Great Migration Safari: 5 Days in Northern Serengeti, August (4 Nights in Serengeti)

Planning a Great Migration safari in Tanzania? This 5-day Northern Serengeti safari in August with Capable Africa Tours is your chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the dramatic wildebeest migration river crossings. Spend 4 nights in Serengeti National Park, immersing yourself in an Africa wildlife adventure filled with Big Five sightings, expert-guided game drives, and eco-friendly camps. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this big game safari offers an unforgettable Serengeti river crossing safari experience. Read on for a detailed itinerary, pricing, and tips to make your August wildlife safari in Tanzania truly spectacular!

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Great Migration Safari Highlights

Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights (all in Serengeti National Park)
Destination: Northern Serengeti (14,763 km²)
Main Focus: Wildebeest migration, Mara River crossings, Big Five
Tour Style: Guided safari, small groups (2–8 people)
Best Time: August for 98% chance of river crossing sightings
Ideal For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, adventure seekers

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti

Why Choose a 5-Day Great Migration Safari in Northern Serengeti?

A 5-day Great Migration safari in Northern Serengeti during August is the ultimate Africa wildlife adventure. With Capable Africa Tours, you’ll spend 4 nights in Serengeti National Park, focusing on the Northern Serengeti’s Mara River region, where millions of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters in dramatic river crossings. This Northern Serengeti safari is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural spectacle, with expert guides leading you to prime viewing spots. Alongside the wildebeest migration, you’ll encounter the Big Five, cheetahs, and vibrant birdlife, all set against the Serengeti’s endless plains.

This big game safari balances thrilling game drives with comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations, ensuring a memorable experience for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. From cultural insights to optional hot-air balloon safaris, this August wildlife safari in Tanzania delivers adventure and awe in equal measure.

Detailed 5-Day Great Migration Safari Itinerary

This 5-day Northern Serengeti safari itinerary is crafted to immerse you in the wildebeest migration and big game sightings, with 4 nights spent in Serengeti National Park. Below is a day-by-day guide to your Africa wildlife adventure with Capable Africa Tours.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Transfer to Northern Serengeti

Your Great Migration safari begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern circuit. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to a domestic flight or drive to Northern Serengeti. Enjoy a game drive en route, spotting early wildlife like zebras and antelopes. Settle into your camp for the first of 4 nights in Serengeti.

Activities: Airport transfer, game drive en route
Highlights: First glimpse of Serengeti wildlife
Meals: Dinner at camp
Accommodation: Tented camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 2: Full-Day Northern Serengeti Game Drives

Dive into the heart of the wildebeest migration with a full-day game drive in Northern Serengeti. Focus on the Mara River, where herds gather for dramatic river crossings. Watch for lions, leopards, and crocodiles capitalizing on the migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the savannah.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
Highlights: Mara River crossings, Big Five sightings
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tented camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 3: Northern Serengeti Exploration & Optional Balloon Safari

Spend another thrilling day exploring Northern Serengeti’s migration routes. Morning and afternoon game drives offer more chances to witness river crossings and predator-prey interactions. Opt for a hot-air balloon safari (additional cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the herds. Your third of 4 nights in Serengeti awaits.

Activities: Game drives, optional balloon safari
Highlights: Migration herds, aerial views, cheetah sightings
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tented camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 4: Northern Serengeti & Cultural Experience

Continue your Serengeti river crossing safari with a morning game drive, targeting less-visited areas for intimate wildlife encounters. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about their traditions and lifestyle, adding cultural depth to your big game safari. Enjoy your final night of 4 nights in Serengeti.

Activities: Game drive, Maasai village visit
Highlights: Wildlife diversity, cultural immersion
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tented camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 5: Northern Serengeti to Arusha

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Northern Serengeti, soaking in the last moments of your Africa wildlife adventure. Transfer back to Arusha via domestic flight or road, with a scenic drive offering final wildlife sightings. Arrive in Arusha for your departure or onward travel.

Drive/Flight Time: Approx. 6–8 hours (road) or 1-hour flight
Highlights: Final game drive, scenic transfer
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Transfer to Arusha hotel or airport

Why This 5-Day Northern Serengeti Safari Stands Out

This 5-day Great Migration safari in Northern Serengeti, spending 4 nights in Serengeti National Park, offers unparalleled access to the wildebeest migration’s most dramatic moments. August is peak season for Mara River crossings, with a 98% chance of witnessing this spectacle. Expert guides from Capable Africa Tours ensure prime viewing spots, while small group sizes (2–8 people) provide a personalized big game safari experience. Eco-friendly camps support conservation, and optional activities like balloon safaris elevate your Africa wildlife adventure.

Great Migration Safari Gallery

Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti

What to Pack for Your Northern Serengeti Safari

Packing wisely ensures you’re prepared for your 5-day Great Migration safari in Northern Serengeti. Neutral-colored clothing blends into the environment, while binoculars and a camera capture the wildebeest migration. Below is a detailed packing list for your August wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Neutral Clothing: Beige/khaki long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection.
Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 for spotting distant river crossings.
Sunscreen & Hat: SPF 50+ and wide-brimmed hat for open savannah drives.
Insect Repellent: DEET-based for evenings near the Mara River.
Camera with Zoom: 200mm+ lens for capturing migration action.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during 4–6-hour game drives.
Light Jacket: For cool August mornings in Northern Serengeti.
Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toe shoes for light walks and transfers.

How Much Does a 5-Day Great Migration Safari Cost?

A 5-day Northern Serengeti safari in August typically costs between $2,200 and $4,500 per person, depending on accommodation type and group size. Budget options start at $2,200, while luxury safaris with premium camps can exceed $4,500. Here’s a breakdown:

Budget Safari: From $2,200 per person (shared camps, group tours).
Mid-Range Safari: $3,000–$3,800 per person (private vehicles, comfortable lodges).
Luxury Safari: From $4,500 per person (exclusive camps, premium services).

Price Inclusions & Exclusions for Your Great Migration Safari

The price for your 5-day Northern Serengeti safari includes essentials like park fees, game drives, and full-board meals. Exclusions typically cover international flights and optional activities. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your big game safari.

Price Inclusions

Round-trip transfers from Arusha
4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guides
Serengeti National Park entry fees
Full-board meals and eco-friendly lodging
Bottled water during game drives
Maasai village cultural tour

Price Exclusions

International flights to Tanzania
Domestic flights to/from Northern Serengeti
Travel or medical insurance
Tips for guides (~$10–15 pp/day, optional)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities like balloon safaris
Alcoholic beverages

Ready for Your Great Migration Safari?

Join Capable Africa Tours for a 5-day Northern Serengeti safari in August, spending 4 nights in Serengeti National Park. Witness the wildebeest migration’s Mara River crossings, spot the Big Five, and immerse yourself in Tanzania’s wildlife wonderland.

98% success rate for river crossing sightings
Expert-guided game drives in 4WD vehicles
Eco-friendly camps with full-board meals
Small groups for personalized experiences
Supports local conservation and communities

Limited spots available for this August wildlife safari in Tanzania—book now to secure your big game safari!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Great Migration Safari

1. Why is August ideal for a Great Migration safari in Northern Serengeti?

August is peak season for the Great Migration, with massive wildebeest herds crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, offering thrilling wildlife sightings.

2. What animals can I expect to see on this safari?

You’ll likely see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, and crocodiles during river crossings.

3. Is the 5-day Northern Serengeti safari suitable for families?

Yes, children aged 5 and above can join, with family-friendly vehicles and activities tailored for comfort and safety.

4. What is included in the safari price?

The price includes park fees, game drives, expert guides, full-board meals, lodging, and transfers from Arusha.

5. How physically demanding is this safari?

Minimal fitness is required; game drives involve light walking, suitable for most travelers.

6. What is the cancellation policy for this safari?

Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. Contact Capable Africa Tours for full terms.

7. How do I get to Northern Serengeti for this safari?

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Capable Africa Tours arranges transfers from Arusha to Northern Serengeti.

8. Can I customize this 5-day Great Migration safari?

Yes, Capable Africa Tours offers customizable options like private vehicles or adding a hot-air balloon safari.