7-Day Western Serengeti Wildebeests Migration May-July

OVERVIEW

Get a chance to visit one of the world’s famous Serengeti National Park whereby there is the largest population of wildlife, more than millions of wildebeest and Zebras migrating from place to place in a regular pattern on their pursuit for food. On this program, you will visit the western Serengeti where the great migrating herds attempt to cross the Grumeti river while the hungry crocodiles wait for their meal. It is the migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) which caters for domestic flights, you will be met by African Big Cats Safaris representative who will drive you to your accommodation in Arusha. Overnight will be at your accommodation awaiting for your safari on the following day.

Accommodation	Mtoni River Lodge
Meal Plan	Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, we depart for Tarangire National Park. The Park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. In places, the vegetation is quite dense, including elephant grass, acacia woodlands. The Park is well known for its elephant families, which can often be seen congregating by the river. You may also see giraffe, bushbuck and hartebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators, including lions and leopards. There are more breeding species of birds found in Tarangire National Park than anywhere else on the planet. Tarangire is the best place to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat – from the adorable calves all the way up to the intimidating bulls. After lunch drive to Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight at Eileen’s Trees Inn.

Accommodation	Eileen’s Trees Inn
Meal Plan	All meals included

Day 3-4: Karatu to western Serengeti (Grumeti) following the great migration

Early morning after breakfast, we depart to Western Serengeti.

Around end of April, May and June, a vast army of wildebeests along with its partners: zebras, elands and gazelles mill around the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, south of the Grumeti River. Harassed behind by lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas and ahead by giant Nile crocodiles, many hundreds perish as some hazard the river crossing while others detour it. But the beauty of the landscape, stretching without end beneath an infinite sky on a Serengeti West Safari, changes something within the watcher, who becomes more aware of the place of humankind within the drama of the animal world.

After Lunch and an extensive game drive, we head for our Tented partner lodges for dinner and overnight.
You will spend 2 nights at Western corridor.

Accommodation	Mgunga Tented Camp
Meal Plan	All meals included

Day 5: Western Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Early morning after breakfast, we continue with our en-route drive inside the Serengeti before we depart to Ngorongoro. When you first see Ngorongoro Crater, it looks like a forgotten world. Concealed by the steep volcanic walls is a pristine wilderness including sweeping savannah, pockets of acacia woodland and glistening lakes and swamps.

Arriving at our accommodation in the late evening, we will have our dinner and overnight stay at one of our carefully selected lodge.

Accommodation	Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan	Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro crater to Karatu

After early breakfast, you will descend down the crater which is almost 600m deep.

The Crater was created when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. It is famous for both its geological delights and for being a natural reserve which is home to some of the densest large mammal populations in the whole of the African continent. The drive down the into the Crater is an adventure in itself and when you reach the Crater floor, you quickly find yourself amongst large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and more than 500 bird species. The Crater provides you with the best
chance of seeing the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be spotted in the open grasslands.

After Lunch and an extensive game drive inside the crater, we head for our comfort partner lodges in Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation	Eileen’s Trees Inn
Meal Plan	All meals included

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

Early morning after breakfast, continue short drive to Lake Manyara National Park for game viewing drives where you first encounter will be spotting large troupes of baboons. Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara Regions, situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara National Park boasts a spectacular array of diverse terrain as well as plant and animal species. Established specifically to protect the elephant herds that have made the area renowned, the park provides an amazing wildlife experience. Elephants are not the only animals that Lake Manyara is famous for. Tree climbing lions are occasionally sited. A packed lunch will be served at a picnic site. Late afternoon drive back to Arusha.