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NORTHERN SERENGETI - THE GREAT MIGRATION
Tanzania
9D/8N
Easy
Fly by bush plane to a remote airstrip in the heart of the Northern Serengeti, where your expedition begins. Follow the Great Migration through Tanzania's most iconic wilderness before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater and finishing among the ancient baobab trees of Tarangire National Park.
Remote Bush Flight
Expert Local Guides
Big Five Encounters
Small Expedition Teams
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Tanzania
9D/8N
North Serengeti
Great Migration
Easy
4x4 Safari
NORTHERN SERENGETI – THE GREAT MIGRATION
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Follow one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth as you journey through Tanzania's most iconic national parks. Timed to coincide with the Great Migration river crossings, this expedition takes you deep into the Northern Serengeti, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodile-filled Mara River in search of fresh grazing.
Flying directly into the Northern Serengeti allows us to maximise our time in the wilderness, spending several days following the movement of the migration before travelling through the wildlife-rich plains of Central Serengeti. The expedition finishes in the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, home to ancient baobab trees and some of Tanzania's largest elephant herds.
Travelling in a private 4x4 with an experienced local guide, you'll have the flexibility to adapt each day's game drives to recent wildlife sightings, giving you the best possible chance of unforgettable encounters. Whether it's watching a pride of lions on the hunt, witnessing a dramatic river crossing or simply enjoying a sunrise over the endless plains, this is Tanzania at its very best.
DIFFICULTY RATING
EASY
No previous safari experience or high level of fitness is required. This is a vehicle-based expedition, although you should be comfortable with early starts, long days of wildlife viewing and travelling on rough safari roads. You’ll also spend time in remote areas of the Serengeti, far from towns and everyday facilities, which is all part of the experience.
TESTIMONIALS
REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our local expedition team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
This first evening is about settling in, meeting the team and preparing for the journey ahead. Your guide will run through the expedition plan and the latest conditions across the Serengeti before we head into the bush the following morning.
DAY 2
INTO THE NORTHERN SERENGETI
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and board a light aircraft for the flight deep into the Northern Serengeti.
Landing on a bush airstrip puts us straight into the heart of the ecosystem. From here, we switch to our expedition vehicle and begin exploring the northern plains, tracking the movement of the Great Migration and searching for the wildlife that follows in its wake.
Tonight we stay in the Northern Serengeti, surrounded by one of Africa’s greatest wilderness landscapes.
DAY 3
TRACKING THE GREAT MIGRATION
Today is dictated by the movement of the herds.
Rather than following a fixed circuit, we use local sightings and conditions to determine our route through the Northern Serengeti, positioning ourselves where the wildlife activity is strongest.
During migration season, this region becomes the stage for the legendary Mara River crossings, as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross between Tanzania and Kenya.
DAY 4
ACROSS THE SERENGETI
A major overland expedition day as we begin our journey south through the Serengeti.
Rather than simply transferring between camps, the entire day is spent moving through the national park, exploring as we go. The landscape gradually changes as we cover ground towards the central plains, with opportunities for wildlife encounters throughout the journey.
By evening, we reach our next camp in Central Serengeti.
DAY 5
CENTRAL SERENGETI
We spend a full day exploring the central plains of the Serengeti, an area renowned for its concentration of resident wildlife and predators.
Our route remains flexible, allowing the team to respond to recent sightings and animal movements rather than following a predetermined circuit.
Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe and large herds of plains game are all found across this vast ecosystem.
DAY 6
SERENGETI TO THE NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS
Leaving the open plains behind, we continue east towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The landscape changes dramatically as we climb from the Serengeti into the cooler, greener highlands surrounding the crater.
We reach the crater rim later in the day, with views stretching across the vast caldera below, before continuing to our lodge for the night.
DAY 7
INTO NGORONGORO CRATER
An early start takes us down the steep crater road and 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Enclosed by towering volcanic walls, the crater supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. We spend the morning crossing the crater floor, exploring its grasslands, forests and wetlands.
Later, we climb back into the highlands and continue towards Tarangire for our final night in the bush.
DAY 8
TARANGIRE
Our final expedition day takes us into Tarangire National Park.
Known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant populations, Tarangire offers a completely different landscape from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
We spend the day exploring the park before beginning the journey back towards Arusha, arriving in the evening for our final night in Tanzania.
DAY 9
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, there’s time to relax before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Nine days after arriving in Tanzania, our journey across the Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Highlands and Tarangire comes to an end.
EXPEDITION PROFILE & ROUTE MAP
WHY BOOK WITH WILD AXIS EXPEDITIONS
EXPERT-LED ADVENTURES
Created and guided by professional mountaineers and field specialists
FULL SUPPORT CREW & LOGISTICS
Seamless comfort, safety, and reliability from start to finish
LOW DEPOSIT & FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS
Complete financial protection through Trust My Travel
SMALL GROUPS, BIG EXPERIENCES
No tourist buses, no crowds, just real adventure
AUTHENTIC, HANDCRAFTED ROUTES
Designed to blend challenge, culture, and wilderness immersion
On booking, you’ll receive a comprehensive kit list and access to a dedicated WhatsApp group for your expedition perfect for connecting with your team and preparing for the journey ahead.
ADVENTURE PROPERLY. FIND YOUR WILD.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ BUSH FLIGHT
Bush flight from Arusha directly into the Northern Serengeti, giving you incredible aerial views and allowing you to maximise your time in the heart of the Great Migration.
✔ SAFARI GUIDE
Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout your journey, with expert local knowledge of the parks, wildlife and Great Migration.
✔ PRIVATE 4×4
SAFARI VEHICLE Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, providing excellent visibility and space for wildlife viewing and photography throughout the safari.
✔ TRANSFERS
All airport transfers and in-country transfers throughout the expedition, from your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport through to your return for your flight home.
✔ ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation throughout the expedition, combining comfortable lodges in Arusha, Ngorongoro and Tarangire with tented safari camps in the Northern and Central Serengeti.
✔ MEALS
Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the main safari, including picnic lunches while out on game drives. Your Arusha stays are on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
✔ PARK & CONSERVATION FEES
All national park and conservation area entrance fees throughout the safari, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park.
✔ NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater entry and vehicle service fees for your game drive inside one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife areas.
✔ DRINKING WATER
Bottled drinking water provided throughout your game drives.
✔ TAXES & VAT
All applicable Tanzanian government taxes and VAT relating to your safari package are included.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Flights to and from Tanzania.
✘ TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Your policy should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, baggage and all activities included within your safari. Cancellation and curtailment cover is also strongly recommended.
✘ PERSONAL EXPENSES
Set aside a little extra for souvenirs, additional activities or any other personal purchases during your trip.
✘ TIPS
Tips for your safari guide and lodge or camp staff are not included. Tipping is customary in Tanzania and is entirely at your discretion.
✘ FOOD & DRINKS
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and any meals or refreshments not specified as included within the itinerary.
✘ VISAS
Your Tanzania visa and any associated entry costs. Visa requirements can change, so please check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
✘ OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Any optional experiences or activities you choose to add outside the published expedition itinerary.
NORTHERN SERENGETI – THE GREAT MIGRATION
FROM
£2,995
Secure your place with only a £250 deposit.
• Balance due 30 days before departure, or choose our flexible monthly payment option.
Max 6 per team
Financially protected
No technical mountaineering experience needed
£250
Only 8 spaces per departure - Limited availability
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
18/09/2027
September 2027
LIMITED SPACES
£2995
All bookings financially protected
Reserve your place with a £250 deposit | Balance due 30 days before departure | Interest-free instalments available
✔ Secure online payment via
✔ Financial protection through
✔ Comprehensive Expedition Preparation & Support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to experience the Great Migration?
This expedition is timed to coincide with the Great Migration river crossing season, typically between July and October. Wildlife is unpredictable, but this is one of the best times to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
While sightings can never be guaranteed, you can expect to see a huge variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and countless antelope species. With a little luck, you may also spot leopards, cheetahs and black rhino.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. Our expeditions use a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced local guide. This allows us to adapt each day's game drives to recent wildlife sightings rather than following a fixed schedule.
How many people are in each group?
To give everyone the best experience, we keep our expedition groups small, with a maximum of six participants.
Will we definitely see a river crossing?
River crossings are a natural wildlife event and can never be guaranteed. However, by spending several days in the Northern Serengeti during the migration season, we maximise our chances of witnessing this incredible spectacle.
What type of accommodation will we stay in?
Accommodation includes comfortable hotels in Arusha, safari lodges and tented camps within or close to the national parks, allowing you to stay close to the wildlife throughout the expedition.
Is this expedition suitable for families?
Yes. This expedition is suitable for anyone with a sense of adventure. While there is very little walking involved, long days in the safari vehicle are to be expected, so younger children may find the itinerary challenging.
Are international flights included?
No. International flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included. We'll provide guidance on suitable flight options before departure.
Do I need any vaccinations or anti-malarial medication?
We recommend speaking with your GP or a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip. Requirements vary depending on your medical history and where you're travelling from.
Can I combine this expedition with Mount Kilimanjaro?
Absolutely. Many of our guests choose to combine this expedition with our Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition or extend their stay with a few days relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar. If you're interested, just get in touch and we'll help build the perfect itinerary.