12 days, private, July to October, starts and ends at Kilimanjaro Airport
12-day Great Wildebeest Migration safari: Mara River crossings, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Central & Northern Serengeti
Experience Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife on a 12-day safari combining Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the legendary Serengeti. You spend three nights in the northern Serengeti, the prime area for following the Great Wildebeest Migration and searching for dramatic Mara River crossings.
July to October is the main window for river crossings, with August and September often the most productive. Crossings are never guaranteed, but three nights in the north give you valuable time to search patiently, and the area offers outstanding scenery, resident wildlife and predators even on quiet days.
Birds and wildlife to look for
Three nights in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River
A chance of dramatic wildebeest and zebra river crossings
Two nights in the central Serengeti with its resident predators
A full game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
Two days in Tarangire, with its baobabs and big elephant herds
Day-by-day itinerary
Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Charles Tours representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your international journey and get ready for your safari.
Overnight
Hotel in Arusha
Meals
Dinner
Travel
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast we drive to Tarangire National Park for your first game drive. Famous for its big elephant herds, ancient baobabs and varied wildlife, Tarangire is a wonderful introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness. After a picnic lunch and an afternoon game drive, we head to your lodge or tented camp.
Overnight
Lodge or tented camp in the Tarangire area
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 3: Full day in Tarangire National Park
A full day exploring Tarangire’s habitats, following wildlife along the Tarangire River and other seasonal water sources. Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions and a wide variety of birds. We have a picnic lunch in the park before continuing the afternoon game drive.
Overnight
Lodge or tented camp in the Tarangire area
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 4: Tarangire to Karatu via Mto wa Mbu
After breakfast we leave Tarangire and travel towards Karatu through Makuyuni and Mto wa Mbu, with great views over Lake Manyara and, depending on timing, a few wildlife or photo stops along the way. We arrive at your lodge in Karatu in time to relax.
Overnight
Lodge in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
We rise early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive across its grassland, wetland and woodland, with chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor we return to Karatu in the late afternoon.
Overnight
Lodge in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 6: Karatu to the central Serengeti
After breakfast we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into Serengeti National Park, with wildlife viewing along the way, and on into the central Serengeti, known for its resident predators, abundant plains game and excellent year-round game viewing.
Overnight
Lodge or camp in the central Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 7: Central Serengeti to the northern Serengeti
After a morning game drive we continue north through the Serengeti, following wildlife movements and searching for the Great Migration, with chances to see large herds of wildebeest and zebras and the predators that follow them. We arrive in the northern Serengeti and settle into camp, or carry on with a game drive.
Overnight
Tented camp in the northern Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 8: Northern Serengeti: searching for Mara River crossings
A full day in the northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River around Kogatende or Lamai, depending on your camp and current wildlife movements. We watch for herds gathering on the riverbanks and, if conditions allow, wildebeest and zebras attempting to cross waters full of crocodiles.
Overnight
Tented camp in the northern Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 9: Northern Serengeti: full migration day
Another full day of game drives in the northern Serengeti, giving you more time to follow the herds and search for crossings. Your guide adapts the route to wildlife reports and conditions. Even when there are no crossings, the area offers outstanding scenery, resident wildlife and predator sightings.
Overnight
Tented camp in the northern Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 10: Northern Serengeti to the central Serengeti
After breakfast we head south through the Serengeti, game viewing along the way and watching for migrating herds, lions, cheetahs and leopards. We reach your camp in the central Serengeti in time to relax or for an afternoon game drive, depending on our arrival time.
Overnight
Lodge or camp in the central Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 11: Central Serengeti to Karatu
After an early morning game drive we leave the Serengeti and travel back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Karatu, enjoying the changing landscapes and any wildlife along the way, and arrive at your lodge for your final evening on safari.
Overnight
Lodge in Karatu
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel
Day 12: Karatu to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast we leave Karatu for Kilimanjaro International Airport and your onward flight. We plan the departure time around your flight and will advise if an extra night in Arusha or near the airport is needed.
Overnight
Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Travel
What’s included
Included
Private 4x4 with pop-up roof, just for your group
Professional guide (a specialist bird guide on birding trips)
All park, conservation and crater fees
Accommodation and meals as listed
Drinking water in the vehicle
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or your Arusha hotel
Not included
International flights and visa
Travel insurance
Tips for your guide and lodge staff
Drinks at lodges
Optional extras such as a balloon flight
Price
We quote per person, based on your group size, season and accommodation level. Send an enquiry and you’ll have a full price within 24 hours.
Good to know before you book
Getting here: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. We meet you at arrivals. Read arriving in Arusha.
Health: See a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria prevention at least a month before you go. The CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzania page is a useful starting point.
Most days start between 6:00 and 6:30, because the first hours after sunrise have the best light and the most active animals and birds. We usually take a picnic lunch in the park or return to camp for a midday rest, then head out again in the late afternoon. Parks close at sunset, so evenings are at the lodge.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap parks, change the accommodation level or slow the pace. Tell us what you’d like, and we’ll send a revised plan and price.
What vehicle will we use?
A 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography, charging points and a window seat for everyone. The vehicle and guide are yours alone for the whole trip.
How do I book and pay?
Send an enquiry and we’ll reply within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a full quote. Once you’re happy, we take a deposit to confirm, with the balance due before you travel. We’ll give you the exact terms in writing.
What if I have dietary needs?
Just tell us. Lodges and our camp cooks regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other diets.
