Origin Pathways Signature Safari: The Great Migration & Beyond

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from Origin Pathway Safari will be waiting to welcome you warmly. You’ll then be driven through lush highlands to your base at Mount Meru Hotel, a charming property set in tropical gardens with views of Arusha’s skyline. Take the afternoon to unwind after your flight—perhaps relax by the pool or enjoy a stroll through the landscaped grounds. Before dinner, your safari expert will provide a personal briefing on the days ahead, covering everything from wildlife highlights to cultural encounters. This evening is yours to rest and prepare for the adventure. Arusha’s calm atmosphere makes the perfect starting point for your journey.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

After breakfast, set out toward Tarangire National Park, a gem often overlooked yet home to some of Tanzania’s most striking landscapes. The rolling hills and towering baobab trees create a timeless scene, with elephant herds wandering in the distance. Game drives here reveal not only elephants but also lions, leopards, giraffes, and herds of wildebeest and zebra. The Tarangire River sustains much of this wildlife, especially in the dry season when animals gather in astonishing numbers. Pause for a bush picnic before continuing your explorations. By evening, arrive at your intimate lodge, where sundowners are served against the backdrop of the golden horizon.
Accommodation: Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge

Today, journey into the heart of the Central Serengeti, an area world-renowned for year-round wildlife and breathtaking views. The drive itself is a safari, with sightings of giraffes and antelopes en route. Upon entering the park, the sheer scale of the Serengeti unfolds—vast savannahs stretching endlessly, dotted with acacia trees. After settling in at camp, head out for an afternoon game drive. Expect to find large prides of lions, cheetahs stalking gazelles, and perhaps a leopard lounging on a tree branch. Return at dusk to a warm welcome at your camp, followed by dinner beneath a canopy of stars. Tonight, the Serengeti’s nocturnal sounds will serenade you to sleep.
Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp

After an early breakfast, set your sights on the Grumeti region in the Serengeti’s west. This area becomes a stage of drama during the migration, as wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the Grumeti River. Here, massive crocodiles lie in wait, and lions patrol the plains, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Spend the day exploring both riverbanks and open plains with your expert guide. The birdlife in this region is equally captivating, from African fish eagles to vibrant rollers. By evening, arrive at your tented camp, where the wilderness feels wonderfully close. Dinner is served in a lantern-lit setting, offering elegance in the heart of the bush.
Accommodation: Grumeti Hills Tented Camp

Your full day in the Grumeti begins with a sunrise game drive, when predators are most active. Watch lions stir from the grass and cheetahs scan the plains for prey. Thousands of wildebeest graze calmly, unaware of the tension that hangs in the air. Between drives, relax at your camp, take in panoramic views, or enjoy an optional guided walk. In the afternoon, head back out for more game viewing, capturing stunning golden-hour photos of elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest herds moving in unison. Tonight, share stories with your guide by the fire, savoring the magic of an authentic safari experience.
Accommodation: Grumeti Hills Tented Camp

On your third day in Grumeti, explore deeper into its lesser-visited corners, where game drives feel private and immersive. Crocodiles sun themselves by the river, hippos grunt from muddy pools, and birdlife fills the skies with color and song. Your guide tailors the day’s program based on animal movement and your interests, ensuring the best chances for extraordinary encounters. Midday, enjoy a picnic in a shaded area, listening to the ambient sounds of the bush. As night approaches, the camp comes alive with lanterns and campfire warmth. This day allows you to truly soak in the serene yet wild character of the Grumeti.
Accommodation: Grumeti Hills Tented Camp

This morning, fly or drive north to Kogatende, the Serengeti’s frontier with Kenya. Upon arrival, embark on a game drive along the Mara River, where one of the planet’s greatest spectacles unfolds. Thousands of wildebeest gather on the banks, driven by instinct to cross the crocodile-filled waters. The atmosphere is charged with tension and survival. Beyond the crossings, the area offers rich wildlife: elephants in the woodlands, lions hunting along the river, and leopards in the shade. By evening, retire to your camp where the sounds of the river and wilderness create an unforgettable backdrop to dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas Camp

Awaken before dawn for an optional hot air balloon safari, drifting silently above the Serengeti as the sun paints the landscape in soft gold. From above, the migration takes on a breathtaking new perspective. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast before resuming game drives along the Mara River. Hippos snort in the water, crocodiles lurk at the edges, and the herds continue their daring crossings. Afternoon drives reveal predators in action or elephants grazing peacefully. Return to camp for sundowners, followed by dinner under the open sky. This day balances adventure with moments of pure serenity.
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas Camp

Spend another day exploring Kogatende, where each game drive brings a new discovery whether it’s cheetahs sprinting across the plains or herds thundering toward the river. Midday, take a break from wildlife to visit a nearby Maasai community, gaining insight into traditional customs, dances, and ways of life. This cultural encounter offers depth to your journey, connecting landscapes with the people who call them home. In the afternoon, enjoy one last game drive in this northern wilderness before returning to camp. Tonight, dine al fresco by the campfire, the African night sky glittering overhead.
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas Camp

Today’s journey takes you to Lake Natron, one of Tanzania’s most otherworldly landscapes. Its alkaline waters attract thousands of flamingos, creating a sea of pink against a stark backdrop of volcanic mountains. After a morning game drive en route, arrive at camp and enjoy lunch with views of the lake. In the afternoon, embark on a hike around the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai’s sacred “Mountain of God.” This active volcano offers stunning views across the Rift Valley. Evening at camp is tranquil, with dinner served to the chorus of crickets and distant calls of wildlife.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Camp

Begin the day with a guided walk to the Engare Sero waterfalls, where crystal-clear waters tumble into a rocky pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Continue along the lakeshore, spotting flamingos and other birdlife against the surreal landscape. Later, meet with Maasai villagers, learning about their pastoral lifestyle and deep cultural ties to the land. By afternoon, drive back to Arusha and check into the luxurious Gran Melia Arusha, where modern comfort meets Tanzanian hospitality. Enjoy spa facilities, a fine dinner, and your final night reflecting on the extraordinary journey.
Accommodation: Gran Melia Arusha

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure. Your Origin Pathway Safari guide ensures smooth arrangements and a heartfelt farewell. As you leave, you carry with you memories of thundering herds, golden sunsets, Maasai traditions, and landscapes that feel timeless. This journey has offered not just sightings, but profound experiences connecting you to the rhythm of the wild and the spirit of Africa.