9 Days Serengeti Migration Research Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a driver from our team. You will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, which takes about one hour. This evening is for resting and preparing for your 9-day research safari in Serengeti Migration. You will have a briefing with your guide to discuss the research objectives, such as identifying predator prides and noting migration patterns. This setup ensures you are ready for a data-driven adventure.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Kibo Palace Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, you drive 120 kilometers to Tarangire National Park, a trip of nearly 3 hours. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population and giant baobab trees. Your research begins by observing elephant family dynamics and the impact of these giants on the vegetation. A positive surprise often happens when you see a dung beetle rolling its prize across the road, a small but vital part of the ecosystem. You will overnight in the Karatu area

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Karatu Simba Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Today you travel to the Serengeti National Park, covering 240 kilometers over 6 hours. On the way, you pass through the Ngorongoro highlands. Once you enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, you start your first game drive. You will look for cheetahs in the short grass plains and note their hunting territories. Reaching your central camp by sunset allows you to enjoy the sounds of the African night while reviewing your daily observations

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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The journey continues 140 kilometers north toward the Mara River, taking about 5 hours. This route follows the massive herds of the Great Migration. Your guide will explain how researchers track these animals using GPS collars and satellite data. A pleasant moment occurs when you spot a rare bird species, such as a Secretary bird, hunting in the grasslands. You will arrive at your northern camp, positioned perfectly for migration research.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Spend the day near the Mara River observing the Great Migration river crossings. You will witness the intensity of the wildebeest as they navigate the water and the crocodiles. Research here focuses on herd behavior and the survival rates of the calves. This dramatic event is a highlight of any 9-day research safari. You will have a picnic lunch in a safe area, allowing you to keep a constant eye on the river movements.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Another day is dedicated to the river crossings in the north. This allows for more detailed observations of the interaction between predators and prey. You will look for lions and leopards that stay near the river to hunt. A positive highlight is seeing a young wildebeest successfully reach the other bank after a struggle. The extra day ensures you capture the full scope of the migration’s northern phase.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

  

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After a final morning of data collection in the north, you begin the 5 hour return journey to the Central Serengeti. You will visit different waterholes and scan the plains for resident predators. This transition allows you to compare the behavior of the migrating herds with the resident animals of the Seronera Valley. You might encounter a large group of giraffes crossing the road, providing a great chance to study their unique patterns.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Explore the Seronera area for a full day, focusing on the high concentration of big cats. You will track lion prides and try to identify individual leopards by their whisker patterns. This region is a living laboratory for wildlife biologists. A very cool moment often happens when you see a group of hyenas at their den site in the early morning. The open plains here provide excellent visibility for long-term observation.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Enjoy a final morning drive in the Serengeti before heading to the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive takes about 4 hours. You will pass through Maasai lands where you can see traditional life. Reaching the crater rim, the air cools and the forest becomes lush. A highlight is the first view into the crater floor from the viewpoint, which looks like a hidden world. You will spend the night on the rim, preparing for the final day.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6 hour game drive. This area is home to the rare black rhino and huge bull elephants. Your research here focuses on the isolation of species within the caldera. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha. This 4 hour trip marks the end of your 9-day Serengeti Migration research safari as you prepare for your flight home.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Kibo Palace Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch

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