Follow the Great Migration across Tanzania’s Serengeti on an eight-day private safari designed around the Mara River crossing season. Explore Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with two nights in the north offering more time to track migrating herds and witness one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS
CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS
FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED
TATO CERTIFIED
PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION
462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010
Designed for travellers hoping to experience Tanzania’s Great Migration, this eight-day safari follows the wildlife-rich Northern Circuit from Tarangire through Central Serengeti to the remote plains of Northern Serengeti. Two nights in the north provide valuable time to follow migrating herds and search for activity around the Mara River.
The journey balances the excitement of the migration with exceptional year-round wildlife viewing, from Tarangire’s elephant herds and the big cats of the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. With private guiding and carefully selected stays, the itinerary gives you time to experience each destination without rushing between them.
“Watching thousands of wildebeest gather along the Mara River was simply unforgettable. An incredible safari from beginning to end.”
Every stay offers exceptional wildlife. Your accommodation simply defines the comfort, style and exclusivity of your safari.
Comfortable lodges offering authentic safari experiences, warm hospitality and excellent value
Boutique lodges and camps combining exceptional comfort, prime locations and personalised service.
Elegant luxury lodges offering exceptional service, spectacular locations and unforgettable safari stays.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your SafariHQ guide will welcome you to Tanzania and transfer you to Arusha. Settle into your accommodation, relax after your journey and enjoy your first evening beneath the slopes of Mount Meru before your safari adventure begins.
Activities
Leave Arusha and journey through the landscapes of northern Tanzania to Tarangire National Park. Set out on a game drive among ancient baobabs and along the Tarangire River, searching for large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras and an impressive variety of wildlife.
Activities
Leave Tarangire and journey north through Tanzania’s changing landscapes toward the legendary Serengeti. As the vast plains unfold, enter the national park and begin your first game drive, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other iconic wildlife.
Activities
Journey from Central Serengeti into the remote northern plains, following the seasonal path of the Great Migration toward Kogatende. Enjoy game viewing along the way as vast herds, big cats and changing landscapes lead you into the Mara River region.
Activities
Spend a full day exploring Northern Serengeti, following Great Migration herds across the Kogatende plains and along the Mara River. Search for gathering wildebeest and zebras, dramatic predator action and, with nature on your side, the unforgettable spectacle of a river crossing.
Activities
Leave Northern Serengeti and journey south toward the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti. Enjoy game viewing along the way, watching for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and resident wildlife as the landscape gradually changes around you.
Activities
Leave the Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before descending into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and the rare black rhino amid one of Africa’s richest wildlife areas.
Activities
After breakfast, leave the Ngorongoro highlands and enjoy a final scenic journey through northern Tanzania to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Reflect on unforgettable days of wildlife and wilderness before arriving at JRO for your onward flight.
Activities
For every destination, three accommodation levels — from authentic and comfortable to world-class. Your choice shapes the entire atmosphere of your safari.
Nestled beneath Mount Meru, this peaceful farmhouse retreat combines comfortable rooms, lush gardens and genuine Tanzanian hospitality—an ideal start or finish to your safari
Located in Set on a historic coffee estate surrounded by forest and a tranquil lake, this charming colonial lodge offers personalised service, peaceful gardens and timeless elegance.
Overlooking Mount Meru, Gran Meliá Arusha blends contemporary luxury with world-class dining, elegant rooms and exceptional service before your Northern Tanzania safari.
Set between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Marera Valley Lodge offers spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat with beautiful valley views.
Nestled on a working coffee farm , Ngorongoro Farm House blends colonial charm with spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality after memorable safari days.
Surrounded by ancient baobab trees, Tarangire Elephant Springs offers stylish suites, personalised service and an exclusive safari retreat in the heart of elephant country
Set in the heart of the Serengeti, Tukaone Hembe Camp offers authentic tented accommodation, personalised hospitality and exceptional wildlife viewing close to the park’s famous rich plains
Blending understated elegance with the spirit of the Serengeti, Singing Grass offers beautifully designed tents, personalised service and an intimate safari experience surrounded by nature.
Perfectly positioned in Central Serengeti, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge combines contemporary luxury, panoramic savannah views and exceptional comfort for an unforgettable safari experience.
Set in the Northern Serengeti, Moyo Migration Camp provides spacious en-suite tents, private verandas and warm hospitality a comfortable base for Great Migration river-crossing safaris.
Set near the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp offers elegant tented suites, private verandas and sweeping river views—ideal for migration-season safaris.
Set close to the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers spacious en-suite tents, sweeping wildlife views and a swimming pool a relaxing base for migration safaris.
Set between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Marera Valley Lodge offers spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat with beautiful valley views.
Nestled on a working coffee farm , Ngorongoro Farm House blends colonial charm with spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality after memorable safari days.
Perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Meliá combines refined luxury, breathtaking caldera views and personalised service for an unforgettable safari stay
We recommend applying for your Tanzania visa at least 4 weeks before departure to allow sufficient processing time. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and contain at least one blank visa page.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will confirm the latest entry requirements and guide you through the application process before your journey.
SafariHQ Note
Once your safari is confirmed, we'll provide personalised visa guidance based on your passport and country of residence, making the process simple and stress-free.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required if you are arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours through, a country where Yellow Fever is present. Malaria prevention is recommended for most travellers visiting Tanzania.
We also recommend bringing any personal medication, insect repellent and sunscreen. Please consult your doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised medical advice.
SafariHQ Note
Every SafariHQ safari includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover, providing emergency air evacuation from remote safari locations throughout East Africa.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage and personal belongings for the entire duration of your journey.
While every SafariHQ safari includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover, this does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
SafariHQ Note
Before purchasing travel insurance, check with your credit card provider—your card may already include suitable travel cover.
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, olive, sand and brown is recommended. Avoid bright colors and while on safari. Early mornings around Ngorongoro can be cool, while afternoons are generally warm, so packing layers is essential.
Recommended items: lightweight long-sleeve shirts, fleece or light jacket, safari hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, sunglasses and a good camera. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for domestic safari flights.
SafariHQ Note
Even during the dry season, early morning game drives can be chilly. We recommend packing one warm layer for added comfort.
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is the best time to spot the Big Five, predators and large herds across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Conditions: Sunny days with cool mornings and evenings. Dry conditions, minimal rainfall and clear skies make this the most popular safari season.
Best For: First-time visitors, Big Five safaris, Great Migration river crossings (Jul–Sep), Photography, Family safaris.
Wildlife Viewing: Outstanding birdwatching, lush landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing. January to March is also the calving season in Southern Serengeti, attracting predators and dramatic wildlife encounters.
Conditions: Warm temperatures with occasional short rains, vibrant scenery and fewer visitors throughout the parks.
Best For: Birdwatching, Calving season, Photography, Honeymoons, Better accommodation value
Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife remains excellent throughout Tanzania, although occasional rainfall may affect road conditions in some areas.
Conditions: The long rains bring green landscapes, quieter parks and excellent photographic opportunities with fewer visitors.
Best For: Lower prices, Peaceful safari experience, Green landscapes, Experienced travellers
SafariHQ Note
Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year, with each season providing a unique safari experience. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will recommend the ideal travel period based on your interests, budget and the wildlife experiences you wish to enjoy.
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your safari, with the remaining balance payable 45 days before arrival. SafariHQ accepts secure international bank transfers and online payment gateways.
Once your booking is confirmed, your dedicated safari specialist will guide you through every step of the payment and travel preparation process.
SafariHQ Note
A full itemised quote is provided within 24 hours of your enquiry. There is no commitment required at this stage.
Arrival Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Airport Meet & Greet
Included — your guide will meet you on arrival
Airport Transfer
Private vehicle included on arrival and departure
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars widely accepted.
Time Zone
GMT +3 (East Africa Time)
Languages
English and Swahili
Electricity
Type G (UK three-pin), 230V
SafariHQ Note
Guests arriving on long-haul overnight flights often appreciate spending their first night in Arusha before beginning their safari the following morning. We can arrange comfortable pre-safari accommodation on request.
Yes. This 8-day Tanzania safari provides a comprehensive Northern Circuit experience, combining Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater at a comfortable pace.
Two nights in Northern Serengeti provide valuable time to follow the migrating herds and improve your opportunity of witnessing activity near the Mara River. However, river crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
SafariHQ Tip
If witnessing a Mara River crossing is your priority, remain slightly flexible with your travel dates because the herds’ movements depend on rainfall and fresh grazing.
Your safari price includes the accommodation and meals specified in your itinerary, airport transfers, a private 4×4 safari vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide, scheduled game drives, park entrance fees, concession fees, Ngorongoro Crater fees and drinking water during game drives.
International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenses and drinks not specified in the itinerary are normally excluded. Your final quotation will clearly confirm every inclusion and exclusion.
SafariHQ Tip
Compare the complete inclusions rather than only the headline price. Serengeti park fees, concession fees and Ngorongoro Crater fees form a significant part of the safari cost.
Tarangire is renowned for large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and lions. Central Serengeti offers excellent year-round opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and abundant plains wildlife.
In Northern Serengeti, you may encounter migrating wildebeest and zebras gathering near the Mara River, together with hippos and large Nile crocodiles. Ngorongoro Crater offers a strong chance of seeing the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, although every wildlife sighting remains natural.
SafariHQ Tip
The Northern Serengeti delivers rewarding wildlife viewing even when a river crossing does not occur during your visit.
The itinerary includes several rewarding overland journeys. Arusha to Tarangire takes approximately 2–3 hours, while Tarangire to Central Serengeti usually takes 5–6 hours. Central to Northern Serengeti and the return journey take around 4–5 hours each way, while Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Driving times vary according to road conditions, weather and wildlife sightings. Once inside the parks, the journey becomes part of your game-viewing experience, with planned stops and a picnic lunch on longer days.
SafariHQ Tip
Keep your camera and binoculars accessible during transfer days—some of the best wildlife encounters happen while travelling between regions.
Absolutely. Every SafariHQ safari is designed around your travel style, interests and budget. Whether you'd like to add extra nights in the Serengeti, upgrade your accommodation, include a hot air balloon safari, or combine your journey with Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or Mount Kilimanjaro, we'll create a personalised itinerary just for you.
Our travel specialists work closely with you to ensure every detail matches your preferred pace, accommodation style and travel dates.
SafariHQ Tip
Your personalised itinerary and quotation are prepared at no additional cost, giving you complete flexibility before confirming your booking.
This safari is available in Mid-Range, Mid-Luxury and Luxury accommodation categories, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your travel preferences and budget. Every option includes carefully selected lodges and tented camps known for their comfort, hospitality and excellent locations close to Tanzania's leading safari destinations.
Whichever category you choose, you'll enjoy the same unforgettable wildlife experience, with the main difference being the level of comfort, facilities and exclusivity at each property.
SafariHQ Tip
Not sure which option is right for you? Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will help you choose the accommodation category that best matches your expectations and budget.
Absolutely. This 6-day Tanzania safari can easily be combined with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or a tailor-made safari through Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda. Many of our guests choose to extend their journey to experience more of East Africa in one seamless itinerary.
Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will create a personalised itinerary, ensuring flights, accommodation and transfers connect smoothly throughout your journey.
SafariHQ Tip
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family holiday or multi-country adventure, we'll tailor every detail to match your travel style, timeframe and budget.
For the widest choice of accommodation and travel dates, we recommend booking your Tanzania safari 6–12 months in advance, particularly if you plan to travel during the Great Migration season (June–October) or the festive period (20 December–10 January).
If you're travelling during quieter months, booking 3–6 months before departure is generally sufficient. Last-minute safaris may also be possible, subject to accommodation and vehicle availability.
SafariHQ Tip
Your personalised itinerary and quotation are usually prepared within 24 hours. Once you're ready to proceed, a 30% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance payable 45 days before arrival.
This 6-day Tanzania safari is operated as a private safari, giving you an exclusive 4×4 safari vehicle and a professional English-speaking guide throughout your journey. Travelling privately allows you to enjoy a flexible itinerary, spend more time at wildlife sightings and stop whenever you wish for photography or sightseeing.
If you're interested in meeting other travellers, SafariHQ also offers selected scheduled group safaris on specific departures. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will help you choose the option that best suits your travel style and budget.
SafariHQ Tip
Private safaris offer the greatest flexibility, while our scheduled group safaris provide an excellent value-for-money option for travellers who enjoy sharing the experience.
Every safari begins with a conversation. We listen first, then design your journey around your interests, travel style, accommodation preferences and pace. No fixed templates — only yours.
From Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda, our specialists draw on first-hand local knowledge to recommend the right destinations, experiences and seasons for a safari designed around how you want to travel.
Every lodge and tented camp we recommend is chosen for its location, hospitality and guest experience — ensuring each stay complements your safari rather than simply accommodating it.
Since 2010, SafariHQ has helped travellers explore East Africa with clear planning, honest advice and dedicated specialist support before, during and after every safari.
Tell us what you’re dreaming of and one of our East Africa safari specialists will respond within 24 hours with a personalised starting point for your journey — with no obligation.
No commitment required · Response within 24 hours
Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.
