Best Time to Visit: The best time to go to Tanzania for the Serengeti Migration is between November and August but you’ll need to be in the right place at the right time. During November they will be moving south through Serengeti and spend Dec/Jan/Feb in the area of Ndutu, which is between Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. In March, they will start making their way through southern, then central and western, before finally reaching northern Serengeti by July/Aug.
General game viewing in the Serengeti and Tanzania’s other parks is at its peak during the June to October dry season or December to February however there is no bad time to do safari.
Climate
Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate but has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Tanzania is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, a dry and wet season. The “long rains” will happen during April-May whilst the “short rains” are common in November. For other months of the year, it is mostly clear blue skies.
Day 1 | ArrivalUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met and transferred to Moshi. Moshi is the base of Mt Kilimanjaro and hopefully you will get to view the mountain (subject to cloud cover). |
Day 2 | Moshi – SerengetiAn early morning start has you driving to one of the most famous game parks in Africa, the Serengeti. Here is home to millions of wildebeest during the migration and over the huge flat plains you are likely to find lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and many other small predators. After arriving mid afternoon you will spend a few hours on your first game drive before enjoying dinner and the experience of sleeping in the middle of the Serengeti. |
Day 3 | SerengetiToday you have a full day to enjoy the Serengeti. Break your day into morning and afternoon game drives or take a picnic lunch box for a full day game drive. |
Day 4 | Serengeti – NgorongoroAn early morning start in the Serengeti to try and find cats before they retreat away from the blazing sun during the day. After your morning game drive in the Serengeti drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. |
Day 5 | Ngorongoro CraterThis morning you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater – a wonderful haven for wildlife. Ngorongoro is unique in that almost all the wildlife live within the crater walls hence you have the opportunity to find game easily. Rhino, in particular, can be seen regularly as well as prides of lion and other predators like cheetah. Enjoy the full day game drive which includes picnic lunch boxes by the hippo pond. |
Day 6 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha airport – ZanzibarThis morning you can enjoy a relaxing morning at the lodge or an early morning walking safari around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, you are likely to see a range of small animals & birds, as well as local flora & fauna. By late morning, commence your drive to Arusha airport |
Day 7 | ZanzibarA full day to enjoy the resort or organize a day trip (additional cost). |
Day 8 | DepartureToday you will be transferred back to Zanzibar airport, in time for your flight home. |