9-Day Budget Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
Discover the Great Wildebeest Migration on a Budget
Are you dreaming of witnessing the famous Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti without breaking the bank? Our 9-Day Budget Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari is the perfect adventure for nature lovers looking for a cost-effective safari in Tanzania. Experience Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife event, see the Big Five, and relax in beautiful Zanzibar. This affordable package is designed to give you the best wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories.
In this guide, we share the full safari itinerary, estimated 9 day budget Serengeti Wildebeest Migration safari cost, best travel tips, and more. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or looking ahead to 2026, this is your go-to travel guide for an amazing Tanzania migration safari experience.
Safari Highlights
- See elephants up close in Tarangire National Park.
- Experience the Great Migration in Serengeti.
- Spot the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater.
- Enjoy a cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu village.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar after your safari.
- Travel with a guide who will help you spot animals and get around.












Tour Summary

Duration
9 Days

Vehicle Type
4WD Safari

Tour Type

Languages
Places to Visit
Tour Itinerary
Day to day Best of Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins in Arusha, where our friendly guide will meet you in the morning. After a short safari briefing, we drive to Tarangire National Park, which is about two hours away. This park is famous for its big elephant families, huge baobab trees, and many animals that gather near the Tarangire River. During the game drive, you’ll see zebras, giraffes, lions, and maybe even a leopard hiding in the trees. After a full day of wildlife viewing, we’ll head to Manyara Best View Lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
Arusha City Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Lake Manyara National Park
- Room Type: Silver room
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Travel Time
The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Arusha city to Tarangire National Park is approximately 2 hours by road. The distance is about 120 kilometers (75 miles), but travel time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Day 2:
Tarangire to Serengeti Central for Game Drive
After breakfast, we leave Tarangire and drive towards the world-famous Serengeti. On the way, we pass through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands with amazing views of the crater. We enter the Serengeti through the Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy a game drive as we head deeper into the park. This area is full of animals, and depending on the season, you might see part of the Great Migration. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Hippo Trails Camp, where you’ll have dinner and sleep under the stars surrounded by the wild sounds of the Serengeti.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Ngorongoro Transit To Serengeti
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Tarangire and Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Pro Tip: For the best game viewing in Serengeti, stay in the Seronera area—it’s the heart of the park and known for year-round wildlife, especially big cats like lions and leopards. Seronera has permanent water sources, so even during the dry season, animals gather here, making it perfect for game drives.
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EXPLORE SERONERA - SERENGETI CENTRAL
Day 3:
Full Day Serengeti Central Experience
Today is all about exploring the heart of the Serengeti. We start early in the morning for the best chance to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in action. During the day, we search for large herds of wildebeest and zebras as they move across the plains in search of fresh grass. You’ll also spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and lots of colorful birds. We enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue the adventure until late afternoon. You’ll spend another night at Hippo Trails Camp, sharing safari stories by the campfire.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 4:
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After breakfast and one last morning game drive in the Serengeti, we slowly make our way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, we might stop to visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and way of life. In the afternoon, we arrive near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where the views are absolutely stunning. Tonight, we sleep at Manyara Best View Lodge, ready for an exciting day in the crater tomorrow.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Ngorongoro Crater Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Lake Manyara National Park
- Room Type: Silver room
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 5:
Karatu to Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tour to Zanzibar
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer From Zanzibar Airport
DAY FLIGHTS
Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Zanzibar
- Room Type: Garden bungalow
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Pro Tip: Mto wa Mbu is one of the best places in Tanzania for a cultural tour because it’s home to over 120 different tribes living together. Here you can walk through banana farms, visit local markets, taste traditional foods, and meet local artists—giving you a real taste of daily life in rural Tanzania.
Day 6 — 8:
Relax and Explore in Zanzibar
These three days are all about relaxing and enjoying Zanzibar’s tropical beauty. You can swim in the turquoise sea, lie on the white-sand beaches, or join optional activities like snorkeling, a spice tour, or visiting Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history. Zuri Zanzibar is an all-inclusive resort, so you’ll enjoy great meals, refreshing drinks, and comfortable rooms. It’s the perfect way to end your safari adventure.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Optional Activities In Zanzibar
Zanzibar Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Zanzibar
- Room Type: Garden bungalow
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Pro Tip: While relaxing in Zanzibar, you can easily book optional activities on the spot to spice up your stay. Top picks include the Safari Blue Tour for island hopping, a Stone Town Tour to explore rich history, Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling for marine life, the Spice Tour to awaken your senses, and the Dolphin Tour for a chance to swim near wild dolphins.
Day 9:
Zanzibar Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for flight back home
After breakfast, we transfer you to Zanzibar Airport in time for your international flight home. If you have more time, we can help you extend your stay. Otherwise, we say goodbye with warm memories, beautiful photos, and stories to share from your unforgettable Tanzania safari and beach holiday.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer From Zanzibar Airport
Zanzibar Photos
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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When is the Best Time for the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari?
The wildebeest migration in Serengeti follows a circular path:
Dec to March: Calving season in Ndutu
April to May: Rainy season, lush landscapes
June to July: Grumeti River crossing
August to October: Mara River crossing (Kogatende)
For this 9-day itinerary, the January period is great for calving season, when predators are active.
Why Choose This 9-Day Tanzania Migration Safari?
Budget-friendly without compromising experience
Covers 3 major parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Includes culture and beach relaxation
Perfect mix of wildlife, nature, and culture
This itinerary gives you “Serengeti safari one day at a time” and ends with relaxing Zanzibar days.
Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 9-Day Budget Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
Typically, the package covers your accommodation in lodges, tented camps during the safari, and beach resorts. It also includes most meals, especially during the safari, and transportation like airport transfers and safari vehicles with guides. Park entry fees and scheduled activities in the itinerary are usually part of the deal, and sometimes internal flights between locations are included.
However, international flights are generally not included. You'll want to confirm the specifics with your tour operator, as inclusions can vary. Things like drinks, optional activities, and personal expenses are usually extra.
For the best wildlife viewing in the bush, the dry season (June to October) is ideal. Animals gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner. This period often coincides with good beach weather.
The shoulder seasons (late May/early June and late October/early November) can offer a balance of both experiences with fewer crowds. Avoid the long rainy season (March to May) for safaris.
Typically, international flights to and from Tanzania are not included in the base price of the "Bush to Beach Classic" itinerary. This allows travelers the flexibility to choose flights that best suit their departure location, schedule, and budget.
However, for seamless travel within Tanzania, internal flights connecting the safari areas with the beach destinations are often included in the package. Be sure to clarify with your travel specialist exactly what is covered in your specific itinerary.
For optimal wildlife viewing and photography, game drives during this itinerary are typically conducted in comfortable, open-roof safari vehicles. This design allows for unobstructed panoramic views of the landscapes and the animals in their natural habitat.
In some cases, for longer transfers between destinations or during adverse weather conditions, closed vehicles with pop-up roofs may be utilized. Your travel specialist can provide details on the types of vehicles used.
We use a mix of quality safari lodges and tented camps inside or near the national parks. All have private bathrooms, good food, and friendly service.
In Zanzibar, you’ll stay at a beachfront resort or hotel with a pool and sea view, depending on your budget.
You can see many animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and sometimes even cheetahs. The views depend on the season and time of year.
Yes, it’s great for families! We can adjust the safari to match the age of your kids. Many lodges offer family rooms and child-friendly activities.
The beach time at the end also gives families a chance to relax and have fun together after the safari adventure.
This tour includes all park entry fees, accommodation, full-board meals on safari, a professional English-speaking guide, game drives, and private transport. It also covers the domestic flight to Zanzibar and airport transfers.
In Zanzibar, you’ll stay at a beach hotel with breakfast included. Activities like snorkeling, cultural visits, and city tours can be arranged if you want.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes. It might be a bit chilly in the morning, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe and peaceful. Locals are friendly and used to tourists.
Just follow basic safety rules like avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables in a safe place.
Yes! After landing, you enjoy a champagne toast and a delicious bush breakfast right in the Serengeti. It’s a very special part of the experience.
Yes! Zanzibar is famous for its coral reefs, clear waters, and marine life.
You can go snorkeling, diving, or take a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll or nearby islands. These activities can be arranged at your hotel.
Yes, after the balloon safari and breakfast, your guide from Seko Tours can continue with a full-day game drive in the Serengeti.
Pack light and comfortable clothes for warm days, a jacket for cooler mornings, and walking shoes. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, insect spray, and a camera.
For the beach, bring swimwear, sandals, and light clothes. A power adapter and small backpack are also useful.
Yes, this tour is flexible. We can adjust the number of days, parks, or hotels to match your interests and budget.
Want a romantic touch, a family focus, or more beach time? Just tell us, and we’ll customize it for you.
Yes, a domestic flight from the safari area (usually Arusha or Serengeti) to Zanzibar is included in the package.
We also take care of airport pickups and drop-offs, so everything is smooth from start to finish.
If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.