*NEW* 9 DAYS TANZANIA MIGRATION SAFARI

From Kilimanjaro to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your charming lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, this gateway town offers a gentle introduction to Tanzania’s landscapes, with lush gardens, fresh air, and a warm East African welcome. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided coffee tour at the property, discovering the aromas and flavours of one of Tanzania’s most celebrated crops.

First Encounters in Tarangire

Drive around 3 hours to begin your safari adventure in Tarangire National Park, a lesser-known jewel renowned for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds. The park’s river draws an abundance of wildlife, creating dramatic scenes against a backdrop of golden savannah and ancient woodland.

Ancient Baobabs & Elephant herds

Continue exploring Tarangire’s captivating mix of open plains, riverine woodland, and iconic baobab groves. In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a lifeline, attracting vast herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope, along with an impressive variety of birdlife. With a little luck, you may also witness one of Tarangire’s most intriguing sights – the rare tree-climbing lions. Perched high on sturdy branches, these remarkable cats find relief from the heat and insects while surveying the land, offering an unforgettable and truly unique wildlife encounter.

Journey to Rubondo Island

Fly to Rubondo Island National Park, a remote and verdant sanctuary in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria and celebrated as Africa’s largest island national park. Its landscape is a rich mosaic of dense equatorial rainforest, open grasslands, papyrus swamps, and sandy beaches lapped by gentle waves. This forested haven shelters chimpanzees, sitatunga antelope, and rare birdlife, offering a serene and captivating counterpoint to the open plains of the mainland.

Chimpanzee Tracking on Rubondo

Spend another day immersed in the pristine beauty of Rubondo Island. The island’s most celebrated residents are its chimpanzees, reintroduced here decades ago and now thriving in the wild. A guided chimpanzee walk offers the extraordinary chance to observe them in their natural habitat, especially in the cool, quiet hours of early morning when they are most active. You may also enjoy boating safaris, game drives, or tranquil nature walks through the forest.

Into the Northern Serengeti

Transfer to Rubondo airstrip and fly to Kogatende, northern region of Serengeti National Park, where expansive plains roll into the horizon.
From late July into August, this northern region reaches one of its most spectacular moments: the Great Migration’s Mara River crossings. Enormous herds of wildebeest, accompanied by zebra and gazelle, mass on the riverbanks, poised for one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles – an unforgettable drama of life, dust, and powerful movement. With a private safari vehicle at your disposal, there is no set schedule, and your guide will thoughtfully plan drives to maximize the chance of encountering the migration.

Bush Breakfast & Masai Village

Begin the day with the privilege of a private bush breakfast in a secluded spot amidst the wilderness, an unforgettable way to experience the Serengeti’s vast beauty. Later, visit a traditional Masai village to gain insight into the customs and daily life of this iconic pastoralist community. Continue exploring the park at your own pace with a private safari vehicle, ensuring complete flexibility to linger wherever the wildlife moments unfold.

Optional activity – Balloon Safari

Begin your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, offering breathtaking views of the plains and wildlife from above.

(Supplement cost: US$599 per person, weather permitting)

Further Explore the Serengeti

Spend another day soaking in the Serengeti’s magic, where life unfolds in its purest form. The northern landscapes are dotted with rocky kopjes, shady acacias, and the Mara River – a lifeline for countless animals during the migration season. As the sun dips below the horizon, relish a private sundowner before bidding goodbye to this magical natural wonderland.

Farewell to Wilderness Wonderland

Fly back to Arusha for a gallery visit before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with your vivid memories of extraordinary landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and the timeless rhythm of Africa’s wilderness.