Migration Serengeti 7 Days
Serengeti Migration: Follow the Herds to the Crater
- ✦ Time your trip with the Mara River crossings
- ✦ Mobile luxury camp follows the herds
- ✦ Predator-rich plains: lion, cheetah, leopard
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From
$4,200
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Mahale & Serengeti: Forest Chimps to Open Plains
Mahale & Serengeti 11 Days From $14,200 per person
Overview
The journey
Two of the rarest wildlife experiences on the planet in one journey: an hour with a chimpanzee family in the forests of Mahale, and the Serengeti's predator plains. Between them, days of doing nothing at all on a beach at the edge of the second-deepest lake in the world.
Why this safari
What makes it different
11 days, 4 ecosystems, one private vehicle and guide — and the option to fly the long legs.
4 distinct ecosystems in 11 days
Arusha · Mahale · Central Serengeti · Ngorongoro — each chosen for a different animal, landscape and light, and ordered so you never double back.
A tight, purposeful route with no wasted days
Every move is planned around game movements and light, so short days still deliver full game-viewing mornings.
Your own 4x4 Land Cruiser and private guide
No shared vehicles and no fixed departure times — you decide when to leave camp, how long to sit with a sighting, and where to have breakfast.
Flown, not driven — included at Ultra-Luxury
Private charters between Mahale Mountains, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater save roughly 40 hours of road time and are included in the Ultra-Luxury price.
Ultra-Luxury is genuinely all-inclusive
All meals, premium drinks, laundry, park and conservancy fees, private guiding and the charter flights are in the price. You should not need your wallet until you tip.
Priced honestly, with fees shown up front
Park and conservation fees, taxes and levies are itemised on your proforma invoice — 50% confirms the booking and the balance is due before travel.
Flying package
Fly between parks, conservancies and countries
Private Cessna Caravan or Grand Caravan charter, meet-and-greet planeside. 15kg per person in soft bags on charter sectors — extra seats can be blocked for luggage.
Pick the legs you'd like to fly — the rest stay on the road in your 4x4.
Saves about 40 hours on the road — time you spend in camp instead.
No flights added yet — every transfer is by road.
At a glance
Trip essentials
Best season
Year-round — region depends on migration position
Pace & difficulty
Relaxed — long stays, few moves · Easy — suitable for all ages
Group size
Private departure — 2 to 6 guests per vehicle
Game viewing
36–48 hours of guided game viewing across 6 active days
Destinations routed
Arusha National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater
Ideal for
Families with children · Safari-and-beach combinations · Private departures for 2–6 guests
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Every day is planned to the hour, with the flexibility to change anything before you confirm.
Route overview
- 1
Arusha National Park
Day 1 · 1 night
- 2
Serengeti National Park
Days 2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9 · 8 nights
- 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Day 10 · 1 night
- 4
Serengeti National Park
Day 11 · journey ends
- 1Arrival
Day 1 · Arrive Kilimanjaro
Arusha National Park
Transfer to a coffee estate lodge outside Arusha.
MorningArrival, immigration assistance and meet-and-greet by your Perch Africa representative
AfternoonTransfer, luggage re-pack for light aircraft, and a full trip briefing with your guide
EveningWelcome dinner and route walkthrough with your safari specialist
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Legendary Lodge Arusha
Dinner
Private airport transfer
Visa/e-TA must be approved before departure — we send the checklist on booking
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)
- 2Beach
Day 2 · Fly to Mahale
Serengeti National Park
Boat experienceScenic flightLong charter west across Tanzania to Lake Tanganyika, then dhow transfer along the shore to camp.
MorningSunrise swim followed by a guided walk along the tide line
AfternoonOptional deep-sea fishing, kite-surfing lesson or a spa treatment
EveningDhow sundowner cruise followed by dinner under the stars
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Greystoke Mahale
All inclusive
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Scheduled light-aircraft flight
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers
- 3Safari
Day 3 · First chimp trek
Serengeti National Park
Primate trackingGuided walkTrek into the forest with the Mahale researchers to find the M-group chimpanzees.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — mobile camping that follows the migration
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then walking safaris in northern concessions
EveningSundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Greystoke Mahale
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari
- 4Beach
Day 4 · Second chimp trek
Serengeti National Park
Guided walkA second trek — the forest is different every day — then swimming and kayaking off the beach.
MorningSlow breakfast on the terrace, then the reef at high tide — snorkelling over the coral gardens
AfternoonFree afternoon: paddleboards, kayaks or a book in the shade of the palms
EveningSunset cocktails on the sand, then a seafood dinner grilled to order
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Greystoke Mahale
All inclusive
Private road transfer; boat and dhow for excursions
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
A warm fleece for pre-dawn drives — it is genuinely cold before sunrise
- 5Beach
Day 5 · Lake day
Serengeti National Park
Boat experienceOcean experienceSundownersDhow sailing, snorkelling on the cichlid reefs, and a sundowner on the lake.
MorningSunrise swim followed by a guided walk along the tide line
AfternoonOptional deep-sea fishing, kite-surfing lesson or a spa treatment
EveningDhow sundowner cruise followed by dinner under the stars
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Greystoke Mahale
All inclusive
Private road transfer; boat and dhow for excursions
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and a swimsuit for the coast
- 6
TransitDay 6 · Fly to the Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
Scenic flightCharter east to the central Serengeti. Afternoon drive among the Seronera kopjes.
MorningScheduled light-aircraft flight
AfternoonAfternoon game drive on arrival — hot-air balloon safari over the plains
EveningCamp orientation, hot showers, sundowners and a three-course dinner
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Namiri Plains
All inclusive
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Spare camera batteries and double the memory cards you think you need
- 7
SafariDay 7 · Cheetah country
Serengeti National Park
Wildlife viewingFull day on the eastern plains, the best cheetah density in the Serengeti.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — mobile camping that follows the migration
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then walking safaris in northern concessions
EveningSundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Namiri Plains
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)
- 8
SafariDay 8 · Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
Game driveSundownersDawn drive, midday at camp, late-afternoon predator work with sundowners on the plains.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — walking safaris in northern concessions
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then game drives across seronera, western corridor, northern serengeti
EveningSundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Namiri Plains
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers
- 9
TransitDay 9 · To the Ngorongoro Highlands
Serengeti National Park
Private transferDrive south through the Serengeti to the crater rim, with Olduvai Gorge en route.
MorningEarly departure with a picnic breakfast, arriving Serengeti National Park before midday
AfternoonAfternoon game drive on arrival — game drives across seronera, western corridor, northern serengeti
EveningCamp orientation, hot showers, sundowners and a three-course dinner
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
The Highlands Ngorongoro
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof
Approx. 4 h on the road
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari
- 10
SafariDay 10 · Crater descent
Ngorongoro Crater
Wildlife viewingDown to the crater floor at gate opening for rhino, tusker elephant and the flamingo shallows of Lake Magadi.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — visit to olduvai gorge & museum
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then maasai cultural village
EveningSundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars
Highlights
- Black rhino sightings
- Big Five in a single morning
- Spectacular crater-rim sunrise descents
The Highlands Ngorongoro
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Conservation fee: USD 70.80/adult + USD 295/vehicle crater service fee
Vehicles allowed on crater floor 06:00–16:00 only
A warm fleece for pre-dawn drives — it is genuinely cold before sunrise
- 11Departure
Day 11 · Departure
Serengeti National Park
Scenic flightDrive or fly to Kilimanjaro for your onward flight.
MorningFinal sunrise game drive or a slow breakfast, then check-out and pack
AfternoonScheduled light-aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro for your onward f
EveningAssisted check-in for your international flight home
Highlights
- The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
- Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
- Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions
Accommodation confirmed on booking
Breakfast
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Scheduled light-aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro for your onward f
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)
Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)
Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and a swimsuit for the coast
You leave Arusha National Park with the sound of the plains still in your ears — and a standing invitation to come back for the season you missed.
Transparent pricing
Park & conservation fees included
| Destination | Type | Per adult / day | Days | Per adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha National Park | Park entry fee | $60 | 1 | $60 |
| Serengeti National Park | Park entry fee | $250 | 8 | $2,000 |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Park entry fee | $295 | 1 | $295 |
| Total statutory fees per adult | $2,355 | |||
Children under 12 pay 50% and infants under 3 are free. Your proforma invoice itemises 16% VAT, the 2% catering levy and the 2% service charge separately.
What's included
- All accommodation as listed, on the meal plan shown for each day
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof, window seat guaranteed
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Scheduled light-aircraft flights on the internal legs shown in the itinerary
- All game drives and activities named in the itinerary
- All park, reserve and conservation fees for the routed destinations
- Airport meet-and-greet plus all transfers in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle and camp laundry where offered
- Flying-doctor evacuation cover (AMREF) for the safari days
- 24/7 in-country support line and a proforma invoice with every quote
- Beach transfers and one guided marine excursion at the coast
Not included
- International flights and airport departure taxes
- Visa / e-TA fees and travel insurance (both mandatory)
- Premium drinks, champagne and imported spirits
- Optional extras: hot-air balloon, private guide, spa, diving
- Tips for guides, camp staff and drivers (guidance provided pre-departure)
- Personal shopping, telephone and anything not listed as included
What to pack
- ✦Neutral safari clothing — greens, browns, khaki (avoid blue and black)
- ✦Warm fleece and windproof layer for early-morning drives
- ✦Wide-brim hat, polarised sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- ✦Binoculars (one pair per person) and a zoom lens if you shoot
- ✦Insect repellent with DEET, plus antimalarials as advised by your doctor
- ✦Soft duffel bag of 15 kg per person for light-aircraft legs
- ✦Universal adaptor and a power bank — camp power is generator-timed
- ✦Copies of passport, insurance and yellow-fever certificate where required
Health & safety
- ✦Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari areas — confirm with your doctor
- ✦Yellow-fever certificate required when entering from an endemic country
- ✦Camps are unfenced: always walk with an askari escort after dark
- ✦Never stand up or lean out of the vehicle during a sighting
- ✦Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is mandatory
- ✦Flying-doctor evacuation cover is included for your safari days
Good to know
- ✦Tanzania e-visa should be applied for at least 10 days before travel
- ✦Ngorongoro Crater descent is charged per vehicle per 6-hour period
- ✦Serengeti fees are levied on a 24-hour basis from the time of entry
- ✦18% VAT applies to Tanzanian park fees and is shown on your invoice
- ✦16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge are itemised on your proforma invoice
- ✦Book 6–9 months ahead for July–October and the festive season
- ✦Drones are prohibited in national parks without a written permit
- ✦A deposit of 50% confirms your dates; the balance is due 45 days before travel
Guest reviews & credentials
Why travellers trust us with the Mahale & Serengeti: Forest Chimps to Open Plains
“Our guide read the plains like a book — we were the only vehicle at a leopard sighting twice. Every transfer, camp and park fee was exactly as quoted.”
Maasai Mara · 6 nights
“Travelling with a 6-year-old and grandparents could have been chaos. Perch planned the driving days around nap times and picked family tents with connecting rooms.”
Amboseli & Tsavo · 5 nights
“The migration timing advice was spot on. When one camp went full they moved us to a better one in the same conservancy at no extra cost, same day.”
Serengeti & Ngorongoro · 8 nights
KPSGA silver & gold guides
Every driver-guide is Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified, with 8+ years in the parks on your route.
Licensed tour operator
Registered with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (Kenya) and TALA-licensed operations in Tanzania.
AMREF Flying Doctors cover
Air-evacuation cover for every guest for the full duration of the safari, included in your rate.
Vehicle & safety standards
Serviced 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, first-aid kits, satellite comms and daily driver check-ins.
Transparent proforma pricing
Park fees, conservancy levies, 16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge itemised before you pay.
4.9 / 5 guest rating
Across 380+ reviewed departures, with a 62% repeat-and-referral rate from past travellers.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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