12 Days Ultimate Migration & Crater Luxury Safari – Uganda & Tanzania

Embark on a 12-day luxury safari adventure to witness the spectacular Great Migration and explore Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. From the vast plains of Serengeti to the lush Ngorongoro Crater, this safari offers a perfect mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and luxury accommodations. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Safari Highlights

• Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in Serengeti National Park

• Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with wildlife

• Luxury game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro

• Visit Lake Manyara National Park for tree-climbing lions and birdlife

• Safari walks and cultural visits to local Maasai villages

• Stay in luxury lodges and tented camps with premium amenities

• All meals, park fees, and guided safari drives included

Belief Itinerary

This safari is designed for travelers who believe that luxury and adventure can coexist. It is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners, and families wanting comfort while exploring Africa’s natural wonders.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro / Arusha

• Activity: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be greeted by your professional safari guide. Transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge, your base before the safari adventure. Enjoy a welcome briefing outlining your itinerary, wildlife expectations, and travel guidelines.

• Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge – Luxury Room

• Meals: Dinner included

• Highlights: Relax in a tranquil coffee plantation, enjoy a welcome drink, and prepare for the safari ahead.

Travel Tip: Carry light layers as evenings in Arusha can be cool, and keep a small daypack handy for safari essentials.

Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

• Activity: After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Arrive for an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and large bird populations.

• Accommodation: Tarangire Tented Camp – Luxury Tent

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highlights: Baobab-dotted landscapes, spectacular wildlife photography opportunities, and peaceful riverine scenery.

Travel Tip: Tarangire is less crowded than other parks, so keep your binoculars ready for close wildlife encounters.

Day 3: Tarangire → Lake Manyara National Park

• Activity: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in this verdant park, home to tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and other wildlife.

• Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge – Luxury Suite

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highlights: Unique tree-climbing lion sightings, flamingo-covered lake shores, and diverse bird species.

Travel Tip: Use a telephoto lens for photography, as tree-climbing lions can be at a distance.

Days 4–6: Serengeti National Park – Wildlife & Great Migration

• Activity: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, exploring its endless plains and abundant wildlife. Daily morning and afternoon game drives allow you to witness the Big Five, cheetahs, leopards, and wildebeests. Depending on the season, observe the Great Migration – river crossings and massive herds moving across the plains.

• Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

• Accommodation: Serengeti Migration Camp – Luxury Tent

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highlights: Iconic African landscapes, predator tracking, migration spectacle, and unforgettable photography.

Travel Tip: Early mornings are chilly; wear warm layers. Sun protection is essential for daytime drives.

Day 7–8: Ngorongoro Crater

• Activity: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending 600 meters into the crater for full-day game drives. Witness dense wildlife populations in a unique volcanic landscape. Look out for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and critically endangered black rhinos.

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge – Luxury Suite

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highlights: Dramatic crater scenery, rhinos, large predators, and diverse herbivores grazing within a natural amphitheater.

Travel Tip: The crater can be cooler than the plains; carry warm jackets and closed shoes.

Days 9–10: Northern Serengeti / Mara River

• Activity: Travel to the Northern Serengeti, focusing on river crossings during the Great Migration season. Explore prime wildlife areas for photography and tracking predators. Daily game drives reveal lions, cheetahs, elephants, and abundant plains game.

• Accommodation: Serengeti Northern Tented Camp – Luxury Tent

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highlights: Migration river crossings, predator encounters, and the expansive Serengeti landscape.

Travel Tip: Binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses are essential for river-crossing observations.

Day 11: Serengeti → Arusha

• Activity: Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer back to Arusha for rest at your lodge. Reflect on your safari highlights while enjoying the lodge’s luxury amenities.

• Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge – Luxury Room

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Highlights: Scenic drive back through Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes, relaxation after an unforgettable safari.

Travel Tip: Light refreshments and snacks for the transfer journey are recommended.

Day. 12: Departure

• Activity: After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Carry memories, photos, and experiences of a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian safari adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast included

• Highlights: Farewell Tanzania, with highlights of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.

Inclusive

• Luxury accommodations throughout the safari

• All meals as indicated

• Park entrance fees and conservancy fees

• Experienced English-speaking safari guides

• Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs

• Airport transfers

Exclusive

• International flights to/from Africa

• Visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses, drinks, and tips

• Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural tours)

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable safari clothing (neutral colors)

• Warm layers for early morning game drives

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal toiletries

Travel Guidelines & Important Notes for Tanzania Safaris

We want your Tanzania safari experience to be smooth, safe, and memorable. To help with planning, please take note of the following guidelines and conditions:

1. Flexibility of the Itinerary

• The program provided is a sample itinerary, tailored to showcase Tanzania’s highlights. It can always be adjusted according to your preferences—whether you wish to extend your stay, change activities, or upgrade accommodations.

• While we always strive to follow the planned schedule, changes may occur due to weather, road conditions, government regulations, or operational requirements. In such cases, the route or order of activities may be adjusted for your comfort and safety.

2. Seasonal Activities & Advance Booking

• Some experiences, such as Serengeti Great Migration crossings, depend heavily on seasonal animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

• Peak seasons (Christmas, Easter, and school holidays) see high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure preferred lodges, flights, and activities.

3. Accommodation Options

• For most of our itineraries, we can provide luxury, midrange, or budget accommodation depending on your preferences and budget.

• All accommodation is carefully selected for comfort, location, and service standards. Availability may vary, but we will always offer the best alternatives.

4. Park Rules & Respect for Nature

• Tanzania’s national parks have strict conservation guidelines. Guests are required to respect wildlife and follow their guide’s instructions at all times.

• Feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited. Always maintain a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

• Park opening hours and regulations must be observed for the safety of both travelers and wildlife.

5. Health & Safety Guidelines

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country.

• We recommend being up-to-date with routine vaccinations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A/B).

• Malaria prevention is strongly advised—please consult your doctor for medication.

• Carry a personal medical kit and sufficient supply of prescription medicines.

6. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Tanzania is required.

• Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport/entry border.

• Ensure you also carry a copy of your travel insurance policy.

7. What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors during game drives).

• Warm sweater/jacket for early morning and evening drives.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Insect repellent.

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.

• Swimwear for lodges with pools or Zanzibar extensions.

• Camera/binoculars for wildlife photography.

• A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

8. Money & Payments

• The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted in lodges, camps, and parks.

• Carry small denominations in clean, newer USD notes (issued after 2006).

• Credit cards are accepted in most lodges, but surcharges may apply. ATMs are available in major towns.

9. Responsible Travel

• We encourage sustainable tourism. Please respect local cultures and communities, ask before taking photos, and support local businesses where possible.

• Reduce plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle or shopping bag.

• Tipping is customary in Tanzania, with guidelines available from your safari consultant.

10. Terms & Conditions

• By booking a safari, clients accept Pillars of Africa Safaris’ Terms & Conditions of business. These include details on cancellations, payments, liabilities, and service provisions.