Tanzania safari photograph from the World Compass Adventures collection
8 DaysArusha (City), Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti National Park, Northern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfalls (Highlight), Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania

8-Day Best of Serengeti Migration & Big Five

View Journey
Duration
8 Days
Destination
Arusha (City), Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti National Park, Northern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfalls (Highlight), Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania
Tour type
Mid-range Safari
Starts
Arusha
Ends
Arusha

THE JOURNEY

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Tanzania safari and discover the breathtaking beauty of Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Experience the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal), where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti plains. Your adventure includes comfortable accommodation, a private 4x4 safari vehicle, an expert guide, airport transfers, meals, and all park entrance fees for a seamless wildlife experience.
Numbered route map showing Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer, Arusha City, Tarangire National Park, Game Drive in Central Serengeti National Park, Northern serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfall Hike and Coffee Tour, Transfer

ROUTE MAP

Your journey at a glance

A day-by-day route drawn directly from this itinerary.

Arusha (City), Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti National Park, Northern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Materuni Waterfalls (Highlight), Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania
  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Arusha City

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Tarangire National Park

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Game Drive in Central Serengeti National Park

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Northern serengeti ( Spot Serengeti Migration )

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Northern Serengeti ( Spot Serengeti Migration )

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Materuni Waterfall Hike and Coffee Tour

  8. 8

    Day 8

    Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

DAY BY DAY

Expedition journey

01

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Arusha City

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our friendly drivers will be waiting to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru on the way, and settle in for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay. After your journey, unwind and rest comfortably. If you arrive early, you can take some time to relax or join a city tour of Arusha. In the afternoon, our driver will pick you up for an enjoyable tour, including a visit to a Maasai village, the Arusha Monument, the local market, and an art gallery.
Meals
Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included); Drinks not included
Accommodation
Summit Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)
02

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most captivating wildlife destinations. Marvel at majestic baobab trees, massive elephants, and graceful big cats—no wonder Tarangire is a favorite among visitors! Expect to see wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, baboons, vervet monkeys, and zebras almost guaranteed. Lions roam abundantly here, making it home to one of Tanzania’s healthiest populations. Spotting a cheetah or leopard may take some patience, but the thrill when you do is unforgettable. Enjoy classic safari landscapes of golden savannahs, riverine woodlands, and rugged rocky hills. After lunch, continue with another exciting game drive before driving to your lodge, located about 1 hour from Tarangire. The game drive concludes around 04:00 PM.
Meals
All meals included; All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Accommodation
Karatu Villas Lodge Mid-range lodge located 2-3hr drive from Tarangire NP
03

Day 3

Game Drive in Central Serengeti National Park

Your adventure continues as you travel to Central Serengeti National Park. At around 6:30 AM, our guide will pick you up from your lodge for the drive to the central part of Serengeti, which takes about three hours. We’ll stop for lunch at Naabi Hill Gate, then enjoy an afternoon game drive until evening. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see Africa’s Big Five the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo along with many other amazing animals living in the park.
Meals
All meals included; All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Accommodation
Out in Africa Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Serengeti NP
04

Day 4

Northern serengeti ( Spot Serengeti Migration )

After waking to the roars and calls of lions, and the morning songs and chirping of birds, enjoy breakfast at 6:30 AM. You will then set out in your 4x4 safari jeep to the northern Serengeti to witness the spectacular Serengeti migration. The drive from your lodge to the Mara River takes about 45 minutes, with game drives along the way. In Northern Serengeti, you will see thousands of wildebeest gathered along the riverbanks, and if luck is on your side, you may witness the dramatic river crossing, a breathtaking display of nature. Around 12:30 PM, stop for lunch, then continue your afternoon game drive to spot more of the migration. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner, completing another unforgettable day in the Serengeti.
Meals
All meals included; All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Accommodation
Tanzania Bush Camps - Mara River Mid-range tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP
05

Day 5

Northern Serengeti ( Spot Serengeti Migration )

After breakfast, head out for one final morning game drive in the northern Serengeti. This is the perfect chance to see wildlife at its most active herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains, predators like lions and cheetahs on the hunt, and elephants and giraffes grazing peacefully. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the famous Serengeti migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles. After the game drive, enjoy the scenic drive back to your lodge in central Serengeti for check-in, relaxation, and dinner, reflecting on a day full of incredible wildlife encounters.
Meals
All meals included; All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Accommodation
Mbuni Serengeti Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP
06

Day 6

Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater

Get up early to have breakfast before heading out for a game drive transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater. The drive might take around 2 hours, but along the way, we'll make some stops to spot animals. The main attraction of Ngorongoro is its deep, volcanic crater, which is the world's largest unflooded and unbroken caldera. It's about 20 kilometers across, 600 meters deep, and covers 300 square kilometers—an awe-inspiring natural wonder. We'll explore Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, famous for its black rhinos, flamingos, hippos, and other water birds. You will enjoy a full-day game drive inside the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. After an exciting morning exploring the crater floor and spotting wildlife, you will continue your game drive until approximately 3:00 PM. Thereafter, you will ascend the crater and begin your scenic drive to your accommodation in Arusha.
Meals
All meals included; All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Accommodation
Forest Hill Hotel Mid-range hotel located near Arusha (City)
07

Day 7

Materuni Waterfall Hike and Coffee Tour

Experience the beauty and culture of Materuni Waterfall, nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a scenic guided hike through lush coffee and banana plantations to the spectacular waterfall, where you can relax and take in the refreshing surroundings. Visit a local Chagga village for an authentic coffee tour, where you'll learn how coffee is grown, roasted, and brewed using traditional methods before enjoying a freshly prepared cup. Complete your visit with a delicious homemade Chagga lunch, featuring traditional local dishes for a true cultural experience.
Meals
All meals included; Drinks not included
Accommodation
Forest Hill Hotel Mid-range hotel located near Arusha (City)
08

Day 8

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will be picked up from Forest Hill Hotel and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the scenic countryside as you reflect on your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will assist you with your luggage and ensure you are dropped off in good time for your departure flight. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back to Tanzania in the future.
Meals
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included); Drinks not included
Accommodation
No accommodation (End of tour)

PLAN YOUR SAFARI

Rates per person

USD · Per person · Price depends on your group size

2 people
$2,750
per person
4 people
$2,685
per person
6 people
$2,588
per person
  • This tour is not available to solo travelers.
  • Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
  • This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older. Children under 10 receive a discount.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

TRIP DETAILS

Inclusions & exclusions

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 flights during the tour
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Not Included

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

START PLANNING

Make this journey your own

Share your travel plans and our team will help you prepare the right journey.