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8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari – Mara River & Hadzabe Culture

From $2720/person

Trip Overview

This unforgettable 8-day Tanzania safari takes you deep into the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration as thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River. You’ll also explore the famous Ngorongoro Crater and connect with the traditional Hadzabe and Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi. This adventure offers a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and culture.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 0: Arrival in Arusha

You will be welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport by our professional driver-guide holding a signboard with your name. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take your time to relax after your international flight and enjoy dinner at the lodge.

DAY 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your safari will begin with a beautiful drive to Tarangire National Park. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours, and along the way you will see local villages, farms, and lovely views of the countryside.

Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants and its giant baobab trees. These special trees and the green landscape make the park look very unique.

When you arrive, you will enjoy your first game drive in the park. Look out for:

  • Elephants walking in groups

  • Lions resting in the grass

  • Giraffes eating from tall trees

  • Zebras and antelopes running across the plains

  • And many colorful birds flying around or near the river

Animals love to gather near the Tarangire River, which is the main water source during the dry season, so this is a great place to see wildlife.

In the late afternoon, you will drive to your lodge or camp, where you will enjoy dinner and relax after a great first day on safari.

DAY 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you’ll begin the journey to Serengeti National Park, driving through beautiful highlands and Ngorongoro views along the way.

Once you enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens into vast endless plains, perfect for spotting animals. This is the land of the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras roam freely.

Enjoy an exciting game drive while searching for:

  • Big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards

  • Herds of wildebeest crossing the plains

  • Hyenas, jackals, and many bird species

Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge or tented camp in the central Serengeti.

DAY 3: Full Day in Serengeti

Today is a full day to explore the incredible Serengeti National Park. You’ll start with an early sunrise game drive, a perfect time to see predators in action and animals starting their day.

After breakfast, you will continue your safari adventure through different parts of the park. Keep your eyes open for:

  • Lions hunting or resting in the shade

  • Huge herds of wildebeests during the migration season

  • Hippos in water pools

  • Ostriches, eagles, and other beautiful birds

You’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the wild and continue game viewing throughout the afternoon.

In the evening, return to your Serengeti lodge or camp for dinner and overnight rest.

DAY 4: Full Day at Mara River – Migration Adventure

Another full day to enjoy the incredible wildlife action around the Mara River. Mornings and evenings are perfect for game drives, when animals are most active.

Relax during the warm afternoon or choose to go for a short walking safari (optional). Your guide will help you track animal movements to increase your chances of seeing another river crossing.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you’ll drive back south to Central Serengeti, game driving along the way. Look for predators like cheetahs or hyenas that often follow the migrating herds.

This day allows you to explore different habitats and landscapes, including rock outcrops (kopjes) where lions love to rest.

Enjoy a sunset game drive before heading to your camp or lodge in central Serengeti.

DAY 6: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Start the morning with a short game drive before heading toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning landscapes with chances to see Maasai herders with their cattle.

Arrive at your lodge or camp near the crater rim in the late afternoon. From here, you may get a great view of the Ngorongoro Crater below—an amazing sight!

Dinner and overnight near the crater.

DAY 7: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Lake Eyasi

Wake up early and descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder filled with wildlife. It’s one of the few places where you can possibly see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) in one day.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool and keep your camera ready for:

  • Black rhinos (very rare!)

  • Lions hunting on the crater floor

  • Flamingos around seasonal lakes

  • Beautiful crater views and birdlife

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadza and Datoga tribes. Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Eyasi.

DAY 8: Visit Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes – Return to Arusha

Today is a very special day. After early breakfast, you will visit the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last real hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. You will join them in their daily activities such as:

  • Traditional hunting with bows and arrows

  • Making fire using natural tools

  • Learning their click language

Afterward, you will visit the Datoga tribe, known for their blacksmith skills and traditional dress. You’ll see how they make jewelry and tools, and learn about their culture.

After this cultural tour, you will drive back to Arusha, where the safari ends in the late afternoon.

Price for 8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing & Hadzabe Cultural Experience

Prices (quoted in USD/per person)

1 Pax 2 Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax
$5,040 USD $3,600 USD $3,320 USD $2,920 USD $2,800 USD $2,720 USD

🦁 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🧳 Before Safari

What should I pack for my safari?

Bring light clothes for the day, warm clothes for the evening, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, camera, and a small daypack.

Yes, most travelers need a visa. You can get it online (e-visa) or upon arrival at the airport.

Yes. Yellow fever (if you’re coming from a risk country) and routine vaccinations like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. Please consult your doctor.

Yes, we strongly recommend full travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and lodges, but not everywhere. It’s good to carry some cash in USD.

Soft duffel bags are preferred over hard suitcases. For domestic flights, weight is usually limited to 15–20 kg per person.

You can enjoy safaris year-round, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October.

🐘 During Safari

Will I see the Big Five?

Yes! Tanzania offers a great chance to see lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Your day starts early with a game drive, returns for lunch/rest, and continues with an afternoon game drive. Timings can change based on wildlife activity.

You’ll enjoy fresh meals—breakfast, packed lunches, and hot dinners with options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free if requested in advance.

Yes, safaris are very safe when you follow your guide’s instructions. Stay inside the vehicle during game drives and never approach animals.

Some lodges and camps offer limited electricity and Wi-Fi. It’s best to charge devices when power is available.

You’ll ride in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, perfect for photography and wildlife viewing.

Most parks have designated restroom stops, but you may also use nature (bush toilets) in remote areas when needed.

Yes. Tipping is appreciated. A general guide is $10–20 per day for the guide, and $5–10 per day for the cook, depending on service.

Price Includes

What’s Not Included

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