In Short
A 5-day Great Migration safari from Arusha: Tarangire, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It is the shortest safari that puts you in the central Serengeti, where the herds pass as they move north from April to June. Park fees, full-board lodge and tented camp accommodation and a private 4x4 with an English-speaking driver-guide are included, from $2,050 per person for two travellers.
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Overview
The Great Migration is the year-round movement of about 1.4 million wildebeest, with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, through the Serengeti, following the rains. The herds are always somewhere in the park, so the right safari depends on the month you travel.
This 5-day safari is planned for the Central Serengeti (Seronera), for travel from April to June, and December to January. It is the shortest safari that puts you in the central Serengeti, where the herds pass as they move north from April to June.
The herds pass through the central Serengeti for only a few weeks in each direction, and the timing follows the rains. In July to October most of the herds are in the north, so choose the 7-day or 8-day safari for the river crossings.
You travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide, and sleep in comfortable lodges and tented camps. The price is per person and falls as more people share the vehicle.
- Two nights in the central Serengeti, around the Seronera valley
- Herds on the move through the central plains, usually April to June
- Tarangire National Park: baobab trees and large elephant herds
- A morning in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Park fees and the Crater service fee included
- Private 4x4 with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire
- Day 2: Karatu to the central Serengeti
- Day 3: Full day in the central Serengeti
- Day 4: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro highlands
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire
Pick-up in Arusha, then a drive of about two hours to Tarangire National Park. Spend the day on game drives among large elephant herds and giant baobab trees, with a picnic lunch in the park. Dinner and the night at Country Lodge Karatu, or similar.
Day 2: : Karatu to the central Serengeti
Drive through the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti, with a picnic lunch and game viewing on the way. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera area. Dinner and the night at Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti, or similar.
Day 3: Full day in the central Serengeti
A full day of game drives in the central Serengeti around the Seronera valley, the best area for leopard, with lions, elephants and herds of wildebeest and zebra depending on the month. Dinner and the night at Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti, or similar.
Day 4: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro highlands
A last morning game drive in the Serengeti, then the drive to the Ngorongoro highlands, about five to six hours with a stop at Olduvai Gorge if time allows. Dinner and the night at Country Lodge Karatu, or similar.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera with a dense year-round population of wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant and black rhino. After a picnic lunch, drive to Arusha, about three and a half hours, for your drop-off.
Timings are a guide and flex with the season, road conditions and the wildlife.
Optional Add-Ons
Extras you can add to this safari. Prices are per person and indicative.
| Optional Add-On | Price |
|---|---|
| Hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti | +$599 pp |
| Maasai village visit | +$25 pp |
| Fly-in or fly-out from the Serengeti airstrips | On request |
| Luxury camp upgrade | On request |
| Extra night in Arusha before or after the safari | On request |
5-Days Central Serengeti price for 2027
Prices are per person for a private safari and depend on the number of travellers. Park fees and the Ngorongoro Crater service fee are included.
| Group size | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 to 4 people | 5+ People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Adult (USD) | $2,350 | $2,050 | $1,800 | $1,650 |
Indicative 2027 prices for high season. The peak migration months and Christmas and New Year cost more, and the green season (April, May and November) is usually cheaper. Park fees are reviewed every year, so we confirm the exact price when you book.
Want to Explore more: compare all our migration safaris.
Accommodation
4 nights in lodges and tented camps with full board. Properties are confirmed at booking and are subject to availability. - Country Lodge Karatu, or similar - Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti, or similar
What's included
- • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off after the safari
- • 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
- • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- • All national park and conservation area entry fees
- • Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- • Lodge and tented camp accommodation for 4 nights
- • Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- • Drinking water throughout the safari
- • Government taxes and VAT
What's excluded
- • International and domestic flights
- • Visa fees
- • Tanzania mandatory inbound travel insurance ($44)
- • Travel insurance
- • Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
- • Personal expenses and drinks
- • Optional activities and upgrades
Wildlife you will see
The Wildebeest are the main actors, Zebras as followers, but the predators (Lions, and Leopards) and the resident animals like Elephants, Cheetah and Rhino make the safari.
Best time to visit Central Serengeti Migration Safari
Short answer
This safari is planned for the Central Serengeti (Seronera), so the best months are April to June, and December to January, with April to June the strongest. The herds follow the rain, so timing can move by a few weeks either side.
The herd calendar
- December to January: The herds are on the southern plains and Ndutu, and calving starts late in January.
- February to March: Calving season on the southern plains, with about 500,000 calves born and very active predators.
- April to May: The herds move north and west through the central Serengeti. Green season, quiet and good value.
- June to July: Herds in the Western Corridor, with the first Grumeti River crossings. The first of the herds reach the north in July.
- July to September: The Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti, usually strongest in August and September.
- October to November: Crossings taper off and the herds head south again. Fewer vehicles.
Which months suit this safari
The herds pass through the central Serengeti for only a few weeks in each direction, and the timing follows the rains. In July to October most of the herds are in the north, so choose the 7-day or 8-day safari for the river crossings.
Our advice
- Book as early as you can: the best camps fill many months ahead in July to October and February to March
- Tell us your dates and we will check where the herds are before you pay
- A longer safari gives more time at the herds and a better chance of a crossing
Good to know
- The herds follow the rain, so we may change the route to stay close to them.
- No safari can guarantee a river crossing or a sighting of any animal.
- Dress in layers: the Serengeti and the crater rim are cold in the early morning.
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and a camera with a zoom lens.
- Some days include long drives of four to eight hours, with game viewing on the way.
- Tips for the driver-guide and lodge staff are not included
