Embark on an extraordinary 10 day Tanzania luxury safari dedicated to witnessing the awe inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration and exploring the iconic Northern Circuit. Designed for discerning Canadian travellers seeking the ultimate wildlife spectacle, this comprehensive journey takes you deep into the Serengeti ecosystem, visiting both Central and Northern regions to maximize migration viewing opportunities (seasonal). You'll also explore Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. As Kenyan based East Africa specialists, Bubble Tours & Travel expertly manages the logistics of this dynamic itinerary, ensuring seamless travel, premium comfort, and a truly bespoke Tanzania migration experience.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro
Day 3: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti
Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Day 5: Full day in Northern Serengeti
Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
Day 7: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro
Day 8: Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park
Day 9: Tarangire National Park – Arusha
Day 10: Full-day leisure in Arusha

Activities:

* Game drives in Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park
* Explore the unique landscapes and geological formations of each park
Optional activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti, Maasai Boma Village cultural tour, bird watching

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, baboons, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, warthogs, and a variety of bird species.
Central & Northern Serengeti: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Big Five, wildebeests, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, giant tusked elephants, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, rare wild dogs, white pelicans, and flamingos
Tarangire National Park: Biggest Elephants, old Baobab trees, leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, zebra, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, and different types of bird species
Scenic Landscapes: The picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire.

Bespoke Luxury Focused on the Migration

Bubble Tours & Travel ensures your quest for the Migration is exceptional:

• Strategically Located Premium Accommodations: Stay in high quality lodges and intimate tented camps (including potentially mobile camps that follow the migration) chosen for their prime locations for wildlife viewing in Manyara, Ngorongoro area, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and Tarangire.
• Expert Tanzanian Migration Guides: Explore with professional Tanzanian driver guides skilled in tracking the migratory herds and interpreting wildlife behaviour, utilizing comfortable private 4x4 safari vehicles.
• Seamless East African Logistics: As East Africa specialists, we meticulously coordinate all aspects of your Tanzanian journey, including complex internal Serengeti transfers (road or optional flights), park fees, activities, and lodging, ensuring a smooth experience for Canadian travellers.

Tailoring Your Tanzania Migration Safari

This 10 day itinerary provides excellent migration coverage. We specialize in bespoke adjustments:

• Timing & Location Focus: Based on your exact travel dates, we can adjust the number of nights in Central vs Northern Serengeti to optimize migration viewing chances.
• Pacing: Add extra nights in the Serengeti or other parks for a more relaxed pace.
• Accommodation Selection: Choose from a portfolio of premium properties, including exclusive mobile migration camps.
• Extensions: Easily combine this safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda/Uganda or a Zanzibar beach escape.

Best Time for Migration Viewing (Central & North Serengeti)

The Great Migration is a continuous cycle. This itinerary, visiting both Central and Northern Serengeti, is ideally suited for potential viewing during:

• Approx. May July: Herds often moving through Central Serengeti towards the Western Corridor or North.
• Approx. July October: Herds typically concentrated in Northern Serengeti, potentially involving dramatic Mara River crossings.
• Note: Resident wildlife in all parks is excellent year round. Migration timing can vary based on rainfall; consult our specialists for tailored advice.

Why Choose This Migration Focused Journey?

• Optimized Migration Viewing: Visiting both Central and Northern Serengeti increases chances of encountering the herds during key periods.
• Northern Circuit Highlights: Includes the essential Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara alongside the Serengeti.
• Comprehensive Duration: 10 days allows for significant immersion in multiple prime wildlife areas.
• Expert Planning: A complex itinerary managed seamlessly by experienced East Africa specialists.

Your Final Day in Arusha

Day 10 provides a flexible conclusion. Enjoy a final Tanzanian breakfast, relax at your Arusha hotel, perhaps do some last minute souvenir shopping or visit local markets, before your afternoon or evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure home to Canada.

Plan Your Great Migration Safari

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations for tracking the migration, follows below. If witnessing this incredible natural spectacle is your dream, contact our East Africa specialists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha (Approx. 1-hour drive)

• Morning/Afternoon (Dependent on Arrival Time): Arrival at JRO: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
• Transfer to Arusha: The transfer is a short and comfortable drive, taking approximately one hour.
• Check-in and Relaxation: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check in to your pre-booked hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax by the pool, freshen up, or explore the town of Arusha.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Arusha.

Hotel Suggestions (Arusha): Mount Meru Hotel, Gran Melia Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, Onsea House.

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Departure for Lake Manyara: After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Game Drive in Lake Manyara: Upon arrival, you will begin your game drive. Lake Manyara is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos (seasonal), tree-climbing lions (sightings are not guaranteed), elephants, giraffes, baboons, and other wildlife.
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic Lunch or Lodge Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park or have lunch at a nearby lodge.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drive to Ngorongoro: Continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Evening (5:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp near the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Ngorongoro Outer Rim): Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Day 3: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including transit game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Departure for Serengeti: After breakfast, depart for the Central Serengeti.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Transit Game Drive: The drive to the Serengeti includes a transit game drive, offering opportunities to spot wildlife en route.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Game Drive: Arrive in the Central Serengeti, check-in, and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Central Serengeti.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Central Serengeti): Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Pioneer Camp.

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Central Serengeti.
• Late Morning (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Northern Serengeti with Game Viewing: Drive to the Northern Serengeti, known for its dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration (typically July-October). This drive will also be a game drive.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp in the Northern Serengeti.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Northern Serengeti): Serengeti Bushtops Camp, Sayari Camp, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp.

Day 5: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-Day Game Drives: Spend the full day exploring the Northern Serengeti. If you are travelling during the migration season, your guide will focus on the Mara River crossing points.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Northern Serengeti.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti.
• Late Morning (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive back to Central Serengeti with Game Viewing: Drive back to Central Serengeti, enjoying game viewing along the way.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check back into your lodge/camp in the Central Serengeti.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater – Ngorongoro (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including crater tour)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Depart for Ngorongoro: After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Ngorongoro Crater Tour: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM Onwards): Return to Ngorongoro Area: Ascend from the crater and return to your lodge/camp near Ngorongoro.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart for Tarangire: After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park.
• Afternoon (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Game Drive in Tarangire: Arrive in Tarangire and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening (4:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp in or near Tarangire.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Tarangire): Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Oliver's Camp.

Day 9: Tarangire National Park – Arusha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive back to Arusha: After breakfast, drive back to Arusha.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check back into your hotel in Arusha.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Full-day leisure in Arusha

• Full Day: This day is at your leisure in Arusha. You can relax at your hotel, explore the town, visit local markets, or participate in optional activities such as a coffee plantation tour, a visit to the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, or a day trip to Mount Meru.
• Evening: Depending on your departure schedule, you can have a final dinner in Arusha before being transferred to JRO for your flight.

Day 11: Departure from JRO (If needed)

• Morning/Afternoon: Transfer to JRO for your departure flight, depending on your flight schedule. This day is only needed if your flight is not on day 10.

Key Considerations:

• Migration Timing: The itinerary is optimized for the Great Migration, with time spent in both the Central and Northern Serengeti. However, the exact timing of the migration varies each year.
• Pace: This itinerary is well-paced, with sufficient time for game drives and relaxation.
• Transportation: Transportation will be in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.

Preparation:

• Pack for varying weather conditions, including warm layers for early mornings and evenings, especially in Ngorongoro.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.
• Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and necessary medications.

Recommendation:

• Book your safari well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can seeing the Great Migration be guaranteed on this itinerary? While this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances by visiting key areas (Central & Northern Serengeti) during typical migration periods, the exact location and movement of millions of animals is a natural phenomenon and cannot be absolutely guaranteed. However, resident wildlife viewing is spectacular year round.

2. The route involves visiting Central Serengeti, then North, then back to Central before Ngorongoro. Why? This routing might be suggested during specific months when migration patterns necessitate covering both areas extensively or returning via Central Serengeti is logistically preferred for the onward journey to Ngorongoro. We tailor the exact Serengeti routing based on predicted herd locations for your travel dates and recommend flight options to make this efficient.

3. How necessary are internal flights for this 10 day safari? Given the multiple locations within the vast Serengeti and travel between distant parks like Serengeti and Tarangire, incorporating internal flights is highly recommended for a comfortable luxury experience. It saves many hours of driving on rough roads, allowing more time for game viewing and relaxation.

4. What is the purpose of the final leisure day in Arusha? Day 10 provides a buffer after the extensive safari. It allows for a relaxed morning, potential exploration of Arusha town (e.g., Shanga workshop, Cultural Heritage Centre, local markets), souvenir shopping, or simply unwinding before potentially late afternoon or evening international flight departures from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).