5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari in August

Join a 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in August. Witness the Mara River crossings, see the Big Five in Ngorongoro, and explore Tarangire National Park.

Witness the Great River Crossings on a Serengeti Migration Safari In August

This 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in August takes you to the heart of the action during the peak of the dry season. Travelers explore Tarangire’s elephant herds before heading to the northern plains to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings. This 5-day August safari offers the best chance to see thousands of wildebeests brave crocodile-infested waters, alongside searching for the Big Five in the legendary Ngorongoro Crater.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day 2
Tarangire to Serengeti Central
Day 3
Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Day 4
Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Duration 5 Days
🚙
Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out
🎯
Main Tour Focus Serengeti Migration
Tour Type Private Safari
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
Arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Tarangire
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge
3
Day 3
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
4
Day 4
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge
5
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel

Arrival Day: Arrival (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Arusha

Arrival (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will meet you and provide a transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive takes about one hour through local coffee plantations and vibrant villages. This day is reserved for resting after your flight and meeting your guide for a short briefing. You will discuss the route and specific timings for your 5-day August safari. Arusha is a peaceful city at the base of Mount Meru, offering a cool climate to start your trip.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The journey starts with a drive to Tarangire National Park, which takes about 2 to 3 hours over 120 kilometers. In August, Tarangire is a haven for wildlife as animals gather around the Tarangire River. You will spend the full day on a game drive among giant baobab trees and massive elephant herds. A positive unexpected moment might be seeing a pride of lions resting on the low branches of a tree, which is a rare but beautiful sight in this park. You will head to your accommodation in the late evening for dinner.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge Images
Tarangire Safari Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti Central

Tarangire to Serengeti Central

After breakfast, you will drive toward the Central Serengeti, a journey of approximately 250 kilometers taking about 6 hours. You will pass through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands where the air is crisp and the views are panoramic. Once you enter the Serengeti, you will begin a half day game drive in the Seronera Valley. This area is known for its high concentration of leopards and lions. A surprising moment could be seeing a cheetah using a termite mound to scout for prey in the golden grass. You will stay at a camp in the heart of the park.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Budget 2 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Today you travel north to reach the heart of the Great Migration. The drive covers 140 kilometers and takes 5 hours through rolling hills and woodlands. This 5-day August safari in Serengeti Migration focuses on reaching the Mara River area where the wildebeest herds congregate. You will spend the afternoon watching the massive movement of animals across the plains. A powerful moment for many is hearing the constant low grunting of thousands of wildebeests as they prepare for the dangerous river crossings.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Nyikani Migration Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

	Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

The morning is dedicated to exploring the northern reaches and observing the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. After a picnic lunch, you will begin the game drive back toward the Central Serengeti, which takes another 5 hours. Along the way, you might spot a crocodile lunging at the herds or a leopard guarding its kill in a riverine forest. An unexpected positive moment might be a stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can watch the sun set over the vast savannah. You will return to your central lodge for your final night in the park.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Budget 2 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

You will leave early for the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a 3 hour drive. You will descend into the caldera for a half day tour of this unique ecosystem. In August, the crater floor is dry and wildlife is easy to spot. This is the best place to find the rare black rhino and see the Big Five in a single day. A highlight is having lunch near the hippo pool while watching the giant animals interact in the water. Afterward, you will drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha, arriving in the late evening for your departure.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    No of pax Adult Child
    1 Pax $2,472 pp $1,854 pp
    2 Pax $1,822 pp $1,367 pp
    3 Pax $1,605 pp $1,204 pp
    4 Pax $1,497 pp $1,123 pp
    5 Pax $1,432 pp $1,074 pp
    6 Pax $1,389 pp $1,042 pp
    7+ Pax $1,358 pp $1,018 pp

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari in August

    What is the best time to see the Mara River crossings during an August safari in the Serengeti Migration

    August is the peak month for the dramatic river crossings in the Northern Serengeti. The wildebeest herds are usually gathered in large numbers near the Mara River, waiting for the right moment to cross into the Masai Mara.

    Is it very dusty during a 5-day safari in August?

    August is the height of the dry season, so the roads and plains can be quite dusty. We recommend bringing a light scarf or a buff to protect your face during game drives. The dry conditions actually make it easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around permanent water sources.

    Will I see the Big Five during this 5-day August safari?

    While wildlife is unpredictable, this route visits the best spots for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The Ngorongoro Crater is especially famous for providing high chances of seeing all five animals in a single day.

    How cold does it get during an August safari in the Serengeti Migration?

    Early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, especially on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. We suggest packing warm layers, such as a fleece or a light jacket, to stay comfortable during the early morning game drives.

    What kind of vehicle is used for the 5-day August safari?

    We use professional 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop up roofs for 360 degree wildlife viewing. These vehicles are designed to handle the rough and dusty terrain of the Serengeti while keeping you safe and comfortable.

    Are there many tsetse flies in the Serengeti during August?

    Tsetse flies can be present in some wooded areas of the park, especially during the dry season. We recommend wearing light colored clothing, like beige or khaki, and avoiding dark blue or black colors which attract them.

    Is the 5-day August safari in Serengeti Migration suitable for photographers?

    August offers incredible lighting and clear skies, making it a perfect time for photography. The river crossings provide high action shots, while the dry landscapes offer clean backgrounds for animal portraits.

    How many hours do we spend on game drives each day?

    Most game drives last between 6 and 8 hours depending on animal activity and your preferences. We include breaks for lunch and stretching to keep the journey comfortable for everyone in the vehicle.

    Do I need to book my 5-day August safari far in advance?

    August is the busiest month for tourism in Tanzania, so we recommend booking at least 6 to 9 months in advance. This ensures you get the best choice of lodges and camps near the river crossings.

    What kind of food is served during the trip?

    You will enjoy a mix of international and local Tanzanian dishes at the lodges and camps. Breakfast and dinner are usually served at the accommodation, while lunch is provided as a picnic box to enjoy in the bush.

    REVIEWS FOR Witness the Great River Crossings on a Serengeti Migration Safari In August

    Write a Review

    the best safari ever

    5/5

    Seeing the Mara River crossing was the highlight of our lives and perfectly timed.

    By: Alistair Cook
    From: Flag GB

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    well organized safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided an excellent guide who found a leopard for us on the very first day. The 5-day August safari was organized flawlessly from start to finish.

    By: Brianna Miller
    From: Flag US

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    fantastic adventure

    5/5

    The elephant herds in Tarangire were massive and the baobab trees made for incredible photos.

    By: Wolfgang Weber
    From: Flag DE

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    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    I loved the sunset over the Serengeti plains and the food at the camps was surprisingly delicious.

    By: Francesca Moretti
    From: Flag IT

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    wildlife at it's best

    5/5

    Our 5-day August safari in Serengeti Migration was very professional and we felt safe throughout the entire journey.

    By: Jean-Pierre Dupont
    From: Flag JP

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    well organized safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD made our trip special by finding a black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater.

    By: Elena Garcia
    From: Flag ES

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    wildlife at it's best

    5/5

    The vehicle was comfortable and the pop up roof was great for seeing the wildebeest herds.

    By: David Thompson
    From: Flag CA

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    the best safari ever

    5/5

    A well planned trip with a knowledgeable guide who knew exactly where the river crossings would happen.

    By: Lachlan Smith
    From: Flag AU

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    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    Everything from the airport pick up to the final day was smooth and we saw more animals than we expected.

    By: Pieter van der Meer
    From: Flag NL

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    the unforgettable

    5/5

    Taking the 5-day August safari was the best decision for our holiday in Tanzania. The migration was breathtaking.

    By: Yuki Tanaka
    From: Flag JP

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