Serengeti Itineraries: 3, 5 and 7 Day Sample Safaris Following the Migration

The Serengeti is huge, and driving between regions takes hours. The most successful trips choose one or two bases that match the herds, or use light aircraft to jump between areas.

These sample plans of three, five and seven days show how to make that choice.

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.

Choosing Where to Base

The park's regions are described in the Serengeti regions guide. The central Seronera area has resident wildlife all year, including leopards and lions. The southern plains attract calving herds early in the year, the Western Corridor sees movement around the middle of the year and the northern Serengeti hosts the Mara River crossings later. Use the migration calendar to match your dates, and the best time to visit guide for weather.

Three Day Sample

Day one: fly from Arusha to a Serengeti airstrip and head straight into an afternoon drive. Day two: a dawn drive, a full day exploring the region around your camp and an evening return. Day three: a last morning drive and a flight out. It is a quick but memorable trip and often combined with a night at Ngorongoro. Flights are described in how to get to the Serengeti.

Five Day Sample

Day one: drive from Arusha to Tarangire or Lake Manyara. Day two: continue to the Ngorongoro rim. Day three: crater descent, then travel to the Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge. Day four: full day in the Serengeti. Day five: morning drive and flight to Arusha. This is the classic northern circuit in miniature, and it is echoed by the 4 day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari. See also Ngorongoro Crater itineraries.

Seven Day Sample

Days one and two: Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Day three: Ngorongoro Crater. Days four to six: three nights in the Serengeti, perhaps split between two camps, one near Seronera and one in the north or the Western Corridor depending on the month. Day seven: fly to Arusha. Seven days gives enough time to settle into the rhythm of safari and to add a sunrise balloon flight, as described in the Serengeti balloon safari page. A matching package is the 7 day wildebeest migration safari.

Pacing Advice

Avoid changing camp every night, since each transfer eats a game drive. Plan one full-day drive with a picnic lunch if you want to cover distance. If you are travelling in peak months, book early. Learn the viewing rules in game drives explained and consider activities such as night drives and walks on private concessions.

Seasonal Variations

Calving brings predators to the south early in the year, rains turn the plains green and the dry months make roads dusty but wildlife easier to spot. Pack for cool mornings using the packing list.

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