Crossing the Mara: 8-Day River Crossing Migration Safari
SAFARI SNAPSHOT
Witness the legendary Mara River crossings where herds brave crocodile-infested waters while predators wait on the banks. This adventure combines Tarangire, the Serengeti’s prime migration regions, and a dramatic finish in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Best Time: July – September
Your Safari Day Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Airport pick-up and private transfer to your Arusha hotel. Relax after your flight and enjoy a briefing with your guide over a fine dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Depart after breakfast for Tarangire. Spend the day exploring this elephant haven and baobab country. Stop for a gourmet picnic lunch by the river. In the late afternoon, head to your lodge for sunset drinks and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, drive to Central Serengeti through the scenic highlands. Enter the park and enjoy an en route game drive spotting big cats and plains game. Arrive at your luxury camp in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive before dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Central Serengeti – Mara River Region
After an early breakfast, drive north toward the Mara River area, following herds along the way. Game drive en route with a picnic lunch. Arrive in the Northern Serengeti by late afternoon. Relax at your luxury camp before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5–6: Northern Serengeti – River Crossings
Two full days dedicated to seeking out dramatic river crossings. Your guide will monitor crossing points and position you for the best chance to witness herds plunging through the river, dodging crocodiles and predators. Flexible game drives all day with picnic lunches to stay close to the action. Evenings back at camp for a gourmet dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Northern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final Mara region drive then fly or drive back south through the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro highlands. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by late afternoon for sunset views and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari — spot rhinos, elephants, lions and more in this natural Eden. Picnic lunch near the hippo pool. Ascend the crater walls and return to Arusha or airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Includes
All park fees
Professional safari guide/driver
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Daily game drives as per itinerary
Accommodation as specified
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Drinking water in the safari vehicle
Camping equipment (for budget camping safaris)
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
Government taxes and VAT
Safari Excludes
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g., drinks at lodges/camps, souvenirs, laundry)
Tips and gratuities (highly appreciated)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Maasai village visit, balloon safari)
Hotel accommodation before and after safari (can be arranged on request)
Additional meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Reserve Your Safari Experience
Let’s get you closer to Tanzania’s untamed beauty. Fill out the form and our safari experts will get back to you shortly.