Begin your migration journey with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a dry-season stronghold known for its massive elephant populations and scenic baobab-studded terrain. Game viewing in April and May is still excellent, with high chances of spotting giraffes, lions, and large herbivores near the Tarangire River.

Enjoy a relaxed game drive and overnight near the park’s edge — a quiet start before heading deep into Serengeti country.

Today, cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and head into the Central Serengeti, where lion prides and leopards stalk the Seronera Valley. Though most migration herds are now pushing west, some linger in the Central area — offering fantastic photography and predator interactions.

Check in at your tented camp or lodge in the heart of the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive as the sun dips behind the kopjes.

Depart early for a full-day safari sortie into the Western Serengeti, where the Great Migration is in full swing. From mid-May through June, the wildebeest gather in the Western Corridor — creating one of the best chances to witness Grumeti River crossings, often involving giant crocodiles and heart-pounding drama.

Whether or not a crossing occurs, the sheer density of wildlife, open plains, and predator activity makes this one of the most dynamic game-viewing areas in Tanzania. After a picnic lunch and exploration of the Grumeti area, return to your Central Serengeti lodge by sunset.

Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading southeast through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you may spot cheetahs on the move or hyenas trailing the migration path.

By late afternoon, descend into the crater highlands and arrive in Karatu, a peaceful lodge area set amid lush farmland and forests just outside the crater.

Rise early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often considered Africa’s most biodiverse game-viewing area. Spot black rhinos, lion prides, huge elephant bulls, and a variety of grazers in this dramatic volcanic caldera.

After lunch by the hippo pool, ascend and begin the drive back to Arusha — wrapping up your 5-day wildebeest migration safari through the most wildlife-rich corners of Tanzania.