5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari in September

Book a 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in September to see the Mara River crossings. Explore Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater with professional guides.

Discover the Mara River Action on a Serengeti Migration Safari In September

This 5-day Serengeti Migration safari in September takes you to the heart of the Mara River crossings. Witness thousands of wildebeests brave crocodile-infested waters in the Northern Serengeti. The journey also explores Tarangire’s giant elephants and the prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater. This 5-day safari in September is designed for travelers seeking the most dramatic wildlife action in Tanzania during the peak of the dry season.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire (Full Day Tour)
Day 2
Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)
Day 3
Central Serengeti – 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: Serengeti Safari Lodge
3
Day 3
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Angata 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) – Arusha

Arrival (Kilimanjaro Airport) – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This city is the gateway to the northern safari circuit and sits at the foot of Mount Meru. You will meet your guide for a short briefing about the 5-day September safari in Serengeti Migration and check your equipment. The evening is for resting and enjoying the cool highland air. Many travelers enjoy a short walk around the hotel gardens to spot local birds before the adventure starts.

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 begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, which takes about 2 to 3 hours over 120 kilometers. In September, Tarangire is a haven for wildlife as animals gather around the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the area. 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 climbing the low branches of a tree to escape ground insects. 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 leopard lounging on a low acacia branch right beside the road.

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 – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Today you travel north to reach the heart of the great migration action. The drive covers 140 kilometers and takes 5 hours through rolling hills and woodlands. This 5-day safari in September focuses on reaching the Mara River area where the wildebeest herds congregate before crossing into Kenya. 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: Angata 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 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 seeing a cheetah mother playing with her cubs on a termite mound. You will return to your central lodge for your final night.

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 (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 September, 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 September

    What is the best time to see river crossings on a 5-day September safari in Serengeti Migration?

    September is the peak month for the dramatic crossings at the Mara River. The herds are usually gathered in the north during this time. You can witness thousands of animals braving the water and predators

    Will I see the Big Five on this 5-day safari in September?

    This itinerary visits Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. These locations provide the best chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The crater floor is particularly famous for having all five species in a small area.

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

    The dry season provides clear skies and thin vegetation which is ideal for wildlife photography. You can capture sharp images of the river crossings and predator action. The lighting during the golden hour is truly spectacular in the northern plains.

    What should I pack for the weather in September?

    The weather is generally dry and warm during the day but can be very cold at night. You should bring warm layers for the early morning game drives. A light scarf or buff is also useful for the dusty roads.

    How long are the drives between the national parks?

    The longest drive is about 6 hours between Tarangire and the Central Serengeti. Other transfers take between 3 and 5 hours. We include many stops for animal sightings and lunch to make the travel comfortable.

    Can I customize this 5-day September safari in Serengeti Migration?

    We offer several options for customization including upgrading your accommodation or adding a hot air balloon flight. You can discuss your interests with our team to adjust the daily schedule. Private tours are also available for a more personalized experience.

    What kind of vehicle is used for the game drives?

    We use professional 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop up roofs designed for the best wildlife viewing. These vehicles are well maintained to handle the rugged terrain and dusty tracks. They come equipped with charging ports and a small fridge for cold drinks.

    Is it safe to travel in Tanzania during September?

    Tanzania is a very safe destination for tourists throughout the year. Our professional guides are trained to handle all situations and ensure your safety during the game drives. The parks are well managed and the lodges provide a secure environment.

    Are meals included in the safari package?

    Yes, the package includes full board meals which means breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. You will enjoy a mix of international and local Tanzanian cuisine at the lodges. Picnic lunches are served in the bush during full day game drives.

    Is birdwatching good during the month of September?

    September is a fantastic time for birding as resident species are very active. You can see a huge variety of raptors, waterbirds, and colorful grassland species in every park. The lack of foliage on trees makes spotting smaller birds much easier.

    REVIEWS FOR Discover the Mara River Action on a Serengeti Migration Safari In September

    Write a Review

    the best safari ever

    5/5

    Watching the river crossing in the Northern Serengeti was the most intense experience of my life.

    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 in the Serengeti. The 5-day September safari was organized flawlessly from start to finish.

    By: Brianna Miller
    From: Flag US

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    wildlife at it's best

    5/5

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

    By: Wolfgang Weber
    From: Flag DE

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    fantastic adventure

    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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    the best safari ever

    5/5

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

    By: Jean-Pierre Dupont
    From: Flag FR

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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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    incredible safari

    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 unforgettable

    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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    well organized 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 most amazing safari

    5/5

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

    By: Yuki Tanaka
    From: Flag JP

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