5 Days: Wildebeest Migration “Fly-In” Safari (July to October)

Short Overview
This exceptional five-day fly-in safari brings you directly to the heart of Serengeti National Park, maximizing your time with the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. Witness dramatic crossings at the Mara River, enjoy the iconic Serengeti scenery, and finish with an awe-inspiring visit to Ngorongoro Crater, home to the rare black rhinoceros and cape buffalo.

DAY 1: Arusha – Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Region)

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for a flight into the heart of the Northern Serengeti. Enjoy an aerial view of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, your Shadows of Africa driver will greet you for an exciting afternoon game drive in search of the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. You may extend your game drive until sunset or enjoy optional activities such as nature walks, village visits, or night drives at your lodge.

Overnight: Lodge in the Kogatende region, Serengeti National Park

DAY 2: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Region)

Start the day with a game drive around the kopjes and Mara River, hoping to witness the thrilling river crossings as wildebeests and zebras brave Nile crocodiles and strong currents in their journey toward the Maasai Mara. Enjoy sightings of hippos, large predator populations, and varied wildlife within the striking landscape.

Overnight: Lodge in the Kogatende region, Serengeti National Park

DAY 3: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende to Seronera Region)

After breakfast, head toward Central Serengeti’s Seronera region, passing through the plains of Togoro and Mbuzi Mawe kopjes. Here, you’ll find iconic animals ranging from delicate dik-diks to majestic elephants. Known as "big cat country," the Seronera region provides excellent opportunities to observe prides of lions, cheetahs hunting in the open savannah, and leopards perched in acacia trees.

Overnight: Lodge in the Seronera region, Serengeti National Park

DAY 4: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, journey from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive offers abundant sightings, with views of massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, graceful giraffes, and predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. Your day concludes with a stay near the crater rim, ready to explore the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim or nearby Karatu Town

DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Start early for an unforgettable day exploring Ngorongoro Crater. From the panoramic viewpoint, take in the stunning caldera before descending to the crater floor. Home to over 120 mammal species, the crater offers a rare chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros, hippos, lions, leopards, jackals, and vast herds of buffalo, wildebeests, and zebras. After a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, return to Arusha in the afternoon.