8 Days – The Great Wildebeest Migration Fly In Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a Benson Safaris Tanzania Transfer Driver and driven to your lodge where the remainder of the day is at leisure –rest in your room, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours, the choice is yours.

Overnight – Olerai Lodge, Arusha   

Today, you will begin an unforgettable journey into the world-renowned Serengeti as you venture on a full-day game drive in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Your day will start with a scenic flight from Arusha Airport to Kogatende Airstrip, located in the northern Serengeti. The air distance between Arusha Airport and Kogatende are approximately 335 kilometres (about 208 miles) and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes by light aircraft, offering spectacular aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes?

Upon arrival in Kogatende, you’ll be met by your safari guide and begin exploring the surrounding plains. You will base yourself near the Mara River, where dramatic wildlife scenes unfold crocodiles lie in wait as massive herds of wildebeest gather, building anticipation before attempting a treacherous river crossing.

This incredible event follows no fixed schedule; the wildebeest may linger near the water for

days, only to retreat unexpectedly. But when they do choose to cross, it’s a breathtaking moment of nature’s raw power and instinct.

Overnight at Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp, Northern Serengeti National Park 

Today, you will enjoy another full-day game drive as you travel between the Northern and Central.

You have the flexibility to shape your own experience today either spends the entire day exploring the rich wildlife of the Northern Serengeti, or opt for a combination: enjoy a halfday game drive in the North, followed by a scenic drive to the Central Serengeti.

The distance from the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area) to the Central Serengeti (Seronera area) is approximately 150 to 170 kilometres (about 93 to 105 miles). Depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions, the drive typically takes 5 to 6 hours, with plenty of opportunities for game viewing along the way so it will be a leisure drive with game viewing. 

Overnight at Kumbukumbu Tented Camp,Central Serengeti National Park 

Begin your day with a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. This breathtaking experience offers a unique aerial perspective of the wildlife and landscape, followed by a champagne bush breakfast after landing.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a private game drive through the park. You’ll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five and witness the migration (if timed right), exploring areas that can’t be seen from the air.

After lunch you will be transferred back to your accommodation for the relaxation of the day. The route includes scenic views of the savannah, highlands, and the dramatic descent toward the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Rim Lodge, Ngorongoro 

Today you will be rewarded with a visit to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of the only places on earth where mankind and wild animals co-exist, is harmony. 

The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for Africa’s best game viewing as there is an ever present abundance of wildlife due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. Upon arrival at the Crater’s rim you will descend 610 meters into the Crater where your safari truly begins. Spot the endangered black rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and of course, giant tusked elephants. The Crater also has the largest known population of lions and you will also find leopards, cheetahs as well as scavengers such as spotted hyenas, jackals and rare wild dogs. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These include white pelican and flamingos. 

Overnight at Bougainvillea Lodge, Karatu

After breakfast you will drive to the Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive. Tarangire is one of Africa’s little-known gems and should be on the itinerary of all lovers of wilderness and solitude. Its name originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park and is the only source of water during the dry season.

Tarangire’s landscape is incredibly diverse with a mix that is not found anywhere else on the northern safari circuit. It is dotted with ancient baobab trees, which the Maasai people believe are the first tree in creation, and large termite mounds. The dry season sees the harsh sun suck the moisture from the landscape, baking the earth a dusty red while the wet season brings dense bush and luscious high grasses.

Famous for its large elephant population, it is also home to zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, waterbuck, baboons, dwarf mongoose, impala, buffalo, antelope and fringe-eared oryx. Predators include lion, cheetah and leopard. The swamps are shared by flocks of birds; green wood hoopoes, lovebirds, tallish herons, white bellied go-away birds and giant kingfishers. On drier ground you will find the kori bustard and the heaviest of the flying birds; the ostrich.

Overnight at Olerai Lodge, Arusha

 Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Zanzibar.