Serengeti Big Time Safari

5 Days & 4 Nights

Short itinerary

  • Day 1: Drive to Central Serengeti & Afternoon Game Drive
  • Day 2: Game Drive from Central Serengeti to North Mara River
  • Day 3: Full Day Mara River Wildebeest Crossing & Migration Watch
  • Day 4: Enroute Game Drive to Ngorongoro Rim
  • Day 5: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Central Serengeti & Afternoon Game Drive

Depart from Arusha and drive to Central Serengeti, a journey of around 5 to 6 hours. Arrive and enjoy an afternoon game drive through the iconic plains of Serengeti, where you’ll encounter various wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. As the sun sets, head to your camp or lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Game Drive from Central Serengeti to North Mara River

After breakfast, continue your safari with a game drive as you head to the North Mara River. En route, spot an array of animals and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Serengeti. Arrive at the Mara River area by the afternoon, where you’ll settle into your camp or lodge for the night.

Day 3: Full Day Mara River Wildebeest Crossing & Migration Watch

Spend the entire day at the Mara River, one of the most iconic locations during the Great Migration. Witness the dramatic wildebeest crossing, where hundreds of wildebeests and zebras attempt to cross the river, often facing dangers from crocodiles and predators. This is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for nature lovers. Enjoy an overnight stay at the camp or lodge.

Day 4: Enroute Game Drive to Ngorongoro Rim

After breakfast, embark on an enroute game drive from the Mara River to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. As you travel, enjoy more game viewing and explore different parts of the Serengeti. Arrive at Ngorongoro Rim by the late afternoon and relax at your camp or lodge.

Day 5: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, exploring one of the most wildlife-dense areas on earth. Witness an incredible variety of animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, and buffalo. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable safari.

Summary

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Start & End Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Destinations: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

This thrilling 5-day safari takes you deep into the heart of Serengeti National Park, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience, including the spectacular Mara River wildebeest migration crossing. You’ll explore the vast savannahs of Central Serengeti, travel to the Mara River to witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles, and finish with a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. With experienced guides and stunning landscapes, this safari guarantees a memorable adventure.

Based on past migration patterns, the best chance of witnessing the Great Migration is in the North Serengeti from July to October. Therefore, this tour is highly recommended for travel during these months to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.