7 days tanzania self drive itinerary to watch wildebeest great migration
The 7 days tanzania self drive itinerary to watch wildebeest great migration is meticulously crafted to enhance your opportunities for observing the remarkable wildebeest migration on self drive safari starting in arusha to Serengeti National Park.
The remarkable Wildebeest migration is a unique phenomenon recognized as the largest wildlife migration globally, involving over 2 million wildebeests and tens of thousands of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. This annual migration, guided by an ancient route, occurs within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as they seek water and lush pastures.
The migration in Serengeti National Park is most prominent from August to October, during which it proceeds northward from the Central Serengeti and diverges into two pathways. The primary herd advances toward the western corridor, traversing the Grumenti River in dramatic stampedes, while formidable Nile crocodiles lie in wait to ambush wildebeests as they attempt to cross. Upon traversing the Grumenti River, they subsequently cross the Mara River to arrive at the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Highlight
This itinerary is crafted to maximize your opportunities to observe the wildebeest migration, taking you to the Lobo area (north of central Serengeti National Park) and the Wagakuria area (remote northern Serengeti region), where the majority of the migration occurs from August to October.
You will also explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a renowned safari destination known for containing the world’s largest complete caldera.
Comprehensive itinerary for a 7 days tanzania self drive itinerary to watch wildebeest great migration
Day 01: Arrival – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, you will be greeted by a safari guide representing Arusha Car Rental who will deliver the car to you at your hotel in Arusha or At the the Airport.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Day 02: Arusha to Ngorongoro
You will have breakfast early and then head for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the world’s eighth wonder. The drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro takes roughly four hours. You will arrive at the resort in time for lunch after checking in, followed by an afternoon game drive on the crater floor. You will descend 600 meters into the crater to observe a diverse array of fauna, including herds of wildebeests, zebras, cape buffaloes, elands, warthogs, jackals, cheetahs, and elusive leopards, among others, which you will find enjoyable to watch.
During the same game drive, you will also explore Lake Magadi, a vast shallow alkaline lake located in the southwestern corner of the crater. The lake is a prominent feature of the crater, inhabited by numerous flamingos, hippos, and various waterfowl, including cormorants, which provide ample opportunities for observation. At precisely 6 PM, you will return to the resort for supper and overnight accommodations.
Meal: Comprehensive Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Accommodation: Karatu Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 03: Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Central Seronera)
Upon completing breakfast, you will check out of the resort and proceed to Serengeti National Park, the epicenter of untamed Africa, characterized by vast plains and a plethora of species, including the Big Five, various predators, and the renowned wildebeest migration. You travel to the northern section of the park, known as “Lobo Area,” located just north of the Seronera region in central Serengeti.
The remarkable wildebeest migration, a focal point of this safari, typically traverses the Lobo Area between July and August en way to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
You will reach your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon wildlife drive in the expansive Lobo region, where you will observe herds of wildebeests migrating and several predators trailing the enormous herds in pursuit of prey.
Meal: Comprehensive Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camp
Day 04: Serengeti (Seronera Region)
You will have breakfast before proceeding to the Seronera Area for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. The Seronera Area is the center section of Serengeti National Park, located near Lobo and the Grumeti Area. This region draws a substantial population of wildlife year-round; during the game drive, you will have the opportunity to observe resident species such as elephants, buffalo, gazelles, zebras, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, among others.
The Seronera Area is a stunning section of the Serengeti plains, characterized by impressive riverine trees along the waterways and a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and fish eagles, which provide delightful viewing opportunities. Subsequently, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Meal: Comprehensive Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camp
Day 05: Serengeti (Central) to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Region)
Commence with an early breakfast and proceed to the extreme northern portion of Serengeti National Park, called as Wagakuria. We will have an en-route game drive from the Lobo area to the Wagakuria area. Traveling north, you may encounter notable sightings of giraffes, herds of Cape buffalo, and elephants, among others.
You will reach your lodge in time for lunch and subsequently embark on an afternoon wildlife drive in the Wagakuria region, where the wildebeest migration typically occurs from August to October, contingent upon rainfall patterns.
The segment of the Mara River that delineates the border between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is the most formidable challenge for migration throughout their annual voyage. Nonetheless, it produces the most captivating and exhilarating moment of the migration, known as the Mara River crossing; subsequently, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Meal: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camp
Day 06: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
You will have an early breakfast and proceed to the Wagakuria region for a full-day game drive, which is home to a substantial population of resident species, particularly notable in this section of Serengeti National Park, where prides of lions can number up to 30. From August to October, this region transforms into a wildlife haven.
The Mara River is the principal feature in this region, providing an opportunity to observe herds moving northward and subsequently returning south a few days later.
Note: Locating the Mara River crossing is quite challenging, and observing it is contingent upon chance; the herds may be adjacent to the river but may defer their decision to cross for several days. Following sunset, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Meal: Comprehensive Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Camp
Day 07: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Arusha
Following breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and go with an en-route game drive to Kogatende Airstrip for a flight to Arusha Airport in Arusha Town. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch at the hotel before being transported to the airport for your departure home or to your next destination.
Dining: (Half Board) Breakfast and Luncheon
Accommodation: None Provided