9-Day Great Migration Safari in Tanzania with Mara River Crossing

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

View all 7 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic flight to the Northern Serengeti
02 Search for the Great Migration and dramatic Mara River crossings
03 Explore the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti
04 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
05 Discover Tarangire National Park's iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds

Experience the best of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit on this exciting 9-day fly-in, drive-out adventure. Begin with a scenic flight to the Northern Serengeti, where you'll enjoy an all-inclusive stay while searching for the spectacular Great Migration and the dramatic Mara River crossings. Continue through the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti, explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire National Park, and conclude your unforgettable safari in Arusha.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meet & Greet: Be met by a Usari Safaris and Tours representative.
Transfer: Transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
Leisure: Spend the remainder of the day at leisure before your safari begins.
Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (BB).

Day 02

Fly to the Northern Serengeti

Breakfast: After breakfast.
Transfer: Transfer to Arusha Airport.
Flight: Take a scheduled flight to the Northern Serengeti.
Meet: Be met by a Usari Safaris and Tours professional driver-guide.
Game drive: Begin your first game drive through the Mara River region, home to the Great Migration.
Dinner & Overnight: Drive to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Mara River Camp (BLD).

Day 03

Full-Day Safari in the Northern Serengeti

Game drives: Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Northern Serengeti, following the migration herds and searching for dramatic Mara River crossings, as well as lions, leopards, elephants, and other resident wildlife.
Dinner & Overnight: Later, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Mara River Camp (BLD).

Day 04

Wildlife Tracking in the Northern Serengeti

Safari: Spend another full day exploring the Northern Serengeti.
Wildlife tracking: Your guide will track wildlife movements to maximize your chances of witnessing the famous river crossings and predator interactions.
Dinner & Overnight: After your full-day activities, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Mara River Camp (BLD).

Day 05

Northern to Central Serengeti

Breakfast: After breakfast.
Check out: Check out.
Drive: Drive to Central Serengeti while enjoying game drives along the way.
Note: Central Serengeti is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including large cat populations and year-round game viewing.
Dinner & Overnight: Arrive at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Sametu Camp (BLD).

Day 06

Central Serengeti to Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Highlands

Game drive: After an early morning game drive in the Serengeti.
Depart: Depart for the Ngorongoro Highlands with game viewing en route.
Visit: Visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the world's most significant archaeological sites, where you will learn about the history of early human evolution.
Dinner & Overnight: Continue to your camp in the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and an overnight stay at Ngorongoro Lions Paws (BLD).

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Tarangire

Breakfast: After breakfast.
Check out: Check out.
Crater descent: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
Explore: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exceptional concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Drive: In the afternoon, drive to Tarangire.
Dinner & Overnight: Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Elephant Springs (BLD).

Day 08

Tarangire National Park and Return to Arusha

Travel: Travel to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive.
Discover: Discover its iconic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife.
Return: Return to Arusha.
Overnight: Final overnight at Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (BB).

Day 09

Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Breakfast: After breakfast.
Transfer: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
End: Marking the end of your unforgettable Great Migration safari.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
One-way scheduled domestic flight from Arusha to the Northern Serengeti.
Accommodation throughout the safari as specified in the itinerary.
All meals during the safari.
Transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
All scheduled game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
Park entrance and conservation fees.
Unlimited bottled drinking water during game drives.
Government taxes and VAT applicable at the time of booking.

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Tanzania.
Tanzania visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended).
Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, lodge staff, and porters.
Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris, cultural tours, walking safaris, or other excursions not included in the itinerary.
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature.
Any increase in park fees, taxes, or government levies imposed after the booking has been confirmed.

What to bring

Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing
Light jacket or fleece for cool mornings
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Binoculars
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries/power bank
Reusable water bottle
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
Passport, travel documents, and some cash for tips or souvenirs

Know before you go

Pack light: wear neutral-colored clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Start early: wildlife is most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
Follow your guide: always stay in the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
Bring essentials: binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications.
Respect wildlife: keep a safe distance, stay quiet, and never feed animals.
Be prepared for the weather: mornings can be cool, while afternoons are often warm.
Stay flexible: wildlife sightings are unpredictable, making every safari a unique experience.

Logistics