Your expert guide — each with a minimum of 10 years in the Serengeti — will position you at the right place at the right time: calving season in the southern Serengeti (January–February), the northward push through the central corridor (May–June), and the legendary Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti (July–October). This itinerary is calibrated for peak migration season.
Accommodation is at handpicked luxury tented camps positioned directly inside the migration zones. No fences, no barriers — just the sounds of the Serengeti at night and the plains stretching to the horizon.
Serengeti Migration Safari – 7 Days takes you through Tanzania's most celebrated national parks. Each day is a different landscape, a different wildlife encounter.
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1
Arrive Arusha – Safari Briefing
Your I Artist Adventure representative meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfers you to your Arusha lodge. Afternoon at leisure to recover from travel. At 6:00 PM, your guide holds a full safari briefing: migration status, route plan, photography tips, and what to expect. Dinner at the lodge.
Mount Meru HotelLuxury Hotel . All Meals Included -
2
Ngorongoro Crater – World Heritage Descent
Depart Arusha at 7:00 AM heading west. After a scenic drive through the highlands, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater — a 260 sq km volcanic caldera sheltering an estimated 25,000 animals. Game drive on the crater floor: lion prides, black rhino, hippo pools, and vast herds of wildebeest that never migrate out. Picnic lunch inside the crater. Late afternoon ascent and drive to your first Serengeti camp.
Lion's Paw Luxury LodgeLuxury Lodge . All Meals Included -
3
Central Serengeti – The Seronera Valley
Full day in the Central Serengeti — the permanent home of the resident big cat population. Morning and afternoon game drives through the Seronera Valley, famous for the highest density of leopards in East Africa. Track lion coalitions, cheetah with cubs, and the first columns of the northward migration. Sundowner drinks on the plains.
Gran Melia Luxury LodgeLuxury Lodge . All Meals Included -
4
Fly North – Kogatende & the Mara River
After an early breakfast, a short airstrip transfer connects you to a scheduled charter flight to the Northern Serengeti. Your second camp places you minutes from the Mara River crossing points. Afternoon game drive to scout crossing locations with your guide. The timing of crossings is unpredictable — your guide monitors radio networks across the ecosystem to position you perfectly.
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5
Mara River Crossings – All Day in Position
This is the day. Depart camp before sunrise. Your guide takes you to the river and positions the vehicle at the strongest crossing point based on morning scouting. Crossings can happen at any time — you stay in position as long as needed. Packed breakfast and lunch brought to the vehicle. When a crossing begins, thousands of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-filled Mara River in a thundering spectacle that few people ever witness in person.
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6
Bush Walk & Lobo Valley Exploration
Morning guided bush walk with an armed ranger — a completely different perspective on the ecosystem. Learn to track animals by footprint and spoor. Afternoon game drive through the remote Lobo Valley, often overlooked by other operators. Elephants moving through the kopjes, massive buffalo herds, and distant migration columns on the horizon. Farewell dinner under the stars.
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7
Depart – Fly to Arusha / Kilimanjaro
Final morning game drive before the airstrip transfer back to Arusha. Your I Artist Adventure representative meets you on arrival and transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure. Optional: extend your trip with a Zanzibar beach stay — ask us about combining your safari with a Zanzibar add-on.
All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Solo traveller supplement available on request. Prices vary by travel season and camp availability.
- All national park entrance fees & taxes
- 3 nights lodge/camp accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Bottled water (3+ litres per person/day)
- Soft drinks & non-alcoholic beverages
- Private custom 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
- In-vehicle inverter for charging cameras & devices
- Communications radio for safety
- Electric cooler box & filtered drinking water
- Tips for guides (recommended: $15–25/day)
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fee (~$50 USD)
- Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti ($600/person)
- Optional Maasai village visit ($10–20 USD)
- Alcoholic beverages
The experiences below are not included in your safari package price. Each is an optional enhancement available at an additional cost. Availability depends on your travel dates and park locations. Contact us or let your guide know when booking to arrange any of these.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Drift silently above the Serengeti at sunrise and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of wildlife, vast plains, and the surrounding landscapes. The experience concludes with a champagne-style bush breakfast in the wilderness.
From $599 per person
Walking Safari with Armed Ranger
Experience the African bush on foot alongside an experienced ranger. Learn about animal tracks, native plants, birdlife, and the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed during game drives.
From $60 per person
Maasai Cultural Experience
Visit a traditional Maasai community and gain insight into one of Tanzania's most iconic cultures. Meet local families, learn about customs and traditions, and experience authentic village life.
From $35 per person-
When is the best time for the Mara River crossings?
The river crossings in the Northern Serengeti typically happen between late July and early October, peaking in August and September. However, the migration is unpredictable — crossings depend on grass availability, water levels, and animal instinct. I Artist Adventure monitors migration movements daily and adjusts your schedule to maximise crossing opportunities.
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How physically demanding is this safari?
Game drives are suitable for all fitness levels — you sit in a comfortable vehicle with a pop-up roof. The optional bush walk on Day 6 involves 2–3 hours of gentle walking on flat terrain. No special fitness preparation is needed. Children aged 7 and above are welcome on game drives.
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Are the domestic flights included?
Yes. The itinerary includes both legs of the domestic flight: Arusha → Northern Serengeti airstrip (Day 4) and Northern Serengeti → Arusha (Day 7). These are operated by reliable charter operators (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or similar) and are fully included in your package price.
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What is the accommodation like?
The Classic package includes premium tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, king-size beds, and hot running water. The Luxury and Ultimate packages upgrade to exclusive-use camps such as Singita Sabora or equivalent. All camps are permanent structures within the park boundaries, not roadside lodges.
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Do I need a Tanzania visa?
Yes. Citizens of most countries require a Tanzania tourist visa, obtainable online via the official e-Visa portal (visas.immigration.go.tz) for approximately $50 USD. Citizens of East African Community countries and some others may enter visa-free. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before travel.
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Can you arrange the Zanzibar add-on extension?
Absolutely — a Zanzibar beach extension is one of our most popular combinations. We typically recommend 3–5 nights in Zanzibar after your Serengeti safari. We handle all transfers, accommodation, and activity bookings. Prices start from $350 per person per night depending on the resort level.
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What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. A malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended — consult your GP or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and up-to-date routine vaccinations are also advised.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations 90+ days before departure receive a full refund minus the $200 booking deposit. 60–89 days: 50% refund. 30–59 days: 25% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation. We are happy to discuss flexible rebooking options in extenuating circumstances.
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