Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Great Migration Safari in Serengeti with Mara River Crossing

8 Days Round trip from Serengeti Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the Great Migration and dramatic Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti
  • 02 Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater on immersive game drives
  • 03 Spot the Big Five and diverse wildlife across iconic Tanzanian landscapes
  • 04 Experience remote wilderness with fewer crowds and exceptional photography opportunities

Witness one of nature's most spectacular wildlife events on this 8-day safari through Northern Serengeti. Follow millions of wildebeest and zebras during the Great Migration as they attempt the crocodile-filled Mara River crossing. Along the way, encounter lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife across Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. With expert guides, daily game drives, and breathtaking landscapes, this safari offers intimate wildlife moments and unforgettable photographic opportunities in Tanzania's most iconic parks.

Witness one of nature's most spectacular wildlife events on this 8-day safari through Northern Serengeti.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire's Elephant Country

  • After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park.
  • Enter Tarangire National Park and enjoy a day filled with diverse wildlife encounters.
  • Explore the park, known for its massive elephant herds, baobab-studded landscapes, and rich birdlife.
  • Embark on exciting game drives and spot animals such as lions, giraffes, and zebras.
  • In the evening, drive to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
2
Day 02

Tarangire to Central Serengeti Plains

  • Depart Tarangire early after breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive through Tanzania's landscapes towards Central Serengeti.
  • Arrive in the Serengeti by midday and proceed for an afternoon game drive.
  • Explore the vast plains and spot wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
  • Continue wildlife viewing across different areas of the park.
  • In the early evening, head to your lodge or camp for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
3
Day 03

Full-Day Safari in Central Seronera

  • After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Central Serengeti.
  • Observe predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs during early morning activity.
  • Spot elephants, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras across the plains.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic location within the park.
  • Continue exploring areas such as the Seronera Valley, known for big cats and rich birdlife.
  • Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
4
Day 04

Journey to Northern Serengeti

  • After breakfast, depart on a game drive towards Northern Serengeti.
  • Travel through scenic landscapes to reach the heart of the Great Migration during river-crossing season.
  • Arrive in Northern Serengeti in time for an evening safari.
  • Explore this remote and wildlife-rich region during the game drive.
  • Check in at your accommodation in the evening for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay.
5
Day 05

Mara River Crossing Safari

  • Start early with a game drive along the Mara River in Northern Serengeti.
  • Witness wildebeest and zebras gathering at the riverbanks for dramatic crossings.
  • Observe predators such as crocodiles and lions during the migration activity.
  • Enjoy a bush breakfast by the river surrounded by wildlife.
  • Continue following the herds and watch for additional crossings throughout the day.
  • Have a packed lunch in the field at a scenic location.
  • Explore different river viewpoints in the afternoon to maximise wildlife sightings.
  • Conclude with a sunset game drive before returning to your lodge for the evening.
6
Day 06

Another Day Along the Mara River

  • Start early with a game drive along the Mara River in Northern Serengeti.
  • Witness wildebeest and zebras gathering at the riverbanks for dramatic crossings.
  • Observe predators such as crocodiles and lions during migration activity.
  • Enjoy a bush breakfast by the river surrounded by wildlife.
7
Day 07

Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

  • Begin the day with an early breakfast followed by a morning game drive in Northern Serengeti.
  • Spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, and other animals across the plains.
  • Depart for Ngorongoro Crater with a scenic drive through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands.
  • Enjoy a packed lunch en route while taking in the surrounding landscapes.
  • Arrive at Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the afternoon.
  • Check in to your lodge at the crater rim and enjoy the stunning views.
8
Day 08

Ngorongoro to Kilimanjaro International Airport

  • After breakfast at your lodge in Ngorongoro, depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands and rural villages of Tanzania.
  • Travel towards the airport while taking in the surrounding landscapes.
  • Stop for lunch or souvenir shopping in towns like Arusha, depending on your flight time.
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, concluding the safari.
Mara River crossings, Seronera Valley plains, Tarangire National Park baobabs, Ngorongoro Crater Rim views

Where this trip takes you

Mara River crossings, Seronera Valley plains, Tarangire National Park baobabs, Ngorongoro Crater Rim views

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Serengeti 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transfers in both directions between the International Airport and Arusha
  • Two nights' accommodation in Arusha (before and after the tour)
  • Extended 4x4 luxury safari jeep with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Professional safari cook
  • Entrance fees for all national parks
  • Accommodation on a full-board basis during the safari (basic camping)
  • Camping fees at all national parks
  • Ngorongoro Crater fees
  • 18% VAT on entrance fees
  • All government taxes
  • Free Wi-Fi in the safari jeep
  • Drinking water

What's Not Included

  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)
  • Optional activities (e.g. hot-air balloon rides at $550 per person)
  • Tips and gratuities

What to bring

  • Wear khaki or neutral-coloured clothing to blend in with the natural surroundings.
  • Avoid bright white or fluorescent colours during safari activities.
  • Neutral tones help you stay less noticeable to wildlife during walks and game drives.
  • Dusty conditions in some areas make darker or earthy colours more practical than white clothing.

Know before you go

  • Most partner hotels and lodges provide full board with three meals daily.
  • Safari activities and fresh air may increase your appetite.
  • Carry extra snacks such as biscuits, chips, cookies, or chocolate bars.
  • Pack fruits (fresh or dried) and mixed nuts for quick energy.
  • Local fruits and nuts can also be purchased in villages along the route.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Serengeti, Tanzania
Tour start
Serengeti, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Serengeti.

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Starting from

USD 3,500 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $3,500.00 — $3,840.00
Double Sharing $3,500.00 — $3,840.00

When

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