Built for families who want the Great Migration without a long trip, this compact 7-day circuit moves from Tarangire's elephant herds straight into Northern Serengeti and the Mara River, prime river-crossing territory, before finishing on the wildlife-dense floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Three full nights near the Mara give your guide the best chance to track the herds and position for a crossing, while family-suite camps with pools and shorter daily drives keep the pace comfortable for kids and grandparents alike. A big migration experience, packed into one week.
Maximum time positioned for river crossings
Family rooms & pools throughout
Migration and crater, compactly combined
This itinerary is built around the Great Migration and is best travelled June through October, when herds concentrate in the Northern Serengeti and river crossings are most likely near the Mara. Because time on the ground is compact, exact camp placement is confirmed close to your travel dates using the latest herd reports, and migration timing is never guaranteed.
Depart Arusha by private vehicle for Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. After a picnic lunch, enjoy an easy-paced afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, where wildlife concentrates even in the dry season. Check in to your lodge in time for a swim before dinner.
An early departure and a longer scenic drive north through the central Serengeti, with a picnic lunch and game viewing along the way, brings you into Mara River country by mid-afternoon. Check in to your family-suite camp and head straight out for a late-day game drive while the light is best.
A full day positioned for the Great Migration, with your guide tracking herd movement toward the Mara River for a chance to witness a crossing. Morning and afternoon drives are broken up with a picnic lunch and downtime back at camp, keeping the day comfortable even with the excitement of the crossings. A wildlife scavenger-hunt checklist keeps younger travellers engaged along the way.
A second full day near the Mara gives the best odds of catching a crossing, with your guide adjusting the route around the latest herd movements. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and pool time back at camp between drives, then an early dinner and an evening under some of the darkest, clearest skies in Tanzania.
Depart the Serengeti with a final game drive through the plains before driving to the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping en route for a guided visit to a local Maasai village and school — a highlight for families, with a warm welcome, a look at traditional homes, and a chance for kids to meet local children. Continue to your lodge on the crater rim in time for dinner with sweeping views over the caldera.
Descend onto the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day among one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife, with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool. Return to the rim in the late afternoon for a final swim and a relaxed farewell dinner overlooking the caldera.
After a relaxed breakfast, descend from the crater rim and drive back to Arusha, arriving in time for onward or return flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for the complete 7-day family migration safari. Child rates available on request.
| Season | Dates | Price (Per Person) | Single Supp. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Season | Nov–May | $4,100 | $550 | Available |
| Migration Season | Jun, Oct | $4,650 | $650 | Available |
| Peak Crossing Season | Jul–Sep | $5,400 | $800 | Limited |
Price includes everything: private guiding, family-suite camp accommodation, all meals, park and conservation fees, and transfers. Family rooms, connecting rooms, and reduced child rates are available on request. No hidden costs.
| Day | Accommodation | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tarangire Simba Lodge | Family Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Days 2–4 | Mara River Family Camp | Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Days 5–6 | Ang'ata Ngorongoro | Tented Camp | ★★★★ |
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to begin your family safari. Most international airlines serve JRO via Amsterdam, Doha, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa. Your safari begins and ends in Arusha, a short drive from JRO.
Your guide will pick you up from any hotel in Arusha city center or from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Pickup time is typically 7:00 AM on Day 1 to allow time for the longer transfer on Day 2. An overnight stay in Arusha before the safari is recommended, especially with young children adjusting to time zones.
The circuit is done by private 4x4 vehicle with regular rest stops. Given the compact schedule, a fly-in option between Arusha or Tarangire and the Northern Serengeti can be arranged on request to shorten Day 2's drive time.
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for USD $50 (USD $100 for US citizens), including children. A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining is required for every traveller. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic area.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. Our family safaris are designed by parents and grandparents for families, with pacing, camps, and activities chosen to keep every generation comfortable and engaged, from toddlers to grandparents.
We only had a week, and this fit the migration in without feeling rushed. The camp on the Mara was worth the longer drive to get there — the kids loved it.
— The Berger Family, Germany • August 2024Great compact option for a shorter trip. Day 2's drive was long but the guide kept the kids entertained, and having three nights near the Mara made up for it.
— Priya & Family, UK • September 2024