6 Days Migration Safari In Tanzania — Complete Travel Guide
6 Days Migration Northern Serengeti Safari 2025/2026 — Itinerary, Cost & Travel Guide
The 6 Days Migration Northern Serengeti safari is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences you can have in Africa. This adventure takes you deep into Tanzania’s most famous safari parks, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti. The highlight of the trip is witnessing the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration in the Kogatende area of Northern Serengeti. Here, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their daring crossings of the Mara River while predators lurk nearby.
Choosing this safari allows you to enjoy six full days of exploration, which is the perfect balance of time for both adventure and relaxation. Unlike shorter safaris that may feel rushed, this itinerary lets you travel at a comfortable pace while still covering Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations. From elephants in Tarangire to the Big 5 in Ngorongoro and the drama of the wildebeest river crossings, every day brings something new and exciting.
If you are asking yourself questions like what month is the Serengeti migration?, how much does a Serengeti safari cost?, or what is included in a 6 days migration Northern Serengeti package? — this detailed guide has all the answers you need.
📌 Fun Fact: Wildebeests may not have the best eyesight, but they can smell rain from over 50 kilometers away, which helps guide their migration. Zebras, on the other hand, have incredible memory for routes, which makes them the perfect travel partners for the wildebeests.
6 Days Migration Safari In Tanzania Photo Gallery
Below are stunning photos captured during the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, showcasing the breathtaking moments of millions of wildebeest and zebras on their epic journey across the plains.
Expert recommendation
As a Tanzania safari specialist, I highly recommend the 6 Days Migration Northern Serengeti safari because it offers the perfect balance—not too short that you miss out on key experiences, and not too long that it feels overwhelming. In just six days, you’ll explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and end in Northern Serengeti at Kogatende, where the wildebeest migration and river crossings take place. What makes this itinerary even better is the way it ends: instead of a long, tiring 7-hour drive back to Arusha, you will take a short flight from Kogatende to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This saves you valuable time, reduces travel stress, and ensures you finish your safari on a high note, carrying home unforgettable memories rather than exhaustion from road travel.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
6 Days Migration Safari In Tanzania Highlights
- Experience Tarangire’s elephants
- descend into the Ngorongoro Crater
- explore Serengeti’s vast plains
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti, especially the Mara River crossings.
- Experience predator action in Central Serengeti, where lions, leopards, and cheetahs thrive.
- One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari
Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Safari Spots
These are the safari spots—Tanzania safari destinations—you will visit on your journey. Each stop offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Detailed Itinerary – 6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
Your safari is carefully planned to maximize wildlife viewing while still giving you time to relax and enjoy the journey. Here’s what you can expect day by day.
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
Your safari begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to Tarangire National Park, a journey of about three hours. Tarangire is famous for its rolling savannah dotted with giant baobab trees and its high concentration of elephants.
Here, you’ll enjoy a thrilling game drive, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and lions. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 500 bird species. You will stop for a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by nature.
In the late afternoon, you will continue to Karatu, where you will check in at The Plantation Lodge. This charming lodge offers a peaceful environment and is the perfect place to rest after your first day of safari.
Day Highlights:
- Scenic game drive into Tarangire National Park
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Evening transfer to Karatu
Tarangire National Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Safari Tip – Tarangire National Park
When visiting Tarangire National Park, plan your game drives during the dry season (June to October). This is when thousands of elephants, wildebeest, and zebras gather around the Tarangire River, creating some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania. The park is also famous for its giant baobab trees, which make for stunning photography backdrops. For the best experience, start your game drives early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive → Serengeti Central (Seronera)
After breakfast, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “Africa’s Eden.” The crater floor is home to over 25,000 large animals, making it one of the most wildlife-dense areas in the world. This is one of the few places where you can see the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — all in a single day.
Your guide will take you on a game drive through the crater, with chances to see prides of lions, black rhinos, and hippos wallowing in pools. At midday, you’ll stop at the famous hippo pool for a picnic lunch.
After lunch, you will continue on a scenic 3-hour drive to Serengeti National Park. As you enter the park, you’ll notice endless golden plains stretching out before you. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your first game drive in Serengeti Central, also known as Seronera. This area is especially rich in predators.
Your night will be spent at Hippo Trails Camp, where you can relax under the starry Serengeti sky.
Day Highlights:
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Ngorongoro Crater Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Safari Tip
Today you will enjoy a half-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater before transferring to the Central Serengeti. The crater, about 260 square kilometers in size, is relatively small compared to the vast Serengeti, but it is one of the best places in Africa to see a high concentration of wildlife in a short time. With its unique ecosystem, you can easily spot lions, elephants, hippos, and even the rare black rhino within just a few hours, which is why a half day is enough to experience its highlights before continuing your adventure.
Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Central Experience
Today you’ll spend the entire day exploring Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic safari areas. This region is well-known for its high predator density. Lions are commonly seen resting on the kopjes (rocky outcrops), leopards often lounge in the branches of acacia trees, and cheetahs roam the open plains in search of prey.
Depending on the Serengeti migration timing, you may also see wildebeest herds moving across the grasslands. The experience of watching thousands of animals in motion is something you will never forget.
For those seeking an extra-special experience, a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at sunrise is available at an additional cost. Floating silently above the plains as the wildlife stirs below is a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
After a full day of adventure, you’ll return to Hippo Trails Camp for another night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day Highlights:
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central
Serengeti National Park Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Migration
Serengeti is the most famous park in Tanzania, known for endless plains, big cats, and the Great Wildebeest Migration. It is a very large area, and we recommend spending at least 3 days to enjoy a good safari experience and see many animals. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see, but the park is full of wildlife all year round.
Day 4: Serengeti Central → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
This morning, you’ll leave Serengeti Central and drive north toward Kogatende. Along the way, you will pass through stunning landscapes, including the Togoro plains and the rocky Mbuzi Mawe kopjes.
The northern region of Serengeti is less crowded and offers a more remote safari experience. This is also the best place to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October. As the herds gather at the banks of the Mara River, you may witness the breathtaking river crossings, where wildebeests and zebras plunge into the crocodile-filled waters in a desperate struggle for survival.
You’ll spend the night at Nyikani Migration Camp, a mobile tented camp that follows the herds. This ensures that you are always close to the migration action.
Day Highlights:
- Serengeti Central To North Game Drive
Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Area) Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
🌅 Next Morning Balloon Safari at Kogatende
After arriving at Kogatende, we will arrange an optional balloon safari for the following morning at an additional cost. This unforgettable adventure begins early, allowing you to drift silently over the Serengeti as the sun rises. From above, you’ll witness animals awakening across the plains, and with a bit of luck, you might even catch the dramatic sight of wildebeest crossing the Mara River from the sky.
Day 5: Full Day Wildebeest Migration at Kogatende
This day is fully dedicated to the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti. After breakfast, you’ll head out on a full-day game drive, focusing on the Mara River area. Here, the drama of the migration unfolds as thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather on the riverbanks.
The crossings are unpredictable — sometimes lasting hours, other times only a few minutes — but they are always filled with excitement. Crocodiles wait in the water, lions patrol the banks, and the sheer noise of the herds creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
In addition to the migration, Northern Serengeti is rich with resident wildlife. You may see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a wide range of birdlife. By evening, you will return to Nyikani Migration Camp to relax and share stories of the day around the campfire.
Day Highlights:
- Full Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Game Drive - River Crossing
Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Area) Photo
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
📌 Safari Tip – Kogatende
Kogatende is one of the best places to witness the Great Migration, especially the thrilling Mara River crossings. As a sustainable safari company, we ensure a respectful experience by limiting vehicle numbers at sightings, supporting conservation projects, and practicing eco-friendly tourism.
Day 6: Kogatende → Flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport
On your final day, you’ll enjoy one last early morning game drive in Northern Serengeti. This is a chance to catch any final wildlife sightings before your departure.
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Kogatende Airstrip, where you will board a flight back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From here, you can catch your international flight home, taking with you lifelong memories of Africa’s greatest wildlife show.
This marks the end of your 6 days Tanzania safari, but the experiences and photographs you take home will stay with you forever.
Day Highlights:
- Serengeti North Game Drive
- Transfer to JRO
DAY FLIGHTS
DEPT: 14:10 FROM: Kogatende Airstrip
ARRV: 16:45 TO: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kogatende Photos
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6 Days Migration Northern Serengeti Price & Cost
The cost of a 6 Days Migration Northern Serengeti safari depends on several factors, including your choice of accommodation, the time of year you travel, and the size of your group. Generally, safari packages are divided into three categories: budget, mid-range, and luxury.
If you are traveling on a budget safari, you can expect to spend between $2,500 and $3,000 per person. These packages usually include comfortable tented camps or lodges, game drives, meals, and park fees. For travelers looking for more comfort, the mid-range option costs between $3,500 and $4,500 per person, offering a mix of quality lodges and tented camps with excellent locations. If you want the very best, a luxury migration safari will cost between $5,500 and $7,000+ per person, featuring high-end lodges or luxury tented camps with all the amenities you can imagine.
It is also important to note that the 6 days migration Northern Serengeti price is higher during peak migration season (July–October), when demand for accommodation in Kogatende is at its highest. Traveling during the shoulder months, such as June or late October, can offer slightly lower prices while still giving you the chance to witness the migration.
When comparing packages, always check what is included in the cost. Most 6 days Serengeti migration safari packages include meals, park entrance fees, game drives, accommodation, a professional safari guide, and internal flights or transfers. Excluded costs usually include international flights, visas, tips, travel insurance, and optional extras like a hot air balloon safari.
Best Time to Go: Serengeti Migration Timing
The Serengeti Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon, but the location of the herds changes throughout the year. This makes the timing of your safari crucial, especially if you want to witness specific events like the Mara River crossings.
Between December and March, the herds gather in the Southern Serengeti around Ndutu for the calving season. This is when thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a short period, attracting predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. From April to May, the herds begin moving north through Central Serengeti, following the rains and fresh grazing.
In June and July, the migration reaches the Western Corridor, where wildebeests cross the Grumeti River. By July to October, the herds arrive in Northern Serengeti, where the dramatic Mara River crossings take place in the Kogatende area. This is widely considered the best time for a Serengeti migration safari, as the scenes of wildebeests leaping into crocodile-filled rivers are unforgettable.
Finally, in November, the herds begin to move south again, completing their circular journey across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Understanding this migration map Serengeti is essential for planning your trip at the right time.
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
The migration happens all year, but the location varies by season. If your goal is to see the dramatic Mara River crossings, the best months are July through October in Northern Serengeti.
Prices usually range from $3,000 to $7,000 per person, depending on whether you choose budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations. Peak season costs more, while shoulder season offers better value.
Yes! Many travelers extend their trip by adding a 7 Days Tanzania Safari that includes Lake Manyara or Tarangire, or even finishing with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Combining destinations makes your trip even more rewarding.
Absolutely. Six days is the perfect amount of time to experience Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti. This allows you to enjoy the migration without feeling rushed, while still covering Tanzania’s most famous parks.
Most 6 days Serengeti migration safari packages include meals, park entrance fees, accommodation, game drives, a professional guide, and internal flights or transfers. Exclusions typically include international airfare, visas, tips, and optional experiences like a hot air balloon ride.
The best choice depends on your travel style and budget. Mobile camps such as Serengeti migration camps move with the herds and keep you close to the action. Luxury lodges, on the other hand, provide more comfort and amenities while still offering excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Yes, Tanzania is considered one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. National parks are well-managed, and guides are highly trained to ensure your safety. While in cities, it’s always best to take normal precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night. Traveling with a trusted operator ensures a smooth and safe experience.