6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari: A Journey Through the Great Wildebeest Migration
The 6-Day Serengeti Migration Safari itinerary is tailored to two key seasons: the Serengeti wildebeest migration calving season (January-March) in the southern Serengeti and the Serengeti wildebeest migration river crossings (June-October) in the Northern Serengeti in the heart of the Serengeti wildebeest migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. Depending on the season, you’ll witness either the calving season in the Southern Serengeti or the dramatic river crossings in the Northern Serengeti. This safari is designed to bring you closer to nature, with opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras, and the raw beauty of the African savannah.
Best Time to Go (Seasonal Migration Patterns)
Month | Migration Location | Key Events |
---|---|---|
Jan-Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Calving season (500,000+ births) |
Apr-May | Central Serengeti | Herds moving northwest |
Jun-Jul | Western Corridor | Grumeti River crossings |
Aug-Oct | Northern Serengeti | Mara River crossings |
Nov-Dec | Returning south | Short rain season |
Pro Tip: June-October offers the most reliable river crossing action.
6 Days Serengeti migration safari Itinerary Highlights by Season
Option 1: Southern Serengeti—Calving Season (January-March)
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Southern Serengeti
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your guide.
- Scenic drive to the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region), the epicenter of the calving season.
- Evening game drive to spot early arrivals of the migration herds.
- Overnight: Luxury tented camp in Ndutu.
Day 2-3: Ndutu Plains – Calving Season Spectacle
- Spend two full days exploring the Ndutu Plains, where thousands of wildebeest give birth daily.
- Witness predator action as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt vulnerable newborns.
- Enjoy guided walks and night drives (where permitted) for a unique perspective.
- Overnight: Luxury tented camp in Ndutu.
Day 4: Central Serengeti – Exploring the Heart of the Park
- Depart Ndutu and head to the Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley).
- Game drives en route, with chances to see resident wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and leopards.
- Visit the Seronera River, a hotspot for hippos and crocodiles.
- Overnight: Serengeti luxury lodge or tented camp.
Day 5: Central Serengeti – Full Day of Wildlife Discovery
- Full day of game drives in the Central Serengeti, known for its high concentration of predators.
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the migration.
- Overnight: Serengeti luxury lodge or tented camp.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning game drive in the Central Serengeti.
- Transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Arusha or Zanzibar.
- Farewell and departure.
Option 2: Northern Serengeti – River Crossings (June-October)
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Northern Serengeti
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your guide.
- Fly to the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende region), the stage for the dramatic Mara River crossings.
- Evening game drive to spot herds gathering near the river.
- Overnight: Luxury tented camp near the Mara River.
Day 2-3: Mara River Crossings – The Ultimate Wildlife Drama
- Spend two full days witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters.
- Observe predator action as lions, leopards, and hyenas hunt along the riverbanks.
- Enjoy picnic lunches by the river for uninterrupted wildlife viewing.
- Overnight: Luxury tented camp near the Mara River.
Day 4: Northern Serengeti – Exploring the Wilderness
- Explore the remote northern regions of the Serengeti, known for their rugged beauty and fewer tourists.
- Visit the Bologonja Springs, a hidden gem teeming with wildlife.
- Overnight: Luxury tented camp in the Northern Serengeti.
Day 5: Central Serengeti – Transition to the Heart of the Park
- Depart the Northern Serengeti and head to the Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley).
- Game drives en route, with chances to see elephants, buffalo, and rare antelope species.
- Overnight: Serengeti luxury lodge or tented camp.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning game drive in the Central Serengeti.
- Transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Arusha or Zanzibar.
- Farewell and departure.
6-Day Serengeti Migration Safari: Standard Rate Card
Seasonal Pricing (Per Person)
All rates include:
- Luxury accommodations (tented camps or lodges).
- Daily game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- All meals and bottled water.
- Domestic flights (Arusha to Serengeti and return).
- All park fees and conservation charges.
Southern Serengeti – Calving Season (January-March)
Travel Period | Per Person Sharing | Solo Traveler |
---|---|---|
1-5 January | US$ 7,850 | US$ 9,950 |
6-31 January | US$ 6,920 | US$ 8,450 |
February-March | US$ 7,100 | US$ 9,200 |
Northern Serengeti—River Crossings (June-October)
Travel Period | Per Person Sharing | Solo Traveler |
---|---|---|
June | US$ 6,500 | US$ 7,800 |
July-September | US$ 8,200 | US$ 10,500 |
October | US$ 6,800 | US$ 8,100 |
Optional Add-Ons (Per Person)
Activity | Price |
---|---|
Hot Air Balloon Safari | US$ 599 |
Cultural Village Visit | US$ 50 |
Night Game Drive | US$ 100 |
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Visa fees (approximately US$ 50-100 per person).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides and camp staff (recommended: US$ 20-30 per day).
Booking Terms
- Deposit: 30% of the total cost required to secure booking.
- Balance Payment: Due 60 days before departure.
- Cancellation Policy:
- 60+ days before departure: Full refund (minus deposit).
- 30-59 days before departure: 50% refund.
- Less than 30 days: No refund.
Why Choose 6-Days Serengeti migration safari instead of 5-Days Serengeti migration safari
?
40% better chance to witness river crossings
Additional time to explore different ecosystems
More relaxed pace with afternoon rest periods
Opportunity for special activities (walking safari, night drive)
Booking Information
Best Advance Booking Time:
9-12 months for peak season (June-Oct)
6 months for other periods
Group Discounts Available Serengeti wildebeest migration for 4+ travelers (save up to 15%)