12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari

12 Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

Wildebeest Migration

This  12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari journeys through the iconic parks of Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, witnessing the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration in both Serengeti and Masai Mara. Explore other wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and discover the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara Park and its tree climbing lions.

This adventure promises an immersive journey through some of Africa’s most renowned wilderness areas, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and unforgettable adventures.  This Wildebeest Migration Tour is recommended in July – November Season.

Highlights:

  • Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in both the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular events.
  • Explore the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Discover the diverse ecosystems and stunning beauty of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and other wildlife.
  • Seasonal Recommendation – Best experienced from July to November

Tour Itinerary of the 12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi 

 Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by your driver guide who will transfer you to The Tribe for relaxation. You will have a safari briefing session about your itinerary, safety guidelines, and what to expect on your safari adventure.

Depending on your arrival time, you will visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the elephant orphanage to learn more about the rescued baby elephants and conservation efforts.

OR Visit the Giraffe Centre for an up close and personal experience with giraffes and learn about the efforts to conserve the endangered Rothschild giraffe.  Accommodation at The Tribe.

Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara 

After breakfast, head to the floor of the Rift Valley to Masai Mara to start the Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari –  as we set out, first scenic views will be the spectacular escarpments and expansive floors of the valley laden with patches of whistling thorn acacia plants.

The valley gradually gives way to rolling shrubland, with predominantly wooded bushland and riverine vegetation along the streams and dry riverbeds. You will arrive in time for lunch; thereafter have an afternoon game drive before returning to the camp for relaxation. 

Accommodation and meals at Ashnil Mara Camp

Day 3: Game safari in the Mara 

Breakfast and then with a Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari-packed lunch, head out to Maasai Mara National Park. The Masai Mara is famed for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras and the Big Five.

This starts around July and ends here in late October when the game crosses the Mara.  Look out for encounters with lions, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, gazelles, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. Accommodation and meals at Ashnil Mara Camp

Day  4: Game safari in the Mara 

Once again you will traverse the reserve on a full day of unlimited game viewing encountering the big five and more of the lesser game. You shall visit the Mara river where you may watch hippos & crocodiles or maybe the great migration. OR Get an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara plains as you watch the game (extra cost).

Accommodation and meals at Ashnil Mara Camp

12 Day Best of East Africa

Day 5: Masai Mara – Border – Serengeti  National Park

After breakfast, check out and head for a long day’s drive from the Mara to the Tanzania border and onto the Serengeti National Park with packed lunches. At the Tanzania border, you will get customs clearance to cross over to Tanzania for this part of the Tanzania Migration Safari. Proceed to your accommodation at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

Day 6: Game safari in Serengeti National Park Head North

After breakfast, head for a game viewing drive along the Sogore River Circuit, which loops into the plains south of the Seronera River, a great option for viewing lions, gazelles, topis, ostrich, and cheetah sightings.

Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch before heading to the Kopjes Circuit, around the Maasai Kopjes, which usually attract several lions and some formidably large cobras.

Accommodation and Meals at Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

 Optional: Early morning head out for a Balloon flight. View the Serengeti plains from a hot air balloon followed by a champagne breakfast on the landing site. Note: Kati Kati Tented Camps are mobile-tented camps that moves seasonally following the Migration Patterns.

Day 7: Game safari in Northern Serengeti 

After breakfast, it’s time for yet another Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari experience with a full day in Northern Serengeti where from July, August to September, the Mara River in northern Serengeti affords the most dramatic river crossings.

You will have game drives with packed lunches or start early with a game drive with a packed breakfast before returning to the lodge for a hot lunch and rest before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Accommodation and meals at Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

Day 8: Northern – Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro NP

After breakfast, you will have an early morning game drive in northern Serengeti then make your way back down to central Serengeti in the Seronera Valley with vast populations of bovids and predators that remain even after the spectacular hordes of the wildebeests and zebras have gone.

You will proceed to Naabi gate and then continue your drive through the Ngorongoro conservation area to the Ngorongoro crater. Accommodation and meals at Ngorongoro Farm House

Day 9: Ngorongoro  Crater Game Safari

After a hearty breakfast, you will  descent 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. Known as ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken and un-flooded caldera, spanning 19 kilometers in length, 16 kilometers in width, and plunging to a depth of 1 kilometer.

This breathtaking natural wonder is teeming with wildlife. You will have the opportunity to observe a resident pride of lions, encounter some of Tanzania’s largest tusked elephants, and witness one of the few concentrated populations of rhinos in their natural habitat. With approximately 25,000 large mammals residing within the crater, every moment promises a new and exciting discovery.

After a day filled with wildlife encounters and the stunning scenery of the crater, you will return to the serene Ngorongoro Farm House.

Day 10: Ngorongoro  – Lake Manyara 

After breakfast depart for the 10th day of the Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari towards Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive of this very diverse park. This park has the highest concentration of monkeys in north Tanzania and is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park), located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment.

The park’s habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos baboons, vervet monkeys, impalas, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, giraffes and buffaloes. Thereafter proceed to the lodge for relaxation. Accommodation and meals at Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

Day 11: Lake Manyara  -Arusha 

After breakfast, head back to Arusha town, where a day of cultural exploration and vibrant experiences awaits. Start with a sightseeing tour of Arusha, beginning with the bustling Arusha Central Market. Here, you’ll find an array of local produce, crafts, and spices, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Tanzanian people.

Next, visit the Arusha Museum Center, where you can delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Discover fascinating exhibits that highlight the diverse cultures and historical milestones that have shaped Tanzania.

Continue your adventure at the Tanzanite Museum, where you can learn about the precious blue gemstone unique to this region. Gain insight into its geological formation, mining processes, and its significance in the global market.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Masai Market, a vibrant and colorful hub where local artisans display their handmade crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Engage with the friendly vendors, learn about their craftsmanship, and perhaps find a unique souvenir to commemorate your visit.

This day in Arusha not only offers a deeper understanding of the city’s way of life but also enriches your travel experience with the vibrant culture and traditions of Tanzania.

Accommodation and meals at African Tulip

Day 12: Departure 

After breakfast, you will set off for Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight back home at the end of the 12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari. 

Included in the 12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari 

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD with gasoline/fuel,
  • Mineral water in the vehicle,
  • Services of an English speaking Driver/guide,
  • Accommodation as shown at the lodges mentioned in the itinerary,
  • Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner),
  • All Park Entrance Fees

Excluded in the 12 Day Wildebeest Migration Safari 

  • International Airfares; Excess baggage charges;
  • Ugandan Entry Visa Fees
  • Alcoholic Drinks and Beverages
  • Optional activities unless specified as included,
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.