5.0 01 / PREPARATION
Before the journey
Planning and practical preparation before departure.
Personal trip planning
Route planning shaped around your dates, priorities and travel style.
Tanzanian Traffic Jam: The Great Migration
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Tanzania with this 10-day Serengeti Migration Safari. The journey combines northern Tanzania’s varied landscapes and wildlife with time in the Serengeti migration country.
Highlights include elephant and baobab country in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, a game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, and several days following wildlife across the central and northern Serengeti.
The itinerary includes an early-morning hot-air balloon safari and a final flight from Kogatende to Arusha. The Great Migration and river crossings are seasonal wildlife events; sightings and timing depend on rainfall and cannot be guaranteed.
Itinerary forPrivate northern Tanzania migration safari
Travel DatesBest for migration viewing June–October; wildlife movements vary by season
GuestsQuoted per person sharing; confirm rooming and availability
1 / 2
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Arusha
Meet your driver-guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your Arusha lodge.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Betheli Expeditions driver-guide will meet you, brief you on the safari and transfer you by private vehicle to Lake Duluti Lodge. The lodge sits among coffee farms and natural gardens at the foot of Mount Meru. Overnight at Lake Duluti Lodge.
Day 1 | Accommodation
Luxury1 / 2
Day 2Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for an afternoon game drive among elephants, baobabs and river country.
After breakfast, depart at approximately 08:00 for the drive to Tarangire National Park. The park’s baobab-dotted savannah, seasonal swamps and Tarangire River provide habitat for elephants and many other species. Enjoy a game drive before continuing to Tarangire Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 | Accommodation
Mid-range1 / 2
Day 3Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara’s forest, lake shore and open habitats before continuing to Karatu.
After breakfast, enter Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive with a picnic lunch. The park is known for its lake and varied habitats, including groundwater forest and open plains, with opportunities to see primates, birds and large mammals. Later drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Olea Pamoja Farm Lodge.
Day 3 | Accommodation
Mid-range1 / 2
Day 4Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full game drive, then return to the crater highlands.
Start early for the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. The approximately 20-kilometre-wide caldera contains grassland, woodland and wetland habitats, supporting a high concentration of wildlife and a chance to look for the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, then ascend and drive to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 | Accommodation
Luxury1 / 1
Day 5Central Serengeti National Park
Travel to the Serengeti with wildlife viewing on the way to your central-area camp.
After breakfast, leave the lodge and drive toward Central Serengeti with a game drive en route. Enter through Naabi Hill Gate and continue across the plains and woodland toward Seronera. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then continue wildlife viewing before dinner and overnight at Moyo Tented Camp.
Day 5 | Accommodation
Luxury1 / 2
Day 6Central Serengeti Game Drives
Spend the day searching the Seronera region for resident wildlife and seasonal herds.
Set out for morning and afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti. The area’s rivers and varied habitats attract buffalo, hippo, elephant, giraffe and antelope, as well as predators including lion and leopard. The Great Migration may pass through depending on the season. Return to Moyo Tented Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 | AccommodationLuxury1 / 2
Day 7Journey to Northern Serengeti
Continue north on a game drive toward the Mara River and northern Serengeti plains.
Drive from Central Serengeti toward the northern region, stopping for wildlife viewing along the way. The northern plains and river corridors are an important seasonal part of the migration route, where wildebeest and zebra may gather near the Mara River. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue to Karibu Mara River Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 | Accommodation
Mid-range1 / 3
Day 8Serengeti Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Take an optional pre-dawn balloon flight, bush breakfast and a full day of game viewing.
Wake at approximately 04:30 for transfer to the balloon launch site, followed by a safety briefing before sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour, subject to weather and operating conditions. Celebrate the landing with a traditional toast and bush breakfast, then spend the remainder of the day on game drives. Return to Karibu Mara River Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 | AccommodationMid-range1 / 3
Day 9Mara River and Migration Country
Explore the northern Serengeti around the Mara River in search of wildlife and migration activity.
Continue game drives across the northern Serengeti plains and around the Mara River. During the migration season, large herds may approach or cross the river, but crossings are unpredictable and cannot be promised. Return to Karibu Mara River Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 | AccommodationMid-range1 / 3
Day 10Fly from Serengeti to Arusha
Enjoy a final game drive, then fly from Kogatende to Arusha for lunch and your onward flight.
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive en route to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha. On arrival, transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge for a hot lunch, then continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight. No overnight accommodation is listed for this day.
YOUR SAFARI, TAKEN CARE OF
What is included in this migration safari
Confirm the current flight schedule, balloon arrangements and included services in your final trip proposal.
02 / TRANSPORT
Transfers and transport
Road, airport and route transport included in the package.
Airport transfers
Arrival and departure transfers between the airport and the agreed hotel.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
A private safari vehicle for the confirmed route and game drives.
Domestic flight
The domestic flight specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
03 / ACCOMMODATION
Places to stay
Overnight stays included in the confirmed package.
Safari lodges and camps
Safari accommodation selected for the confirmed package.
04 / GUIDING AND STAFF
Your professional team
Local professionals supporting the journey.
Professional safari guide
A professional driver-guide throughout the confirmed safari route.
05 / MEALS AND WATER
Meals and refreshments
Food and drinking water supplied as part of the package.
Full-board meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as listed for each itinerary day.
Breakfast
Breakfast on the days specifically listed in the itinerary.
Lunch box
A packed lunch on the days specifically listed in the itinerary.
Drinking water
Drinking water supplied during the activities listed in the itinerary.
06 / FEES AND ACTIVITIES
Entry fees and experiences
Confirmed fees and guided activities included in the price.
Park and conservation fees
Applicable entry and conservation fees for the confirmed route.
Safari game drives
Game drives listed in the confirmed day-by-day itinerary.
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
The crater service fee when a crater game drive is included.
Hot-air balloon safari
A sunrise hot-air balloon flight and the associated experience listed in the itinerary.
07 / SAFETY AND SUPPORT
Support throughout
Practical care and local coordination during the journey.
Local trip coordination
Day-to-day coordination by the Betheli Expeditions team.
Government taxes
Applicable government taxes included in the confirmed package price.
EXCLUSIONS
What’s not included
Plan for these items separately unless your final written proposal specifically includes them.
- International airfare to and from Tanzania
- Premium drinks and drinks not specifically listed
- Visas and travel documents
- Personal expenses including telephone calls, laundry and postage
- Any optional activity not listed in the final quote
Plan your Tanzanian Traffic Jam: The Great Migration
Share your preferred dates, travel style and priorities. Our local team will shape the route, pace and details around your journey.
Start planning
What our customers say
Real stories from travelers who climbed, explored, and relaxed with Betheli Expeditions.
Tanzania Safari
5.0“Tanzania is a beautiful and amazing country!”
Every minute of the safari was fantastic and impressive, we left satisfied and are already planning to return. It was professionally organized, congratulations! Sam, our guide, demonstrated exceptional professional expertise, and it was a pleasure to listen to him during the daily tours.
Marangu Route
5.0“Unforgettable Adventure with Betheli Expeditions”
Our guides were incredible — they were experienced, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of every step of the way. The hike itself is beautiful, with lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro
5.0“Beautiful experience on Mount Kilimanjaro”
Unique and indescribable experience as beautiful as , we spent 5 days trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro and our guides and all of them were unique and really good in accompanying us in this adventure! Rating 10, thank you!!!
Machame Route
5.0“Kilimanjaro trekking Machame Route 7 days”
Wonderful trekking and fantastic team. We met serious, kind and specialized people. They attended us on the trek making us feel at home. All of us reached the top of the mountain!!! I highly recommend Betheli expedition
Mount Meru
5.0“Great trip with wonderful guides, chefs and porters!”
Our trip up Mt. Meru with Richard, Paul, Kennedy and all the guides and porters was excellent. Betheli Expedition staff catered to our every need and request with no complaints and always with a smile on their faces. We were a group of 12 women on our yearly trek together and we truly enjoyed ourselves!
Mount Meru
5.0“A great trip to the top of Mount Meru”
Betheli organised a fantastic trek up to the top of Mount Meru at short notice. We were supported on the trip by a fantastic team - led by our guide Richard - who provided tasty food, carried everything we could possibly need, kept us going up the tricky climb, and even taught us some Swahili along the way!
Kilimanjaro
5.0“Amazing trip with amazing people”
Very well organized, professional, helpful, dedicated team, ready to fulfill each request at any time with experienced and devoted guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful answers for the first conversation and the planning that follows.
Is airfare included in the package price?
International flights are generally excluded unless clearly stated. Domestic flights may be included depending on your itinerary. Your written quote will specify which flights and transfers are covered.
How difficult is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is a challenging high-altitude trek. Standard trekking routes do not require technical mountaineering skills, but long walking days, cold temperatures and summit night demand preparation and determination. Regular hiking and fitness training help, but even very fit climbers can develop altitude sickness. A gradual ascent and enough acclimatisation time are essential.
Will I see the Big Five or the Great Migration?
Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—particularly when combining the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem throughout the year, following rainfall and fresh grazing. We plan around seasonal movements, but exact locations and river crossings remain unpredictable.
Which coast should I choose?
Choose Zanzibar’s north coast—Nungwi or Kendwa—for golden sunsets, lively beach stays and swimming generally less affected by tides. For village experiences and a changing tidal shoreline, consider Matemwe in the northeast or Paje and Jambiani in the southeast. Mafia and Pemba offer quieter escapes close to nature. We will help you find the coast that fits your preferred pace and experience.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors need a visa, while others are exempt or require approval before travelling. Check the official Tanzania Immigration website before booking. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity and one unused visa page.
Can I combine Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar?
Absolutely. Experience the challenge of Kilimanjaro, the wonder of a wildlife safari and the tranquillity of Zanzibar in one personalised itinerary. We arrange the connections, accommodation and activities, with time to rest and appreciate every part of your journey.