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8-Day Ultra-Luxury Plus Tanzania Mara river Migration Safari

8 Days

Safari Overview

During this 8-day ultra-luxury safari, you will receive exceptional care while exploring some of the finest attractions that Tanzania has to offer. You will encounter stunning wildlife set against a backdrop of remarkably diverse landscapes; observe monkeys in the forest, lions perched in trees, elephants among acacias, and a vast array of animals within a collapsed volcano. In addition to visiting Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park, you will also venture into the renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, where witnessing the annual migration of massive herds of grazers across Northern Tanzania is an extraordinary spectacle.

Safari Highlights

  • Spotting the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo)
  • Birdwatching
  • View Ngorongoro Crater
  • Watch a large herd of elephant families in Tarangire
  • A visit to the famous Serengeti National Park
  • Witness the wildebeest migration spectacle

Itinerary

You will be picked up from the airport by our representative and conveyed to your accommodation in Arusha where you will overnight, relax, and prepare in anticipation of the adventures to come. Our partner lodge.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals & Drinks: at own expense

In the morning you will be collected from your accomodation in Arusha by your personal Safari Guide. The drive to Tarangire is on a good tarmac road, across the gently rolling Masai plains with scattered acacia trees. En route, you will pass many Masai in their colurful dress walking on the roadside, riding bicycles, herding their cattle and driving donkeys carts.
Tarangire National Park is well known for its large elephant herds. From the open roof of the vehicle you will experience the seasonal swamps, savanna and Tarangire River in search of many animals including zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. It’s possible that you will catch a glimpse of a lion stalking its prey or leopards watching and relaxing in the trees above. After an extensive game drive, having experienced the various sights and sounds of the wilderness, you will leave the park and head to a nearby campsite, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Neptune Ngorongoro
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Along the way we’ll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to see baboons, or even leopards and elephants in the dense undergrowth. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats, such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah and mountains. After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lemala Nanyukie
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

In the morning, we undertake our en route game drive to the Northern region of the Serengeti. Stretching from Seronera for about 100km, the Northern Serengeti is a gentle rolling countryside broken by small rivers, occasional hills, and kopjes. There here resides a multitudinous permanent population of wildlife, with also very striking geological occurrences such as the beautiful Lobo Kopje. The Northern Serengeti is an interesting and varied country that is far from the park’s main entry point in the south hence receiving fewer visitors.

The migration is found in this area from late July to October and we may with luck witness the most spectacular of river crossings as the herd attempt to fjord the Mara River and avoid the strong currents and hungry crocodiles.
After a full day, we head for our Tented Lodge where we enjoy dinner and our night of sleep under the magnificent African sky out upon the ‘Endless Plain’

Accommodation: Lemala Kuria Hill
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

After an early breakfast, you will head out to make the most of the day. There is a chance you may see the animals crossing the Mara River. Hundreds of thousands of desperate wildebeest gather together on the banks of the river, gazing wistfully across the turbulent water at the green grass on the other side but not one animal will make a move. All it takes is one brave wildebeest to take the literal plunge and, then, all follow! The animals that do successfully avoid the awaiting crocodile jaws and make it over the river are rewarded with the lush green grazing grass of the Masai Mara.

Accommodation: Lemala Kuria Hill
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

This entire day is set aside for game drives upon the Serengeti. The Serengeti, the habitat of an abundance of wildlife such as impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo, is more well-known for its great migrating herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest. The animals’ trek is determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December the animals move from the northern region, dominated by woodlands and hills, to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June they return to the north. Apart from the migrating herds, we may have the opportunity to see the resident predators, leopard, cheetah, and lion, fulfilling their role in the circle of life.
After an extensive game drive we head for our tented lodge for a hearty dinner and another night by the fire of relaxation and conversation under the sweeping majesty of the star bright African night out upon the ‘Endless Plain’.

Accommodation: Lemala Nanyukie
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

After breakfast you will head out for an en route game drive through the Serengeti. You might be able to spot the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – before embarking on your journey to Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO world heritage site, formed millions of years ago, is 600 m deep and covers roughly around 260 square kilometers. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25 000, the Crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania. You will arrive at the Crater rim before lunch. You will descend into the Crater and very quickly, you will be able to see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little bit of luck you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass.

After lunch and a full afternoon inside the Crater, you will head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Neptune Ngorongoro
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

After breakfast we drive to our final destination on this epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park. This relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha, is so named for the shallow salt lake which covers a good seventy percent of the parks surface area. Flooding and drying with the seasons the soda lake is home to thousands of flamingo as well as over 500 other bird species. On our exploration of the park we will see monkey, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and, with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs. After another memorable game drive we, with our adventure at an end, return to Arusha in the late afternoon, replete with images of the African wilds to last a lifetime.

What's Included

  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Most Asked Safari Questions

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.

Dry Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.

Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.

Wet Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.

What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania with Tanzania Specialist?

Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.

How can I personalize my Tanzania trip with your services?

At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.

Can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?

Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

8-Day Ultra-Luxury Plus Tanzania Mara river Migration Safari