12 DAYS | 11 NIGHTS The Great Migration photographic safari
Tour Overview
This 12-day photographic safari offers an in-depth experience of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacular. Centered on the Great Migration, the itinerary devotes most of its time to Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epicenter for millions of wildebeest and zebra on the move.
On the second day, we fly into northern Serengeti from where we start exploring the western corridor, and central Serengeti (Seronera) – key regions that play pivotal role in the migration ecosystem. The safari concludes with an exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries and home to the African Big Five.
Duration: 12 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a member from our Visual Africa Travel. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage claim, and customs, and then transferred to Serena Hotel in Arusha. As you drive toward hotel, your view from afar will be the Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak, and the beautiful city of Arusha at its feet.
In evening, everyone will gather for introductions among group members. Both the driver-guide and safari manager will be present to brief the group on the adventure ahead. This is also a prime time for you to ask questions and have a discussion on the tour. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind after what’s likely been a long flight.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 2-4:
Fly to Northern Serengeti
After breakfast on day two, our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Arusha Airport for your flight to the northern Serengeti. This region forms the heart of the Great Migration during the dry season, when massive herds of wildebeest and zebra move northward in search of greener pastures, following ancient instincts that have shaped East Africa’s ecology for centuries. Upon landing at the airstrip, your driver-guide will be waiting to transfer you to Lemala Mara Camp, sits among Euclea trees near the Mara River.
The region’s surroundings attract abundant herbivores and predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, and wild dog. From late July through October, more than a million wildebeests pass through this area, many attempting the dramatic Mara River crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara. After checking in and enjoying lunch, we head out on our first game drive, focusing on the migration herds and the predators trailing them.
As dusk approaches, we return to camp to review photographs, share stories, and prepare for another day in the field. The following mornings begins with an early breakfast before setting out for a full day of exploration, with packed lunch. With shifting herds, dramatic crossings, and intense predator action, this is one of Africa’s most captivating locations for wildlife photography.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Northern Serengeti to Western Serengeti (Grumeti River)
After breakfast, we head toward the Western Serengeti, focusing on the Great Migration around the Grumeti River. Along the way, we pause to capture striking scenes of wildebeest herds moving in vast numbers, joined by zebra in their annual search for greener plains. A packed lunch is enjoyed en route, allowing time to observe and photograph the unfolding spectacle.
This region, known as the Western Corridor, is characterized by open woodland, riverine forest, and grassland that attract crocodile, hippo, and numerous predators following the migration. Arriving at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, we check in and relax in comfort, taking in the tranquility of the surroundings and the anticipation of the days ahead in one of the Serengeti’s most dramatic migration zones.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6&7:
Western Serengeti – Full Days
The next two days are dedicated to exploring the Western Corridor. Mornings begin after breakfast, with long hours spent tracking the migration along the Grumeti River. The prime time for witnessing river crossings often falls between late morning and early afternoon, when herds gather in hesitation before plunging through crocodile-filled waters. Depending on conditions, a packed lunch may be carried to maximize time in the field, allowing uninterrupted viewing and photography opportunities.
This section of the Serengeti is defined by its drama – large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra risk the river’s currents while predators like lion and hyena linger nearby. The migration here is not only about movement but survival, a raw display of Africa’s ecological balance. Evenings at Singita Sasakwa Lodge offer time to unwind, review photographs, and share reflections of the day’s encounters over dinner before settling into the quiet of the Serengeti.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Western Serengeti to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, your driver guide collects you and follows the route from the Western Corridor toward central Serengeti, an area known as Seronera. This section holds a reliable water supply that draws predators and large herds through much of the year, making it a strong location for photographic work. The Great Migration frequently moves through nearby grasslands in vast columns of wildebeest and zebra, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands, with hyena, lion, and cheetah using the open terrain for hunting. A hot air balloon flight can be arranged and walking outings are possible in designated zones with trained rangers.
On arrival at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp, check in and head out for an initial drive focused on locating clustered herds, observing their movement patterns, and covering productive valleys where sightings can change quickly. Seronera features broad plains, acacia pockets, and river lines that help produce consistent sightings at close range. Settle in for two nights and review photographs in the evening while planning routes based on current wildlife positions shared by guides in the area.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9&10:
Central Serengeti – Full Days
Early departures place you in the heart of Serengeti during prime hours, when predators in Seronera track herds moving through open grassland and river corridors. Wildebeest and zebra concentrate in legions during migration seasons, creating circumstances that demand quick camera work as hyena, lion, and cheetah position themselves near key areas. Packed lunch may be taken to remain in position when sightings allow opportunities. An optional balloon flight can be arranged on day nine, giving a bird’s eye view of large herd formations that are easier to interpret from above. After the flight, vehicles meet at the landing area, allowing you to continue directly with the day’s program without losing valuable time in the field.
Seronera’s mixed ecosystem provides more than the great migration. Elephants, giraffe, buffalo, topi, warthog, and hippo also add another layer to whole experience. Raptors and smaller species create opportunities for varied framing and composition. The presence of permanent waterways keeps wildlife concentrated within reachable distances, improving chances for clear angles and consistent action.
Back at the camp, we charge our equipment review images to evaluate settings and plan improvements. Your guide will be sharing updates on current animal positions to prepare for the following morning. Meals will be served on time, allowing you to reset and prepare for the days of your adventure in Serengeti.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast we head toward Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five. The caldera supports around 2,500 large animals including buffalo, black rhino, lion, hippo, and a dense hyena population. Arriving in Ngorongoro, we descend into the crater floor to continue our photographic work in a compact environment that allows efficient time with wildlife. This landscape plays a secondary role in the migration, offering grazing for some wildebeest and zebra during movements between Serengeti plains and surrounding rangelands, giving us a final view of the herds within a different setting.
In the afternoon, we take lunch then continue with a few hours of sightings in different sections near water and on open grass. The crater provides a distinct change from the vast Serengeti since wildlife remains within clear view during much of the day, making it a practical final stop on a trip centered on the migration. After a few hours following lunch, we exit the crater rim road and make our way toward The Manor, where dinner awaits after an incredible day.
At the lodge we take time to discuss the whole safari, confirm arrangements for the return to Arusha, and review photographs to identify key moments from the trip. We then retreat to our rooms and rest before the closing safari day.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast and Lunch
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12:
Ngorongoro highlands to Arusha – transfer to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport
After breakfast the safari comes to an end and journey toward Arusha, arrive in time for lunch and an optional day room at Mount Meru Hotel. There will be some time for you to organize your belongings, take an optional nap. Later, our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you safe travels and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Inclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Tour Exclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Tour Exclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
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