Name: 9 Day Great Wildebeest Migration and Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tanzania
Brand: Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate
Price: 8754 USD
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Facilities

Gym
Swimming pool (outdoor)
Air-conditioned rooms
Bar
Barbeque facilities
Dining area
Fireplace
Honesty bar
Kitchen
Lobby
Luggage room / storage
Baby sitting
Child care
Conference room
Dry cleaning
Free Wi-Fi
Internet access
Ironing / ironing board
Laundry
Wireless internet

You will stay at a range of classic safari accommodations, lodges, and tented camps in Tanzania, putting you in the right place at the right time to maximize your Tanzania safari experience. You will enjoy spacious safari accommodation with different accommodation types.

The package includes some of the best lodges in Tanzania, ranging from classic, to luxury, and good value for you to explore. The lodges on your Tanzania safari can be completely tailored to your needs. So whether you want to live in the lap of luxury or just want a little pampering, it can be done as the perfect accommodation for you.

Lodges:

Panama Garden Resort, Chanya Lodge, Park View Inn, or Tulia Boutique and Spa Arusha
Marera Valley Lodge or Baghayo Garden
Tanzania Bush Camp or Acacia Migration Tented Lodge
Tukaone Tented Lodge or Embalakai Tented Lodge
Rhino Lodge

Panama Garden Resort or Tulia Boutique and spa

Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in Africa, Panama Garden Resort is a three-star elegant resort, an ideal place for unique moments of relaxation. The surroundings are those of gardens with local flowers and trees with an outdoor pool with a pool bar, BBQ corner, outdoor garden area catering setup rest area, children's playground, free Wi-Fi all over, a fully stocked curio shop, and also free parking.

The resort also has rooms suitable for all guests and offers a high-quality continental-style buffet breakfast with fresh local products. The rooftop (summit roof) gives an opportunity to take a glimpse of Kilimanjaro Mountain and take early morning photos.

Accommodation level: Mid-range

Tulia Boutique and spa

Tulia Boutique and Spa is nestled on the outskirts of Arusha town, in Tanzania (East Africa), at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The prime location of the lodge is a 50-minute drive away from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it an ideal stay for trekkers, safari seekers, business people, and families. Guests are warmly welcomed by the smiles of friendly, helpful staff and accommodated in one of 32 en-suite rooms. The lodge is known for its abundant green carpeted-grass gardens, multi-cuisine restaurant, and its large swimming pool.

Marera Valley Lodge

Located between Karatu Town and Rhotia Village, Marera Valley Lodge is close to the main road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. In a lovely country setting and beautifully landscaped, the lodge offers 19 spacious cottages with views and private decks.

Baghayo Garden

Baghayo homestead offers warm hospitality in a country setting. Set on five acres of coffee estate, neighboring Ngorongoro, the family has been stewards of this land for three generations. The idea for the lodge grew out of traditional Tanzanian hospitality. The owner, Reginald Bayo, is a trained chef, a leader in the community, and committed to his family. With many years of experience in Tanzania tourism and while he has been involved in developing a group of lodges for the last fifteen years, this endeavor is an act of love. The idea to share the roots of the Baghayo family took hold and resulted in the creation of an incredibly special retreat for visitors to Tanzania. Comfortable accommodation, stunning views, caring service, and farm-to-table cuisine all combine to provide a unique experience for you.

Tanzania Bush Camp

Serengeti is a semi-permanent camp offering wilderness and luxury in Serengeti National Park. This finest camp is owned and managed by indigenous Tanzanians, the management and office staff are local Tanzanians who have great knowledge of hospitality and have spent many years in the travel and tourism industry. The team boasts excellent experiences in both general customer care and hospitality services.

Tanzania Bush Camp Serengeti consists of 12 spacious and comfortable luxury en-suite tents all with two queen-size beds fitted with mosquito nets, en-suite flush toilets and a shower with a mixer tap of warm or cold running water, rooms with warm duvets, nicely local designed metal and wood beds, comfortable bedding, local made lampshades, wall-to-wall floor carpets, comfortable wooden writing table and chairs, luggage rack, coffee table and tray, resting sofa, canvas shelves, 24-hour solar lighting and a backup generator.

The tents are accompanied by a large spacious verandah in front, and the left side of your room is furnished with comfortable safari chairs and tables - the perfect retreat for a relaxing moment watching birdlife in trees around the tent, or a herd of impala grazing quietly around the camp area, or rather basically sit, relax while listening to the sounds of the African bush. Large and spacious mess tent and lounge tent linked with the bar are beautifully designed and decorated with comfortably designed chairs and sofas, antique furniture, side cabinets, and chest.

Acacia Migration Tented Lodge

The Acacia Migration Camp has 19 safari tents; including 4 family tents and one honeymoon tent. From June to October, the camp is in the Kogatende area, with additional tents erected at Ndutu from November to March. In keeping with its name, the camp optimizes your immersion into the rhythms and drama of the Great Migration.

Tukaone Tented Lodge

Tukaone Serengeti Camp is a private safari camp perfectly located at the heart of the Great Serengeti, with a stunning view of the Hembe Hills and the endless plains of the Serengeti. Its exceptional location is broadly encompassed by a variety of different fauna and flora, with millions of wild animals migrating through these plains year after year.

Embalakai Tented Lodge

With high-quality canvas between your comfortable bed and the sounds of the African night, these camps provide the ideal lodging for lovers of the great outdoors, while retaining the coziness of a warm bed, a hot shower, delicious food, and a friendly staff.

Rhino Lodge

Ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Rhino Lodge offers a perfect base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its surroundings. After 21.00 the generator is switched off and a limited amount of electricity is available from the storage batteries for lighting. After dark please be careful and never walk around the grounds unless you are accompanied by a member of the staff. One of the Askaris (watchmen) will accompany you to and from the dining room. They are also on duty throughout the night should you require assistance.

Program

August through October, the migration heads north, out of the central Serengeti, splitting into two routes. The main group heads into the western corridor crossing the Grumeti River in spectacular stampedes. Enormous crocodiles wait patiently to snatch wildebeests as they surge across the river. The wildebeest continues to move steadily across the Grumeti region, making another perilous river crossing to cross the Mara River and reach the lush grazing in Kenya's Masai Mara.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife – inside a self-contained world teeming with animals.

Finally, your African safari tour will also take you to the Tarangire National Park, which features some of the greatest concentration of game in Tanzania – second only to the Ngorongoro Crater – but less crowded and unspoiled – possessing a wild and unkempt beauty.

Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate promises you a safari including a great guide, amazing sights of wildlife, mesmerizing views of Mother Nature, and above all, a fantastic experience!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Your guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi / Arusha. As local Tanzanians, your guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and you'll proceed to Tarangire National Park. One of the largest national parks in Tanzania located in the Manyara region, this place is characterized by the large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and the fascinating baobab trees also called the Tree of Life for its almost mythical powers that some cultures attach to it.

This park is especially known for the Tarangire River which flows all year round and is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons.

After a day spent exploring Tarangire National Park, you leave the park and head to your nearby lodge for dinner and overnight rest at Marera Valley Lodge or Baghayo Garden.

Day 3: Central Serengeti

After breakfast at your lodge, you will set off for Serengeti National Park with a picnic lunch. Game drives en route. Afternoon game viewing in Serengeti's central part.

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. A UNESCO World Heritage site and recently proclaimed the 7th wonder of the world, Serengeti is famed for its annual migration where some six million hooves pound the open plains. Serengeti offers an exotic game viewing experience in the whole of Africa giving you an up-close look at the animals you've only seen in National Geographic: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle.

Dinner and overnight at Embalakai Tented Lodge, or Tanzania Bush Camp Tented Lodge.

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, you will set off for the northern area of the Serengeti (Mara / Kogatende) with a full-day game drive en route in the wilderness following the Great Migration trails. Your experienced driver tour guide will provide you with interesting facts about this highly renowned event, which makes Tanzania the top safari destination in Africa.

Serengeti, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to around 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle, which join in the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Listen to the exotic sounds of over six million hooves pounding the open plains. This is just like you imagined Africa to be!

In the evening, enjoy the river crossing viewing of the great migration.

River crossings at Kogatende start to occur every day in August as the mega herd settles into the area. For August, September, and October, game viewing up here is superb with river crossings pretty much guaranteed every day. There is no distinct movement as the herds tend to cross back and forth over the river, following the rains and subsequent fresh grasses. It is not uncommon to see different herds crossing in different directions on the same day.

Dinner and overnight at Tanzania Bush Camp or Acacia Migration Tented Lodge in Serengeti.

Day 5: Fully day North Serengeti + hot air balloon safari

Early morning, enjoy a hot air balloon safari. Pick-up is at early dawn usually around 5 to 5:30 a.m. You could grab a coffee and a light breakfast before departing your lodge. On your way to the launch site, you may spot nocturnal animals that you could not have encountered at any other time of day.

There is a pre-launch safety briefing from the pilot while the balloon is being inflated. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and the balloon can ascend up to 1000 feet, exposing the vast magnificence and spectacular panorama of the Serengeti below. The pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon, sometimes flying at treetop height so you can see individual animals at close quarters.

Upon landing, you will be welcomed with a champagne reception toasting to “maisha marefu”, which translates to “long life”. After that a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti awaits, capping off what is sure to be one of the most thrilling experiences ever.

After breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive in north Serengeti mostly exploring the wildebeest migration.

Serengeti National Park's resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area, with a pride of lions up to 30 strong, however, from July to October the area turns into a wildlife paradise. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later.

Please take note - actually finding a crossing is very difficult and is sometimes a matter of luck. If it’s your lucky day you will be able to witness this natural wonder crossing the river and watch nature take its course. Tracing the great migration, you might even move towards the Lobo Valley.

The pristine Lobo Valley is scattered with woodlands, plains, hills, and famous granite Kopjes. It offers an enormous amount of big cat game with lions, leopards, and cheetahs in plenty. During the dry season, the permanent water sources in the valley attract plenty of resident and migratory animals, resulting in excellent game viewing.

After the full-day game drive, the day comes to an end with a tasty dinner and a good rest in your choice of accommodation, overnight rest at Tanzania Bush Camp Tented Lodge.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

Starting your day at the routine time of 8 a.m. after a heavy breakfast, today you will head south towards the central Serengeti. The 4-hour drive to the center will offer a mild en-route game. The drive south from the Mara River valley takes you through hill country, the Lobo area, woodlands, and then back into the Seronera terrain.

The central portion of the Serengeti - known as the Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. It features the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species.

As you make your way into the Seronera region, you will begin to notice the hilly and broken terrain altering into plain grasslands. In Seronera, one must really look out for the many lion pride that thrive in this region. The interactions and survival of these lion prides provide an excellent game-viewing experience all year round. A picnic lunch will be done during the day-long drive itself. The eventful day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation. The next day you will head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 7: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater + Maasai Village

The exciting sounds of Africa will rouse you from your sleep. You make the most of the day with an 8 a.m. start, heading off on a morning game drive. Later, the adventure will continue when we travel up to Ngorongoro, another African icon.

It’s almost impossible to spend too much time in Serengeti and with more than 1.6 million herbivores – plus thousands of predators – there’s always something new and interesting to see. The changing seasons and natural light simply add to the diversity. This morning your driver-guide will help you spot some more of the many species at Serengeti, teaching you about their fascinating habits and habitats.

After a pleasant picnic lunch, it’s time to drive eastwards to visit another spectacular setting for Tanzania’s wildlife, the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

On the way back from Serengeti to Ngorongoro, you will pass Masai village. You will spend one to one and a half hours interacting and getting a glimpse into their unique culture, customs, and practices. After enjoying some dancing with song and movements, and after experiencing their lifestyle and culture heading to Ngorongoro.

On arrival, settle in at the lodge while a tasty, hot dinner is prepared for you. Tomorrow, the wonders of the crater await you.

Dinner and overnight at Rhino Lodge.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater

Today, you descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. Backdropped by crater walls nearly 2,000 feet high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime in a setting unmatched the world over. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day.

In the afternoon, enjoy lunch al fresco in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, a short game drive, and then you depart the crater. Ascend the walls of the crater, climb up to the rim, and begin a long drive back to Moshi / Arusha.

Day 9: Departure

You will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight back home.

The best time to see the Great Migration each month

There is no single time of year to see the Great Migration since it is an eternal annual cycle from place to place, year in and year out. However, depending on either the aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness (such as river crossings) or the time of year that you prefer to travel, your safari can be tailored to give you the best chance of seeing what you desire.

Great Migration seasons

You can see the Great Migration at any time of year. It is possible to look at historic migration patterns to predict where the herds will be at a particular time, but ultimately these are wild animals and the annual rainfall they rely on to stimulate grass growth is becoming more unpredictable.

1) July – October

Location: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara

Experience: River crossing

The river crossing usually starts in July, but the timing all depends on the rains. Although never guaranteed, crossing can regularly be seen at the Mara and Talek Rivers.

2) December – March

Location: Northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti

Experience: The calving

An estimated 500,000 calves are born, which can draw a staggering number of predators eager to prey the vulnerable young animals.

3) April

Location: Central Serengeti

Experience: The Trek North. Herds move slowly northward to fresh grazing.

4) May – June

Location: Western Serengeti

Experience: The rut

May is the mating season, but still the journey continues. Some herds move west toward the Grumet River, and this is the first point on the route that river crossing can be seen.

5) November

Location: Eastern and Central Serengeti

Experience: The trek south

When the rains begin in November, the herds usually cross back to the Serengeti from the Mara and head back toward the now-fertile southern Serengeti. By the beginning of December, Ndutu starts seeing the herds return to calve and the whole process begins again.

Guides

Erastus Shirima

Shirima was born in Moshi, in Northern Tanzania. He graduated with a Diploma in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife and became certified as a Wilderness First Aid Responder with CPR training. Shirima has extensive training and is extremely knowledgeable in customer care. With a minimum of 11 years’ experience in the field, he has superior wildlife spotting skills and offer local insights that can't be found in guide books. He has extensive knowledge and experience in wildlife, nature, and the local culture of the area of Tanzania.

Location

Tanzania stands out as the go-to tourist destination in Africa. Located in the eastern region of Africa, the country is renowned for the abundance of wildlife creatures roaming freely on its vast landscape and Tanzanian park reserves.

You will be visiting Tarangire National Park which has large population numbers of elephants and baobab trees in Tanzania. Additionally, the safari tour has been designed to offer you more time in the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration. You will experience the excitement of game viewing in some of the most spectacular national wildlife game parks in Africa.

The areas to be covered are Northern Serengeti, Kogatende, and Lobo area, where the majority of the wildebeest are usually found.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife – inside a self-contained world teeming with animals.

Finally, your African safari tour will also take you to the Tarangire National Park, which features some of the greatest concentration of game in Tanzania – second only to the Ngorongoro Crater – but less crowded and unspoiled – possessing a wild and unkempt beauty.

Northern Serengeti

The migration crossing season in the Serengeti is a dramatic and intense spectacle that occurs when millions of wildebeest and zebras bravely cross treacherous waters in search of better grazing lands. This awe-inspiring event takes place primarily between the end of July, August, and September. As the herds confront the formidable Mara River, teeming with crocodiles and strong currents. As the herds gather at the riverbanks, anticipation hangs in the air, and then, with a surge of instinctual courage, they plunge into the water, creating a frenzied crossing marked by adrenaline-charged chaos. It's a visual masterpiece of survival, where the strong currents, crocodile threats, and the unyielding force of nature's challenges come together to test the herds' determination and resilience. The Migration crossing season is a captivating showcase of nature's raw power and the ceaseless quest for survival in the heart of the wild.

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Food

The package includes meals as outlined in the itinerary. Additionally, drinking water is provided in the vehicle.

There are plenty of culinary adventures to be found on your safari trail as well! This program offers vegan, vegetarian, regular, and gluten-free food as well. For other dietary requirements, simply tell Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate in advance. They will be happy to work out something and happy to keep your tummy happy.

Africa has an incredibly rich and diverse food culture. What kind of culinary experiences you can expect in this part of the world?

Eating on safari: what to expect

You can absolutely expect to find familiar, globally popular foods on your African safari. Safari lodges are used to cater to people from all over the world, and they know what people like to eat.

Breakfast: Start your day well with omelets, cereals, toast, fruits, salads, or continental breakfast.

Lunch: You are most likely going to be enjoying your lunch in the middle of your game drive, in some stunning natural location. This will usually be served picnic-style, and Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate takes these meals very seriously.

Dinner: At dinnertime, you will typically be treated to a full three-course meal, taking advantage of local produce and the culinary talents of the lodge chefs. These menus will usually have a choice of 3 different starters, 3 different mains, and a selection of desserts. Usually, the menu will feature at least 1 meat-based and at least 1 vegetarian option.

Nothing that catches your fancy? Don’t be shy to talk to your waiter. In most cases, the kitchen will be more than happy to create a dish to your liking.

Drinks: Quench your thirst throughout the day with water, coffee, tea, wine, or beer. Filtered water will always be readily available when you travel with Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate. At your lodges, there will be drinks available as well, from sodas, to wine, to cocktails.

Some lodges will offer buffet-style dining, with plenty of snacks and other tasty treats available all day, while others will offer restaurant-style dining with set menus.

In more remote areas, you can expect simpler menus, but this doesn’t mean the chefs will put any less love in what they serve!

You can definitely find familiar foods, but you can also enhance your African experience by venturing into the local cuisine.

Delicious food in ‘the middle of nowhere

In the more remote corners of game parks, being far away from food markets and grocery stores, the supply of food can be more complicated. Most lodges will work with local communities for the supply of vegetables, dairy, and seasonal products, also supporting the local economy.

Many chefs will serve familiar dishes with influences from local cuisine, with a little creativity, using what is available to feed travelers from all over the world what they want to eat.

Special dietary requirements

The most important thing to ensure your special dietary requirements are met is communication.

Make sure to let Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate know about any dietary requirements in advance, before your trip. With a little extra preparation, they will make sure that your needs are met at every stage of your trip. Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate will also be able to check with lodges to make sure they can provide the meals you need.

East Africa is very accustomed to plant-based diets. Many of the local meals are purely plant-based anyway.

Hungry for safari?

Honestly, Africa should be more famous for its food. The continent is host to countless destinations for food lovers, with some of the richest cuisines in the world, and every corner has a uniquely delicious gastronomic experience to offer.

The perfect safari meal is a combination of a stunning location around you and beautiful food in front of you.

Come taste the adventure with Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate!

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Organic
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Pescatarian
Hallal
Fruitarian
Lactose Free
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing / day hike
Mount Meru waterfall and hiking
Chemka Hot Springs
Walking safari in Arusha National Park
Coffee plantations tour

What's included

All park entrance fees and administrative costs (value added tax - VAT 18%)
4x4 Land Cruiser transportation including unlimited mileage on safari
Experienced safari guide (employee has twelve years of experience in the safari industry)
Full board basis on safari (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Mineral water on board safari vehicle
6 nights at the mid-range safari lodges and semi-luxury safari tented lodge (room double / twin sharing)
2 nights at the hotel in Moshi or Arusha, (one night before and after the safari)
Arrival and departure airport transfers/ Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Maasai Village
Hot air balloon safari

What's not included

Beverages at the lodges
Visa fees
Health / travel insurance
International airline tickets
Tips for safari guide
Airfares

How to get there

Recommended Airports

JRO

Kilimanjaro International Airport

43 km

Transfer included

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Airport transfer is included in the price.

Arusha is the nearest major city to iconic parks of Northern Tanzania like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara, and more. It is usually best to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is only 50 km from Arusha town and 45 km from Moshi. This is the departure point for the majority of safaris. No matter what time your flight arrives, the ride takes about 55 minutes in light traffic.

Once you’ve booked your flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport, provide Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate with your flight details and they will organize a pick-up from the airport for you. Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate offers a transfer service and pick-up directly from JRO to your arranged hotel. Your Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi / Arusha. As local Tanzanians, the guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport Airport transfer included: Kilimanjaro International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.

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