6-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari with Mara River Crossing

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Witness the Great Migration and Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti
• 02 Enjoy game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara
• 03 Spot the Big Five, elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more wildlife
• 04 Experience breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems across Tanzania's northern circuit

Experience Tanzania's iconic northern circuit through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This private safari combines vast savannahs, diverse ecosystems, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, including the dramatic Mara River crossing during the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti from July to October. Enjoy immersive game drives, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to spot an impressive range of animals across some of Tanzania's most celebrated parks. Ideal for families, couples, and private groups, this journey blends adventure, nature, and comfort into a complete Tanzanian wildlife experience.

Witness wildebeest and zebras crossing crocodile-filled waters with your guide.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

• Pick up from your hotel in Arusha or the airport in the morning.
• Depart for Tarangire National Park, enjoying scenic views of rural villages and the Tanzanian countryside.
• Begin a game drive through the park's rolling savannahs and iconic baobab landscapes.
• Spot wildlife including large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous bird species around the Tarangire River.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park.
• Continue the afternoon game drive, taking in the peaceful wilderness and rich wildlife.
• Drive to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and relaxation.
• Unwind under the African night sky in preparation for the next day's adventure.

2

Day 02

Karatu to Serengeti National Park Game Drive

• Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge.
• Depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Admire breathtaking highland views and spot wildlife roaming freely across the plains en route.
• Observe zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and possibly predators during the drive.
• Upon arrival in the Serengeti, embark on an afternoon game drive across the endless savannah.
• Watch the golden sunset over the plains while observing lions, elephants, and other wildlife.
• Transfer to your lodge or tented camp inside the park for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the Serengeti wilderness.

3

Day 03

Northern Serengeti and Mara River Exploration

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your camp.
• Depart on a scenic game drive toward the Northern Serengeti.
• Cross the vast plains of Central Serengeti, spotting predators, grazing herds, and diverse wildlife.
• Continue your game drive in the Northern Serengeti, one of the park's most remote and wildlife-rich areas.
• Explore the Mara River region in search of the Great Migration crossing.
• Witness wildebeest and zebras crossing crocodile-filled waters with your guide.
• Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, adventure, and discovery in the wild Northern Serengeti.

4

Day 04

Northern to Central Serengeti Game Drive

• Set out in the morning for an extended game drive in the Northern Serengeti.
• Track the Great Migration through this dramatic and wildlife-rich region.
• Follow the Mara River and surrounding plains with your guide for chances to see wildebeest, zebras, river crossings, and predator activity.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic game drive back toward Central Serengeti.
• Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and other wildlife across the open savannah.
• Arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay amidst the African wilderness.

5

Day 05

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• After an early breakfast, depart the Serengeti and begin a scenic drive toward Ngorongoro Crater.
• Enjoy a final en route game drive, spotting wildlife and admiring the changing savannah and highland landscapes.
• Upon arrival, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife.
• Embark on a full game drive inside the crater, observing lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, and the rare black rhino.
• Stop around midday at a scenic picnic site to enjoy your packed lunch.
• Continue exploring the crater floor in the afternoon before ascending.
• Drive to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Arusha

• After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
• Explore lush forests, soda lake shores, and sprawling savannahs, home to tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, baboons, hippos, and thousands of flamingos that often turn the lake pink.
• Enjoy a final game drive, capturing unforgettable wildlife and nature moments.
• Begin the drive back to Arusha, admiring rolling hills and rural landscapes along the way.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation in Arusha or to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees (for non-residents)
• All activities (unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
• A professional driver-guide
• All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
• All taxes/VAT
• Round-trip airport transfer
• Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

• International flights (from/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
• Some meals (if not specified in the day-by-day section)

What to bring

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, brown; avoid bright colors)
• Warm jacket or fleece (early mornings and evenings can be cold)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Camera or smartphone with extra batteries, power bank, and chargers
• Binoculars if you have them (highly recommended for wildlife viewing)
• Personal toiletries and any required medication
• Small backpack for daily game drives

Know before you go

• Best time to visit - This safari is best experienced from July to October, the peak season for incredible wildlife viewing, dry weather, and high chances of witnessing the Great Migration.
• The tour is available all year round, with each season offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters.
• Seasonal overview - July-October (recommended): Peak safari season, excellent visibility, dense wildlife, and dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti.
• November-June: Green season with fewer crowds, lush landscapes, excellent birdlife, and great photography opportunities.
• Important notes - Early morning game drives offer the best wildlife sightings.
• Weather can vary between warm daytime temperatures and cooler mornings and evenings.
• Itineraries may be slightly adjusted to follow wildlife movement for the best experience.
• Accommodation and park availability can be limited during peak season; early booking is highly recommended.
• To secure the best lodges, preferred dates, and smooth arrangements, advance booking is advised.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Babati Rural, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.