prefer, marking the conclusion of your adventure.

    • Return to Dar es Salaam
    • Breakfast

Frequently asked questions

How do we get to the Serengeti?

On Day 2 you leave Arusha after breakfast and fly to the Serengeti, where your safari guide meets you and takes you to your lodge or camp.

How many days are spent following the migration?

Days 2 and 3 are dedicated to the Serengeti, with early starts and full-day game drives that follow the movement of the herds.

Where do we stay at Ngorongoro?

In a lodge or camp on the crater rim, from where you descend into the crater for game drives over two days.

What is different about Nyerere National Park?

Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, it is one of Africa's largest protected areas. Besides game drives you take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, with hippos and crocodiles.

Where does the safari finish?

On Day 11 you return to Dar es Salaam, or to another place you prefer.