8-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari with Mara River Crossing

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness the dramatic Mara River crossing during the peak migration season
02 Explore Northern Serengeti's remote landscapes and exceptional wildlife
03 Discover world-class predator encounters across the Serengeti ecosystem
04 Experience unforgettable game drives through diverse habitats and scenery

Experience the Serengeti Great Migration and Mara River Crossing on this extraordinary eight-day safari through Tanzania's most iconic landscapes. Explore Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater while witnessing dramatic river crossings, abundant wildlife, and world-class predator encounters. Enjoy thrilling game drives, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional photographic opportunities as millions of wildebeest and zebras journey across the plains. This immersive adventure offers unforgettable wildlife viewing in prime migration locations, guided by skilled professionals.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Meet your professional guide upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and receive a warm welcome.
Transfer to your lodge in Arusha to relax and prepare for the upcoming safari.
Enjoy leisure time at the property before the start of your adventure.

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Safari and Transfer to Karatu

Depart for Tarangire National Park after breakfast.
Explore vast landscapes dotted with iconic baobab trees during exciting game drives.
Spot elephants, giraffes, and elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
Travel to Karatu for an overnight stay in a comfortable lodge.

Day 03

Journey to Central Serengeti National Park

Begin your journey to Serengeti National Park after breakfast.
Enjoy scenic views of Tanzania's diverse landscapes during the drive.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive.
Encounter lions, elephants, zebras, and other wildlife.

Day 04

Game Viewing En Route to Northern Serengeti and the Mara River

Depart with a packed lunch and enjoy game viewing en route to the Mara River.
Witness the dramatic Great Migration during the peak season of July to September.
Observe large herds of wildebeest gathering at the riverbanks before crossing.
Settle into your migration camp for an immersive wilderness experience.

Day 05

Full-Day Safari in Northern Serengeti

Spend a full day discovering the Northern Serengeti on morning and afternoon game drives.
Encounter predators, antelopes, and unique birdlife in pristine surroundings.
Witness wildebeest crossings at the Mara River whenever conditions allow.

Day 06

Return to Central Serengeti via Seronera

Depart with packed lunches and enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti Mara.
Travel to the Seronera Area, renowned for diverse wildlife and high predator density.
Spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and a remarkable range of predators.
Spend the evening relaxing at your wilderness camp.

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area after breakfast.
Descend into the crater for a full day of wildlife viewing.
Observe the Big Five and look for the rare black rhinoceros.
Continue to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 08

Return to Arusha and Departure

Travel to Arusha after breakfast and enjoy a hot lunch.
Proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All airport and airstrip transfers
Full-board accommodation as per the itinerary
Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
Park fees and concession fees
All meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Free Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and optional activities

What to bring

Neutral-coloured outfits
Light shirts, long sleeves, and safari trousers
Warm jacket or sweater for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Hat, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medications
Reusable water bottle, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Camera, binoculars, power bank, and travel adapter
Passport, visa, and travel insurance
Safari itinerary and some USD or TZS cash for tips
Scarf or buff
Swimsuit
Journal for memories

Know before you go

Travel documentation requirements, including a valid passport with six months of validity and any necessary tourist visas.
Health precautions, such as recommended vaccinations and advice from a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist.
Safety considerations, including vigilance in crowded areas and following guidance from local authorities and tour guides.
Climate information highlighting diverse weather conditions and the need for both lightweight clothing and warmer layers.
Currency details, including the use of Tanzanian Shilling and the acceptance of US dollars in tourist areas.
Cultural sensitivity, including modest dressing, respectful behaviour, and seeking permission before photographing people.
Wildlife safari guidelines, such as keeping safe distances from animals and respecting natural habitats.
Language insights, noting Swahili as the official language while English remains widely spoken in tourist regions.

Logistics