7-Day Safari · 4 comfort levels
From
$3,185
per person
Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
A relaxed and varied private safari, with Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and Central Serengeti, then three nights in the north and two full days searching for the herds.
Seven days gives you a more relaxed and varied Great Migration safari than a shorter trip. You enjoy Tarangire's elephants and baobabs, explore the Ngorongoro Crater and experience Central Serengeti's resident wildlife before heading north.
You then spend three nights in the Northern Serengeti, with two full days dedicated to searching for the herds. That extra time is especially useful, because river crossings depend on the animals and can't be scheduled.
The main Mara River crossing season generally runs from July to October, and late July to September is a particularly popular time. The migration follows the rain, the grazing and the behaviour of the herds, not a fixed timetable.
Tanzania National Parks publishes rules for watching the crossings, covering designated viewing points, vehicle positions and leaving the herds free to move. They protect the wildlife and keep the experience special for everyone, and your guide follows them throughout.
Best months to travel: Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
The route stays the same at every level. What changes is where you sleep, how you travel and how much is arranged for you.
From $3,185per person
$455–$555 per day · $3,185–$3,885 for 7 days
A comfortable, well-organised safari with excellent wildlife viewing and good value, without paying for extensive luxury services.
From $5,285per person
$755–$1,200 per day · $5,285–$8,400 for 7 days
Upgraded lodges and premium tented camps with stylish interiors, excellent dining and attentive hospitality, while the safari stays focused on wildlife.
From $9,100per person
$1,300–$2,200 per day · $9,100–$15,400 for 7 days
Exceptional camps and lodges with premium suites, refined cuisine and personal service, chosen for location and exclusivity.
From $16,100per person
$2,300–$5,000 per day · $16,100–$35,000 for 7 days
Created for special celebrations and discerning travellers. Inclusions are tailored to the property and flights you choose, because not every camp offers every service.
These are indicative private-safari planning ranges per person, based on 2 adults sharing one private safari vehicle and a room. They are not confirmed quotations.
Your final cost depends on your travel dates, the number of guests, camp availability, flight fares and the exact services you choose. Camps near the Mara River can sell out early in the crossing season, so we confirm your price and accommodation in writing before you pay a deposit.
To request a price for one traveller or a group of three to six, select your group size in the booking box and Ombeni will quote you directly.
Your private vehicle and guide are shared only by your own party, so the more of you there are, the less each person pays.
Day 1
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your private guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Arusha. After a briefing, you travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobabs, large elephant herds, seasonal swamps and wildlife-rich landscapes.
On your game drive, you look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, antelopes and predators such as lions and leopards. Your guide chooses the route according to sightings, the roads and the season. You enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorised site and continue game viewing in the afternoon before transferring to your lodge for dinner.
A first game drive among the elephants and baobabs.
Day 2
After breakfast, you travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a memorable game drive inside the crater. We can request an early descent, aiming for about 6am, subject to the access arrangements and permits for your date.
You explore grasslands, wetlands, woodland and water sources while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. You stop for a picnic lunch at an authorised site and continue game viewing before climbing out of the crater.
Later, you transfer to your lodge in Karatu or the surrounding highlands, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for your Serengeti journey.
A day on the crater floor, one of Africa's great wildlife settings.
Day 3
After breakfast, you travel into Serengeti National Park as the highlands give way to the vast plains. Your guide looks for wildlife along the route and, where time allows, explores Central Serengeti around Seronera, an area known for its resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other plains animals.
You enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey and continue game viewing according to the roads and the time available. In the afternoon, you check in to your chosen camp or lodge and enjoy dinner, ready for the journey north.
From the highlands to the endless plains.
Day 4
After breakfast, you leave for the Northern Serengeti, where the Mara River and the surrounding plains attract migrating wildebeest and zebra in the crossing season. Your guide looks for herds and other wildlife along the route, choosing stops according to recent sightings, the roads and where your camp lies.
You enjoy a picnic lunch and continue north, where you may see elephants, giraffes, antelopes, predators and large herds of plains game. On arrival, you settle in and talk through the next day's plan with your guide.
North to the Mara River, with game viewing all the way.
Day 5
This is the main day dedicated to the Great Migration. After an early breakfast, you head out to search for wildebeest and zebra around the Mara River and nearby plains. You may see herds grazing, moving along the riverbanks, gathering at a crossing point or hesitating before entering the water.
If a crossing happens during your visit, you may see an unforgettable wildlife spectacle as animals enter the river and climb the far bank. Crocodiles, hippos, lions, leopards and hyenas are all part of this ecosystem, although sightings vary.
Your guide uses recent sightings to choose viewing areas and follows park rules, including staying at authorised crossing points and giving the animals space. You enjoy a picnic lunch during the drive and keep exploring in the afternoon before returning to camp for dinner.
Your first full day with the herds at the river.
Day 6
You spend another full day in the Northern Serengeti, with more time to find the herds and visit different areas around the Mara River. After breakfast, your guide checks where they have been seen recently and plans a flexible game drive, which may include river-viewing areas, open grasslands and wooded habitats.
This extra day is especially valuable because the migration doesn't keep to a timetable. Herds may move between crossing points, pause for a long time or change direction.
You enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorised place and continue through the afternoon. As well as the migration, you may see elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas and plenty of birdlife. You return to camp for dinner and your final night in the north.
A second chance at the river, and time for the rest of the north.
Day 7
You enjoy breakfast and, if your schedule allows, a short final game drive for one more chance to see wildlife and photograph the landscape.
If you are flying back, you transfer to the airstrip, often Kogatende when suitable flights operate, and fly to Arusha or another agreed destination. This is the quickest option and avoids a long road journey.
If you are returning by road, you travel towards Arusha by safari vehicle. It is a long journey, and any extra wildlife viewing depends on the route and driving time.
One last look at the Northern Serengeti.
Pick your comfort level, then choose a stay for each part of the route. Your choices go with your booking request. Ombeni confirms availability and your final price, and suggests a similar stay if one is full.
Your nights on this trip
Night 1
Tented lodge
Just outside Tarangire's western boundary, near Sangaiwe Gate
A tented lodge in a wildlife management area on Tarangire's western edge, about ten minutes from Sangaiwe Gate. A waterhole near the lodge draws passing animals, and there are views towards Lake Burunge.
What you can do here
Tented lodge
Between Tarangire and Lake Manyara
A tented lodge on open grassland between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, around 20 minutes from the Tarangire gate. Raised tents look out towards the lake and the Rift Valley escarpment.
What you can do here
Treehouse lodge
Randilen Wildlife Management Area, next to Tarangire
Twenty treehouse rooms set among marula and baobab trees, in a wildlife management area outside the national park. That location allows night drives and bush walks, which aren't possible inside Tarangire.
What you can do here
Luxury tented camp
South-western Tarangire National Park
A small camp of canvas tents inside the national park, in Tarangire's south-west at the edge of the Gurusi wetlands. The tents overlook a waterhole, so wildlife can come to you between game drives.
What you can do here
Luxury tented lodge
Burunge Wildlife Management Area, between Tarangire and Lake Manyara
An intimate lodge of eight tented suites on a private concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, including a two-bedroom family suite. Being outside the national parks means you can walk and drive at night as well as take game drives.
What you can do here
Night 2
Garden lodge
Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands
A relaxed lodge set in about eleven acres of gardens in Karatu, the highland farming town between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is a short drive from the Ngorongoro gate, so it works well before or after a day in the crater.
What you can do here
Lodge on a working coffee farm
Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands
A lodge on a coffee farm in the Karatu highlands, close to the Ngorongoro Crater. The farm also grows vegetables and keeps livestock, which gives the place a warm, rural feel after a day in the park.
What you can do here
Lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
Built into the rim of the crater, with traditional decor and sweeping views over the crater floor. Sleeping on the rim puts you close to the descent road for your morning game drive.
What you can do here
Large lodge on the crater rim
Eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater
A large lodge on the quieter eastern rim of the crater, with its rooms set around a central swimming pool. Your Ngorongoro stay here comes with views over the crater floor.
What you can do here
Simple lodge near the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
A simple, good-value lodge in the forest close to the crater rim, with 24 en-suite rooms. It puts you close to the crater for much less than the bigger rim lodges.
What you can do here
Mid-range tented camp
Ngorongoro Highlands
A mid-range tented camp in the highlands, close to the descent road into the crater, which suits an early start.
What you can do here
Lodge on a coffee farm
About 20 minutes from Karatu
A lodge on a large coffee farm, about 15 minutes from the Lodoare gate of the conservation area, with a pool and evening campfires.
What you can do here
Lodge on a working coffee farm
Edge of Karatu town
A lodge on an active coffee farm at the edge of Karatu, with rooms in private cabins, a pool and a spa.
What you can do here
Mid-range lodge
Karatu
A mid-range lodge of cottages and spacious tents in landscaped gardens, with a pool, a bar and a restaurant.
What you can do here
Mid-range hilltop lodge
Hilltop near Karatu
A comfortable mid-range lodge on a scenic hilltop near Karatu, with a pool, a lounge and a restaurant.
What you can do here
Good-value cottage lodge
Eastern edge of Karatu town
Affordable cottage-style rooms at the edge of Karatu, about 30 minutes from both the crater and Lake Manyara.
What you can do here
Good-value lodge
Karatu
A comfortable and affordable lodge in Karatu, offering a good base for exploring the crater.
What you can do here
Cottage lodge
Karatu, near the Ngorongoro Crater
A lodge of private cottages at the edge of Karatu, close to the village of Rhotia and about 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro gate. Each cottage has its own veranda, making it a restful stop between Tarangire and the crater.
What you can do here
Colonial-style manor on a coffee estate
Karatu Highlands
An elegant manor house on a large Arabica coffee estate in the Karatu highlands, just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Guests stay in private suites set in cottages around the grounds.
What you can do here
All-inclusive luxury lodge
Ngorongoro Highlands
An all-inclusive lodge of spacious cottages set in lush gardens, a calm base in the highlands for your crater day.
What you can do here
Historic working coffee farm
Near Karatu, on the slopes of the Ngorongoro highlands
A working farm with roots going back to 1929, set among gardens and coffee on the forested slopes below the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Guests stay in private cottages, and much of the food comes from the farm.
What you can do here
Luxury forest lodge
About 15 minutes from Karatu town
A luxury lodge on forested land near Karatu, with secluded cottages that have fireplaces and private decks overlooking the trees.
What you can do here
Lodge on a working coffee plantation
Karatu
A stylish lodge on a working farm and coffee plantation, with rooms and suites spread through park-like gardens around a large pool.
What you can do here
Farmhouse-style lodge
Karatu, about 15 minutes from the Lodoare gate
A farmhouse-style lodge of suites on about 40 acres, with views of the Oldeani Mountains and a pool.
What you can do here
Cottage lodge among coffee plantations
Between Rhotia and Karatu
A lodge of cottages surrounded by coffee plantations and forest, each with a private veranda and a fireplace.
What you can do here
Colonial-style lodge on a coffee plantation
Karatu highlands
An upper mid-range lodge on a working coffee plantation above Karatu, built in the style of old colonial farms, about 30 minutes from the Lodoare gate.
What you can do here
Luxury lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
A rebuilt lodge on the rim of the crater, reopened in 2023 on the site of one of the first lodges at Ngorongoro.
What you can do here
Boutique camp of dome tents
Slopes of Olmoti volcano, north of the crater
A small Asilia camp of eight dome-shaped tents, inspired by Maasai homes, on the slopes of Olmoti volcano. Each has a wood-burning stove against the cool highland nights.
What you can do here
Ultra-luxury lodge on the crater rim
Ngorongoro Crater rim
One of Africa's most celebrated lodges, with opulent suites on the crater rim and breathtaking views over the crater floor. It is closed for a major rebuild and due to reopen in 2027, so we confirm availability for your dates.
What you can do here
Night 3
Small tented camp
Seronera, Central Serengeti
A small tented camp in the Seronera area, in the heart of the Serengeti and close to the airstrip. That makes it a practical base for a final game drive before you fly back to Arusha.
What you can do here
Mid-range tented camp
Central Serengeti
A comfortable tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, well placed for game drives in the central park.
What you can do here
Hillside tented lodge
Central Serengeti
Spacious tents raised on wooden platforms on a ridge overlooking the central plains, about half an hour from Seronera. It is a comfortable base for the Seronera Valley, with big views from the camp.
What you can do here
Hilltop lodge
Central Serengeti
A lodge perched on a hill above the plains, blending African architecture with modern comfort, with a swimming pool and wide views.
What you can do here
Classic park lodge
Heart of the Serengeti
A classic lodge in the heart of the park, built around a rocky outcrop.
What you can do here
Tented lodge
Central Serengeti, about 24 km from Seronera Airstrip
A safari-tented lodge in Central Serengeti, a comfortable base for game drives around Seronera.
What you can do here
Tented camp
Makoma Hill, Central Serengeti
A tented camp at the foot of Makoma Hill, south-west of Seronera, about 45 minutes from the airstrip.
What you can do here
Luxury tented suites
Eastern Serengeti
A boutique camp of canvas suites in the eastern Serengeti, each with a private deck and plunge pool. The area is known for excellent predator viewing, particularly cheetah.
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Tented camp
Seronera Valley, Central Serengeti
A tented camp in a secluded part of the Seronera Valley, one of the Serengeti's best areas for big cats.
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Upscale safari lodge
Nyaburo Hills, Serengeti
A large new lodge on the Nyaburo Hills, built on the site of the former Serengeti Sopa Lodge, with rooms and suites overlooking the plains.
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Luxury lodge
Nyamuma Hills, above the Mbalageti valley
A luxury lodge of 50 rooms overlooking the Mbalageti River valley, with a pool facing the park, under an hour from Seronera Airstrip.
What you can do here
Small semi-permanent camp by Asilia
Just north of the Moru Kopjes
A small camp of eight luxury en-suite tents in a lesser-visited part of the Serengeti, with easy access to Seronera and the southern plains.
What you can do here
Classic 1930s-style camp
Moru Kopjes, south-central Serengeti
A camp of 12 tents on a kopje overlooking the Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi, inspired by the mobile safari camps of the 1930s.
What you can do here
High-end safari lodge
Central Serengeti
A high-end lodge in the central Serengeti with luxurious suites, an infinity pool, a spa and excellent service, close to prime wildlife areas.
What you can do here
Nights 4, 5 and 6
Seasonal mobile tented camp
Northern Serengeti, near Kogatende
A simple, wild mobile camp of about 11 tents, around 20 minutes from Kogatende airstrip. It is set up in the north for the migration months, and wildlife can pass through the camp itself.
What you can do here
Seasonal mobile tented camp
Northern Serengeti, about 25 minutes from Kogatende airstrip
A mobile camp of comfortable en-suite safari tents, which spends the crossing months near the Mara River and moves south to Ndutu for the calving season.
What you can do here
Luxury tented suites
Wogakuria Hills, Northern Serengeti
A lodge of 15 glass-fronted tented suites set among boulders in the Wogakuria Hills, each with a plunge pool. It is about 45 minutes from Kogatende airstrip and closes in April and May.
What you can do here
Permanent luxury tented camp
Wogakuria, Northern Serengeti
A permanent camp on a hillside overlooking plains and acacia woodland, not far from the Mara River. Every tent has a deck with sunken seating and its own hot tub.
What you can do here
Ultra-luxury tented camp
Lamai Wedge, on the Mara River
A small camp of six tented suites on the northern bank of the Mara River, in the Lamai Wedge at the northern tip of the Serengeti. It is close to the crossing points and closes for part of the rainy season.
What you can do here
High-end mobile camp by Asilia
Ndutu from December to March, the Mara River from June to November
An intimate camp of nine tents that moves between the far north and Ndutu to follow the herds. Stargazing tents give wide views from your bed, so the plains stay with you through the night.
What you can do here
Small high-end mobile camp
Ndutu from December to March, Kogatende from July to October
A small mobile camp of just a few canvas tents that moves through the year with the migration, settling at Ndutu for the calving season and at Kogatende for the river crossings.
What you can do here
High-end mobile tented camp
Moves with the migration
A high-end mobile camp that moves through the year to follow the Great Migration. We confirm its position for your dates, so that it suits your route.
What you can do here
A week gives you the variety of Tanzania's Northern Circuit together with real time in the north. Three nights there means two full days to follow the herds, so one quiet day at the river doesn't decide your trip.
No responsible safari operator can guarantee that a crossing will happen on a particular day, at a particular time or in front of a particular vehicle. The migration is a natural event, not a scheduled show. Herds may gather for hours, turn back or cross at another point.
The best approach is to stay in the north during the season, travel with an experienced guide and allow time for patient watching. At designated crossing points, vehicles must follow park rules, stay in permitted viewing areas and avoid blocking the animals.
If no crossing happens, the Northern Serengeti still offers huge herds, predators and beautiful scenery.
The main crossing season generally runs from July to October. Here is what normally happens each month, although the herds follow the rain and the grazing rather than a calendar.
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| July | The season begins. The first large herds may reach the north, although crossings can be irregular early in the month. |
| August | A peak month. Large herds may gather around the river, making it a favourite for migration photography. |
| September | Excellent potential. Herds continue moving across the north and into Kenya, so crossing points can change. |
| October | Late-season opportunities. Crossings can continue as some herds move between Tanzania and Kenya, while others begin heading south. |
| November | The end of the season. Most of the migration gradually moves towards the southern Serengeti. |
July to October is a popular season, and well-placed camps and flights in the north can sell out, so we recommend booking 6 to 15 months ahead. To receive an accurate quotation, tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred comfort level, room-sharing arrangements and whether you will arrive at JRO, ARK or an Arusha hotel.
Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.
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Free, no-fluff guides from the people who run the trips.
Where to go, when to travel, what a day looks like and what it costs — everything you need to plan a northern Tanzania safari.
Read guide →Safari · 8 min readA month-by-month guide to the wildebeest migration — calving in the south, the Mara River crossings in the north, and everything in between.
Read guide →Safari · 8 min readTanzania's flagship park — endless plains, the Great Migration and the finest big-cat viewing in Africa.
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Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
From
$3,185
per person
