10-Day Mara and Serengeti Great Migration Itinerary (Medium Option)

This itinerary is built around the second half of the year. It places the Kenya leg first and then moves to the northern Serengeti, adding a second Serengeti camp so you can respond to where the herds are. It is the middle option in the set that begins with the combination guide.

Shorter and longer versions are in the short itinerary and the long itinerary.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Day-by-Day Outline

Why Two Camps in Each Park

A second camp lets you shift your base to match the herds. In the Mara, a stay inside the reserve gives easy access to the river, while a conservancy offers walks and night drives and often a quieter feel; the where to stay in the Mara guide explains the trade-offs. In the Serengeti, northern camps suit river action, and central camps suit predators year-round, as described in Serengeti regions. Moving camps costs a half-day but often rewards you with better sightings.

Pacing and Rest

Days 5 and 10 are travel days, and Day 8 is a short move within Tanzania. Keep one afternoon a week free for rest, laundry or a slow lodge lunch. Game drives are tiring in dust and heat, especially in the dry season, so a flexible morning after a long day is valuable. Our game drives explained page describes what a typical drive involves. Pack light and use soft bags, as the light aircraft rules are strict.

Alternative Shapes

Common variations include:

• Reversing the order if you travel from January to March, when calving in the southern plains is the highlight.
• Replacing the final Serengeti night with the Ngorongoro Crater rim, then driving to Arusha.
• Adding a beach finish; see the Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar combination.

Who It Suits

This plan suits couples, photographers and friends who want a proper safari without a marathon. Older children can join if they enjoy long drives. Travellers needing a gentler schedule should talk to their operator about adding a rest day in each country. If mobility is a concern, read the senior and accessible safaris guide.

Making the Most of Each Drive

Whichever camp you sleep in, the daily rhythm matters more than the map. Leave camp at first light while predators are still active and the air is cool, return for a long breakfast or brunch, and rest through the heat. Go out again in the late afternoon for softer light. Ask your guide to tell you the plan the evening before, and be willing to change it if a sighting develops. Patience pays: waiting an hour at a river viewpoint is often more rewarding than driving between many empty places.

Inclusions and Extras

Expect accommodation, meals as stated, private guiding, park fees and internal flights to be included, with drinks, tips, visas and insurance extra. Optional extras include balloon flights, a cultural visit and a night drive. Official tariffs apply and are confirmed by your operator at booking. Paperwork is covered in the practical guide, and a full tour comparison appears in the East Africa safari itineraries hub.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team