Game drives, SerenGeti Under Canvas, SerenGeti National Park, Tanzania

Northern Tanzania including The Great Migration

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

8 Days

Prices Start from

£5,895pp (ex. flights)

Journey through northern Tanzania’s safari landscape, staying at a succession of beautiful tented camps. Combine the baobab-dotted valleys of Tarangire with the volcanic vistas of Ngorongoro and the endless plains of the Serengeti.

This fantastic journey combines the best of northern Tanzania, all but guaranteeing some phenomenal wildlife encounters. Whilst the accommodation is luxurious, its tented nature means that a traditional safari feel survives. There is also the added attraction of the Great Migration, with vast numbers of wildebeests and zebras circling the plains of the Serengeti as part of an annual cycle. Staying at Ubuntu Camp, which follows the migrating animals, means that you can experience the Great Migration on drives from the camp.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Elephant herd, Tarangire, Tanzania 1

Elephant Herds

Find yourself surrounded by hundreds of elephants that roam Tarangire National Park.

Zebras and a wildebeest walking beside the lake, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania 2

Crater Floor

Drive across the lake-dotted floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, home to big game.

Three cheetahs in the savannah, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 3

Big Cats

Drive across the plains of the Serengeti, spotting leopards, lions and cheetahs.

Wildebeests crossing river, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 4

Migration

Encounter the Great Migration, as wildebeests and zebras travel across this ecosystem.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Tanzania on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Kilimanjaro - Arusha

  • Day 2

    Arusha - Tarangire National Park

  • Day 3

    Tarangire National Park

  • Day 4

    Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

  • Day 5

    Ngorongoro Crater

  • Day 6

    Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park

  • Day 7

    Serengeti National Park

  • Day 8

    Serengeti National Park - Arusha - Kilimanjaro

Day 1

Kilimanjaro - Arusha

Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha, a journey of around 90 minutes, and check into your accommodation.

Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Transfer to the airport and fly to Kuro before transferring 60 minutes to your accommodation within Tarangire National Park.

Day 3

Tarangire National Park

Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park in search of wildlife – hundreds of elephants roam there.

Day 4

Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Transfer to Kuro and fly to Manyara before transferring to your accommodation.

Day 5

Ngorongoro Crater

Drive across the lake-dotted floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, home to big game and fabulous scenery.

Day 6

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park

Transfer to Manyara for a flight to Serengeti North. On arrival transfer to your nomadic safari camp. Drive across the plains of the Serengeti, spotting leopards, lions and cheetahs.

Day 7

Serengeti National Park

Encounter the Great Migration, as wildebeests and zebras travel across this ecosystem.

Day 8

Serengeti National Park - Arusha - Kilimanjaro

Fly back to Arusha and transfer 90 minutes to Kilimanjaro airport for onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Elephants roaming hillside, Tarangire, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire's Tuskers

Begin at the beautifully positioned Oliver’s Camp, in Tarangire National Park. This quiet camp sits in an acacia thicket on the side of a low hill, looking out over verdant floodplains. Below the camp, a perfectly placed sundowner deck offers marvellous views of the African sunset.

Spend some time exploring this wonderfully varied landscape – home to vast numbers of elephants. They roam the acacia woodlands, grass-coated floodplains and rock-dotted hillsides. The gnarled baobabs that litter the park show scars from the scratching of countless tusks.

View of the Empakai Crater, The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

Head west from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Venture beyond the main crater to the wild highlands that lie to the north. Approach the dramatic slopes of the Olmoti volcano, where the innovatively designed Highlands camp is positioned.

From this remote base explore the landscape of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend to the crater floor and discover the multitude of game that flocks to this fertile basin. Surrounded by the high walls of the crater, drive across this rich plain, decorated with lakes and winding rivers. Plains game fills the grasslands, whilst black rhinos can also be spotted.

Lioness playing with cubs, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Lions, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Plains of the Serengeti

Fly further west and into the Serengeti. Staying at the seasonal Ubuntu Camp, which moves with the Great Migration. Explore an ecosystem alive with antelopes, zebra and other grazing animals, which, in turn, attract an array of predators. Drive across this captivating landscape as natural dramas unfold around you. Spot lions stalking skittish herds of Thompson’s gazelles, watch leopards curled in shady trees and admire cheetahs accelerating in pursuit of their supper.

If the camp is located in the north, have the chance to see the migration surging across the Mara River in a mad dash. If it’s in the south, watch as wildebeests and zebras give birth to their young on the short grass plains.

Beach landscape and boat, Zanzibar
Beach in Zanzibar

Add Time on the Beach

Zanzibar is the perfect place to decompress after the long days and thrills of a safari. It is also incredibly simple to add on, with Zanzibar linked to the Serengeti by direct flights.

Time here is best spent on the beach or by the pool, with meals and drinks included, meaning there really is no reason to leave. However, for those interested in exploring, Zanzibar abounds with opportunities, from fishing and diving to cultural tours and culinary experience

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Oliver’s Camp £££££

  • Tanzania

Oliver’s Camp and Little Oliver’s Camp are both situated in the exclusive southern part of Tarangire National Park. Placed only a few minutes’ drive from one another, they blend perfectly into the natural flora of Tarangire. Providing an immersive bush experience and often visited by passing wildlife, the tents of Oliver’s and Little Oliver’s are well spaced – ensuring intimacy, exclusivity and tranquillity.

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The Highlands £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set in the wild landscape of the northern reaches of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, The Highlands hugs the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Beautiful volcanic terrain surrounds this stylish camp, crisscrossed by ancient Maasai trails that link traditional bomas. The camp combines remoteness with elegant comfort, positioned to make the most of the unspoilt wilderness that spreads into the distance. Inventive dome-shaped tents provide panoramic views from transparent fronts, whilst inside warmth and modern amenities provide a wonderful sanctuary.

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Ubuntu Serengeti £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Ubuntu Camp is a small, semi-permanent camp in the Serengeti National Park. Like its sister camp Olakira, Ubuntu moves seasonally to optimise the chance of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration. Between December and March, it is situated on the open southern plains when the annual migration spreads out to graze on the fresh new grasses. Then from June to November, it is located in a new campsite, in the north of the park where it is perfectly positioned to witness a crossing of the great Mara River.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £5,895 Per person

When to travel

Tanzania in January

Generally, most places are quite humid and wet, although the north around the Serengeti can experience a brief dry season.

Tanzania in February

It remains a good time to head to the Serengeti and the north as it experiences a brief dry season.It is also one of the driest months in Zanzibar, so a great chances to spend some time on the quiet beaches.

Tanzania in March

The start of the long rainy season, as humidity builds. Some lodges close and roads can become impassable. The landscapes are lush but it makes wildlife harder to spot.

Tanzania in April

The wettest month, with uncomfortably high levels of humidity, so we advise against travel at this time.

Tanzania in May

The rain continues with uncomfortably high levels of humidity, so we advise against travel at this time.

Tanzania in June

The start of the dry season and one of the best months to visit. Clear skies dominate despite the lush landscapes, and it is a fantastic time to see thousands of wildebeest migrate in the Serengeti.

Tanzania in July

The driest and coolest month across the country. A popular time to travel, so heading to the south and west of the country is a good option. You can see all the wildlife that you can get in the northern parks but also chimpanzees.

Tanzania in August

Peak season, as the land dries up and makes spotting wildlife much easier. Spot elephants in Tarangire, or relax on the pristine white sandy beaches of Zanzibar. Just make sure to book well ahead as this is the busiest time of year.

Tanzania in September

After the European school holidays are finished, it is quieter. The great weather remains though, with less mosquitoes around too due to the low humidity. The water visibility improves and you can enjoy diving and snorkelling too.

Tanzania in October

Temperatures rise a little, as does the chance of a shower or two. The landscape is at its driest before the start of the rainy season, creating fantastic opportunities to see elephants in the sun-baked open plains.

Tanzania in November

A quiet time of year as the short rainy season starts. The rains are usually overnight but it can rain in the day too. Plenty of game can still be spotted in the Serengeti, but if you are searching for drier weather it is a good time to head south to the Selous.

Tanzania in December

The short rainy season continues throughout much of the country, but there is still plenty of game viewing in the Serengeti and it is peak season in Zanzibar. It can get very busy over the festive season so it is worth booking in advance.

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