10-Day Great Migration, Culture & Acidic Lakes Safari

Embark on this 10-Day Great Migration, Culture & Acidic Lakes Safari through the Serengeti and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a journey designed for true adventure seekers. One of the major highlights of this itinerary is the scenic, off-the-beaten-path drive to Lake Natron, which stretches along the dramatic Rift Valley Escarpment. Nestled at the foot of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai — meaning “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language — this striking soda lake is a place of both beauty and mystery. Its highly alkaline waters serve as one of East Africa’s most important breeding sites for over 2.5 million lesser flamingos, creating a surreal pink-hued spectacle unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Tour highlights

Day 1: Pick Up from The Airport
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Natron
Day 3: Lake Natron -Serengeti National Park (Northern)
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Eyasi
Day 8: Lake Eyasi to Arusha
Day 9: Kilimanjaro Excursion
Day 10: Drop Off at The Airport

10-Day Great Migration, Culture & Acidic Lakes Safari

Detailed itinerary

After breakfast, we’ll collect you from your lodge or hotel and head off the beaten path toward Lake Natron, following the Rift Valley Escarpment northward. The journey takes you through authentic Maasai territory, with the striking Ol’Doinyo Lengai—sacred to the Maasai—rising in the distance. Upon reaching the Maasai village of Ngare Sero, you’ll embark on a guided bush walk to Lake Natron, where the pink shimmer of thousands of breeding flamingos paints the lake’s alkaline waters. Alternatively, you may opt to visit a nearby waterfall for a refreshing natural swim.

Day 3: Lake Natron -Serengeti National Park (Northern)

Begin your day early and continue the journey northward as the road ascends through a series of winding turns. Take in one final panoramic view of Lake Natron before exiting the Rift Valley and traveling through the village of Wasso toward the Northern Serengeti. You’ll enter the Serengeti around midday through Klein’s Gate and embark on your first game drive in the Lobo area. From October to December, this region teems with migrating wildebeest herds returning to the southern plains. Lobo’s permanent springs and its mix of open grasslands and rocky kopjes attract a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. Continue on to your lodge or camp for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

During the dry season, the Northern Serengeti becomes a haven for the immense migratory herds that sweep across its vast plains. This remote and largely untouched wilderness offers breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife encounters. Its greatest spectacle is the dramatic movement of countless wildebeest and zebras during the migration, yet the region also thrives with resident species such as lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, and the rare oribi antelope.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

After a leisurely morning, set out for Central Serengeti and spend the day exploring the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley. This area is famous for its year-round abundance of animals, including predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as a wide variety of herbivores like buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, impalas, topis, warthogs, and more. Have you ever wondered how to tell a Grant’s gazelle from a Thomson’s gazelle? Both share a white rump, but the Thomson’s gazelle has a narrow black stripe beneath a lighter brown band, and its tail is completely black. In contrast, the Grant’s gazelle’s white rump extends above its tail. Your guide will share these and many other fascinating insights as you continue to your lodge or camp for the night.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Savor another game drive in Serengeti National Park before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which was established separately from the Serengeti in 1959. When the park boundaries were drawn, the resident Maasai were relocated to Ngorongoro, where they continue to live peacefully alongside wildlife and nature. Interestingly, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses a fascinating range of landscapes and is home to nine distinct craters within its borders. Your guide will share more insights about this remarkable 8,292-square-kilometer reserve. Continue to your lodge perched on the crater rim to enjoy breathtaking views of the vast caldera under a starlit sky—or proceed onward to your accommodation in Karatu for the night.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Eyasi

After breakfast, travel along the crater rim toward Seneto Gate on the western side and descend into the crater floor along a thrilling, scenic route—offering truly breathtaking views. The Ngorongoro Crater sustains an incredible diversity of wildlife thanks to its constant water sources, attracting animals that move in and out throughout the year. During the dry season, wildebeest and zebra populations peak, while in the wet season, elands, elephants, and waterbucks become more prominent. Keep an eye out for the legendary “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhinoceros. The crater is one of only two locations in Tanzania where the endangered black rhino can still be spotted. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, continue your journey to Lake Eyasi for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Lake Eyasi to Arusha

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies the stunning Lake Eyasi, a shallow soda lake nourished by the Sibiti and Baray Rivers. A visit here offers a completely different kind of safari experience from the traditional wildlife adventures you may have encountered elsewhere in Tanzania. The area is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga communities, who continue to uphold their ancient ways of life—hunting and gathering for the Hadzabe, and pastoralism for the Datoga. Visiting their villages provides a rare, authentic glimpse into their daily lives. You may be warmly invited into their homes, observe family customs, join in traditional dances, try your hand at beadwork, or even accompany the Hadzabe on a hunting or gathering expedition, learning to craft bows and arrows along the way. Later in the evening, drive back to Arusha for your overnight stay.

Day 9: Kilimanjaro Excursion

Immerse yourself in Tanzania’s natural beauty on this full-day excursion to Materuni and Kikuletwa, perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and outdoor experiences. Begin your day with a scenic hike to the picturesque Materuni Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing swim beneath the cascading waters. Continue to a nearby coffee farm to discover the traditional process of coffee cultivation and brewing in Tanzania. Finally, relax and rejuvenate in the soothing Kikuletwa Hot Springs before returning to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10: Drop Off at The Airport

Today marks the end of your journey with us. At your preferred time, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure.

10-Day Great Migration, Culture & Acidic Lakes Safari

Tour overview