From Migration to Wetlands: A Tanzanian Expedition

Comfort

From Migration to Wetlands: A Tanzanian Expedition

Comfort
From Migration to Wetlands: A Tanzanian Expedition main view
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Trip Overview

All-inclusive. Everything arranged. No hidden logistics.

SAFARIFly-in Safari
COUNTRYTanzania
REGIONNorthern Serengeti,
Ruaha
DURATION9 Nights
TRANSPORT3 bush flights included

Is This Safari Right for You?

BEST FOR

Migration-focusedAdventurersConservation enthusiastsOff-the-beaten-pathFamilies with teenagers

WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Seasonal migrationRiver crossingsBig Cats

STAY STYLE

Tented mobile campsRustic experience

Where This Safari Takes You

From the migration-filled plains of the Northern Serengeti to the remote wilderness of Ruaha, this journey combines iconic wildlife experiences with walking safaris, cultural encounters, and some of Tanzania's most exclusive safari adventures.

Route at a Glance
Arusha1 night
Rest and recharge before your bush flight into the Serengeti
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Northern Serengeti4 nights
Seasonal migration viewing, Mara River crossings, and abundant resident game
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Ruaha4 nights
Remote wilderness, exceptional predators, large elephant herds, and the unique Usangu Wetlands
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Bush flight + transfer (5 hrs)
Dar es SalaamDeparture
Arrive directly at the airport
All transport between stops is included

Transfer times are estimates and include road transfers. Bush flights are scheduled and shared.

From Migration to Wetlands: A Tanzanian Expedition route map
1

Arusha

A comfortable first night near Arusha allows travelers to recover from arrival before continuing by bush plane into the Serengeti.

2

Northern Serengeti

The Northern Serengeti offers bushy savannah, forests, plentiful resident game, and seasonal migration viewing from July to October, with Mara River crossings most likely from mid-August to early September.

3

Ruaha

One of Africa's largest and least-visited wilderness areas, Ruaha offers exceptional predator sightings, large elephant populations, and a true sense of remoteness. The recently protected Usangu Wetlands add a completely different ecosystem, attracting abundant birdlife and wildlife to its rivers, floodplains, and seasonal wetlands while supporting unique boat safaris and thermal-assisted night drives.

Best Time to Go

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Good weather
Closed
Possible crossings
Likely crossings
Green Season

Key Highlights

Peak River CrossingAugust
Calving SeasonFebruary
Fewer CrowdsDecember - March (Excl: Xmas)
The camps are closed from Mar 15 - May 31 and also Nov 15 - Dec 15.

Planned Accommodations

Your trip includes these camps and lodges or similar alternatives of comparable style and standard if availability changes.

Rivertrees Country Inn

or similar
Arusha1 Night

Rustic-chic cottages with view of Mount Meru

  • Easy arrival night
  • Private road transfer access
  • Swimming pool

Ubuntu Migration Camp

or similar
Northern Serengeti4 Nights

Seasonal tented camp that relocates between the Northern Serengeti and the Southern Serengeti to follow the migrating herds of wildebeest.

  • Traditional Camp
  • Minutes from river crossing spots (seasonal)
  • Bucket shower

Usangu Expedition Camp

or similar
Ruaha4 Nights

Pioneering camp in a uniquely remote location

  • Boating Safari
  • Private safari vehicle and guide
  • Star cube Sleepout
  • Wide variety of conservation driven-experiences

What's Included

All accommodationAll transportAll mealsHouse drinksExpert local guidesAll activitiesAll taxes & park feesVisas & fees24/7 concierge support

Not Included

International flightsGratuitiesTravel insurancePersonal expensesPremium wine & spirits

Daily Itinerary

Most days on safari include an early game drive, midday rest, and evening safari activity.

Your flight lands at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are met on arrival and driven roughly 45 minutes to Rivertrees Country Inn on the edge of Arusha. The lodge sits in green gardens beside a small river, so there is time to shower, unpack and slow down after the long journey.


Nothing is scheduled tonight, the evening is yours to relax over dinner at the lodge and rest before the safari begins in the morning.

After breakfast, transfer approximately 45 minutes to Arusha Airport for your scheduled bush flight to the Northern Serengeti. The flight takes 2 hours and offers spectacular aerial views of Tanzania's landscapes along the way.


Upon landing at Lamai Airstrip, enjoy a 30-minute game drive transfer to Ubuntu Camp, with your first wildlife sightings often beginning before you even reach camp.

Spend a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti with your guide in search of the Great Migration.


Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may witness dramatic Mara River crossings, large wildebeest herds, crocodiles waiting along the riverbanks, and predators following the migration.

This morning, head out on a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. Exploring on foot offers a completely different perspective of the Serengeti, allowing you to focus on tracks, smaller wildlife, plants, and the intricate details often missed from a vehicle. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying additional game drives.


Please note that the walking safari is only available at the northern camp location, which operates from June to mid November. From mid December to mid March the camp moves to its southern location, and in place of the walking safari you can arrange a hot air balloon flight at additional cost.

Today is dedicated to a meaningful cultural experience with a full-day visit to a local village (including significant road transfer). Spend time learning about community life, traditional livelihoods, local customs, and the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. This provides a deeper understanding of the people who live alongside Tanzania's famous wildlife areas.


This visit is optional and is only possible from June to mid March, when the camp is at its northern location. If you would rather spend more of your time on game drives out in the wild, you can instead enjoy an evening at camp with Kuria tribe members, with story telling, dancing and music around the campfire. At the southern camp location, from December to March, the day is filled with a morning game drive, time to rest through the heat of the day, and an evening game drive.

After breakfast, transfer to Lamai Airstrip and board your scheduled bush flight south toward Ruaha.


Upon arrival at Jongomero Airstrip, continue with a game drive transfer to camp, offering your first introduction to one of Tanzania's largest and wildest national parks.

Begin the day by placing a camera trap near camp with assistance from the guiding team. Throughout your stay, the camera may capture images of nocturnal visitors ranging from elephants and antelope to predators moving through the area after dark.


Between checking locations, enjoy game drives through Ruaha's diverse landscapes in search of elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife.

Spend part of the day exploring the waterways of the Usangu Wetlands by boat, providing opportunities to observe birdlife, hippos, crocodiles, and wildlife gathering along the shoreline.


After dinner, head out on a thermal-assisted night drive, offering exceptional viewing of nocturnal species with minimal disturbance to the surrounding wildlife.

Set out on a guided walking safari through the remote wilderness before continuing to a private fly-camping experience. As night falls, enjoy dinner under the stars before spending the night in the Star Cube sleepout, an immersive wilderness experience that allows you to sleep beneath Africa's night sky while surrounded by the sounds of the bush.


This experience is optional. If you would prefer, you can do the walking safari on its own and sleep in your tent at camp instead.

After breakfast, transfer back to Jongomero Airstrip for your scheduled bush flight to Dar es Salaam.


Upon arrival, connect with your onward international flight or continue your travels within Tanzania.

Each day can be customized based on how you feel and what you would like to see with the help of your guides and staff.

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these
curated experiences.

Private safari vehicle (all camps)

Private safari vehicle (all camps)

Enjoy exclusive use of a safari vehicle and guide, giving your group the freedom to set the pace and linger at sightings.

$2,400 / group

Optional experiences can be added now or later.

Arrival & Practical Information

Tourist visas are required for most nationalities and are included in your trip price.

We will handle the full application process for you and simply request a few basic details when the time comes.

Please ensure:

Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your exit date
Your approved visa is printed before arrival

Arrival airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Most international flights arrive in the evening
Your private driver will be waiting for you at arrivals and transfer you directly to your hotel
We are happy to recommend the best flight options based on your departure city

All internal flights are operated by small bush planes connecting conservancies and parks.

Ground transportation is provided in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for optimal game viewing. All airport transfers are included.

Please note:

Soft-sided bags are required for bush flights
Pack in layers for temperature changes
Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for safari activities

Yes, this itinerary works well for families with older children.

Please note:

Children under 12 are not permitted on this trip.
If you have children under 12 at the time of travel, please contact us and we can suggest an alternative itinerary that accommodates younger travelers.

Absolutely. Each day can be adjusted based on your preferences, energy level, and wildlife interests with the help of your guides and staff.

It is also possible to:

Add extra nights
Combine your safari with a post-trip beach stay

For the above options, you can contact us directly, and we are happy to advise on locations and logistics. Please also see our optional add-ons for more ways to customize your trip.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a high-risk country
For travelers over 60, a medical contraindication certificate may often be accepted in place of the vaccine
Malaria prophylaxis is not mandatory but is generally recommended
We advise consulting your doctor 4–6 weeks prior to travel

We recommend travel insurance for this trip

If you would like insurance, we recommend Yonder Insurance as they will give you several quotes from different travel insurance providers. There you can select the plan that best suits your needs based on cost and coverage.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Thoughtfully Planned

Every transfer, permit, and detail handled for you

Expert Local Guides

Deep wildlife knowledge and conservancy access

Flexible Each Day

Adjust activities based on how you feel

Support Throughout

From first inquiry to your final transfer

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

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