This 9-day Serengeti safari is designed for travelers who want an extended, immersive experience of the Great Wildebeest Migration and the dramatic Mara River crossing.
Central Serengeti offers some of the best year-round game viewing, with its open plains and rocky outcrops teeming with lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo. Spending several nights here gives you time to track the big cats, observe herds of giraffes, and capture the quintessential Serengeti sunsets.
In northern Serengeti, you’ll witness the breathtaking drama of the Mara River, where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters and predators on the banks. With multiple days in this region, you’ll have more than one opportunity to see a river crossing, making your chances of experiencing this spectacle much higher.
At the end of each thrilling day, retreat to luxury lodges and tented camps offering fine dining, sundowners, and nights under star-filled skies. This safari blends raw wilderness encounters with high-end comfort, creating a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that leaves lasting memories.
The longer itinerary allows for a slower pace, giving you more time to explore both central and northern Serengeti while also enjoying the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes along the way.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your safari guide greets you. Transfer to your luxury lodge in Arusha, set amidst tranquil gardens. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Arusha
Fly or drive into Serengeti National Park. Begin your first game drive in the central plains, where lions, leopards, and cheetahs are frequently seen. Overnight in a luxury tented camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Camp in Central Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring central Serengeti. Watch resident lion prides, elephants wandering the plains, and leopards draped in acacia trees. Evening relaxation at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Camp in Central Serengeti
Another full day in central Serengeti gives you more time to go deeper into the park. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife before returning for sundowners and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Camp in Central Serengeti
After breakfast, game drive en route to northern Serengeti. As you approach the Mara River, herds of wildebeest and zebras begin to dominate the landscape. Overnight near the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
Spend the day along the Mara River, waiting for the dramatic crossings. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled waters while predators stalk nearby. Return to camp at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
A second full day in the north increases your chances of witnessing multiple crossings. Even without a crossing, the wildlife here is extraordinary — elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs thrive in this lush area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
Enjoy another day in the Mara River region. Perhaps take an optional hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking aerial view of the migration. Return for a farewell dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
Enjoy a last sunrise game drive before flying or driving back to Arusha. Depending on your onward travel, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trip Cost Includes
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Accommodation in luxury lodges & tented camps
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- All park entry fees & concession charges
- Unlimited game drives in central & northern Serengeti
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled water, snacks & soft drinks during game drives
- Bush picnics & sundowners
- Domestic flights (Arusha – Serengeti – Arusha) if included in package
- Medical evacuation insurance (Flying Doctors)
Trip Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees ($50–$100 depending on nationality)
- Travel & medical insurance
- Premium alcoholic drinks & champagne
- Optional extras (hot air balloon, cultural tours, Olduvai Gorge)
- Gratuities for guides & lodge staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, spa, laundry beyond lodge services)
It allows a relaxed pace, with multiple days in both central and northern Serengeti for maximum wildlife experiences.
Between July and October, when wildebeest cross the Mara River.
Seven nights total: three in central Serengeti and four in northern Serengeti.
Crossings are not guaranteed, but multiple days in the north give you excellent chances.
Luxury lodges in central Serengeti and luxury tented camps in northern Serengeti.
Yes, depending on the package, flights between Arusha and Serengeti are included.
Yes, though long game drives may be tiring for very young children. Recommended for ages 6+.
In addition to wildebeest, you’ll see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and more.
Yes, available in both central and northern Serengeti at an additional cost.
Absolutely — you can add Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or a Zanzibar beach holiday.
