5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari in December

Join a 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in December. See the Great Migration, the Big Five, and lush green landscapes in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

Experience the Great Migration on a Serengeti Migration Safari In December

This 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in December takes you through Northern Tanzania during the beautiful green season. You will explore Tarangire, the Serengeti plains, and the Ngorongoro Crater while observing the wildebeest herds moving toward the southern breeding grounds. The landscape is lush and vibrant, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and predator sightings under the dramatic African skies.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire (Full Day Tour)
Day 2
Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)
Day 3
Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)
Day 4
Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater (half day tour) 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: Angata Serengeti Camp
3
Day 3
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
4
Day 4
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Angata Serengeti Camp
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 and covers 50 kilometers. 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 December safari. Arusha is a peaceful city at the base of Mount Meru, offering a cool climate to start your trip. You might enjoy a walk through the local coffee plantations if you arrive early.

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 (Full Day Tour)

Arusha to Tarangire (Full Day Tour)

The journey starts with a drive to Tarangire National Park, which takes about 2 to 3 hours over 120 kilometers. In December, Tarangire is a haven for wildlife as the park turns a beautiful shade of emerald. 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 to escape the damp grass. The park is also filled with migratory birds that arrive with the rains. 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 (Half-Day Game Drive)

Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)

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 lush grass. You will stay at a camp in the heart of the park.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Angata Serengeti Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Today you travel north through the rolling hills of the Serengeti. The drive covers 140 kilometers and takes 5 hours through woodlands and open savannah. While the main herds are moving south, this 5-day December safari in Serengeti Migration allows you to see the resident wildlife in the quieter northern sections. You will spend the afternoon watching giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. A powerful moment for many is seeing a dramatic afternoon thunderstorm roll across the plains, which creates incredible light for photography.

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 (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

The morning is dedicated to exploring the northern reaches before beginning the game drive back toward the Central Serengeti. This return journey takes another 5 hours. Along the way, you might spot a leopard guarding its kill in a riverine forest or hyenas patrolling the plains. An unexpected positive moment might be a stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can watch the sun set over the vast, green savannah. You will return to your central lodge for your final night in the park, enjoying the sounds of the African night.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Angata Serengeti Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images
Angata Serengeti Tented Camp Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater (half day tour) to Arusha

Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater (half day tour) 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 December, the crater floor is lush and full of life. 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
  •  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
  •  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
  •  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
  •  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 December

    Where is the wildebeest movement located during a 5-day December safari?

    In December, the herds are typically moving from the north and central regions toward the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. They follow the fresh rains to reach the nutrient-rich grass needed for the upcoming calving season. This 5-day December safari in Serengeti Migration provides a great chance to see these large columns of animals on the move.

    What is the weather like during a 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in December?

    December is part of the short rainy season, which means you can expect warm temperatures with occasional afternoon showers. These rains turn the landscape green and help settle the dust, making the air very clear for photography. Most storms pass quickly and do not interfere with your game viewing schedule.

    Will I see the Big Five during this five day December journey?

    While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the route through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro offers the best chances. You are likely to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The Ngorongoro Crater provides the most reliable opportunity to spot the endangered black rhino.

    What kind of vehicle is used for the game drives?

    We use professional 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop up roofs for 360 degree wildlife viewing. These vehicles are designed to handle the terrain during the rainy season and come equipped with charging ports. There is also a small fridge for cold drinks to keep you comfortable during the day.

    Is it possible to customize the 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in December?

    Yes, we can adjust the itinerary to include specific interests like birdwatching or a visit to a Maasai village. You can also upgrade your accommodation to luxury lodges if you prefer more comfort during the festive season. Our team is happy to help you tailor the experience to your needs.

    Are park fees included in the package price?

    The package includes all national park entry fees and conservation taxes for the parks mentioned in the itinerary. There are no hidden costs for the standard activities listed. We handle all the permits so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife.

    What should I pack for a 5-day December safari?

    You should pack light clothing for the day and warm layers for the early mornings and evenings. A waterproof jacket is essential for the occasional afternoon rain showers. Don't forget a hat, sunblock, binoculars, and a good camera to capture the lush scenery.

    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 at scenic picnic spots and time to stretch your legs. Your guide will coordinate the timing to ensure you see the most action.

    Is birdwatching good during the 5-day December safari in Serengeti Migration?

    December is one of the best months for birding because migratory species from Europe and North Africa are present. You will see a huge variety of colorful birds in their breeding plumage. The lush vegetation provides a perfect habitat for both resident and migratory species.

    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. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if you inform us in advance.

    REVIEWS FOR Experience the Great Migration on a Serengeti Migration Safari In December

    Write a Review

    the best safari ever

    5/5

    The green scenery was breathtaking and the guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was very knowledgeable.

    By: Elena Volkov
    From: Flag RU

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    wildlife at it's best

    5/5

    We spent our Christmas in the Serengeti and it was the best decision we ever made for our family. The wildebeest herds were everywhere in the central plains.

    By: Hans Gruber
    From: Flag AU

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    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    I loved the afternoon storms and the rainbows that followed over the savannah.

    By: Sarah Jenkins
    From: Flag US

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    well organized safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized everything perfectly and the 4x4 vehicle was very comfortable even in the rain. We saw four of the Big Five on the first two days.

    By: Matteo Rossi
    From: Flag IT

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    fantastic adventure

    5/5

    The Ngorongoro Crater felt like a garden of Eden in December with so many flowers and animals.

    By: Chloe Bennett
    From: Flag GB

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    good service, good safari

    5/5

    A very professional service with a friendly guide who knew every bird and animal in the park. The food at the lodges was surprisingly delicious.

    By: Robert van den Berg
    From: Flag NL

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    wildlife at it's best

    5/5

    The lighting for photography was perfect during our 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in December.

    By: Jean-Pierre Laurent
    From: Flag FR

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    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    We were lucky to see a leopard with its kill in the Seronera Valley. The organization was smooth and we felt very safe throughout the journey.

    By: Kenji Tanaka
    From: Flag JP

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    fantastic adventure

    5/5

    A wonderful adventure that exceeded all my expectations for the green season.

    By: Sofia Fernandez
    From: Flag ES

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    the most amazing safari

    5/5

    This was my first time in Africa and everything went according to plan. The elephants in Tarangire were massive and very impressive to watch.

    By: Emily Thompson
    From: Flag CA

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