8-Day Great Migration Safari in Tanzania with Mara River Crossings

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Airport meet-and-greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport with guided support throughout the trip
  • 02 Game drives in Tarangire National Park among ancient baobabs and large elephant herds
  • 03 Multiple Serengeti safaris across Central (Seronera) and Northern regions for excellent big-cat sightings
  • 04 Dedicated time at the Mara River to observe Great Migration herd behaviour and possible crossings
  • 05 Full-day Ngorongoro Crater exploration with chances to spot the rare black rhinoceros and dense wildlife on the crater floor

Follow Tanzania’s most iconic safari circuit on this immersive 8-day Great Migration journey, designed for travellers eager to experience the Serengeti at its wildest. From Tarangire’s baobab-studded plains to predator-rich Seronera, you’ll enjoy varied game drives and ever-changing landscapes, with expert guidance from arrival to departure.

The adventure culminates in the Northern Serengeti at the Mara River, where you can spend dedicated time tracking migrating herds and watching the tense build-up to dramatic crossings. Complete your safari with a day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife arenas, before returning to Arusha for your onward flight.

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, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

  • Meet your knowledgeable guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport and receive assistance throughout your journey.

  • Transfer to your lodge in Arusha to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

  • Enjoy an overnight stay at Arusha Planet Lodge.

2
Day 02

Tarangire National Park Safari to Karatu

  • Enjoy breakfast before departing for Tarangire National Park.
  • Explore vast landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife.
  • Experience game drives offering sightings of elephants, giraffes, and big cats.
  • Return to your lodge in the wilderness for relaxation.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge.

3
Day 03

Journey to Central Serengeti National Park

  • Depart after breakfast for the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
  • Enjoy scenic views as you drive through Tanzania's stunning landscapes.
  • Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
  • Look out for lions, elephants, zebras, and more during your introduction to the Serengeti.

Overnight stay at Enkirari Wilderness Camp.

4
Day 04

Game Drive to Northern Serengeti and Mara River

  • Leave after breakfast with a packed lunch for a game drive toward the Mara River.
  • Witness wildebeests gathering along the riverbanks during the migration season.
  • Observe the dramatic behaviour of herds preparing for and attempting crossings.
  • Discover unique movement patterns as animals cross back and forth unpredictably.

Overnight at Enkutoto Migration Camp.

5
Day 05

Full-Day Northern Serengeti Wildlife Safari

  • Spend a full day exploring the pristine northern Serengeti on morning and afternoon game drives.
  • Admire a wide variety of wildlife living freely in their natural habitats.
  • Witness the thrilling Mara River crossings during migration.

Overnight at Enkutoto Migration Camp.

6
Day 06

Northern to Central Serengeti via Seronera

  • Depart with packed lunches and enjoy a short game drive before heading toward the Seronera region.
  • Discover one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the Central Serengeti.
  • Spot elephants, giraffes, impalas, hippos, buffaloes, and baboons throughout the valley.
  • Observe the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, including lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs.

Overnight at Enkirari Wilderness Camp.

7
Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Exploration to Karatu

  • Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area after breakfast.

  • Spend the day exploring the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world.

  • Encounter more than 30,000 animals, including the rare black rhinoceros.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of wildlife spread across the crater floor.

  • Depart in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge.

8
Day 08

Return to Arusha and Departure

  • Drive to Arusha for a hot lunch after breakfast.

  • Continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transfer to and from the airport

  • Transport during the safari

  • Park fees as per the programme

  • Crater service fees

  • Concession fees

  • Full-board accommodation during the safari

  • Drinking water

  • Hot lunch in Arusha on the last day

What's Not Included

  • Visa upon arrival

  • International flight tickets

  • Tips for the driver-guide

  • Any items of a personal nature

  • Accommodation on the last day

What to bring

  • Lightweight safari clothes

  • Warm layer

  • Long sleeves

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Hat

  • Rain jacket

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Personal medication

  • Lip balm

  • Sanitiser

  • Binoculars

  • Camera and batteries

  • Power bank

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small backpack

  • Passport

  • Visa if needed

  • Travel insurance

  • Itinerary

Know before you go

  • Best time is July to October for the Mara River crossings, but movements depend on the rains.

  • Wildlife behaviour is unpredictable, as crossings can happen anytime, and guides track herds daily.

  • Crowds are common near the river during peak season.

  • Long game drives mean you may wait hours for crossings, so carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

  • Photography requires a zoom lens between 200 and 600 millimetres, extra batteries, and dust protection.

  • Weather includes warm days and cool mornings, so pack layers and a light jacket.

  • Road conditions are dusty and bumpy, and a four-by-four vehicle is essential.

  • Safety requires staying inside the vehicle near the river due to crocodiles and hippos.

  • Camps are unfenced bush camps, with wildlife often moving around at night.

  • Health precautions include using mosquito repellent and considering malaria medication.

  • Bring cash for tipping guides and camp staff.

  • Expect limited or no network or Wi-Fi in Northern Serengeti.

  • Respect wildlife by keeping distance, avoiding noise, and not littering.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport
End of the journey

Your 8 days run from Kilimanjaro Airport to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 4,288 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $4,288.00 — $7,377.00
Double Sharing $4,288.00 — $5,156.00

When

Travellers

Total