7 Day Tanzania Migration Safari
Follow the migration from Lake Manyara and Ndutu to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro with a private vehicle, experienced guide and days tuned to early and late light.
Trusted by Canada’s The Globe and Mail Read the feature story about Hazina Afrika
7 Day best of Tanzania migration safari overview
This 7 day Tanzania migration safari links Lake Manyara, Ndutu plains, central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in one continuous route. It is tuned for calving months and also works well for other seasons in northern Tanzania.
Travel begins with an easy arrival in Arusha, then moves west into the Rift Valley, across the short grass plains and on to the crater. Private 4x4 travel and flexible days let you respond to current migration movements rather than keeping to a rigid schedule.
7 day Tanzania migration safari itinerary
Routing and lodge names can adjust slightly with season and availability while keeping the same flow and feel.
Day 1. Arrival at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport a Hazina Afrika representative meets you in the arrivals area, assists with the visa process, helps with bags and guides you through customs. Outside the secure area a transfer host welcomes you to Tanzania and starts the drive to Arusha, which usually takes about one hour. After check in at The African Tulip Boutique Hotel you can rest, enjoy dinner and receive a simple briefing for the safari days ahead.
Day 2. Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley
After breakfast at The African Tulip your driver guide collects you for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The route takes you through villages and farmland before dropping into the forested edge of the Rift Valley. You spend the day game driving through groundwater forest and open lakeshore. This area is known for rich birdlife, elephants in the trees and the chance, though not guaranteed, of lions in branches. Optional time in nearby Mto wa Mbu village can add a look at local markets and farms. In the late afternoon you continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House on the highland slopes.
Day 3. Ndutu and the short grass plains
After breakfast you leave Ngorongoro Farm House and travel toward Ndutu. The track passes through highland country and then opens into the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem. In the green months these short, nutrient rich grasses attract enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra, with predators close behind. From December to May the migration often spreads across these plains and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You spend the day following herds, watching calves find their feet and scanning for cheetah and other predators that work this open ground. Night at Lake Masek Tented Camp near the lakes and plains.
Day 4. Ndutu to central Serengeti
You start with a morning game drive in the Ndutu area then continue toward the main Serengeti gate at Naabi Hill. While your guide completes entry formalities you can walk the short trail up the hill for sweeping views across the plains. From there you enter central Serengeti, working your way through open ground and granite kopjes that often hold lions and other cats. The route finishes in the Serengeti Serena area where you settle in for the next two nights. Late light drives can be used to explore Seronera Valley, well known for year round wildlife.
Day 5. Full day in central Serengeti
Today is a full Serengeti day. You can leave before sunrise to be in the field for first light or enjoy a slower start and stay out later in the afternoon. Central Serengeti holds a mix of river lines, kopjes and open plains that support resident lions, leopards and cheetah. Your guide can work known areas for cats, choose quieter tracks or focus on elephants, giraffes and general plains game, depending on what you enjoy most. Picnic stops keep you close to the action and you return to the lodge in time to enjoy the evening views.
Day 6. Olduvai visit and Ngorongoro highlands
After a final morning game drive in Serengeti you begin the journey southeast toward the Ngorongoro highlands. On the way you visit the Olduvai area, often called the cradle of humankind. Here you can see the small museum that explains the Leakey family work in the gorge and the hominid and animal fossils found there. Later in the day you climb to the crater rim and reach Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, which sits high above the crater floor. Clear days offer wide views into the caldera, a good place to slow the pace and prepare for the final morning.
Day 7. Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha
You leave the lodge at first light to descend into Ngorongoro Crater ahead of the main crowd. This basin holds a very high density of wildlife, including a good chance for black rhino, large tusker elephants and healthy lion prides. You enjoy a picnic breakfast at a quiet spot as the sun climbs and then continue to explore the floor of the crater. In the early afternoon you climb back to the rim and drive to Arusha. A day room and early dinner at The African Tulip keep you comfortable before your transfer back to Kilimanjaro airport for your departing flight.
Quick trip details
Three short questions to help us price and position the safari correctly.
Migration focus of this 7 day safari
This itinerary is built around the Ndutu plains and central Serengeti, which both play important roles in the migration story. In the green months huge herds gather on the short grass for calving. At other times of year the same route still works very well thanks to resident predators and strong general wildlife.
Lake Manyara and approach
Starting in Lake Manyara gives an easy first taste of wildlife with forest, lakeshore and Rift Valley views. It also means your first full game day is a gentle introduction before you reach the wider plains.
Ndutu calving plains
From December to March the Ndutu area often holds calving herds. Short grass and open sight lines make it easier to follow movement, watch new calves and see how predators interact with the herds.
Central Serengeti residents
Seronera Valley and the central areas hold resident lions, leopards and cheetah throughout the year. Even when the main herds move further north or west this belt remains productive for big cats and general game.
Ngorongoro Crater finale
The crater concentrates wildlife in a small area, including rhino, large buffalo herds and a wide mix of plains game. Ending here provides a strong final day of viewing before you return to Arusha for outbound flights.
Typical price for this 7 day Tanzania migration safari
Rates below are per person in USD for two travelers sharing. Final quotes depend on season, lodge choice and any route changes you ask for.
- Prices include private 4x4, professional driver guide, park and conservation fees, full board at listed lodges and drinking water in the vehicle.
- They exclude international flights, some drinks, visas, travel insurance and tips, which remain at your discretion.
For a wider picture of how different lengths and comfort levels compare you can also see the dedicated Tanzania safari cost guide.
Best time for this 7 day migration safari
There is good wildlife on this route throughout the year, yet the feeling of the journey changes with the season. These notes give a simple guide before we look at your specific dates.
December to March
Often the key window for Ndutu calving on the short grass plains. Expect large herds, many calves and active predators. Light can be beautiful after storms with dramatic skies.
April and May
Green landscapes, fewer vehicles and cooler days. Roads can be muddy in places but photography can be excellent with soft light and fresh grass.
June to October
Dry season with clear air and cooler mornings. Central Serengeti remains productive with resident cats and general wildlife even when main herds are further north.
November
Short rains often begin and herds start to move back toward the southern plains. This can be a good time for guests who like quieter tracks and a mix of green and gold tones.
What is included and not included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop top roof and fridge for drinks.
- Professional driver guide for the full 7 days.
- Park, concession and conservation fees on the route.
- Full board at The African Tulip, Ngorongoro Farm House, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Serengeti Serena and Ngorongoro Serena or similar lodges in the same category.
- Airport transfers at the start and end of your trip.
- Drinking water in the vehicle during all game drives.
Not included
- Some lodge drinks, personal items and similar expenses.
- Optional activities such as balloon flights, extra village visits or special experiences not listed in your quote.
- International flights, visas and travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, camp staff and other services.
Why plan this migration safari with Hazina Afrika
Routing tuned to the season
Routes are checked against current migration patterns and adjusted where needed so that you are on productive ground, not far from it.
Field time in good light
Days are planned around first and last light, which helps with both wildlife behavior and photography. Midday is kept flexible for rest or continued drives.
One guide throughout
Keeping the same guide from the first to the last day lets them learn your interests and adjust each day for your group rather than following a fixed pattern.
Experience with calving seasons
Years of time in Ndutu and southern Serengeti during calving months help with reading weather, grass conditions and herd movement to put you in the right place at the right time.
Scenes from recent 7 day migration safaris
Images from recent trips on a similar route help show what this style of safari feels like in practice.
Guest reviews
Many guests who follow this kind of route comment on flexible pacing, thoughtful guiding and a natural rhythm to the days.
Frequently asked questions about this 7 day Tanzania migration safari
Is this itinerary only for calving season
No. It is shaped around the Ndutu plains and central Serengeti for calving months but also works well at other times of year. Outside December to March we may adjust where you sleep on some nights so that you stay close to current migration movement.
Can I swap Lake Manyara for Tarangire
Yes. If you prefer Tarangire for its elephants and baobabs we can replace Lake Manyara on day 2 with Tarangire while keeping the rest of the route similar.
Is this 7 day safari suitable for families
It can work very well for families. We can shorten some drives, adjust picnic times and pick lodges with good family rooms and space to relax between game drives.
Can I add nights at the beginning or end
Extra nights in Arusha at the start or on Zanzibar at the end are easy to add. More time in Serengeti or Ndutu is also possible if you want to deepen the migration focus.
How early should I book for February or March
Calving months can be busy in Ndutu. Booking several months ahead gives a better choice of camps and room types, especially for premium tented camps near the best ground.
Send your enquiry
Your quick trip details are copied into the form below. Please review and send your enquiry so we can prepare a clear proposal for you.
Why Book With Us?
No-hassle best price guarantee
Customer care available 24/7
Hand-picked Tours & Activities
Unforgettable experiences
Others who viewed this holiday also viewed
Book This Tour?
Start your adventure here
Email Us
info@hazinaafrika.com
We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
Call us
+255 769 973884
We are always online for Calls and Chatting.