5-Day Across the Serengeti Plains Migration Expedition

Today’s journey takes you to Lake Natron. After passing Mto wa Mbu, the paved road ends, and the route continues along the East African Rift Valley, offering a scenic and adventurous drive. The road winds past traditional Maasai villages and the sacred Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God". As the village of Ngare Sero comes into view, Lake Natron is not far off. This alkaline lake is a vital breeding site for around 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Its saline waters support algae and bacteria that give the lake its striking red-to-purple hues. Surrounded by raw, untouched landscapes, Lake Natron is among Africa’s most stunning natural areas. You’ll hike to the lake’s edge to take in its beauty, followed by a visit to nearby waterfalls—a lush oasis with refreshing pools ideal for a swim

After an early breakfast, the journey continues toward the Northern Serengeti. The route climbs the slopes of the Rift Valley before opening into the vast plains of the Serengeti—an iconic ecosystem renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Each year, the great migration sees over 1.4 million wildebeest, nearly 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles, about 200,000 zebras, and thousands of topis move in search of greener pastures during the rainy seasons.

With around 3 million large mammals, the Serengeti is one of the most wildlife-rich national parks in the world. While most are migratory species, the park is also home to giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and crocodiles. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of predators, including approximately 3,000 lions, over 300 cheetahs, and between 400 and 700 leopards, making it a prime location for observing big cats in their natural habitat.

The entire day is dedicated to wildlife viewing in the Serengeti. The specific areas visited will depend on the current location of the migrating herds. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards—often seen resting in acacia trees—are never far behind the migrating animals. During the short rains in November and December, the herds move from the northern hills to the southern plains. In the longer rainy season from April to June, they journey back north. Since the migration is guided by rainfall patterns, the herds' exact location changes from year to year. However, your guide will use their experience and knowledge of the region to find the best spots for wildlife viewing.

Today’s game drive takes you along adventurous tracks descending about 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spanning 17 to 21 kilometers in diameter, the crater is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife—almost a complete cross-section of East African savannah species. Only a few animals, such as giraffes, are absent, as the steep crater walls are too difficult for them to navigate. Depending on the season, between 15,000 and 25,000 animals inhabit the area, with the majority being buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. This abundance of grazers supports one of the highest predator densities in Africa.

More than 100 lions live here across several prides, and the chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—within just a few hours are particularly high. In the afternoon, you’ll ascend the crater rim and continue to your accommodation for dinner and overnight rest.

Tarangire National Park stretches along the Tarangire River and is characterized by gently rolling hills on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Its landscape features acacia woodlands, towering African baobab trees, and expansive swamps in the southern region. During the Dry season, the river and swamps become a vital water source, attracting a wide variety of wildlife. The park is especially known for hosting some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. It is also home to several rare species, including the greater kudu, fringed-eared oryx, and the ashy starling.

You’ll enjoy lunch at a picnic site before continuing with game drives into the late afternoon. Afterwards, you’ll begin the journey back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).