Tanzania safaris, planned in Arusha
Private and small-group safaris across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar, planned by local experts who know this land by heart.
Welcome to Lumara Expedition
We believe the wild tells a story of courage, survival and relentless movement forward. Inspired by the Great Migration, we create personalised safari experiences that bring you closer to nature, wildlife and culture.
Plan around the herds
Over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra follow the rain around the Serengeti all year. Pick your travel month to see where the herds usually are, what you are likely to witness and which safari fits.
Illustrative map, not to scale.
January · Calving begins
Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
Wildebeest spread across the nutrient-rich plains around Ndutu as the first calves arrive. Big cats follow, and open country makes sightings easy.
Safari to consider: 6 Days Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Great Migration from $1,522
February · Calving peak
Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
Thousands of calves are born each day. It is one of the best months of the year for predator action, as lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunt across the plains.
Safari to consider: 6 Days Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Great Migration from $1,522
March · Late calving
Southern Serengeti
Calving winds down and the herds start to gather. Clouds build ahead of the long rains, which makes for dramatic light for photography.
Safari to consider: 6 Days Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Great Migration from $1,522
April · Moving north
Moru Kopjes & Central Serengeti
The long rains arrive and the herds move north-west in long columns. The park turns a vivid green and visitor numbers drop, often along with lodge rates.
Safari to consider: 4 Days Central Serengeti & Great Migration Mid-Range Safari from $1,522
May · The rut
Central Serengeti & Western Corridor
Males fight for mates as the herds pour through the centre of the park and towards the Western Corridor. Some roads can be slow after heavy rain.
Safari to consider: 4 Days Central Serengeti & Great Migration Mid-Range Safari from $1,522
June · Grumeti crossings
Western Corridor & Grumeti River
The dry season starts and the herds reach the Grumeti River, where large crocodiles wait. Crossings here are smaller than the Mara but far less crowded.
Safari to consider: 4 Days Central Serengeti & Great Migration Mid-Range Safari from $1,522
July · Heading north
Grumeti to Northern Serengeti
The herds push north towards Kogatende and the Mara River. The first Mara crossings of the year can happen late in the month.
Safari to consider: 3 Days Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti from $1,550
August · Mara crossings
Kogatende & the Mara River
This is the famous spectacle: thousands of wildebeest plunge into the crocodile-filled Mara. It is a peak travel month, so book camps well ahead.
Safari to consider: 9 Days Fly-In Classic Family Migration Safari With Zanzibar Extension All Inclusive from $1,990
September · Mara crossings
Northern Serengeti & the Mara River
Herds cross the Mara in both directions as they chase isolated rain. Patience pays off, and a guide who reads the herd makes all the difference.
Safari to consider: 3 Days Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti from $1,550
October · Turning south
Northern Serengeti & Lobo
Short rains begin to draw the herds back into Tanzania. The north stays rewarding, with fewer vehicles than in the August peak.
Safari to consider: 4 Days Central Serengeti & Great Migration Mid-Range Safari from $1,522
November · Moving south
Lobo & Central Serengeti
New grass pulls the herds through Lobo and Seronera. It is a quieter month with good value, and the landscape changes quickly as the rain returns.
Safari to consider: 4 Days Central Serengeti & Great Migration Mid-Range Safari from $1,522
December · Back in the south
Central to Southern Serengeti
The herds settle in the south as the cycle starts again. December pairs beautifully with a beach stay, as Zanzibar is warm and mostly dry from now until February.
Safari to consider: 6 Days Ndutu Calving Season Safari – Great Migration from $1,522
The migration follows the rain, not the calendar. These are typical patterns and timing can shift by several weeks each year. Our guides stay in touch through the season, so tell us your dates and we will advise you on where the herds are moving.
Ready-made itineraries with clear prices. Every one can be adapted to suit you.
Fly-in · Great Migration
From $1,550 per person, group of 2
Luxury
From $1,970 per person
Mid-range · Great Migration
From $1,522 per person, group of 7
Camping · Group joining
From $1,870 per person
Luxury · Great Migration
From $1,990 per person, group of 7
Luxury
From $5,846 per person
Why choose Lumara
Our team is born and raised in Tanzania's safari regions.
No two safaris are alike. Each itinerary is handcrafted for you.
Premium vehicles, top accommodations, and gourmet bush meals.
From sunrise game drives to sundowners, every moment is considered.
We are here for you anytime, before, during and after your trip.
“Lumara was created with a singular vision: to share the authentic beauty of Tanzania with the world, one personalised safari at a time.”
Samwel Mtui Founder, Lumara Expedition
Samwel grew up in the shadow of Mount Meru, on stories of the bush passed down by Maasai elders. After years guiding safaris across East Africa, he founded a company that treats every traveller like family.
Read our storyOur safari was professionally organized by Mr. Michael Mijael from Lumara Expedition, and from start to finish, everything was well planned and smoothly organized.
With Agustino as our professional guide driver who makes us to feel more comfortable throughout the safari.
…especially the guide George and the safari everything was well organised from transportation, accommodation and game drives.
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Every great adventure begins with a conversation. Tell us your dates and what you dream of seeing, and a local safari expert will shape an itinerary around you. No pressure, just expert planning.
