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Three giraffes standing in golden African savannah grassland at dawn

Tanzania Great Migration Safari

Following the wildebeest across the Serengeti

MigrationPhotographyLuxury
Tanzania
8–12 days
$12k–$20k/pp
Luxury

Your Route

Arusha → Southern/Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti → Arusha

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Route

Route Details

1

Southern Serengeti Plains

Ndutu / Southern Serengeti

3–4 nights

Witness calving season on the short-grass plains where life begins.

Highlights

  • Calving season drama (December-March)
  • Predator-prey interactions at their peak
  • Mobile camps following the herds
In: 6-hour drive from Arusha or 1.5-hour charter flight
Out: 4-hour drive or 45-minute flight to Northern Serengeti
2

Northern Serengeti

Kogatende / Mara River

4–5 nights

The famous Mara River crossings draw spectators from around the world.

Highlights

  • Dramatic river crossings (July-October)
  • Crocodile ambush zones
  • Lower visitor density than Masai Mara side
In: 4-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Southern Serengeti
Out: 2-hour flight to Arusha

A Typical Day

Sample from Southern Serengeti Plains

Dawn

5:30–6:30

Pre-dawn departure to witness births and predator activity

Morning

7:00–12:00

Extended game drive among the herds

Midday

12:00–15:00

Bush lunch near the action

Afternoon

15:00–18:00

Continue following the migration

Evening

18:00–21:00

Sundowners overlooking the plains

Activities

Included Activities

Game Drive
Walking Safari

Optional (additional cost)

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Is This Right for You?

Best for

Travelers specifically seeking the migration experience, serious wildlife photographers, and repeat visitors ready to invest in positioning.

Not ideal for

First-timers wanting guaranteed Big Five variety, budget-conscious travelers, or those uncomfortable with remote camps.

Trade-offs

Witnessing one of nature's greatest spectacles/Requires flexibility as migration timing shifts
Mobile camps position you with the herds/Higher cost for remote logistics
Photography opportunities unmatched elsewhere/May involve internal flights and long drives

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Best Time to Go

Calving Season

Peak

Southern Serengeti calving, high predator activity

JanFeb

River Crossings

Peak

Northern Serengeti crossings at Mara River

JulAugSep

Why This Itinerary Works

Decision provenance

Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:

Duration logic

10 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.

Route sequence

Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.

Comfort positioning

Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.

Audience fit

Travelers specifically seeking the migration experience, serious wildlife photographers, and repeat visitors ready to invest in positioning.

Why each segment was chosen:

1

Southern Serengeti Plains

Central positioning maximizes predator encounters across the open plains. Migration location varies by month.

2

Northern Serengeti

Conservancy positioning allows off-road driving and night drives not permitted in the national reserve.

These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.

How Vurara Safaris makes decisions

Customization Options

Accommodation Options

PremiumUltra premium

Travel Modes

FlyMixed

Available Extensions

Ngorongoro Crater Day

Add a crater descent on your way back

+2 days

Cost Context

$12k–$20k/pp

Per person estimate

This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.

Excluding international flights

Related Decisions

Questions to consider before booking