8 Days Migration Mara River Crossing Safari

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  • Arusha Town
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater
  • Serengeti National Park (Mara River & Seronera Region)

Tour Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day safari to witness the Great Migration's dramatic river crossings at the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, braving crocodile-infested waters and awaiting predators. This adventure takes you through Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti, with a grand finale at the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five.

Safari Type

Mid Range & Luxury

Duration

8 Days/7 Nights

No Of People

1-6 Travellers (window seat – a guarantee)

When To Go

July to October

Tour Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day Safari

Day
1

Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Depart from Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and large predator populations. Enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River, where you’ll spot diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and big cats. After a thrilling safari, proceed to your lodge or tented camp near Tarangire for an overnight stay.

Tarangire River And Elephants
Day
2

Tarangire – Central Serengeti (Seronera Region)

Today, journey to the Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a game drive en route before arriving in the Seronera region, a wildlife-rich area known for year-round predator action. Look out for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas hunting on the open plains. Spend the night at a tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti.

Cheetah on Mounds
Day
3

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Mara River)

After breakfast, travel north to the Mara River, where the Great Migration river crossings take place. The journey offers incredible wildlife encounters, from grazing herbivores to stealthy predators. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive along the riverbanks, watching for wildebeest preparing to cross the crocodile-infested waters. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp in Northern Serengeti.

Huge herd of Wildebeest In Serengeti
Day
4-5

Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti – Witness the River Crossing

Spend the day exploring Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River crossings. The sight of thousands of wildebeest braving the rushing waters, dodging crocodiles and predators, is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Your experienced guide will position you for the best viewing opportunities. Enjoy lunch in the bush before continuing your search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and scavengers like hyenas and vultures. Return to your camp for dinner and relaxation under the African sky.

River Crossing Event
Day
6

Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti

After a morning game drive in Northern Serengeti, head back south to Central Serengeti, enjoying more wildlife sightings along the way. This region is home to resident wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various predators. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and relax as you take in the breathtaking Serengeti landscape.

Wildlife Safari
Day
7

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you travel, marvel at the changing landscapes and wildlife along the way. Arrive at your accommodation near the crater for dinner and overnight, preparing for the next day’s descent into this natural wonder.

Enroute to NCAA and Karatu
Day
8

Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Return to Arusha

Start the day with a descent into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a natural haven for over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five. Spend the morning exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotting hippos in the pools, flamingos on the lake, and predators on the hunt. After a picnic lunch in the crater, begin your journey back to Arusha, where your safari concludes.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast and Lunch, While Dinner is EXCLUDED
Ngorongoro Crater Floor

Enhance Your Safari Experience with Add-On Tours

Take your adventure to the next level with our exciting add-on tours. Customize your safari with these memorable additions for an even more enriching journey.

In Tarangire National Park In Ngorongoro Conservation Area In Serengeti National Park
  • Night Game Drives
  • Early Morning Balloon Safari
  • Bush Walks
  • Masai Village Tour
  • Olduvai Gorge Museum Visit
  • Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience a breathtaking sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
  • Bush Lunch or Bush Breakfast

Tour Includes

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered in your safari package.

  •  Entrance fees per person
  •  A professional English/French/Spanish speaking driver/guide
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  •  All Meals (as specified in the itinerary)
  •  Drinking water on all day
  •  US$ 295 Crater Service Fee
  •  Picnic Lunch Boxes
  •  Binoculars (at least 1 in the car)
  •  Pick up & Drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  •  All accommodation before and after safari (Bed & Breakfast)

Tour Excludes

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need to plan independently.

  •  Lunch and dinner before and after safari
  •   Domestic and International flights (from/to home)
  •  Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 per day per car)
  •  Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, etc.)
  •  Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Ready to Get Started?

Download our special safari wildlife checklist today

Frequently Asked Questions About This Safari

The Mara River crossings typically occur from July to October, when the herds move between Northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. However, exact timing depends on rainfall patterns.
While sightings are never guaranteed, we increase your chances by spending multiple days in Northern Serengeti. The crossings occur daily during peak migration season, so patience and timing are key.
  • Arusha to Tarangire: ~2 hours
  • Tarangire to Serengeti: ~6 hours
  • Central to Northern Serengeti: ~4 hours
  • Serengeti to Ngorongoro: ~3-4 hours
  • Ngorongoro to Arusha: ~3-4 hours

For a more comfortable experience, domestic flights between Serengeti and Arusha can be arranged.

This safari offers excellent sightings of:

  • Big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards) hunting migrating herds
  • Crocodiles ambushing wildebeest at the river
  • Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and hippos
  • Rare black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater
Absolutely! You can extend your safari to Northern Serengeti, visit Zanzibar for a beach retreat, or explore other parks like Lake Eyasi and Lake Natron. Contact us to customize your itinerary.

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