The annual migration of the wildebeest represents the single largest movement of wildlife on planet earth. Dramatic, awe-inspiring, comic and tragic alike, it has been dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the Natural World’ and the ‘Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth.’ Neither title does full justice to the enormity and grandeur of an event that sees multiple herds of 20,000 and more wildebeest careering across the glory of the African savannah in great galloping chains of blue-black creatures.
An ever-revolving cycle of birth, life and death, the 800 km path of the migration is dictated by the hunt for fresh grass and consequently covers both the Serengeti National Reserve of Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. For this, exceptionally focussed safari, however, our progress is dictated by the movement of the migration itself. As a result, we follow over a million wildebeest, half a million zebra and an accompanying cast of predators through some uniquely different eco-spheres. Firstly, we travel through the enchanted realm of Tarangire National Park to stay on a Maasai ranch where sugar-pink flamingos fringe the lakeside. Next, we journey down into the vast basin of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, where we stay in a stone-built lodge that clings high on the very crater’s rim. Finally, having taken in a visit to the birthplace of mankind at Ol Duvai Gorge, we arrive on the endless plains of the Serengeti, where we spend six glorious days in the exploration of this vast yet uniquely diverse wilderness arena. Thereafter, the direction the safari takes depends on the time of year at which you join us. If you arrive in February, then we will follow the herds south to witness the extraordinary spectacle of the calving in the south of the Serengeti National Reserve. If you arrive in September, we travel north to follow the herds as they plunge across the Mara River. In either case, this safari travels by road and is accompanied by professional guides of the highest proficiency.
Tanzania Migration Special Schedule
Day 1: September – Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Arusha’s Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your customer service representative. Transfer to Arusha situated at the foot of Mount Meru for check in at your hotel in the city’s outskirts, nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops of the picturesque Mount Meru, sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner (not included) can be taken at the hotel. Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2: September – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to the Tarangire and arrive at the Maramboi Tented Camp which is situated on a 25,000 hectare Maasai communal ranch. During the wet season the ‘pans’ (shallow depressions) of this area fill with water, which attracts huge flocks of flamingos and other water birds. The camp is also ideally placed for watching the migration of the wildebeest, which on the tree-less plains can be more easily and more graphically observed than elsewhere. The camp offers 20 spacious tents, all surrounded by timber decks. Activities possible at an extra cost while at the camp include guided walks, ornithology and cultural interaction with the Datoga and Maasai people, whose communities live adjacent to the camp. The camp also has its own swimming pool. Early lunch and in the afternoon take a game-drive through the Tarangire National Park, which is second only to the Ngorongoro Crater as a dry-season sanctuary for vast herds of migratory creatures. Dinner at the camp. Distance/drive time: 175 km / 3½ hours
Day 3: September – To the Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s best-known wildlife arenas.
A World Heritage Site, it is also one of the largest volcanic craters in the world (almost 20 kilometres wide, 610-760 metres deep and covering a total area of 264 square kilometres). An utterly unique biosphere, the Crater harbours grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife, all enclosed within its towering walls.
Descent straight down the crater which offers one of the finest locations of all the crater-rim lodges, lying on its southern rim directly above the yellow fever trees of the Lerai Forest. Enjoy an afternoon game drive with picnic lunch on the crater floor, until sunset when you ascend and proceed for check in at your lodge. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Distance/drive time: 150 km / 3 hours
February Program –featuring Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) & Central Serengeti
Day 4: February – To the Ndutu area of Serengeti–Ngorongoro Ecosystem
After breakfast depart and drive via the Olduvai Gorge, one of the World’s most important Paleolithic sites. Proceed to the Serengeti to check in for lunch at your camp. Thereafter enjoy an afternoon game drive until sunset time to return for dinner and overnight at the camp. Distance/drive time: 185km / 4 hours
Day 5 & 6: February – On safari in Ndutu area of Serengeti
Two full days on safari in one of the world’s most famous reserves. The Serengeti, whose Maasai name ‘Siringet’ translates as ‘the endless plains’, offers unparalleled ornithological opportunities and an unrivalled natural arena wherein the glory and harmony of nature can be appreciated as nowhere else on earth. All meals and overnight at Tanzania Bush Camps
Day 7, 8 & 9: February – On safari in the Serengeti Central
After the first phase of our experience in the central Serengeti, we move to the Ndutu and Northern Serengeti areas in February and September respectively as we explore these migration spots for chances with the best experiences of part of the greater migration. Meals and overnights Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Day 10: February – Serengeti to Kilimanjaro and departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip for an included scheduled domestic flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will connect to your onward international flight.
September Program-featuring Central Serengeti & Northern Serengeti
Day 4: September – To the Serengeti National Park Seronera/Central area
After breakfast depart and drive via the Olduvai Gorge, one of the World’s most important Paleolithic sites. Proceed to the Serengeti to check in for lunch at your camp. Thereafter enjoy an afternoon game drive until sunset time to return for dinner and overnight at the camp. Distance/drive time: 185km / 4 hours
Day 5 & 6: September – On safari in the Serengeti (Central)
Two full days on safari in one of the world’s most famous reserves. The Serengeti, whose Maasai name ‘Siringet’ translates as ‘the endless plains’, offers unparalleled ornithological opportunities and an unrivalled natural arena wherein the glory and harmony of nature can be appreciated as nowhere else on earth. All meals and overnight at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Day 7, 8 & 9: September – On safari in the Serengeti North
After the first phase of our experience in the central Serengeti, we move to the Ndutu and Northern Serengeti areas in February and September respectively as we explore these migration spots for chances with the best experiences of part of the greater migration. Meals and overnights Mara Under Canvas
Day 10: September – Serengeti to Kilimanjaro and departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip for an included scheduled domestic flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will connect to your onward international flight.