9-Day Safari · 4 comfort levels
From
$4,095
per person
Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Our longest cross migration safari: nine days from Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater to the plains of Central Serengeti and the remote north around the Mara River.
Spend nine unforgettable days exploring Tanzania's iconic wildlife destinations, from the ancient baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti and the remote north, where the famous Mara River crossings may take place.
This carefully planned safari combines varied landscapes, exciting game drives and valuable time in the Northern Serengeti during the crossing season. With three nights in Central Serengeti and two in the north, you can explore different habitats, search for predators and follow the wildebeest and zebras.
The migration changes with the rainfall, the grazing and the movements of the animals. The main crossing season generally runs from July to October, particularly late July, August and September, but individual crossings can't be guaranteed.
Staying several nights in the Serengeti also gives you time to enjoy the safari itself. Central Serengeti stays rewarding even when the main herds are farther north or south, because many animals live there all year.
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 $4,095per person
$455–$555 per day · $4,095–$4,995 for 9 days
A comfortable, well-organised safari with excellent wildlife viewing and good value, without paying for extensive luxury services.
From $6,795per person
$755–$1,200 per day · $6,795–$10,800 for 9 days
Upgraded lodges and premium tented camps with stylish interiors, excellent dining and attentive hospitality, while the safari stays focused on wildlife.
From $11,700per person
$1,300–$2,200 per day · $11,700–$19,800 for 9 days
Exceptional camps and lodges with premium suites, refined cuisine and personal service, chosen for location and exclusivity.
From $20,700per person
$2,300–$5,000 per day · $20,700–$45,000 for 9 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 Tanzanian adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your Trust Tours & Safaris representative welcomes you and helps with your luggage. You then transfer privately to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The drive is about 50 km and takes around an hour, depending on traffic.
Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is yours. Relax, recover from your journey and prepare for the days ahead. Your safari guide will brief you on the route, the wildlife you can expect and what the next day holds.
A warm welcome and a comfortable first evening in Arusha.
Day 2
After an early breakfast, you meet your professional guide and leave for Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its elephant herds, giant baobabs, scenic savannah and the wildlife that gathers around the Tarangire River.
On your game drive, you look for elephants in the woodland, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, zebras and wildebeest on the grasslands and buffalo near water. Tarangire is also home to lions and leopards, although sightings depend on the day. Your guide helps you understand the animals' behaviour, and the scenery makes for wonderful photographs.
You enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorised place before continuing in the afternoon. Later, you leave the park for Karatu, a pleasant highland town and a convenient base for the Ngorongoro Crater.
Elephants, baobabs and the Tarangire River.
Day 3
After an early breakfast, you travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a long game drive. This volcanic caldera is surrounded by steep walls and holds grasslands, woodland, wetlands and water sources that support an impressive concentration of wildlife.
You search for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and other residents. There is also a chance of seeing the endangered black rhino, although sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide uses local knowledge and current sightings to make the most of your time.
After a picnic lunch at an authorised site, you continue across the crater floor before climbing to the rim. In the afternoon, you transfer to your accommodation in the highlands to relax in the cooler air.
A long game drive beneath the crater walls.
Day 4
After breakfast, you leave for Serengeti National Park, crossing the conservation area as the scenery changes from highlands to open plains and vast savannah.
As you enter the Serengeti, you begin looking for wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffes, elephants and predators resting near the rocky kopjes. Central Serengeti is an important year-round wildlife area, and its plains, kopjes and scattered trees are excellent for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and hyenas.
You enjoy a picnic lunch on the way, then an afternoon game drive if time and park rules allow. Your guide explains how the migration moves through the Serengeti during the year. You arrive at your lodge or camp for dinner and the first of three nights in this wildlife-rich region.
Into the Serengeti, with your first afternoon game drive.
Day 5
You wake to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy breakfast before a full day of wildlife exploration. This region is especially rewarding if you are interested in predators. Its varied landscapes support resident lion prides, leopards resting in trees or rocky areas, cheetahs hunting across the plains and hyenas moving through the ecosystem.
Your guide plans the route according to recent sightings, the weather and the best opportunities available. You may also see large herds of wildebeest and zebras, along with gazelles, giraffes, elephants, buffalo and many birds.
A picnic lunch means you can stay out on the plains instead of returning to camp in the middle of the day. You continue through the afternoon, taking time to watch the animals and photograph the landscape, and return in the late afternoon or early evening.
A whole day looking for the Serengeti's big cats.
Day 6
After breakfast, you begin your journey north through grasslands, rolling hills, rocky outcrops and woodland, with chances to see wildlife along the way.
As you travel, your guide looks for herds and other animals, using the latest information on their movements. In the crossing season, wildebeest and zebras may gather near the Mara River, sometimes staying on the banks for long periods before deciding whether to cross.
The drive can take a good part of the day, so your guide balances travel time with game viewing. Once in the north, you explore where time and park rules allow, before arriving at your camp or lodge for dinner and your first night in the north.
North to the riverine landscapes of the Mara.
Day 7
Today is dedicated to exploring the Northern Serengeti and searching for the herds around the Mara River. This is one of the most exciting parts of your safari, particularly from July to September, when large numbers of wildebeest and zebras may move between Tanzania and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
You begin with an early breakfast before heading out. Your guide assesses recent wildlife activity and chooses where to explore, which may include the river, open grasslands and other permitted areas.
If the animals gather at a designated crossing point, you may see the dramatic moment when wildebeest enter the water and try to reach the far bank. Currents, steep banks and crocodiles make crossings a natural spectacle, but the herds may also wait for hours or days. Even if no crossing happens, the north offers excellent chances to see the herds and predators in a beautiful and fairly remote setting.
The day you came for: a full search around the Mara River.
Day 8
You enjoy breakfast and a final morning game drive in the north, depending on the timing of your journey. You then begin the drive south, looking for wildlife where time allows. Depending on the season, you may find herds of wildebeest and zebras, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and predators.
After a picnic lunch along the way, you continue through the Serengeti. The exact route and length of the game drive depend on your camp, the roads and the wildlife.
You reach your Central Serengeti accommodation later in the day. This extra night is a practical break before your final journey, as it saves you driving all the way from the north to Arusha in a single day.
South through the Serengeti, without a rushed return.
Day 9
After breakfast, you begin your return journey. The best arrangement depends on your schedule, your comfort level and whether you prefer to go by road or fly.
By road, you travel through the Serengeti and on to Arusha. This is a long journey, and your arrival time depends on the route, the roads, wildlife stops and park formalities. It suits travellers with flexible onward plans.
By air, you can fly from a suitable Serengeti airstrip to Arusha or another available destination. This saves a lot of driving and may be more convenient if you are connecting elsewhere.
A final view of the Serengeti before heading home.
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
City hotel
Central Arusha
A modern hotel in the centre of Arusha, an easy first stop after your flight. Air-conditioned rooms and an outdoor pool make it a comfortable place to rest before your safari briefing.
What you can do here
Riverside country inn
Usa River, between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport
A small country inn set in mature tropical gardens on the Usa River, about 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport. Shaded paths lead down to the river, which makes it a quiet place to rest after a long flight.
What you can do here
Lodge on a coffee estate
Coffee estate about 7 km from Arusha
Thatched cottages in tropical gardens on a coffee estate outside Arusha, each with a fireplace and private veranda, with views of Mount Meru.
What you can do here
Four-star city hotel
About 2 km from central Arusha
A comfortable hotel close to the centre of Arusha, with a large outdoor pool beside a landscaped garden.
What you can do here
City hotel in gardens
Near the Clock Tower, central Arusha
A historic hotel in the middle of Arusha, close to the Clock Tower, with a swimming pool surrounded by gardens.
What you can do here
Large garden hotel
Foot of Mount Meru, Arusha
A large hotel set in about 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the foot of Mount Meru, a comfortable base before or after your safari.
What you can do here
Garden lodge
Usa River, near Arusha
A peaceful lodge of rooms, suites and a family cottage spread through gardens at Usa River, between Arusha and the airport.
What you can do here
Quiet country lodge
Near Arusha
A highly rated country lodge near Arusha, with plenty to do for travellers who like to stay active before their safari.
What you can do here
Airport lodge
Next to Kilimanjaro International Airport
A simple, country-club-style lodge of thatched cottages right by the airport, ideal for a late arrival or an early flight.
What you can do here
Airport lodge
Near Kilimanjaro International Airport
A newer lodge of cosy bungalows among banana and palm trees, well suited to a short stay around an international flight.
What you can do here
Elewana lodge on a working coffee estate
Western edge of Arusha
Set among the coffee fields of a large estate on the western edge of Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru. It is a peaceful first stop after a long flight, with gardens to relax in before your evening safari briefing.
What you can do here
Boutique lodge on a coffee estate
Burka Coffee Estate, outside Arusha
An intimate lodge of garden cottages on a working coffee estate, with the former farmhouse at its heart. Winding paths link the cottages to the main house, giving it the feel of a private country home.
What you can do here
Luxury city hotel
Kijenge, Arusha
A large luxury hotel in Arusha, with private balconies, several restaurants and landscaped gardens. It suits travellers who like the facilities of a full-service hotel before heading into the bush.
What you can do here
Lakeside hotel and spa
Lake Duluti, about 20 km from Arusha
Formerly the Lake Duluti Serena, this hotel stands among coffee plantations on the shore of Lake Duluti, with stone-built cottages grouped around a flowery village square.
What you can do here
Boutique hotel
Serengeti Road, Arusha
An elegant boutique hotel of 29 rooms and suites, about 2 km from central Arusha, with a garden and an outdoor pool.
What you can do here
Villas and lodge
Private wildlife estate outside Arusha
A mix of private villas and a small lodge on a private wildlife estate just outside Arusha, a quiet start to your safari.
What you can do here
Private six-bedroom villa
Golf estate, about 25 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport
A luxury six-bedroom villa on a championship golf estate. You can book the whole villa or single rooms, which makes it ideal for families and friends.
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
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
Nights 4 and 5
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.
What you can do here
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.
What you can do here
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.
What you can do here
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 6 and 7
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
Night 8
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.
What you can do here
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.
What you can do here
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.
What you can do here
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
This trip has eight nights in total, including your arrival night in Arusha, with three nights in Central Serengeti and two in the Northern Serengeti.
If you would prefer to spend all eight nights on safari, without an arrival night in Arusha, we can adjust the plan and confirm the revised route and price. Northern camps should be chosen early for the crossing season, because suitable ones are in high demand.
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.
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.
Read guide →Ready to go?
Indicative prices per person for 2 adults sharing a private vehicle. Your written quote confirms the final price.
From
$4,095
per person
