8-DAY COMFORT NORTH SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI + CULTURAL EXPERIENCE (Tarangire, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro crater & Serengeti)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT (JRO) – TRANSFER TO ARUSHA

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a representative from Wild Candle African Safaris who will transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay, as you prepare for the adventure that begins the following day.

• Destination: Arusha

• Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge

• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your private driver-guide will pick you up and drive you to Tarangire National Park, a journey of approximately 2 hours.
Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s largest parks, covering 2,600 square kilometers. It’s renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal mini-migration involving about 250,000 animals. You’ll encounter herds of over 300 elephants, large groups of buffalo, and healthy populations of lions and leopards. During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of mammals in the country. Wild dogs, rare antelopes like gerenuks, and over 550 bird species can be spotted throughout the year.
Enjoy picnic lunch boxes within the park, followed by an afternoon game drive. Afterward, you will proceed to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Tarangire National Park

• Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 3: KARATU TO LAKE NATRON

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for Lake Natron, located between the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains. The beauty of this destination lies in its desolate, otherworldly landscape, largely inhabited by the Maasai people.
Your activities around Lake Natron include visiting hot springs, hiking to the Ngare Sero waterfalls, and exploring other unique local features. Located at the base of Oldonyo Lengai—Africa’s only active volcano—Lake Natron is among the world’s most alkaline lakes. It supports millions of crustaceans and serves as one of the most critical flamingo breeding grounds globally.
You’ll have lunch during the break in your activities and then head to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Lake Natron

• Accommodation: Lake Natron Tented Camp / Africa Safari Lake Natron

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 4: LAKE NATRON TO NORTH SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)

After breakfast, drive toward the northern part of Serengeti National Park, specifically the Kogatende area, to follow the awe-inspiring great migration of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes.
From July to October, the migration reaches the northern plains, where thousands of wildebeests dramatically cross the Mara River. Witnessing this event is a dream for many and one of the most sought-after safari experiences. Besides the migration, expect to see predators in action and a variety of birdlife.
After lunch and an extensive game drive, you’ll proceed to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Northern Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

• Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 5: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE – NORTH SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)

Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a full-day game drive in the northern Serengeti, continuing your exploration of the great migration. If you’re lucky, you may witness another Mara River crossing, with crocodiles preying on the migrating herds.
After lunch and more game viewing, return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Northern Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

• Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 6: NORTH SERENGETI TO CENTRAL SERENGETI

After breakfast (around 07:30–08:00), depart from the northern Serengeti and drive to the central region.
Serengeti is Tanzania’s most iconic park, famous for its vast open plains, hosting over 2 million mammals. The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word “Seringiti,” meaning “endless plains.”
The great migration, involving over a million wildebeests and 250,000 zebras and antelopes, is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park also boasts more than 500 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, eagles, and kingfishers.
Animals commonly sighted include giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, dik-diks, gazelles, and predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and servals.
Lunch will be served in the park, and you will continue game viewing before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Into Wild

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 7: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER

After breakfast, you will drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive to the crater floor takes about 4 hours, with a stop at the crater viewpoint.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and geopark, Ngorongoro Crater is 600 meters deep and hosts about 25,000 animals. It’s one of the best places in East Africa to spot the endangered black rhino, completing the Big Five.
The crater is also home to over 500 bird species, including flamingos and other migratory birds. Other wildlife includes wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, lions, buffalos, kudus, and more.
Lunch will be served at the Ngoitoktok picnic site, a scenic hippo pool. After lunch and a final game drive, ascend the crater and drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Migombani Campsite

• Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L & D)

DAY 8: MTO WA MBU TO AIRPORT – DEPARTURE

After breakfast at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight or next destination.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch