8 Days Serengeti Migration

Tour snapshot

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Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

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Tour Type

Tanzania Safari

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Tour Style

Private

Tour Overview

Serengeti Wildebeests Migration is a display of natural wonders with over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope traveling over 450 miles across the plain to ensure their survival, unaware that there’s danger presented by the stalking lions and cheetahs among other predators of the wildlife. Witness huge crocodiles of the Mara River as they wait for the herbivorous to cross the swollen Mara river and enter into Masai Mara Game Reserve from Serengeti National Park.

Tour Plan

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT

Representative of Sirikwa Travel will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania’s our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave

DAY 2: FLY TO NORTH SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha airstrip for your flight to Serengeti North which will depart around 7am and arrive at 10am for a game drive in Northern Mara. Serengeti, among other incredible wildlife and stunning views is famed for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundred thousand of zebras, a frenzied bout of territorial conquests and mating happening from July-October. Witness an actual survival of the fittest as these animals plunge through crocodile-infested waters. The wildebeest produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile) pilgrimage begins again.

DAY 3: FULL DAY NORTH SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)

After breakfast, we depart for a game drive viewing the great migration. River crossings at Kogatende starts in August as the mega herd settles into the area. Between August- October, game viewing is at its best with river crossings pretty much guaranteed every day. There is no distinct movement as the herds tend to cross back and forth over the river, following the rains and subsequent fresh grasses.

DAY 4: FULL DAY NORTH SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)

After breakfast, we will proceed for a full day game drive viewing the great migration at Mara area. Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area. The key feature is the Mara River and there is a great chance to see the herds cross the Mara River to the north on one day and back south a few days later. Please note that it can be very difficult to witness crossing and is sometimes a matter of luck. A herd can be seen next to river and only decide to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.

DAY 5: CENTRAL SERENGETI

After breakfast at the camp, we drive to Serengeti central, Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park and a world heritage site. The Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers an amazing game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands of elands, Topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle.

DAY 6: FULL DAY CENTRAL SERENGETI

After breakfast, we will have a full day game drive in Central Serengeti. Apart from the large mammals, Serengeti is also home to gaudy agama lizards; Rock hyraxes’ scuffle around the surfaces of the park’s isolated granite koppies. Wide varieties of dung beetle were found, and around 500 bird species have been recoded ranging from the outsized ostrich and bizarre secretary bird of the open grassland to the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills.

DAY 7: NGORONGORO CRATER

After early breakfast we will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife for a half day’s safari tour. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Crater supports a vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually been seen here.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home or to Zanzibar.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Park fees
Park Fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Visa on arrival
International flight
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Optional Tours
Tips to your safari guide

Packing list for safari

If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on safari, this packing list below can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure. If you do forget a few things, don’t worry, you can pick up most everyday items in town before you leave.

Travel Documents

Valid passport
Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate.
Tanzania visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD $50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries.
Copy of flight itinerary.
Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
Personal medical/dental insurance cards.
Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted).
Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2004 or later)

Clothing

Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best if you dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.

Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
Sturdy boots or sandals
Sun hat
Sun glasses
T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change)
Long sleeve shirts (light weight)
Shorts
Long trousers
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Travel towel
Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept)
Rain coat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar - May and Oct - Dec)

Highly recommended

Camera and memory cards
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Insect Repellent
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)
Malaria tablets
Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines
Flashlight or headlamp
Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc
Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket

Others tips

Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into the vehicles.
Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.
Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/ straighteners, expensive jewellery, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.
If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry-on luggage, wallet and money belt just in case something happens to one of those carry items.
Leave some space in your luggage for the all-important souvenirs that you will probably buy. There are places where you can send packages home via DHL etc, however this can sometimes be an expensive option.

Tanzania safari FAQ’s

When is the best time to go on the Tanzania safari?

Tanzania Safari holidays are good all-year-round. Because of such close proximity to the equator, Tanzania undergoes two distinct dry and wet seasons. But the best-best time depends on the type of Tanzania safari activity you choose. However, the dry season of June to October is considered to be the best time to go on the Tanzania safari.

When is the best time to see the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania?

During the period of December to March, the Serengeti Migration congregates in large herds around Lake Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania Safari. So, the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and January to February is the perfect time to see the wildebeest calving.

What should I take on safari in Tanzania?

When traveling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing.

It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.

Shorts;
T-shirts;
Rain jacket;
Warm sweater;
Hat;
Swimsuit & swimsuit cover-up;
Sunglasses;
Safari boots;
Sneakers;
Fast Aid kit;
Plasters and anti-bacterial medicines;
Binoculars for animal sighting

For a detailed list of items read Tanzania Safari Packing List.

What does a Tanzania Safari cost?

Ideally, there is no fixed price range for Tanzania safari. There are several factors such as time, numbers of days, and accommodations types that influence the Tanzania safari cost. However, the average cost of Tanzania Safari per day can come down to $400 (dollars) per head for a lodge safari and around $200 (dollars) per day for camping.

For a detailed list of items read Tanzania Safari Cost.

Is it safe to go on a Tanzania Safari?

Yes, Tanzania is a fairly safe country. Every year millions of tourists visit this beautiful country in the hopes of a thrilling Tanzania travel experience. And, the statistics say that maximum tourists leave the country with their heart bubbling with joy and a secret promise to visit again.

Where will I stay during the Tanzania safari?

Tanzania offers a great range of lodges and tented camps. However, your Tanzania accommodations depend on the type of packages you have purchased like budget safaris, standard or luxury Tanzania safari.

What is the official language of Tanzania?

Tanzania has two official languages: English and Swahili. But the national language of Tanzania is Swahili.

How long does it take to do safari in Tanzania?

The duration of an ideal Tanzania safari can take between 5 to 10 days, to ensure you hit all the top spots on your safari. The length though can depend on how long you'd like to stay and enjoy a specific place, hotel, park on your itinerary.

What is the current Covid status of Tanzania?

All travelers are required to produce proof of vaccination; a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. It is mandatory to wear masks and maintain social distance in public. As the status is changing we recommend consulting our team for further details.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Tanzania?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Tanzania as long as travelers do not test positive when they are tested on arrival in Tanzania.

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What Our Happy Clients Say About us

     Excellent  
     Based on 182 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Storyteller80193 
 2023-04-16
 
 
 Verified Awesome Kili trek thanks to Sirikwa’s great service!
Our group of six did a Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame route. The Sirikwa team was there for us every step of the way. Starting with airport pickups at all kinds of hours, arranging a waterfall hike the day before the trek, and making a very early morning run to the airport to retrieve a delayed bag just a couple of hours before departing for the park. The crew on the mountain is generally made up of freelancers who work for different trekking companies, but you could tell that Sirikwa’s management knew how to recruit and motivate a great group. We were well looked after on the mountain, the gear was first rate and our entire group made it to the summit. I struggled quite a bit on the descent but the guides and porters helped me through it, all with a smile. We were the first group to use Sirkwa’s new guest house in Moshi. It was a bit of a soft launch and you could see how it would shape up to be a great place for groups to stay pre/post their trek. Oinoth’s accommodating our request for pizza the night of our return was one last personal touch before we departed. I look forward to returning to Tanzania and experiencing Sirikwa’s great service on a safari.
  
 
       
   Usha G 
 2023-04-12
 
 
 Verified Best Kilimanjaro and Safari Experience Thanks to Sirikwa
I had a best ever experience with Sirikwa Tours on my Tanzania travel. Every question and email was answered quickly before and during the travel. Ole went above and beyond to help me in every step. Asante Kaka During the trip The team made me feel that they were there to help at any time. Care & attention to every single bit, from the porters to the cook and huge backbone the guide on my trek. The entire Tours team was perfect from day one. Trek : The food was good sleeping tents were perfect ; hot water, drinking water, physical and mental support all to the mark, perfectly orchestrated. The summit day was a challenge; very thankful to my crew for an experience of a lifetime! wholeheartedly recommend Sirikwa Tours to anyone seeking to trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari : The safari part of my trip was amazing, often dazzling. Benny was my driver. He endeavoured to provide me with the best safari experience possible, One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. a little bit of luck resulted in some experiences I will never forget (I got some amazing photos). Night stay at the cottages was also wonderful experience. Sirikwa deserves all the stars. I will definitely recommend team to anyone looking for the best experience in Tanzania.
  
 
       
   Grant V 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Mount Kilimanjaro
Such an incredible journey! The whole experience was perfect. Leone and Jonathon guided us safely, Abbas and Pray kept us fed, Mr. Machame carried the heaviest loads, Joshua and Ramadan and the rest of the group made sure we were comfortable. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see the entire crew again soon.
  
 
       
   Armen Hammer 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Truly Spectacular Kilimanjaro climb and Safari experience!
Sirikwa Travel Rocks! Because of a friend's recommendation, I booked our 12-day Tanzania trip through Sirikwa. We spent 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro and 4 days on a Safari. Our booking with Sirikwa included everything, food, lodging, transportation, and full support with guides, porters, chefs, etc from the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro airport until 12 days later when we were dropped off at the airport. Our Kilimanjaro climb is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that was perfectly organized by Sirikwa. Our group consisted of myself, my son, and a good friend of mine. For the Kilimanjaro climb Sirikwa provided 2 stellar guides (Jonathan and Leone), a chef, and 9 porters who were absolutely amazing. They were friendly, knew what they were doing, and worked their butts off to get us up and down the mountain. I can't say enough positive things about how great our support crew was. If you are thinking of doing the Kilimanjaro climb I would not look anywhere else. Their prices were about half what American tour companies quoted us and their service was truly spectacular. The same thing goes for our Safari. Our guide (Benny) was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, could see animals and birds in the bushes or trees a mile away. We traveled through Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire national parks. Again, if you are going to spend time in Tanzania and you need any type of tour booked....don't even bother looking elsewhere...book with Sirikwa, because you will get an amazing experience at a very reasonable price.
  
 
       
   765britav 
 2023-03-28
 
 
 Verified Perfect Tanzanian Safari + Beach Holiday with Sirikwa Travel
Sirikwa Travel arranged the most perfect nine-day Tanzanian safari plus four-day Zanzibar beach holiday for my best friend and me. Ole Sirikwa was instrumental during the planning phase of our trip, recommending the top national parks and other sights based upon the number of days we had available and prioritizing the things we wanted to see. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro, literally everything from that point forward was taken care of for us - transportation, tours, hotels and meals. Just a few of the places Sirkiwa took us in Tanzania were Mkomazi National Park, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, the Serval Wildlife Rescue and the Osiligilai Masai Lodge. I saw the most beautiful landscapes and SO MUCH WILDLIFE. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of animals we saw, including the Big 5. In Zanizibar we saw Stone Town, Jambo Spice Farms and we spent a few days at Amaan Bungalows, right on the sea where I have never seen such clear water. We had a private boat for a snorkeling tour and the team prepared a fresh seafood lunch for us to eat right on the ship. To cover all of the ground we did, we stayed in a number of different hotels along the way and they were all of a high standard and felt safe and secure. We even stayed at the Tukaone Camp right within the Serengeti which was incredible - we had a tent with a shower, a four poster bed all while being able to hear the distant roars of lions in the night. I also want to mention the meals arranged for us as well. My friend and I are both vegetarian and not once did we arrive somewhere where this wasn't already taken care of. While on safari we often were provided a prepared lunch that our guide picked up for us in the morning and the food was always plentiful and delicious. The guides used by the Sirikwa team are of the highest caliber. Every guide we interacted with was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and really awesome people to spend time with - which was good because you spend a LOT of time with your guides! In particular, Ben was our guide for several of the days we spent in the national parks. You could just tell how well he knew the parks and was eager to ensure we saw absolutely every animal we could. Ben was also so accommodating, stopping for us to catch a better look at a bird or animal more times than I can count. Alfred was another amazing guide that we had the pleasure of spending time with, as he took us to both the Maturuni Falls one day and the Chemka Hot Springs another day. Alfred was kind, funny and even made sure I was able to get the proper football jerseys for my nephews. Ole was incredible as well, literally checking in with us on a daily basis to ensure we were happy and well taken care of. I have never utilized a guide service prior to this trip and I am not sure I want to travel any other way again! The costs were clearly outlined at the time of booking and, compared to what I have seen from other similar tours, were incredibly reasonable given the private tours, quality of accommodations and meals included. There were no surprises (other than positive ones!) along the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime and I give all the credit to Ole and the Sirikwa Team. I can't recommend Ole Sirikwa and the team more highly.
  
 
       
   Judith J 
 2023-03-24
 
 
 Verified 9 Day Safari + 4 Days in Zanzibar
I highly, highly recommend Sirikwa Travel. My best friend and I did a nine day safari in Tanzania's northern circuit of national parks and then four days in Zanzibar. It was an absolutely amazing trip of a lifetime! Sirikwa Travel handled absolutely everything and exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Ole Sirikwa, the owner/operator of Sirikwa Travel, was very responsive during the planning stages of our trip and extremely accommodating of our requests to give us our dream trip. Even before stepping off the plane, I felt like we were in good hands. From the moment we landed in Tanzania, everything was handled professionally and courteously. We had very nice accommodations and excellent food. The drivers and guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and just wonderful people. Our guide Ben, who spent four straight days with us, was the best guide one could hope for. His experience was obvious as was his vast knowledge of the parks and wildlife. I am an avid birder and he was excellent at spotting birds and knew many calls. The other guides told us he was a legend and we definitely saw why. During our nine days in Tanzania and four days in Zanzibar, we saw 30 mammal species (including lions, black rhinos, leopards and a cheetah) in the wild, 136 species of birds and 6 species of reptiles. In Tanzania, we visited Mkomazi National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire NP, Arusha NP, Serval Wildlife Rescue, Osiligilai Masai Lodge and Chemka Hot Spring. In Zanzibar, we stayed at the fabulous Freddy Mercury house at Tembo House Hotel (the most Wes Andersonian place I've ever seen). We toured Stone Town, snorkeled and had an amazing seafood lunch by Kwale Island, toured Jambo Spice Farm and spent a couple of days at the beautiful beach resort, Amaan Bungalows. Ole checked in with us daily and there was literally never a moment of the trip that all of my needs weren't taken care of. Guides went above and beyond every day. For example, I kept misplacing my pencil to record all of the birds species I was seeing, so our guide Alfred stopped at a store and bought me a pack of pencils!! From reservations, arrangements, transportation to meals and accommodations, I can't think of one single thing that wasn't just perfect. The trip cost exactly what was quoted with no hidden fees. We felt it was an exceptional value.
  
 
       
   SF 
 2023-03-22
 
 
 Verified As Advertised
Sirikwa handled everything. Very responsive and respectful, didn't need to worry about local or hidden fees. Exactly as advertised. The trek was great!
  
 
       
   Raghuraj 
 2022-12-31
 
 
 Verified An Amazing Climb to Uhuru Peak
We had the perfect climb to Kilimanjaro with Leone & Jonathan. It was an amazing experience, and the support team of guides, chef & porter made sure that we were very comfortable along the way. Will highly recommend Sirikwa Travels for all & any adventure exploits! Can’t wait to go back again :).
  
 
       
   Haik M 
 2022-10-06
 
 
 Verified Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro top life-changing experience!
Had my best experience in life climbing Kilimanjaro with Sirikwa Travel team. Exceptional team from back office to front line kili warriors. Everything was taken care in details. Cant thank enough the excellent support, help and organization!
  
 
       
   camillegalin 
 2022-07-21
 
 
 Verified MEILLEURE EXPÉRIENCE
J’ai réservé l’ascension du Kilimanjaro par la voie Machame en 7j avec Sirikwa. Les demandes de renseignements sont claires, la documentation est complète. Les échanges sont faciles et rapide avec le directeur de l’agence ! Malgré mes péripéties et le retard de mes bagages par la compagnie aérienne (fréquent sur le continent quand on discute avec d’autres voyageurs, prévoir quelques jours de battement ça évitera beaucoup de stress) l’agence s’est occupé du problème, à su me proposer des alternatives et finalement trouver une solution. J’ai réalisé l’ascension avec une équipe fabuleuse : Jonathan, Abass, Janja, Nngabo, Omari et . Je recommende x1000 pour leur gentillesse, professionnalisme et encouragements permanent ! Si c’était à refaire je referai exactement la même chose. Si j’ai pu y arriver c’est grâce à une équipe en or. Je n’oublierai jamais cette aventure !