8-Day Northern Serengeti Mara River Crossing Focus Safari

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax after your flight, enjoy the lodge facilities, or receive a detailed safari briefing about your upcoming adventure. Arusha, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, serves as the gateway to Tanzania's famous Northern Safari Circuit.

Accommodation

Forest Hill Hotel Hotel Mid-range

+6 +5

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha. Famous for its giant baobab trees and one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Enjoy a full-day game drive while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, and numerous bird species. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife during the dry season, making it one of the park's best wildlife viewing areas.

After an exciting day, continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

Marera Valley Lodge Mid-range

+6 +5

Following an early breakfast, begin your scenic journey toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying breathtaking views before entering the endless plains of the Serengeti.

En route, enjoy a game drive as you search for wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and large herds of herbivores. Arrive in Central Serengeti (Seronera), renowned for its year-round wildlife and excellent predator sightings.

Accommodation

Safari Haven Serengeti Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Inside Park Serengeti National Park

+3 +2

After breakfast, depart for Northern Serengeti while enjoying a game drive through different wildlife habitats. As you travel north, the landscape changes from open plains to rolling hills and riverine forests.

Arrive in the Northern Serengeti and spend the afternoon exploring the Mara River area, where thousands of wildebeests gather during the migration season. Your guide will position you at the best viewing points for wildlife activity and possible river crossings.

Accommodation

Safari Haven Migration Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Inside Park Serengeti National Park

+5 +4

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Northern Serengeti and searching for one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles—the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River (seasonal, typically July to October).

Watch as thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather along the riverbanks before making their dramatic crossing while crocodiles wait below and predators patrol nearby. Every crossing is unique, making each safari an unforgettable experience.

Besides the migration, you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species throughout the day.

Accommodation

Safari Haven Migration Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Inside Park Serengeti National Park

+5 +4

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before beginning your journey back to Central Serengeti.

Along the way, continue searching for wildlife while exploring different areas of the park. The Seronera region is especially known for its resident lion prides, leopards resting in acacia trees, cheetahs, and abundant plains game.

Arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Safari Haven Serengeti Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Inside Park Serengeti National Park

+3 +2

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend approximately 600 meters into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.

The crater is home to one of Africa's highest densities of wildlife, offering an excellent chance to spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhinoceros. Other commonly seen animals include lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and numerous bird species.

After enjoying a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha,

Accommodation

Forest Hill Hotel Hotel Mid-range

+6 +5

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your lodge depending on your flight schedule. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.

As your safari comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of Tanzania's spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible experience of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration.