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Spotted hyena at sunrise on the southern Serengeti plains
Migration Safari · Private safariMade to feel personal from the first night to the last drive

11 Days Best of Tanzania & Calving Season

Arusha National Park by canoe, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Central Serengeti and two nights at Ndutu for the calving season.

Duration11 days / 10 nights
PriceOn request
StyleMigration Safari
Best timeJan–Mar
Request this safari Explore the itinerary
Crafted safari story

A more thoughtful way to experience Tanzania

Timed for the southern migration, when around 1.7 million wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains of Ndutu to give birth – and the predators follow. Before that: a walking safari and canoe on Lake Momella in Arusha National Park, two nights in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Central Serengeti. It ends with a full day in the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Two nights at Ndutu for the calving
  • Canoe safari on Lake Momella
  • Two nights in Tarangire
  • German or English-speaking guide
Safari at a glance
Category
Migration Safari
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Starting from
Price on request
Key places
Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Central Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Crater
Guiding
Private vehicle and driver-guide
Speak to a safari specialist
Spotted hyena at sunrise on the southern Serengeti plains
Zebra herd walking through golden dust at sunset in the Serengeti
Cheetah cub peeking around a tree trunk in the Serengeti
Giant baobab tree in golden light, Tarangire National Park
Male lion and lioness at golden hour in the Serengeti

This itinerary is a starting point, not a rigid template

We can refine pace, accommodation style, flight logistics, park combinations and beach extensions around your dates, budget and travel rhythm.

Shape this journey with us
Day by day

A journey that builds with rhythm, not rush

Day 1

Arusha

On arrival, drive to Arusha for your overnight stay.

Meals: Dinner
Day 2

Arusha National Park & canoe safari

Your guide meets you at the hotel for a wildlife safari and nature walk in Arusha National Park – 137 km² of savannah, acacia scrub, cloud and rain forest and afro-alpine vegetation, with alkaline lakes and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater. After lunch, paddle across Lake Momella on a peaceful canoe safari, looking for hippos, colourful birds and animals grazing along the shore.

Meals: All meals
Day 3

Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, check out and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing. Tarangire is home to large herds of elephant and other game, including the elusive leopard and over 400 bird species. The park's picturesque landscape is dotted with large baobab trees and takes its name from the Tarangire River that crosses it. During the dry season (around August to October) the river is the only source of water for the animals.

Meals: All meals
Day 4

Tarangire National Park

A second day in Tarangire to follow the elephant herds along the river at an unhurried pace.

Meals: All meals
Day 5

Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. The park sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley and is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The large shallow lake and the surrounding landscape are extremely scenic: large fig and mahogany trees grow in the forest around the park gates, with acacia woodland to the south. The lake and surrounding area are home to over 300 bird species, including flocks of migratory flamingo.

Meals: All meals
Day 6

Karatu – Central Serengeti

Transfer to the Serengeti (approximately 4 hours) with a game drive en route to your camp in the heart of the Central Serengeti, where lunch is served. The camp's lagoon-like setting, surrounded on three sides by water catchments, draws game year-round. Relax before an afternoon game drive.

Meals: All meals
Day 7

Central Serengeti

Spend the day exploring the vast Serengeti plains. The name 'Serengeti' comes from the Maasai language and means 'endless place'. The open savannah and wooded grassland are home to lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and a host of plains game and birdlife. The Serengeti–Ngorongoro ecosystem hosts the Great Wildebeest Migration: millions of wildebeest and zebra moving year-round between Tanzania and Kenya, and in the early months of each year the short-grass plains become the setting for the calving season.

Meals: All mealsOptional: Hot-air balloon safari – $546 per person
Day 8

Southern Serengeti – the migration at Ndutu

Leave after breakfast with a packed lunch and follow the migration paths to the southern Serengeti corridor. From roughly January to March the calving season begins here, with rain-ripened grass feeding 260,000 zebra, 1.7 million wildebeest and some 470,000 gazelles. Lion, cheetah and other predators are everywhere, waiting for their moment.

Meals: All meals
Day 9

Ndutu – calving season

A second full day with the herds and their newborn calves on the Ndutu plains.

Meals: All meals
Day 10

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive down to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several ecosystems – grassland, swamp, forest and even a soda lake – and a wide variety of game: rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and an amazing variety of birdlife, including thousands of migrating flamingos. In the late afternoon you ascend to the rim and return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.

Meals: All meals
Day 11

Ngorongoro – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast and check-out, drive to Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast
Where you stay

Choose your comfort level

Same route, same guide. Pick the lodges that suit your budget.

DayLocationAccommodationMealsActivity
1ArushaKibo Palace HotelDinnerTransfer
2Arusha NPKibo Palace HotelFull boardGame drives
3Tarangire NPLake Burunge Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
4Tarangire NPLake Burunge Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
5Lake Manyara NPHeart and SoulFull boardGame drives
6Serengeti NPTamu Tamu Serengeti CampFull boardAfternoon drive
7Serengeti NPTamu Tamu Serengeti CampFull boardGame drives
8NdutuTanzania Bush Camp – NdutuFull boardGame drives
9NdutuTanzania Bush Camp – NdutuFull boardGame drives
10Ngorongoro CraterMarera Valley LodgeFull boardCrater tour
11JRO—Bed & breakfastTransfer

Price on request

Prices depend on your dates, group size and lodge level. Send us your dates and we will reply with a clear per-person price.

Get my price

Included

  • Professional German or English-speaking driver-guide
  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Transfers in Arusha
  • Canoe safari in Arusha National Park
  • Full-board accommodation on safari (except drinks)
  • Half-board accommodation in Arusha
  • All park entrance fees and government taxes
  • Driver's salary, allowances and park fees
  • Complimentary drinking water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Flights and visas
  • Vaccinations and travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Drinks
  • Hot-air balloon safari ($546 per person, optional)
  • Tanzania inbound insurance fee (paid online via the official NIC portal)
  • Early check-in or late check-out
Route map

Where this safari takes shape

The journey moves place by place in a calm sequence, ordered to reduce fatigue and protect the best sightings.

Open in Google Maps
1Arusha2Tarangire3Lake Manyara4Central Serengeti5Ndutu6Ngorongoro Crater
  1. 1Arusha National Park
  2. 2Tarangire National Park
  3. 3Lake Manyara National Park
  4. 4Central Serengeti
  5. 5Ndutu
  6. 6Ngorongoro Crater

Best windows: Jan–Mar

Reviews

What travellers say

★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookings
★★★★★

Tony is the Best. 10/10 recommendation plus 5 stars review. He went above and beyond on our trip.

This Past year we visited Tanzania , let me tell you how it went. From the moment our plane touched down, every aspect of our trip was meticulously managed. The airport transfers were seamless, and the selection of hotels and safari lodges provided truly top-tier comfort and amenities. Each accommodation was not only luxurious and well-appointed but also strategically chosen to enhance our overall experience. Tony our guide, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our family felt completely safe, comfortable and well cared for. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, local culture and terrain was captivating, enriching every game drive and interactions. The entire expedition, from the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the impeccable logistical arrangements, was nothing short of spectacular. We wholeheartedly RECOMMEND Tony and BigfiveTrails to anyone seeking a truly unparalleled and profoundly memorable Tanzanian Safari experience. They deliver excellence in every detail.

NeEma BrostromUnited States · Visited December 2025
★★★★★

A very intelligent, very funny person who loves animals.

The safari experience with Tony is fantastic; he is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable person who loves and respects animals—and he conveys that passion throughout the trip. He is very patient in explaining animal behavior and the surrounding vegetation in great detail, taking the time to point out every little thing. He always keeps a smile on his face, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is enjoying the safari. His vehicle is comfortable, clean, and equipped with air conditioning. Safaris are great, but with Tony, they are something truly special. We are very grateful to Tony.

ElizabethUruguay · Visited September 2026
★★★★★

An unforgettable Tanzania safari with an incredible guide

Our trip to Tanzania with Big Five Trails was absolutely amazing and exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was very well organized and allowed us to experience some of the most beautiful places in the country, with incredible wildlife sightings and unforgettable landscapes. A huge part of what made the trip so special was our guide, Tony. He was simply incredible: professional, friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable about the animals, nature and Tanzania. He is also an exceptional tracker — it honestly felt as if he had some kind of direct communication with the animals! He had an incredible ability to spot wildlife from a distance, read tracks and signs, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were going to appear. Thanks to him, we were able to see an amazing variety of wildlife and enjoy some truly unforgettable encounters. He made every safari drive exciting and interesting, and was always attentive to the group, making us feel comfortable and safe throughout the whole trip. Everything was well coordinated, communication was easy, and the overall experience felt very personal rather than like a standard organized tour. Tanzania was already an incredible destination, but Tony and the team made the experience even better. I would absolutely recommend Big Five Trails to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania, and I would especially recommend asking for Tony as your guide. I would travel with them again without hesitation!

Dolores BAndorra · Visited November 2025
Personal planning

Want this safari shaped around your exact dates and style?

Tell us your timing, travel style and must-have moments. We will turn this itinerary into a bespoke proposal with the right rhythm, camps and route.

  1. Share dates, travellers and the feeling you want the journey to hold.
  2. We shape an itinerary with routing logic, lodge fit and a calmer sense of luxury.
  3. You receive a clear proposal with prices per person, inclusions and lodge options.
WhatsApp+255 653 110 463
Emailinfo@bigfivetrails.com
Favourite animals
We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
Included with every booking

The BigFiveTrails Promise

Six things you can count on, whichever safari you choose.

Free date changes

Move your dates free of charge up to 60 days before arrival.

No hidden costs

Park fees, taxes, private vehicle, guide and drinking water are in your price.

Met at the airport

Airport pickup and drop-off included on every safari.

Lodges we know

Every lodge and camp hand-picked by our team in Arusha.

24/7 on WhatsApp

Our Arusha team answers you every day of your trip, day or night.

Your own guide

Private vehicle and guide – no strangers, no fixed schedule.

Book with confidence

Clear terms, real people, no surprises.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 on SafariBookings by verified travellers. Planned and run from our base in Arusha.

How booking works

  • 30% deposit to confirm your booking
  • Balance due 60 days before arrival
  • Written confirmation of every lodge and park permit
  • Licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Arusha

Ways to pay

  • Bank transfer (USD)
  • Visa / Mastercard (card fee may apply)
  • Wise transfer

While you travel

  • Your own private vehicle and guide
  • WhatsApp support from our Arusha team every day of your trip
  • Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
If you cancelCancellation charge
More than 60 days before arrivalDeposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months
59 to 30 days before arrival50% of the total trip price
29 to 15 days before arrival75% of the total trip price
Less than 15 days before arrival100% of the total trip price

Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy

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