Embark on an exclusive and exceptional 5-day journey that immerses you in the heart of the Serengeti, dedicated to tracking the Great Migration. Your adventure includes a minimum of 2 nights within the precise domain of the Migration, tailored to the specific time of the year. As outlined in the itinerary, your focus will be on the Ndutu area, located in the southern expanse of the Serengeti. This region is renowned for witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of over 450,000 newborn wildebeests as they enter the world during calving season.
DAY 01 - Airport Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights, our representative from Cajanus Safaris & Accommodations will greet you. They will then drive you to your accommodation in Arusha, where you will spend the night in anticipation of your safari adventure the following day.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel | Bed & Breakfast
DAY 02 - Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
In the early morning, after enjoying breakfast, we set out for Lake Manyara National Park. This pristine paradise is renowned for its abundant birdlife and iconic tree-climbing lions. The dramatic western escarpment of the Rift Valley forms the park's western border, while the eastern side boasts the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara. The lake's size varies with the seasons, attracting thousands of flamingos during the rainy periods. The name "Manyara" is derived from the Maasai word "emanyara," which refers to a popular plant used to construct protective enclosures around family homesteads (boma). The park's vegetation is diverse, ranging from savannah to evergreen forest. During your exploration, you may spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, elephants, and, if fortunate, lions lounging in the trees. After lunch and an extensive game drive, we head to our luxury partner lodges in Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Kitela Lodge | Bed & Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 03 - Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, we depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. As we arrive at the crater's edge, we are greeted by breathtaking views of this intact volcanic caldera, home to the highest density of big game in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is like a forgotten world, hidden by steep volcanic walls and encompassing sweeping savannah, acacia woodlands, glistening lakes, and swamps. The crater was formed when a massive volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. It is celebrated for its geological wonders and for being a natural reserve housing some of the densest populations of large mammals on the entire African continent. The descent into the crater is an adventure in itself, and once on the crater floor, you will find yourself surrounded by large numbers of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and over 500 bird species. The crater offers the best opportunity to spot the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be seen in the open grasslands. After a picnic lunch at Ngorongoro, we ascend the crater's edges and embark on a game drive en route to Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Luxury Tented Lodge | Bed & Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 04 - Serengeti National Park to Karatu
Early in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to experience a Balloon Safari, followed by breakfast. The Serengeti is truly spectacular, famous for its vast open grasslands that provide excellent wildlife sightings. It is Tanzania's oldest national park and one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, with a climate and vegetation largely unchanged for millions of years. While the Serengeti is home to abundant wildlife, it is best known for the annual Great Migration. Vast numbers of wildebeests, along with zebra and antelope, follow an annual pattern, constantly seeking fresh grazing areas. The precise timing of the Migration depends on the yearly rainfall patterns. After a picnic lunch, we embark on an en-route game drive through the endless plains of the Serengeti, heading to Karatu where we will arrive in time for dinner.
Accommodation: Kitela Lodge | Bed & Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 05 - Tarangire National Park to Arusha
Following breakfast, we depart for our final destination, Tarangire National Park. This park is named after the Tarangire River that flows through it, providing the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. The park's vegetation includes dense areas of elephant grass, acacia woodlands, and lush groundwater forests. Tarangire is renowned for its elephant families, often seen congregating by the river, as well as giraffes, bushbucks, and wildebeests. These animals are closely followed by predators such as lions and leopards. Tarangire National Park boasts more breeding bird species than anywhere else on the planet. After an extensive game drive, we return to Arusha, marking the end of our adventure.
