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10 days - Serengeti to Ruaha

The Serengeti, the migration and wild Ruaha

Six days following the Great Migration through the central and northern Serengeti, then three in Ruaha, a remote wilderness well off the tourist trail.

1 Country
3 Stops
9 Nights
Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.
  • The legsRead the images left to right: each panel is one leg, in the order you travel it, and each is set out in full below.

The journey

When to go

Serengeti game viewing
Mara River crossings
Ruaha game viewing
Serengeti game viewing Mara River crossings Ruaha game viewing Avoid
July Primary window

Herds reach the north and Mara River crossings can begin, while Ruaha dries out and animals concentrate at the water. Excellent for this route.

Crossings begin

The route

Namiri Plains Kogatende Ruaha
01

Central Serengeti

Flight in from Arusha, then two full days on the Namiri Plains.

You’ll be picked up from your Arusha accommodation and taken to Arusha Airport after breakfast, from where you’ll launch your exploration of Tanzania. Soaring high over the country, you’ll have a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands on your way to the heart of the Serengeti, where you’ll be greeted by your private driver and set out on a scenic game drive en route to your Serengeti camp.
You’ve got two full days to explore the beauty of the Namiri Plains today, enjoying both morning and afternoon game drives with a hot lunch back at your camp in between. Sunrise and sunset are especially spectacular on the Serengeti, with the rising sun setting the plains ablaze as predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs look for an easy meal. After your day’s safari is done, you’ll have plenty of time to relax by an open fire and enjoy safari sundowners back at camp – the perfect opportunity to exchange tall tales with your fellow travellers! If you’re looking for a romantic way to start your day on the Serengeti, a sunrise hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast is the perfect addition to make your trip all the more memorable.
02

Northern Serengeti

Kogatende and the Mara River crossings.

You’ll bid farewell to the Central Serengeti after breakfast, boarding your flight to the Kogatende region in the park’s north. Kogatende offers its visitors front row seats for the thrilling river crossing that takes place each year. Here, tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope attempt the treacherous crossing of the Mara River while opportunistic crocodiles look to snag an easy meal. Upon arrival in the region, you’ll enjoy a game drive on your way to your camp, where you’ll have the afternoon to settle in ahead of your safari adventures tomorrow.
With the Wildebeest Migration and the river crossing impossible to predict, we’ve budgeted two full days to maximise your chances of witnessing the event. With both morning and afternoon game drives taking you out into the park, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot the Big Five, big cats, and the potential of a river crossing. If you want greater flexibility, the option is always there to have a private car assigned to you, allowing you to stay out in the park from dawn until dusk!
03

Ruaha

A flexible three-night stay in Tanzania's hidden gem.

It’s time to bid farewell to the Serengeti and the Northern Circuit today, as you’ll board a morning flight to one of the country’s lesser-visited parks, Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is a rambling wilderness off the tourist trail, ensuring you’ll have privacy and quiet as you explore. Upon arrival at Msembe Airstrip, you’ll be transferred to your Ruaha accommodation to get some rest ahead of your safari.
Home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations as well as buffalo, lions, and more, Ruaha National Park is an untamed wilderness the likes of which you’ll find nowhere else on earth. Your stay here is a flexible one, with your luxury tented camp offering multiple activities each day including guided walking safaris, morning and afternoon game drives, full day game drives, night game drives, and more. Explore the park the way you want to, with plenty of time between activities to soak in the serenity and enjoy the luxurious facilities at your camp.
All good things must come to an end! After one last mouth-watering breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Ruaha, boarding your morning flight to Dar Es Salaam to make your connecting flight or continue your travels.

The detail

About this trip

For those wishing to witness the Wildebeest Migration, spot the Big Five, and experience the natural beauty of Tanzania’s wide-open spaces, this 10-Day Serengeti & Ruaha odyssey takes you between two of the country’s largest and most diverse parks. Starting with six days on the Serengeti to pursue the Wildebeest Migration, you’ll then finish your Tanzanian adventure with three days in the untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park.

What is included

  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • All activities(Unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labelled as optional)
  • All flights during the tour
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water(On all days)

What is not included

  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for the Serengeti and Ruaha expedition?
July, August and September score highest. Herds reach the northern Serengeti, Mara River crossings can begin and Ruaha dries out so animals gather at the water. August is the best month and the first to sell out. October is a strong alternative. April is the peak of the long rains, when some camps close.
Will we see a Mara River crossing?
No one can promise it, because crossings are impossible to predict. The itinerary allows two full days in Kogatende in the northern Serengeti, with morning and afternoon game drives, to improve your chances. If you want more flexibility, a private vehicle can be assigned to you.
What is included on the Serengeti and Ruaha expedition?
Included are park fees for non-residents, activities not labelled optional, accommodation, a professional driver/guide, transportation, the flights during the tour, round-trip airport transfer, meals as set out day by day, and drinking water. Not included are international flights, extra accommodation before or after, tips, and personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance and visa fees.
What is Ruaha like compared with the Serengeti?
Ruaha is a remote wilderness off the tourist trail, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations as well as buffalo and lions. Your three-night stay is flexible, with guided walking safaris, morning and afternoon game drives, full-day drives and night drives.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
What is a typical day on safari?
A safari day usually has an early game drive, time to rest at camp in the heat of the day, and an afternoon activity before sundowners and dinner. Some camps add walks, boat trips or cultural visits. Your itinerary sets out the plan for each day.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Timber safari suite with a lashed-stick roof perched among rocks at dusk

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

Visa

Tanzania requires a visa, which can be applied for online before you travel. We recommend arranging it in advance rather than on arrival.

Yellow fever

A certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Carry the physical card rather than a photograph.

Malaria

Prophylaxis is advised for Tanzania. Begin before departure, following your doctor's schedule.

Luggage

Light aircraft between camps carry about 15 kg per person including hand luggage, and soft bags are strongly recommended over hard cases. We confirm the exact limit for your flights at booking.

Early starts

Game drives leave before dawn and open vehicles are cold from June to August. Bring layers for the morning and expect to shed them by midday.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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