9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari with Birdwatching

Day by day Itinerary

Arrival Day: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

A driver from our team will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your transfer to Arusha. The drive takes about one hour through local coffee plantations. This evening serves as your orientation for the 9-day Serengeti Migration Birdwatching safari. You will meet your specialist guide to discuss the bird checklist and the migration's current location. Spend the night resting in Arusha to prepare for an early start the next morning

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park Manyara/Karatu

After breakfast, you will travel 120 kilometers to Tarangire National Park, a journey of nearly 3 hours. Tarangire is a paradise for birders with over 550 recorded species. You will look for the endemic Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird among the ancient baobab trees. While watching elephants drink at the river, you may see different raptors like the Bateleur eagle circling above. In the late afternoon, you will drive to Karatu for your overnight stay.

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Country Lodge Karatu

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Manyara/Karatu to Serengeti (Half-Day Game Drive)

You will depart for the Serengeti, covering 240 kilometers over roughly 6 hours. As you climb the Ngorongoro crater rim, keep an eye out for montane bird species in the forest. Once you enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill, you will start seeing ground-dwelling birds like the Secretary bird and Kori Bustard. The transition from the highlands to the open plains offers a great variety of sightings. You will reach your camp in the central Serengeti by late afternoon.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Safari Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Today you travel 140 kilometers north toward the Mara River, which takes about 5 hours. This route passes through various acacia woodlands where you can spot the Silverbird and the Magpie Shrike. The northern region has different vegetation that attracts unique avian species. A positive moment often involves seeing a pride of lions resting while vultures wait patiently in nearby trees. You will arrive at your northern camp in time for birding around the camp site before dinner.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti (Full Day migration river crossing)

The focus today is the Mara River to witness the wildebeest crossing. While waiting for the herds, you will observe water-associated birds like the Giant Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle. The riverbanks are busy with Nile crocodiles and hippos, providing a dramatic backdrop. Marabou Storks are often seen scavenging near the crossing points. This day allows you to see the raw power of the migration while checking off several riverine bird species.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti (Full Day migration river crossing)

You spend another day in the northern panhandle to maximize your migration sightings. Your guide will help you identify different species of vultures, such as the Lappet-faced and White-headed vultures, which follow the herds. This is a great time to observe the interaction between predators and scavengers. A pleasant surprise might be spotting a rare Pel’s Fishing Owl in the trees along the river. The slow pace of waiting for crossings is perfect for detailed bird observations

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Savannah Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

You will drive back to the Central Serengeti, a trip of 5 hours through the heart of the park. This area is famous for the Lilac-breasted Roller and several species of Hornbills. You will stop at various swampy areas to look for the Saddle-billed Stork and different herons. The Seronera Valley provides a high concentration of wildlife including leopards and cheetahs. You will return to your central camp as the sun sets over the golden savannah.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exterior - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Free daily English breakfast - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Outdoor pool - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Aerial view - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Outdoor banquet area - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Property grounds - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Standard Room - Extra beds - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served 33 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 7: Central Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

This full day is dedicated to the Seronera area, which is rich in both cats and birds. You will explore the kopjes, which are large rock formations that serve as nesting sites for Verreaux’s Eagles. Your guide will use their expertise to find the Grey-breasted Spurfowl, another Tanzanian endemic. Observing the social weaver birds building their massive nests is a fascinating highlight of the day. The open plains make it easy to spot raptors hunting in the grass.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Seronera Wildlife Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Serengeti (Morning Game Drive) to Ngorongoro

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, you will head toward the Ngorongoro highlands. The 4-hour drive takes you through the transition zone where the plains meet the volcanic hills. You will notice a shift in bird life as you reach the cooler, humid forest on the crater rim. Seeing the sun set over the crater floor from your lodge is a peaceful experience. You might spot Schalow’s Turaco with its bright red wings flying through the forest canopy.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour) to Arusha

You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour game drive. Lake Magadi, the soda lake on the crater floor, is often pink with thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingos. You will also look for the rare black rhino and large tusker elephants. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, you will drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha. This 4-hour journey marks the completion of your 9-day Birdwatching safari in Serengeti Migration.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch

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 $4,204 pp	From $3,153 pp
2 Pax	From $2,899 pp	From $2,174 pp
3 Pax	From $2,464 pp	From $1,848 pp
4 Pax	From $2,247 pp	From $1,685 pp
5 Pax	From $2,116 pp	From $1,587 pp
6 Pax	From $2,029 pp	From $1,522 pp
7+ Pax	From $1,967 pp	From $1,475 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

9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari with Birdwatching

Experience the 9-day Serengeti Migration Birdwatching safari. Witness the Great Migration and discover hundreds of bird species in Tarangire and Serengeti.

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

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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.

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Before you book

FAQs about 9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari with Birdwatching

What makes the 9-day Serengeti Migration Birdwatching safari unique?

This safari is unique because it combines the high-energy wildebeest migration with the patient art of birdwatching. You get to explore multiple ecosystems that house over 500 different bird species alongside the Big Five.

Which endemic bird species can I see on a 9-day Birdwatching safari?

You can expect to see several species found only in Tanzania, such as the Ashy Starling and the Grey-breasted Spurfowl. Your guide will specifically target habitats where these rare birds are known to reside.

Is a 9-day Birdwatching safari in Serengeti Migration suitable for beginners?

Yes, this tour is perfect for both experienced birders and those who are just starting. The guides are very skilled at identifying birds and will explain their behaviors and habitats in simple terms.

What birdwatching equipment should I bring for the safari?

A good pair of binoculars with 8x42 or 10x42 magnification is essential for seeing distant birds clearly. A field guide book for East African birds and a camera with a long lens are also highly recommended

Can I see the Big Five while birdwatching?

Absolutely, the parks you visit are some of the best in Africa for seeing lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos. Birdwatching often leads us to quiet areas where these large animals are resting undisturbed.

How many bird species are usually seen on this 9-day safari?

Depending on the season and your interest level, it is common to identify between 200 and 350 different species. Your guide will keep a daily checklist to track your sightings throughout the trip.

What is the best month for birdwatching in the Serengeti?

While birding is good year-round, the months from November to April are excellent because migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present. However, July to October is best if you want to see the migration river crossings too.

Are the safari vehicles equipped for bird photographers?

The 4x4 vehicles have large windows and pop-up roofs that provide a stable platform for photography. There are also charging points in the cars to keep your camera batteries ready for action.

Does this package include a specialist birding guide?

Yes, we provide guides who have extensive knowledge of avian biology and vocalizations. Having a specialist ensures you don't miss small or camouflaged birds that a general guide might overlook.

Can we adjust the schedule to spend more time on specific birds?

Since this is often a private or small group tour, you can discuss your priorities with your guide each morning. If you want to spend an hour photographing a specific owl or eagle, the schedule can be adjusted.

Amazing safari

5/5

The 9-day Serengeti Migration Birdwatching safari exceeded my expectations with over 300 species identified.

By: Arne Nilsson

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