IV
The Days
Detailed 5-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Day-by-Day Itinerary
5 days, 3 parks and reserves — every day private, with your own guide and 4×4.
Home / Safari Packages / 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Mara River Crossings (Fly-Out to Arusha or Zanzibar)
Private 5-day safari · Tarangire · Ngorongoro Crater · Serengeti
JRO 03°26′S 37°04′EKOG 01°35′S 34°53′E
★★★★★5.0(based on 9 reviews)
IOverview
5-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Overview & Tour Highlights
This 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari brings together Mara River dramatic crossings, giant Nile crocodiles, Big Five encounters, full morning Ngorongoro Crater descent, Tarangire elephant savannas, and scenic bush flight from Kogatende to Arusha/Zanzibar.
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 Kogatende (fly-out), and you choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.
Trip Highlights & Details
Tour Length
5 Days / 4 Nights
Country
Tanzania
Start / End
Arusha → Kogatende (fly-out)
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
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park
IIThe Map
5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari Itinerary Highlights
Day 1Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Day 2Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari
Day 3Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Day 4Full Day Northern Serengeti
Day 5Northern Serengeti Morning Safari
Safari Route Map – 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
IIIRates
5-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 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Mara River Crossings (Fly-Out to Arusha or Zanzibar) Prices
Single Supplement $140 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $1,730 | $1,190 | $1,110 | $1,020 | $990 | $940 | $900 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
Mid-range 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Mara River Crossings (Fly-Out to Arusha or Zanzibar) Prices
Single Supplement $280 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $2,540 | $1,750 | $1,630 | $1,510 | $1,450 | $1,380 | $1,330 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
Luxury 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Mara River Crossings (Fly-Out to Arusha or Zanzibar) Prices
Single Supplement $640 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $4,690 | $3,240 | $3,010 | $2,780 | $2,690 | $2,560 | $2,460 |
| Rooms | 1 Room | 1 Room | 2 Rooms | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms |
High-end 5-Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Mara River Crossings (Fly-Out to Arusha or Zanzibar) Prices
Single Supplement $1,000 per person| Group size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices From 2026 | $7,610 | $5,250 | $4,880 | $4,520 | $4,360 | $4,150 | $3,990 |
| 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 Great Migration safari begins with an early morning pickup in Arusha followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Renowned for its iconic baobab trees and having Tanzania’s highest elephant density, Tarangire acts as a vital dry-season wildlife refuge.
Spend the day tracking massive elephant herds along the Tarangire River basin alongside lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the river before an afternoon game drive.
In the late afternoon, exit the park and ascend into the cool Karatu Highlands for dinner and overnight rest.
Highlights: Gigantic baobabs, massive elephant herds, tree-climbing lions, 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
03°10′S 35°35′E
Day 2
Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari
Descend 600 meters (2,000 feet) down forested caldera walls at dawn into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Spend an exhilarating morning touring open grasslands, acacia groves, and Lake Magadi teeming with flamingos.
Track the 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 early afternoon, ascend the crater rim and drive across the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area onto the boundless plains of Central Serengeti. Enjoy an en-route game drive through Seronera before checking into your camp for dinner.
Highlights: Black rhino, dense lion prides, cheetahs, hippos, flamingos, vast herds
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
45 min descent
Route
Ngorongoro Crater
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Central Serengeti
03
01°35′S 34°53′E
Day 3
Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating full-day game drive traveling north from Central Serengeti toward the legendary Kogatende sector bordering the Mara River. Pass rolling savannas, granite kopjes, and woodland corridors where large breeding herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles push northward.
Keep watch for opportunistic big cats, including cheetahs hunting on open grasslands and leopards in riverine trees. Arrive in Northern Serengeti in the late afternoon, catching your first glimpse of the snaking Mara River before settling into your migration camp for dinner under the stars.
Highlights: Moving columns of wildebeest herds, lions on kopjes, leopards, 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
4 to 5 hrs
Route
Serengeti
Meals
B · L · D
Night
Northern Serengeti / Kogatende
04
01°35′S 34°53′E
Day 4
Full Day Northern Serengeti
Dedicate an entire day to tracking the heart-stopping drama 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 hesitate 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
05
01°35′S 34°53′E
Day 5
Northern Serengeti Morning Safari
Enjoy a final sunrise safari in the Northern Serengeti to catch active wildlife and predators in the cool morning light. Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, pack up, and transfer to Kogatende Airstrip (KOG).
Board your scheduled scenic bush flight departing Northern Serengeti. Soar over the endless savannas, the Great Rift Valley, and Mount Meru.
You can choose to land directly at Arusha Airport (ARK) / Kilimanjaro (JRO) for your international flight home, or take a direct connecting coastal flight straight to the tropical beaches of Zanzibar (ZNZ) for a seamless bush-to-beach holiday.
Highlights: Morning predators, resident elephants, giraffes en route to airstrip
Meals & Drinks
Meals included: Breakfast & En-Route Snack.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Bottled drinking water is provided during game drives.
Drive
1.5 to 2 hrs
Route
Serengeti
Meals
B
Night
End of tour — Arusha Airport (ARK), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), or Zanzibar Airport
VThe Fine Print
What’s in the price — and what isn’t.
What is Included
- Park fees for Tarangire & Serengeti
- Ngorongoro crater service fee
- Scheduled one-way flight from Kogatende to Arusha or Zanzibar
- 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 hot air balloon safari
- Alcoholic beverages
Interested in This Tour?
VI
Camps
Accommodation Options for this 5-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, Nyani Campsite Central Serengeti, Lobo Public Campsite North · Mid-range: Farm of Dreams Karatu, Serengeti Heritage Camp, Kogatende Tented Camp · Luxury: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, Sayari Camp, Mara River Tented Lodge, Kuria Hills Lodge.
Mid-range Accommodations During Safari
Luxury Accommodations During Safari
VIIAdd-Ons
Optional Safari Add-Ons – 5-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 5-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
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.
03
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.
01°S · 35°E — Mara / Serengeti ecosystemThe big question
Can You See the Great Migration and Mara River Crossings on the 5-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 5 days
IXSeason
Best Time of Year to Book this 5-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 – 5-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
Kogatende Airstrip, Northern Serengeti
The safari ends with a scheduled bush flight from Kogatende to Arusha (ARK), Kilimanjaro (JRO) or straight to Zanzibar (ZNZ). Regional airlines allow 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags.
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 – 5-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 a full day to Kogatende gives you the best possible odds between July and October.
Regional airlines allow 15 kg (33 lbs) per passenger, packed in soft-sided duffel bags. Hard suitcases can be left at your Arusha hotel.
Yes. Scheduled bush flights run from Kogatende to Zanzibar (ZNZ), with brief stops en route to drop off other passengers — there is no need to change planes in Arusha.
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. We suggest scheduling it on Day 4. 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.
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.
