8 Days Serengeti Migration Birdwatching Safari

Day by day Itinerary

Arrival Day: 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 villages and coffee farms. This is a relaxing day to prepare for your adventure. You might see the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu or the Speckled Mousebird in the hotel gardens. Resting here ensures you are ready for the early start tomorrow.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park then Manyara or Karatu

Your safari begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven for raptors and baobab dwelling birds. You will spend the day searching for the Ashy Starling and the Yellow-collared Lovebird, which are endemic to this area. The travel distance is 150 kilometers and takes about 3 hours. A positive moment is watching a Martial Eagle soar above the Tarangire River while elephants bathe below. In the evening, you will drive to Manyara or Karatu for your overnight stay.

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Karatu Safari Camp Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Manyara or Karatu to Serengeti for a Half-Day Game Drive

After breakfast, you head toward the Serengeti through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. As you enter the plains, look for the Secretary Bird walking through the grass. This 8-day birdwatching safari in Serengeti Migration offers a chance to see the transition from forest to savannah species. The drive is about 200 kilometers and takes 5 hours. You might see a Kori Bustard, the heaviest flying bird, performing a mating display on the open plains.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Serengeti Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central to Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour

Today you travel north following the movement of the wildebeest herds. This journey across the park allows you to see different habitats and their resident birds. The distance is about 150 kilometers and takes 4 to 5 hours. Keep your binoculars ready for the Usambiro Barbet and various vultures circling above the migration. A surprising moment is finding a dense concentration of Lesser Kestrels following the herds to catch insects disturbed by the moving animals.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Migration Camp

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti Full Day Migration River Crossing

The focus today is on the Mara River, where the Great Migration crosses. While waiting for the wildebeests to move, you can observe water birds like the Giant Kingfisher and the Goliath Heron. This is a highlight of your 8-day birdwatching safari where you witness life and death struggles. You may see a Saddle-billed Stork patiently fishing near the riverbank while thousands of wildebeests gather nearby. The drama of the crossing is matched only by the diversity of the riverine birdlife.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Migration Camp

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour to Central Serengeti

You begin your journey back to the Central Serengeti, exploring different loops along the way. This area is excellent for spotting Fischer’s Lovebirds in the acacia trees. The drive covers 150 kilometers and takes roughly 4 hours. You might experience the sight of a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl perched in a shady tree during the heat of the day. The changing scenery provides a constant stream of new sightings for your bird list.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Serengeti Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Central Serengeti Full Day Tour

Spend the day in the Seronera Valley, where permanent water attracts many bird species year round. You will look for the Grey-breasted Spurfowl and various sunbirds in the flowering bushes. This 8-day birdwatching safari gives you ample time to photograph species that are often missed on faster tours. A positive moment is finding a Malachite Kingfisher perched on a reed near a small swamp. You will also have the chance to see large predators like lions and leopards.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Serengeti Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Serengeti Morning Game Drive to Ngorongoro

Enjoy a final morning in the Serengeti before driving toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route takes you through the Malanja Depression where you can spot grassland birds. The drive is about 140 kilometers and takes 4 hours. As you reach the crater rim, the birdlife changes to highland forest species like the Schalow’s Turaco. The view from the rim is spectacular as the sun begins to set over the caldera.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Angata Ngorongoro Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour to Arusha

The final day is spent on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. This collapsed volcano is home to a soda lake that attracts thousands of Lesser Flamingos. You will also search for the Rosy-throated Longclaw in the moist grasslands. After a picnic lunch, you drive back to Arusha, a trip of 180 kilometers taking 4 hours. A memorable moment is seeing an Augur Buzzard perched on a high rock overlooking the entire crater floor.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

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.

Tour Cost

No of pax	Adult Price	Child Price
1 Pax	From $3,485 pp	From $2,614 pp
2 Pax	From $2,460 pp	From $1,845 pp
3 Pax	From $2,118 pp	From $1,589 pp
4 Pax	From $1,948 pp	From $1,461 pp
5 Pax	From $1,845 pp	From $1,384 pp
6 Pax	From $1,777 pp	From $1,333 pp
7+ Pax	From $1,728 pp	From $1,296 pp

PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

✓ All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

✓ All Taxes/VAT

✓ All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

✓ Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

✓ Rescue fee

Exclusions

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Personal items

Tips: tipping guideline

The Booking Form

8 Days Serengeti Migration Birdwatching Safari

Book an 8-day Serengeti Migration birdwatching safari to see rare birds and the Great Migration. Explore Tarangire and Ngorongoro with expert birding guides.

N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.

1 2 3 4 5

Booking form

This form has four short pages please enter valid details. Filling this forms marks the official first step of your booking with us. After its submission you will receive an e-mail in the coming few hours telling you what to do next.

Personal Details

Contact Details

Travelers in Numbers

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Dates & Reach

When do you want to travel?

Before you book

FAQs about 8 Days Serengeti Migration Birdwatching Safari

What makes an 8-day Serengeti Migration birdwatching safari different from a regular safari?

This safari specifically allocates time for stopping and identifying bird species that are often ignored on standard tours. While we still follow the Great Migration and look for big cats, the guide focuses on avian habitats and behaviors. It is a slower paced experience that allows for detailed observation and photography of both birds and mammals.

How many bird species can I expect to see on an 8-day birdwatching safari?

Tanzania is home to over 1,000 bird species, and on this specific route, it is common to identify between 200 and 300 species. The variety of ecosystems from the Tarangire swamps to the Serengeti plains ensures a high count. Your expert guide will help distinguish between similar looking species throughout the journey.

Is the Great Migration visible during this birdwatching tour?

Yes, the itinerary is designed to follow the migration herds into the Northern Serengeti. This allows you to witness the river crossings while also observing the birds that follow the migration. An 8-day birdwatching safari in Serengeti Migration provides the best of both worlds for nature lovers.

Do I need specialized equipment for birdwatching on this tour?

We recommend bringing a high quality pair of binoculars, ideally 8x42 or 10x42, for the best viewing experience. A camera with a long telephoto lens is also helpful for capturing clear images of distant birds. We provide bird guidebooks in the vehicle, but bringing your own checklist is a good idea.

Are the guides specifically trained in ornithology?

Our guides are general wildlife experts with specialized training in bird identification and calls. They understand the nesting habits and migratory patterns of Tanzanian birds. Their ability to spot small birds in thick foliage is a key part of the 8-day birdwatching safari experience.

What is the best time of year for birdwatching in the Serengeti?

The best time is during the North Ridge summer from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present. However, the migration river crossings happen between July and October. This 8-day birdwatching safari is successful year round because of the many resident species.

Can the itinerary be adjusted to search for a specific rare bird?

We can certainly try to accommodate requests for specific species if they are known to be in the areas we visit. Your guide will use their local knowledge to visit spots where rare birds like the Karamoja Apalis have been sighted. Please inform us of your "target list" before the trip starts.

What kind of terrain will we encounter during the 8-day birdwatching safari?

You will experience everything from dry savannah and baobab woodlands to highland forests and soda lakes. Each terrain hosts a different set of bird species, making every day unique. The vehicle stays on established tracks, but the views change constantly as you move through the parks.

Are there any walking opportunities to see birds up close?

Most birdwatching is done from the vehicle, but there are designated stretches near lodges or at picnic sites where short walks are possible. These walks are great for spotting forest birds that are hard to see from a car. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding safety in areas with wild animals.

Does this package include all park fees and birding permits?

Yes, all national park entrance fees and conservation fees are included in the package price. There are no hidden permits required for birdwatching in these areas. You can focus entirely on your bird list while we handle all the logistics and paperwork.

Amizing wildlife safari

5/5

The 8-day Serengeti Migration birdwatching safari was a dream come true for my photography hobby. We saw over 250 species and the migration crossings were a fantastic bonus.

By: Samuel Thorne

From: