Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari

The Great Migration in the Serengeti is the largest mass movement of animals on Earth—over a million wildebeest cross these grasslands, closely watched by predators, from lion and hyena to crocodile. Our unique safari gives you a front-row seat for this famed spectacle, combining boutique lodges and private luxury camps to bring you unparalleled access to the migration—far from the safari crowds. This amazing journey includes four days in the Serengeti and four in exquisite Tarangire National Park, with its enormous herds of elephant and Cape buffalo, plus the wondrous Ngorongoro Crater. Expect phenomenal safari guides, game walks, evening game drives, and cultural encounters with the Maasai.

Itinerary

Days 1-5 Arusha / Serengeti (December-March "Southern Serengeti" itineraries)
Our secluded private camp surrounded by the fertile plains of the Serengeti is absolutely gorgeous—it gives new meaning to "glamping!" We set our camp close to the wildlife and far from the game lodges, allowing prime access to a rich mosaic of habitats crisscrossed by rivers. In this wilderness setting, we explore by 4WD vehicle to see vast numbers of migrating wildebeest and zebra as well as giraffe, hippo, crocodile, large prides of lion, cheetah, and clans of spotted hyena along the river tracks. In the solitude and beauty of our private Serengeti setting, our camp features roomy walk-in tents with attached bathrooms and hot bucket showers, and comfortable beds made up with linens and a duvet. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared and served by our wonderful long-time staff.

Days 6-8 Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater 
We visit Olduvai, where in 1959 Mary Leakey made her now-famous discovery of the Zinjanthropus skull, explore the lush environs of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and troops of baboons, and stay at a lodge on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater's 105-square-mile floor is home to Africa's largest permanent concentration of wildlife in a phenomenally scenic setting.

Days 9-13 Tarangire / Arusha 
It is astounding to see Tarangire National Park's tremendous year-round concentrations of big game: elephant gathered in the hundreds, huge herds of zebra, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, eland, and impala, oryx, kongoni, and Grant's gazelle. Leopard can often be found resting in trees, and lion are seen along the river. Our close association with the local Maasai here is a special treat, and we explore on foot to enrich our game experiences. Our specialist walking guides have extensive knowledge of animal behavior and the ability to track any animal of interest that we encounter during the walks. Some evenings, we'll set out on night game drives with a spotlight. You'll also have the option of a hot air balloon safari with a Champagne brunch. Our private camp, set beneath glorious acacia trees facing the rising sun, has a classic bush camp backdrop in the heart of big game country. Depart on Day 13 via Arusha.