Tanzania's Great Migration

Go in search of the thundering herds of the legendary wildebeest migration on a wildlife safari in Tanzania. Take in extraordinary vistas of the Great Rift Valley, and experience the power of the migration across the vast savannas of the Serengeti. Spend time in a Maasai village off the beaten track, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and much more. The Serengeti portion of this trip varies slightly by season to provide travelers with the best opportunity to witness the great migration.

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Arusha, Tanzania

Depart on an overnight flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Amsterdam, and arrive the following evening.
Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 3 — Arusha/Lake Manyara National Park

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. Set out to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife amid the stunning Rift Valley landscape on our first safari.
Plantation Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Lake Manyara National Park

On a morning game drive, observe the wildlife that congregates on the shores of Lake Manyara. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee production process this afternoon
Plantation Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater

Travel to the Ngorongoro Crater and settle into our lodge, perched on the crater rim. After lunch, descend 2,000 feet to the base of the crater, where volcanic slopes shelter almost 30,000 animals. Observe the interactions of predator and prey; spot colorful birdlife from marabou storks to crowned cranes; and track elephants, rare black rhinos, cheetahs, and more.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater

Return to the crater floor for breakfast and a morning safari. Then a nearby Maasai community welcomes us into their village on a special visit. Far from the tourist circuit, enjoy a rare opportunity to view traditional singing and dancing, visit a school, witness an initiation ritual, and learn about this fascinating culture from the village chief and his wives. Tonight, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape Paleoarchaeology Project, joins us for dinner and a discussion about the groundbreaking paleontological finds in the region.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Olduvai Gorge/Serengeti National Park

Drive to the Olduvai Gorge where, on a National Geographic–sponsored expedition in 1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis, one of the earliest members of the human genus. On a private tour of Olduvai Gorge, accompany Louise Leakey and learn about the family’s legacy and ongoing work, or join Dr. Masao on a walk through the site where much of his life’s research has been conducted. This afternoon, drive to our lodge in the central Serengeti, looking for lions, cheetahs, and leopards along the way.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 8 & 9 — Serengeti National Park

Rise early for a morning game drive before flying to the northern Serengeti to witness the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration. Great herds of wildebeests and zebras eye predators warily as crocodile snouts break the surface of the Mara River. Stay in a luxury tented camp, and on morning and afternoon game drives, take in the region’s spectacular array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants. On our last evening, gather for a candlelit farewell dinner in the bush.
Sayari Camp (B,L,D daily)

Days 10 & 11 — Serengeti/Arusha/U.S.

After an early morning safari, fly back to Arusha. Relax at our hotel before connecting with your evening flight home, arriving the next day.
KIA Lodge (B,L)