Tanzania Great Migration Group Trip 2025

Tanzania Great Migration Group Trip

August 18-27, 2025

9 nights / 10 days

All-inclusive* eco-luxe safari adventure

Group size: 12-14 adventurous humans

Price: 6850 USD per person at double occupancy — get 375 USD off when you book & pay in full before December 1!

*International flights not included. See ‘Inclusions & Exclusions’ below for more details.

Come with me on the ultimate safari adventure in Tanzania to track the Great Migration — one of the Seven Wonders of Africa!

I'll be taking you on an 9-night/10-day bucket list adventure around Tanzania, during the Great Migration season! Plus so many other once-in-a-lifetime destinations & experiences that I've uncovered in my 6 visits to Tanzania...

Think: game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; immersive visits with the indigenous Hadzabe and Maasai tribes; eating Swahili feast prepared by a sustainable local farm; glamping experiences you’ll never forget; and opportunities to learn about environmental conservation efforts & social impact initiatives in Tanzania. 

See below for complete itinerary, inclusions, and important policies.

This once-in-a-lifetime bucket list safari adventure is priced at 6850 USD per person (for a shared room, double occupancy).

Fill out the application below to start the process & get your spot in line to book. I’ll get back to you in the next 1-2 days with next steps!

The Great Migration

Each year, two million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes follow the rains clockwise for 1,000 miles from Tanzania to Kenya and back again. Herds of hundreds of animals fill the African savannas as far as the eye can see, for what is known to be the largest land animal migration in the world.

Seeing this migration has stood out as one of the most spectacular experiences of my decades of travel! I’ll never forget that feeling of watching thousands of zebra and wildebeest graze across the savannas, or waiting oh-so-patiently to see the herds make their daring race across the crocodile-infested Mara River….

I’ve arranged for us to have the very special opportunity to spend two nights (which gives us an entire extra day here compared to the 2024 trip!) in a mobile tented camp. This mobile camp is designed to track the migration, meaning it completely packs up and moves to follow the herds throughout the year! In August, it will be located in the northern part of the Serengeti near the Kenyan border. This camp is comfortable and well-appointed, and it’s as close to the Great Migration action as you can get… truly a bucket list experience!

ITINERARY*

*This is a sample itinerary! Dates, activities, and hotels are subject to change (for a comparable alternative) if weather or any other extenuating circumstances so require to ensure the best possible experience for travelers.

Day 1 (August 18): Arrivals IN ARUSHA

Arrive in Kilimanjaro/Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport code JRO) and be greeted by our friendly Tanzanian team! You’ll be driven to our luxury villa at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where we’ll check-in for the next 2 nights and start the trip with a chef-prepared dinner, where we can all get to know each other & connect.

Day 2 (August 19): arusha/KILIMANJARO

After a healthy organic breakfast at the villa — with possible sightings of dik-dik (the world’s smallest & cutest antelope!), guinea fowl, and a variety of birds from the dining table! — we’ll head to a nearby village for a tour of a sustainable coffee farm. Here we’ll learn about the local culture & customs, along with the history of farming & the use of different plants grown near Mount Meru.

After our tour, we will enjoy a homemade Swahili feast under the trees, of course with the opportunity to try the various coffee & chocolates made at the farm. This meal was a highlight for everyone on the past trip… you are in for a treat!

We’ll have time to rest and relax by the pool back at the villa for the afternoon, with another delicious dinner together along with a bonfire under the stars.

Day 3 (August 20): ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO — KOGATENDE

After breakfast, we’ll catch our morning flight into the Serengeti, reaching the northern part of the park near the Kenyan border. This is where the majority of the herds of zebra and wildebeest will be this time of year, as they begin crossing the Mara River into Kenya.

This is also the only area in the Serengeti that the Mara River crosses, meaning it’s the only way to see those iconic scenes of hundreds of animals crossing the crocodile-infested waters. Of course, the animals are on their own schedule, so seeing this crossing cannot be guaranteed, but nonetheless we’ll be right in the thick of the action amongst the massive herds of the Great Migration. For this next trip, I’ve added an extra night here so we have an even better chance at seeing a river crossing. I can’t wait for you to see this in real life!

We’ll enjoy our first game drive straight from the airport into the afternoon, with packed picnic lunches. In the evening, we will check into our mobile tented camp (with the best location in the Serengeti for viewing the Great Migration!) for dinner and a bonfire under the stars.

Day 4 (AUgust 21): Kogatende

Today is dedicated to the Great Migration, giving us another opportunity to see a river crossing! There are also so many other kinds of wildlife in this area, so it will be a wonderful day of game drives. You can also have time to rest back at camp in case you’re still getting over jetlag. ;)

Meals will be served at camp, along with night-caps & a bonfire after dinner.

Day 5 (August 22): KOGATENDE — central serengeti

Wake up early for your last chance to see a zebra & wildebeest river crossing at the Mara River! Or sleep in if you prefer. :) We’ll all return to camp for lunch, and then pack up the jeeps to make our way down toward Central Serengeti.

The entire Serengeti is alive & buzzing this time of year! Consistently voted one of the best national parks in Africa, the Serengeti covers 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles) and is home to the Big 5 (elephant, leopard, black rhino, buffalo, and lion), as well as an incredible diversity of other animals like cheetah, giraffe, zebra, gazelle, impala, and 500 bird species.

We’ll see tons of wildlife as we make our way to our beautiful luxury safari camp located in Central Serengeti. Glamping is, in my opinion, the best way to do safari — you’ll enjoy many of the comforts of a hotel, but in a much more relaxed, natural, authentic way… sharing the space with very few people, and a lot of animals who may come right up to your tent to graze in the grass.

Here you’ll feel immersed in nature, protected by the cozy canvas walls of your spacious tent, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife, and secluded from noise & light pollution, but still WOWed by the spacious tents & attention to detail. Toilets and sinks have running water, and safari showers are prepared with hot water by your butler whenever you like. It feels like being transported back in time, and makes African safari unlike any other travel experience in the world! Embrace the simplicity — nature is the luxury we’re after.

Get settled into your cozy home for the next 3 nights, before gathering in the dining tent for a chef-prepared dinner, listening to the sounds of lions and hyenas grumbling in the distance.

Day 6 (August 23): SERENGETI MARA NORTH

Dawn is the best time for game drives (and the most gorgeous light) as it’s right when the animals are waking up for the day! After breakfast at camp, hop into your jeep for an all-day game drive to journey deep into the Serengeti, with the chance of spotting many of the Big 5! You’ll have a picnic lunch along the way, with snacks and drinks provided in your jeep.

Return to camp in the late afternoon, and enjoy a hot (or cold if you prefer) shower, afternoon tea in the lounge tent, boardgames, or soaking in the views of the Serengeti and wildlife from your cozy porch. That evening we’ll venture out in the bush for one of my favorite safari activities — sundowner! With the Serengeti cloaked in golden hour light, we’ll share our safari stories from the day over wine/cocktails/mocktails, with nothing but unspoiled nature as far as the eye can see.

Return to camp for a bonfire under the stars and a delicious dinner. Enjoy a night cap (try Tanzania’s favorite safari digestif — Amarula!), play games in the lounge tent, or sit around the fire and share stories about your day’s safari.

Day 7 (August 24): Central SERENGETI

For those joining the sunrise hot air balloon experience (this is an add-on not included in the main trip, but I highly recommend it!), you’ll wake up very early to begin your drive to the launch site. The balloon takes off at dawn to watch the magnificent sunrise over the Serengeti, as you drift peacefully across the savannas, rivers surrounded by lush palm trees, green hills and rocky “kopjes.” This is such a special way to watch the wildlife from above, seeing animals you’d miss from the road, and being able to soak in the vast landscapes and endless herds of animals continuing their migrational journey across the Serengeti. After landing, enjoy a champagne toast and delicious plated breakfast in the bush, before taking a leisurely game drive back to camp.

For those not joining the balloon safari, you’ll enjoy breakfast at camp and a morning game drive, and return to camp for lunch with the group. (Or option for full-day game drive with picnic lunch.) In the afternoon, we’ll head out on game drives to soak in our last precious bits of the Serengeti.

For those interested, I can host a photography/editing workshop back at camp where I’ll be available to answer questions and help with editing/camera settings/anything else you’re curious about!

We’ll enjoy a very special dinner in the bush tonight, for our final night in the Serengeti!

Day 8 (August 25): SERENGETI — NGORONGORO CRATER — Lake eyasi

After an early checkout from our Serengeti camp, we will make our way to another one of the best national parks in Africa: Ngorongoro Crater! This is the largest preserved caldera in the world, dating back 2-3 million years… and is now home to the Big 5. It has a lush cool micro-climate, so it looks/feels quite different from the Serengeti. Ngorongoro is famous for its rhino population, and is your best chance of spotting a rhino on our trip! It’s one of my favorite places for a game drive, and a can’t-miss destination in Tanzania.

We’ll have a picnic lunch in the crater, and spend several hours driving through the plains, lakes, swamps, and forests to find animals, including lots of hippos and flocks of pink flamingos.

After lunch we’ll head to our next gorgeous glamping site at the shores of Lake Eyasi where we’ll enjoy dinner under the stars.

Day 9 (August 26): LAKE EYASI/HADZABE TRIBE — ARUSHA

It’s time to meet the indigenous Hadzabe Tribe, also known as the Bushmen of Tanzania. This tribe is known as one of the last hunter-gatherer groups in the world, dating back up to 50,000 years. They’ve retained their ancient lifestyle and customs, including maintaining a completely distinct language of clicking noises, as well as a unique spiritual belief system. After touring their homes, we’ll learn archery and fire-building from the men, while the women will show us how they gather roots and make beaded jewelry.

We’ll have breakfast back at the camp, before making our way to visit an authentic Maasai Village where we’ll meet some of the indigenous inhabitants of East Africa. This is non-touristic village, as it is home to a dear friend and inspiring leader named Tete, whom I’ve come to know over the last year. This is a unique opportunity and privilege to be welcomed into their village as this is not something they typically do for other tourists.

Here you can also see the school that Tete has helped build bringing education to over 100 young children from the seven Maasai villages in the area, where kids sometimes must walk 15 kilometers every day to/from school. We’ll get to see how the Maasai build their clay-and-dung homes in the “boma,” hear their beautiful traditional songs, and watch how the women do their intricate beading.

After saying goodbye to our new Maasai friends, we’ll drive back to Arusha, with lunch prepared at our lodge where we’ll sleep for the night. After getting settled into your room, we will have time to visit the Cultural Heritage Center in Arusha, which has one of the largest collections of African artifacts, and also home to one of the best fine art galleries in East Africa. It’s also the best place to shop for art, clothing, jewelry & gemstones (including Tanzanite), artifacts, spices, and other souvenirs.

Enjoy a final, delicious dinner prepared at our beautiful lodge, where we’ll relive memories and share favorite stories, share final moments together around a bonfire, and say “kwaheri” (“goodbye” in Swahili) to our new little travel family.

Day 10 (August 27): Departures & Goodbyes!

Breakfast will be provided at the lodge, along with transfers to the international airport (JRO) based on flight departure times.

This won’t be “goodbye” however — just a “see you later” as I hope to travel with you again somewhere in the world, perhaps on one of my next group trips!

If you want to extend your stay in Tanzania, I am here to help. :)

DETAILS

This is a customized itinerary made by me :) and I guarantee that you will not find this trip offered anywhere else. I’m so excited to be able to offer it to you at this affordable price especially during the most sought-after time of year (Great Migration!) — you’ll find similar trips running at 10,000+ USD online!

This trip is great for:

• Photographers and aspiring photographers who want to enhance their skills through wildlife, landscape, and cultural photography (I will also be capturing the trip through my lens & will share a photo package with you once the trip is over!)

• Adventure-seekers who desire off-the-beaten track experiences

• Animal lovers who want to immerse themselves in the intricate worlds of African wildlife & see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, with utmost consideration for their conservation

• Cultural enthusiasts who love connecting with local tribes, learning about local customs/rituals, and immersive experiences to learn about different people groups

• Luxe explorers who appreciate aesthetic accommodations, delicious culinary experiences, comfortable facilities, and the “luxury” of unspoiled nature, while still willing to get their feet a bit dirty for an epic adventure. (I consider this trip “eco-luxe” meaning, accommodations & food are above mid-range, but we are still glamping in the African bush & visiting indigenous tribes… which means expect some limits on running water, WiFi, air conditioning, road conditions, etc.)

• Sustainable travelers who are excited to venture into untouched nature, visit wildlife through ethical means, learn about conservation, and participate in initiatives to give back to local communities

INCLUSIONS

• 3 delicious meals/day (can cater to most dietary restrictions!)

• Alcoholic (wine/beer/local spirits, surcharge for premium drinks) & non-alcoholic beverages

• 2 nights at an idyllic, luxurious villa in Kilimanjaro

• 2 nights at a mobile tented safari camp to track the Great Migration

• 3 nights at a beautiful safari camp in Central Serengeti

• 1 night at a luxury camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi

• 1 domestic flight to the Serengeti

• Daily game drives in a luxurious safari vehicle, accompanied by a safari guide & equipped with beverages/snacks/binoculars

• Bucket list dining experiences including sundowners, candlelit dinners under the stars, bush dinners, and safari-style picnics

• The chance to see all of the Big 5! (leopard, elephant, lion, buffalo, and rhino)

• Photography, editing, posing/modeling, etc. tips/support from Alexandra!

• All internal ground transfers

• Round-trip airport transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport & our hotels (on August 18 & 27)

• Visit to a sustainable coffee farm & homemade organic Swahili lunch

• Visits to Hadzabe & Maasai tribes, including translators, guides, and all fees/donations

• Shopping experience for quality arts & crafts, gemstones, and souvenirs

• All park fees/entry/permits required throughout the trip

• Memories & friends for life, and deep transformative experiences along the way!

ACCOMMODATIONS:

All accommodations feature chef-prepared organic meals, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (surcharge for premium alcohol), WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, and laundry service. I’ve chosen these accommodations for their commitment to sustainability, support to the local community, beautiful design/interiors, ideal location, and mix between luxury & relaxed safari vibes.

KILIMANJARO

2 nights in a luxury villa, located on a private wildlife reserve with views of Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro and private staff.

SERENGETI NORTH (Great migration/MARA RIVER)

2 nights in a mobile (meaning: it completely packs up and moves with the herds during the Migration!!) tented safari camp, as close to the Mara River as you can get! This is the only location in the Serengeti where there is the chance of seeing the iconic river crossings… it’s a truly authentic safari experience! (Note: here we’ll have safari-style showers that are prepared with hot water when requested. Our most “rustic” night of the trip, but so worth it to be right in the action for the Migration!)

Serengeti

3 nights in an eco-luxe tented safari camp, far from the crowds & surrounded by wildlife, with en-suite bathrooms and running water throughout.

LAKE EYASI

1 night in a luxury tented camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi, with palm-thatched tented chalets each with its own furnished veranda. Enjoy breathtaking views of the forest, organic meals all prepared on-site (including bread & ice cream), and a tranquil swimming pool to cool off from the hot day.

ARUSHA

1 night in a peaceful forested lodge, situated in a beautiful lush garden with a view on Mount Meru & swimming pool. A perfect place to finish your safari and unwind in nature, or even to extend your stay a few more days in Arusha!

PAYMENT POLICY:

• 1000 USD deposit is required to secure your spot and is non-refundable

• Pay in full: Option to make full 6850 USD payment (per person) today (Early Bird Discount: Get 375 USD off when you book & pay in full before December 1!)

• Pay in 3 installments: Option to pay 1000 USD deposit today, payment 1 of $2,925 by February 1, 2025, & payment 2 of $2,925 before May 15, 2025.

*If final payment is not made by May 15, your spot will no longer be reserved and will be offered to those on the wait list

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• The 1000 USD deposit is non-refundable

• Cancellations made before May 15: refund for 50% of booking (minus non-refundable deposit)

• Cancellations made after May 15: non-refundable as hotels/tours have already been booked**

**Emergencies, although rare, can happen! Please book trip insurance (required for this trip) to keep you protected in case of unexpected emergencies. Because Great Migration season is in highest demand, I must make full payments 3 months in advance based on a set number of guests, which is why I cannot offer refunds when we get close to the trip.

ROOM OCCUPANCY POLICY:

All hotel rooms will be booked on a double occupancy basis (i.e. 2 people sharing a room). Friends/couples may share a room at request; solo travelers will be paired with another solo traveler based on questionnaire responses/Get To Know You calls — the best way to make new friends!

There is a limited number of single room upgrades available at a 50% surcharge.

In any scenario, the rooms & tents throughout the trip are luxurious and very spacious, and we’ll spend most of our time out on game drives, hanging out in the restaurants or lounges, sitting around the bonfire, or out on activities.

Unless by specific request for couples/friends, I will not assign mixed-gender rooms.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

The international airport in Tanzania for our trip is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You’ll want to arrive at JRO by August 18, 2024. I highly recommend arriving a day early! Those who did this on the past trip were able to catch up on sleep, enjoy the villa, and connect… those who didn’t arrive a day early, told me they wish they had! ;) There will be rooms at the villa available on the 17th for those who arrive early (there is an extra charge for this extra night, as it is not included in the overall trip cost).

We will have a welcome dinner on the 18th & you won’t want to miss it! If you have no other option but to book a flight that arrives late at night on the 18th, you will miss the dinner, but we’ll still pick you up from the airport & you can meet the group in the morning.

You can book your departure flight out of JRO anytime on August 27, 2024.

VISAS FOR TANZANIA

Most nationalities require visas to travel to Tanzania. You can apply for an E-Visa online at www.immigration.go.tz, which typically is processed within 10 days. Americans can only apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, which is valid for 12 months and costs $100. Non-Americans should apply for an Ordinary (Single-Entry) Visa which is valid for 3 months and costs $50. To apply, you will need to submit a copy of your passport (valid for 6 months), passport photo, return ticket, declaration form, and payment.

It is also possible to obtain a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania, but queues can sometimes be long at the airport. For more information on the application process and a list of which countries require visas, visit www.visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines.

LONGER STAYS

Want to extend your trip in Tanzania? If you’re eager to continue the safari adventure, chill on the beach in Zanzibar, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, or track chimpanzees, let me know and I will be glad to help you as best as I can with bookings and travel planning.

If you expect to arrive a day early or stay a day after the trip, and want to book at the same accommodations as the group, please let me know ASAP as rooms are limited at the villa.

QUESTIONS?

Contact me at grouptrips@thewayfaress.com with any questions and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Are you ready?!

Submit the application form below & I’ll get back to you in 1-2 days with next steps!

TESTIMONIALS