Tanzania Big 5 & Great Migration Safari
This high-selling 7-day itinerary covers the “crown jewels” of Tanzania’s wildlife destinations.
Explore safari →Serengeti Migration Crossing Safari
Safari Overview
This 5-day elite fly-in safari is designed to get you to Kogatende in the Northern Serengeti, by flying from Arusha directly into the Northern Serengeti, you bypass two days of dusty transit, allowing you to spend four full nights in the most dramatic wildlife theater on earth. Witness thousands of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters in a life-or-death struggle for survival.
Expect the pinnacle of African wildlife drama on this 5-day Northern Serengeti fly-in safari. By bypassing the long, dusty roads of the southern circuit, you are transported directly into the heart of the Kogatende region and the Lamai Wedge. This itinerary is meticulously designed for high-impact wildlife viewing, specifically focusing on the world-famous Mara River crossings. You can expect the breathtaking sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras congregating on the riverbanks before braving crocodile-infested waters in a spectacular display of the Great Migration. With four full nights spent in mobile migration camps or luxury lodges, you maximize your time at the “front-row seats” of the most dramatic wildlife theater on earth.
Beyond the river crossings, you should expect an elite level of predator action. The Northern Serengeti is home to a high density of apex predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, all tracking the mega-herds. Your journey is facilitated by a private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser and a professional migration specialist who understands the unpredictable rhythms of the herds. From the convenience of a 90-minute bush flight from Arusha to the exclusivity of “sundowners” overlooking the granite kopjes, this safari balances raw, untamed nature with high-end efficiency. Whether you are looking for the Big Five or a photography-focused expedition, expect a seamless and deeply immersive adventure that concludes with a flexible flight option to either Arusha or the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Safari Highlights
The Great Crossing
Front-row seats to the world-famous Mara River crossings.
Time-Saving Fly-In
Reach the remote Northern Serengeti in just 90 minutes from Arusha
The Lamai Wedge
Explore the exclusive, scenic triangle between the Mara River and the Kenyan border.
Apex Predators
High concentrations of lions, leopards, and crocodiles waiting for the migration.
Luxury in the Wild
Stay in seasonal migration camps that move to remain close to the herds.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your Journey, Day by Day
Your journey begins with a morning transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK) for a spectacular 90-minute bush flight over the Great Rift Valley and the Serengeti plains. Upon landing at the Kogatende Airstrip, your private guide will be waiting. Within minutes of landing, you are on your first game drive. After a picnic lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the riverbanks before heading to your camp for sunset drinks.
Today is dedicated to the river. Your guide will be in constant radio contact to track the movement of the mega-herds. We head to the “crossing points” along the Mara River. Patience is key; you will watch as thousands of wildebeest gather on the banks, hesitant, until one brave soul leaps, triggering a chaotic and breathtaking surge through the water.
While the river is the main draw, the surrounding plains are equally electric. Today, we may cross the river to explore the Lamai Wedge, a stunning area of open savannah and kopjes. This region is home to large prides of lions and solitary leopards. We will also look for the “Resident Big Five” that stay in the north year-round, regardless of the migration.
Wildlife movement is unpredictable, so today is kept flexible. If a massive crossing is predicted at a different point, your guide will position you there. Alternatively, we can explore the Wogakuria Kopjes, high granite outcrops that serve as perfect lookouts for cheetahs. Enjoy a final “Sundowner” in the bush to celebrate your last night in the Serengeti.
One last early morning game drive offers a chance to catch the predators active in the cool dawn air. After a bush breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kogatende Airstrip for your return flight. You can choose to fly back to Arusha for your international connection or fly directly to Zanzibar to end your safari with a beach retreat.
What to Expect
The Details That Matter
Everything that makes this itinerary distinct, at a glance.
I
The Great Migration
Wildebeest and zebra crossing the Serengeti's plains, seasonally including the dramatic river crossings (July–October).
II
The Ngorongoro Crater
A self-contained caldera holding one of Africa's densest concentrations of Big Five wildlife.
III
Private Guiding Throughout
One guide for your whole safari, reading terrain and animal behaviour at a pace suited to your group.
IV
Optional Balloon Safari
A dawn hot air balloon flight over the plains, followed by a champagne bush breakfast, available as an add-on.
V
Sundowners & Bush Meals
Evening drinks and occasional meals served in the open bush, timed around the best light of the day.
VI
Handpicked Camps & Lodges
Tented camps and lodges chosen for location, service, and access to wildlife — never for size alone.
What's Included
- Logistics: Airport transfers in Arusha and Kogatende.
- Vehicle: Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and charging ports.
- Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking migration specialist.
- Water: Unlimited bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
- Fees: All Serengeti National Park entry and concession fees.
What's Excluded
- International flights and Tanzania Visa
- Internal bush flight (Arusha – Kogatende – Arusha/Zanzibar).
- Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Mara River (approx. $599).
- Tips for guides and camp staff.
Safari Gallery
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