IV
The Days
Detailed 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Day-by-Day Itinerary
6 days, 3 parks and reserves — every day private, with your own guide and 4×4.
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6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Private 6-day safari · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro Crater
JRO 03°26′S 37°04′ETARANGIRE 03°50′S 36°00′E
★★★★★5.0(based on 9 reviews)
IOverview
6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Overview & Tour Highlights
This 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari brings together the drama of Mara River crossings, giant Nile crocodiles, Big Five tracking, full day in predator-dense Central Serengeti (Seronera), sunrise Ngorongoro caldera descent, and Tarangire elephant river herds.
Every day is private — your own safari guide and 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. The route starts in Arusha and ends in Arusha, and you choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.
Trip Highlights & Details
Tour Length
6 Days / 5 Nights
Country
Tanzania
Start / End
Arusha → Arusha / JRO
Accommodation
Budget, Mid-range or Luxury
Tour Type
Private Safari
Group Size
1–6 Guests
Meal Plan
Full board on safari
Best Travel Period
July – October
Activity Level
Moderate
Major Attractions — 3
- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
IIThe Map
6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary Highlights
Day 1Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Day 2Karatu Highlands – Northern Serengeti National Park (Kogatende) via Central Plains
Day 3Full Day Northern Serengeti
Day 4Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)
Day 5Full Day Wildlife Safari in Central Serengeti
Day 6Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari
Safari Route Map – 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
IIIRates
6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Cost & Price Breakdown (2026 / 2027)
Includes game drives, park fees, accommodation, transport and professional guiding. Per person, no booking fees.
Mid-rangeGreat comfort and value
LuxuryPremium experience with top-tier lodges and service
Important information
All prices are per person and do not include international flights. Final rates may vary based on travel dates, seasonal park fee adjustments, and lodge availability.
Budget 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour Prices
Single Supplement $180 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $2,070 | $1,430 | $1,330 | $1,230 | $1,190 | $1,130 | $1,090 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
Mid-range 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour Prices
Single Supplement $350 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $3,050 | $2,100 | $1,950 | $1,810 | $1,740 | $1,660 | $1,600 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
Luxury 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour Prices
Single Supplement $800 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $5,630 | $3,890 | $3,610 | $3,340 | $3,220 | $3,070 | $2,950 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
High-end 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tour Prices
Single Supplement $1,250 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $9,140 | $6,300 | $5,860 | $5,420 | $5,230 | $4,980 | $4,790 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
Child Policy
Children are welcome on safari. Discounts apply for children aged 3–11 years when sharing with adults. Children aged 12 years and above are charged as adults. Please contact us for exact child rates based on accommodation and room configuration.
Not sure which option suits you best? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the perfect safari based on your budget and travel style.
Ready to plan your safari? Send us your request and get a customized quote within 24 hours.
Start of Tour
Pre-safari accommodation can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. Please note that it is not included in the package.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel prior to the start of the tour. This airport transfer is included in your package.
01
03°50′S 36°00′E
Day 1
Arusha → Tarangire
Your 6-day Great Migration safari begins with an early morning pickup in Arusha followed by a scenic 2-hour drive through open pastoral Maasai savannas into Tarangire National Park. Known as the ‘Elephant Sanctuary,’ Tarangire features dramatic baobab groves and a permanent river valley acting as a vital dry-season refuge for thousands of migratory animals.
Spend the day tracking massive elephant families along the Tarangire River alongside lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas. Enjoy an elevated bush picnic lunch overlooking the river before an afternoon game drive.
In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive up the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment into the Karatu Highlands for dinner and overnight rest.
Highlights: Gigantic baobabs, large elephant herds, lions, leopards, giraffes, migratory birdlife
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
2 hrs
Route
120 km
Meals
L · D
Night
Karatu Highlands
02
01°35′S 34°53′E
Day 2
Karatu Highlands → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) via Central Plains
After an early breakfast in Karatu, enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend across the expansive Malanja and Olduvai plains onto the boundless Serengeti savannas via Naabi Hill Gate. Continue driving north through the Seronera Valley and into the remote Kogatende sector bordering the Mara River.
As you push deeper north, witness moving columns of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles preparing for the river crossings. Keep a sharp eye out for cheetahs scanning open grasslands and leopards resting in sausage trees.
Arrive in the Northern Serengeti in the late afternoon, taking in your first view of the Mara River before checking into your migration camp for dinner under the stars.
Highlights: First migration mega-herds, lions on granite kopjes, cheetahs, giraffes, topis
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
6 to 7 hrs
Route
Serengeti
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Northern Serengeti / Kogatende
03
01°35′S 34°53′E
Day 3
Full Day Northern Serengeti
Dedicate an entire day to tracking the heart-stopping spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration along the banks of the Mara River. Position your 4×4 near prime crossing points where hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather on steep riverbanks before plunging into torrential waters fraught with giant Nile crocodiles.
Witness apex predators (lions, leopards, hyenas) staking out ambush positions along the shorelines. Travelers may opt for a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara River followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Savor an acacia-shaded picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon search across the northern savannas, returning to camp at sunset for sundowners around the campfire.
Highlights: River crossings, Nile crocodiles, lion hunts, massive migration mega-herds
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast, Bush Picnic Lunch & Dinner.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
Full day in park
Route
Game drives
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Northern Serengeti / Kogatende
04
02°20′S 34°50′E
Day 4
Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)
Depart Northern Serengeti after breakfast and begin a southward game-drive journey into the Central Serengeti (Seronera River Valley). This transition takes you from riverine woodlands back into the heart of big cat country.
Track prides of lions sunning themselves atop towering granite kopjes, cheetahs scanning the open short-grass plains, and leopards lounging in yellow-barked fever trees. Pause for a bush picnic lunch en route.
Arrive in the Seronera sector in the mid-afternoon, exploring prime river loops teeming with hippos and waterbucks before heading to your central camp or lodge for a warm dinner and evening campfire.
Highlights: Central resident lion prides, leopards, cheetahs hunting gazelles, hippo pools
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
4 hrs
Route
130 km
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Central Serengeti / Seronera
05
02°20′S 34°50′E
Day 5
Full Day Wildlife Safari in Central Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring the endless horizons of Central Serengeti, Africa’s premier big cat capital. Begin with a dawn game drive when nocturnal predators (leopards, spotted hyenas, lions) are finishing their hunts in the cool morning air.
Explore the winding Seronera River circuit, watching pods of hippos jockeying for position and Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Journey toward the Moru Kopjes in search of the elusive black rhino and ancient Maasai rock paintings.
Savor an outdoor bush picnic lunch under an acacia canopy before continuing your afternoon safari across the boundless grasslands, returning to camp at sunset.
Highlights: High predator density, lion prides, cheetah sprints, elephants, buffalo herds
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast, Bush Picnic Lunch & Dinner.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
Full day in park
Route
Game drives
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Central Serengeti / Seronera
06
03°10′S 35°35′E
Day 6
Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari
Depart Central Serengeti early in the morning and drive across the southern plains into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters (2,000 feet) down forested walls onto the floor of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater.
Spend an unforgettable morning and early afternoon touring open savannas, acacia forests, and the shores of Lake Magadi lined with pink flamingos. Track the critically endangered black rhino alongside giant bull elephants, lion prides, and hyenas.
Enjoy a bush picnic lunch beside the hippo pool at Ngoitoktok Springs. In the afternoon, ascend the crater rim and begin your return drive along smooth tarmac roads back to Arusha.
Arrive in Arusha in the evening or transfer directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight onward.
Highlights: Endangered black rhino, dense lion prides, flamingos, hippos, golden jackals
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast & Bush Picnic Lunch.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
3 hrs
Route
Ngorongoro Crater
Meals
B · L
Night
End of tour — Arusha Hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport
VThe Fine Print
What’s in the price — and what isn’t.
What is Included
- National park entrance fees (Tarangire & Serengeti 4 nights)
- Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Certified safari guide
- All meals
- Bottled drinking water
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania tourist visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities
- Optional balloon safari
- Alcoholic beverages
Interested in This Tour?
VI
Camps
Accommodation Options for this 6-Day Migration Safari
This itinerary is available with budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation. The camps and lodges for your chosen tier are listed below.
Typical choices — Budget: Kizumba Campsite Karatu, Lobo Public Campsite North, Nyani Campsite Central Serengeti · Mid-range: Farm of Dreams Karatu, Kogatende Tented Camp, Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp · Luxury: Sayari Camp, Mara River Tented Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Neptune Ngorongoro.
Mid-range Accommodations During Safari
Luxury Accommodations During Safari
VIIAdd-Ons
Optional Safari Add-Ons – 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
Not included in the standard price — arranged on request.
Serengeti · at dawn
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti plains, followed by a champagne bush breakfast before you rejoin your guide.
USD 450–590 per person
On the route
Maasai Village Cultural Visit
Visit a traditional Maasai community to learn about local culture, traditions and daily life.
USD 30–50 per person
After the safari (3 days)
Zanzibar Beach Extension
Fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar and add a beach stay. Mid-range USD 700–1,200 pp; luxury USD 1,500+ pp.
Budget USD 450–700 pp
Before or after the safari
Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
A day on Kilimanjaro’s foothills: an 80-metre waterfall hike, a hands-on Chagga coffee roast and a home-cooked lunch.
USD 75–150 per person
Tip: The most requested add-ons on this route are the Hot Air Balloon Safari and the Maasai Village Cultural Visit. Ask us to build them into your dates.
VIIIThe Ground
Where the 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari Takes You
3 destinations, one private route.
01
Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobabs and some of the largest elephant herds on Earth, gathering along the Tarangire River in the dry season.
02
Serengeti National Park
Endless plains, granite kopjes and the Great Migration — a year-round cycle of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, with Seronera as the predator capital.
03
Ngorongoro Crater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: the world’s largest intact caldera, with lions, elephants, hippos and one of East Africa’s most reliable chances of seeing black rhino.
01°S · 35°E — Mara / Serengeti ecosystemThe big question
Can You See the Great Migration and Mara River Crossings on the 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari?
Each year more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. From July to October the herds reach the Mara River — the most dramatic hour in the bush.
River crossings cannot be guaranteed: herds gather on the banks, sometimes for hours or days, and cross when they choose. Travelling in season with time at the river gives you the best possible odds, with excellent wildlife viewing either way.
1.5M+Wildebeest, zebra & gazelle on the move
Jul–OctPeak Mara River crossing window
3Parks & reserves in 6 days
IXSeason
Best Time of Year to Book this 6-Day Migration Safari
Timed for the Mara River — the season decides the experience.
July – October (Mara River Crossings)
The herds gather along the Mara River between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti. Crossings can never be guaranteed, but this is the window when they happen.
December – March (Calving Season)
The herds move to the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu to give birth. Resident wildlife stays excellent elsewhere — ask us about re-routing the northern days south.
April – May (Long Rains)
April and May bring the long rains. Some roads become muddy and slow and a few remote camps close, but the landscapes are green and quieter.
XFlights
Flight Recommendation – 6-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
Recommended Arrival Flight
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrive the day before the safari and spend the night in Arusha, about an hour from Kilimanjaro International (JRO). Regional flights use Arusha Airport (ARK).
Recommended Departure Flight
Kilimanjaro International Airport
The safari finishes in Arusha, about an hour from Kilimanjaro International (JRO). Book international departures after 8:00 PM.
XIExtras
Supplementary (not included) costs
Below are the optional or personal expenses not included in your safari package. They are arranged in order of importance and impact on your trip.
Travellers need a Tanzania tourist visa.
- USD 50 per person for most nationalities
- USD 100 for U.S. citizens (multiple entry)
- Apply online (eVisa) or on arrival
- Passports should be valid for at least six months
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.
Highly recommended. Choose cover that includes medical evacuation from remote parks.
Safari packages exclude international airfare. Book your arrival and departure around the start and end points shown in the Flights section.
Tipping is customary but always your choice. Our recommended guidelines:
- $15–$25 per day for driver-guide
- $10–$15 per day for safari cook on camping trips,
- $5–$10 general lodge tip boxes
Guide tips are per vehicle per day, not per person.
- Soft drinks: USD $3 – $5
- Local beer: USD $4 – $6
- Wine/spirits: USD $7 – $20
Drinking water is provided in the vehicle during your safari; sodas, alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees are charged separately at the lodges.
Souvenirs, snacks, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent and other personal items are not included. Costs depend on your own needs and shopping choices.
XIIWhy Us
Why Book With Us
True local ownership and operation
As a safari company rooted in local ownership, we eliminate unnecessary costs associated with intermediary sales agents, providing you with direct savings.
Best Price Guaranteed
Crafting a safari that delivers unparalleled experiences, from exceptional wildlife viewing to luxurious lodgings and unforgettable moments. We strive to minimize your expenses, eliminating unnecessary costs.
24/7 Customer Service
We excel in providing personalized customer concierge services, ensuring your safari needs are taken care of from the moment you plan your trip until you board your homeward flight.
Expert Safari Guides
Our guides are very knowledgeable and experts in the field. They will be your moving encyclopedias for all the information that you may want while on safari.
5.0 from 9 reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing Trip around Kenya and Tanzania
My wife and I did a 7-day safari with Active Wonders last August, visiting both Kenya and Tanzania, and honestly, we couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. We got super lucky with our drivers and guides — Patrick in Kenya and Six in Tanzania were awesome. They really know their stuff, driving like pros without even needing GPS, and they were amazing at spotting animals and finding the best views.
D
Daniel BravoSpain 🇪🇸
★★★★★
Great 8-day safari in northern Tanzania
Overall, I had a great 8-day safari experience with Active Wonders Safari. Communication before and after the booking was always prompt and effective. The lodges during our trip ranged from decent to good, and the food was mostly good — sometimes even excellent.
M
Martin WGermany 🇩🇪
★★★★★
Fantastic Safari Experience in Tanzania
We booked our East Africa trip through Imara Africa Safaris, and the Tanzania portion was organized by their partner, Active Wonders Safaris. It was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, incredible wildlife, and genuine hospitality. Our guide, Amiri (goes by the name Cheena), was absolutely exceptional — knowledgeable, patient, and passionate.
J
Jay TrivediUnited States 🇺🇸
★★★★★
An adventure beyond my expectations. Brilliant
This was such an amazing trip that covered the Ngorongoro crater area with all its wildlife roaming freely, the Serengeti and the migration of the wildebeest crossing over into Kenya. Wonderful varied accommodation from well equipped tents with all amenities to hotels and lodges. Zebras, lions with cubs, bathing hippos, leopards during the night safari and numerous birds. Elephants and giraffes were everywhere — all in all a fabulous tour.
C
ColleenAustralia 🇦🇺
★★★★★
Who could ask for more?
Being river crossing time of year our anticipation of this safari to begin our visit to Tanzania was high and was realised. We departed Arusha and headed for Tarangire National Park. As expected the elephants were prolific and backed up with many other wildlife to keep us happy as well. We stayed at Elephant Lodge which is constructed from old shipping containers. It was terrific — nice accommodation, food and lovely staff.
T
Truddy WaltonAustralia 🇦🇺
★★★★★
Allano was fun, prepared, and accommodating
If you’re looking for the ultimate safari experience, look no further than Active Wonders Safari! Our adventure in Tanzania and Kenya was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the impeccable planning and guidance from Allano himself. From the moment we arrived, Allano took care of every detail, ensuring that our safaris, travel, lodging, and meals were perfectly coordinated.
L
Lindsey RobertsonGermany 🇩🇪
★★★★★
A dream come true for us, amazing safari trip!
We booked direct with Active Wonders (Allano) and from the very beginning, the communication has been great and he has been very transparent as well. We booked 5-nights Luxury Safari covering all parts of Serengeti all the way to the north. Thank you so much for accommodating our group since we kept adding people — we ended up with a group of 9! During the trip we got 2 cars and 2 drivers (Amini and Mariki), and Allano also came along.
J
JohannesIndonesia 🇮🇩
★★★★★
Safari with Wonderful Team
We had an amazing 10-day safari in Tanzania with our wonderful guide, Baraka. We learned so much from him about the country, its people, and the incredible wildlife. He was also a pleasure to be around! A special thanks to Active Wonders Safaris for organizing such a memorable trip. Everything was perfectly arranged.
B
Benoit RSpain 🇪🇸
★★★★★
We are definitely going back with them
If you’re looking for the ultimate safari experience, look no further than Active Wonders Safari! Our adventure in Tanzania and Kenya was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the impeccable planning and guidance from Allano himself. His knowledge and passion for wildlife were evident throughout the journey.
W
Repeat guestUnited States 🇺🇸
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions – 6-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari
Everything travellers ask us about this route. Can’t find it here? We reply within hours.
The price depends on your group size, accommodation tier and travel dates. The rates table above shows the per-person price for every group size; send us your dates for an exact, all-inclusive quote with no booking fees.
No one can guarantee a crossing. Herds gather on the riverbank, sometimes for hours or days, and predators and crocodiles can turn them back. Dedicating Day 3 to Kogatende gives you the best possible odds between July and October.
It is a full day of about 6 to 7 hours through the Ngorongoro highlands and the central plains, and it works as an extended game drive with wildlife along the way.
Yes, as an optional extra (USD 450–590 per person). Balloons launch at dawn and float over the plains before a champagne bush breakfast, after which you rejoin your guide. Book it in advance, as places are limited.
Budget camping uses public campsites, with a dedicated safari cook travelling with you. Mid-range seasonal camps move with the herds and have private ensuite bathrooms.
The drive back reaches Arusha in the late afternoon. Book an evening departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha — send us your flight time and we will plan the final day around it.
XIIIYour Trip
Request Your Personalized Safari Proposal
Tell us how you like to travel and we will put together a personalised proposal for this route – dates, camps and a firm price per person. No payment is required at this stage.
No payment is required at this stage. We reply by email and WhatsApp, usually within a few hours.
