8-Day Great Migration Safari: Serengeti & Mara River

About This Mara River Crossing Safari — Great Migration safari

In addition, this 8-day Mara River crossing safari gives you a complete Tanzania experience. In addition, above all, it boosts your chance to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti. Afterwards, our Great Migration safari follows the wildebeest migration safari across the Serengeti, where the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti herds meet the Mara River for wildebeest crossing the Mara River, with Mara River crossing safari moments and Great wildebeest migration safari views from every camp.

Great Migration Safari: How the Trip Works

First, you visit other famous parks for variety. Then, you spend quality time in the Serengeti for the main migration spectacle. Throughout the trip, you travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide. In addition, you stay in mid-luxury lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, good food and excellent service.

Best time to visit: July to October

Plan Your Trip

Before you go: read about the Great Wildebeest Migration, the best time to visit Serengeti and what to pack for a Tanzania safari.

The Great Migration safari route changes with the rains, so every Great Migration safari game drive tracks fresh herds. Follow the Great Migration across the Serengeti each season.

For additional destination information, see the referenced source.

In addition, this Great Migration safari itinerary keeps the journey practical and well paced. Meanwhile, each day builds naturally toward the next experience. Finally, the itinerary gives you a clear route from arrival to departure.

Planning Your Great Migration safari

Before travelling, review the route, accommodation plan, included services and daily activities. This Great Migration safari itinerary is designed to make planning easier while keeping the main experiences clear. Your guide can also help with timing, wildlife viewing opportunities, transfers and practical arrangements during the journey. Check the recommended travel period and prepare suitable clothing, travel documents and personal essentials before departure. This helps you spend more time enjoying the destination and less time managing logistics.

Sample itineraries

DAY 01

Kilimanjaro Airport

Arrival - Welcome to Tanzania

Arrival – Welcome to Tanzania

You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and are warmly welcomed by your driver. Afterwards, this day is relaxed to help you recover from your international flight and get ready for the adventure. Then, your Great Migration safari starts with a briefing in Arusha.

FOCUS:
Serengeti safari

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Serengeti safari Tanzania
Great Migration safari
Serengeti migration safari

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7-Day Serengeti Safari: Great Migration Tanzania

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7-day Serengeti safari in Tanzania featuring the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti and Northern Serengeti.

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7-Day Serengeti Safari: Great Migration Tanzania

Transfer

Where to stay

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Arusha

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 2

Tarangire National Park

Into Wild - Tarangire National Park

You drive about 2–2.5 hours to Tarangire, one of the most scenic entry points to your safari. Then, this park is famous for its huge herds of elephants and beautiful ancient baobab trees, offering a gentle introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. Activities: Full day game drives. Besides, the wildebeest migration safari begins as we enter Serengeti.

Game Drive

Where to stay

Maramboi Tented Lodge

Lake Manyara National Park

Meals

All Meals

DAY 03

Ngorongoro Highlands

Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands via Lake Manyara

Today you transition from the dry savannah of Tarangire to the lush, green environments of Lake Manyara before ascending to the cool, scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Besides, this day offers excellent habitat diversity from dense forests and soda lakes to rolling highland hills with panoramic views.

Activities:

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, where you search for the famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, flamingos on the lake, elephants, and a rich variety of birdlife.
After lunch, you drive up to the Ngorongoro Highlands. As a result, in the afternoon, you enjoy a guided walking safari on the crater rim/highlands with an armed ranger and Maasai guide. Later, this walk offers stunning views over the crater, chances to see birds, small mammals, and learn about the local plants and Maasai culture in a peaceful, natural setting. Today the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti moves through the central plains.

Game Drive

Walking Safari

Where to stay

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw

Ngorongoro Crater

Meals

All Meals

DAY 04

Ngorongoro Area

Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater- Crater Floor

Today, descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. As a result, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five. Meanwhile, spot lions lounging in the sun, rhinos grazing in the distance, and elephants wandering the crater floor. After that, the scenic beauty, coupled with a variety of habitats, makes this one of the most spectacular safari experiences on earth. Estimated driving distance 25 minute drive to park entrance Activities Game drives Accommodation & Meals B, L, D Accommodation Options Luxury: Osonjoi Lodge Ngorongoro Great wildebeest migration safari herds gather near the Mara.

Crater Tour

Game Drive

Where to stay

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw

Ngorongoro Crater

Meals

All Meals

DAY 05

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, head towards the legendary Serengeti. Later, along the way, you have the option to visit the fascinating Olduvai Gorge, considered the cradle of humankind, and a traditional Maasai Village for a glimpse into one of Africa’s most iconic cultures. Once in the Serengeti, enjoy a game drive en route to your luxury camp. Finally, wildebeest crossing the Mara River can happen at any river bend.

Game Drive

Where to stay

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

All Meals

DAY 06

Serengeti National Park

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Mara River Area)

After breakfast, you will leave the central part of Serengeti National Park and drive north towards the Mara River area, enjoying a game drive along the way as you follow the path of the wildebeest migration; you may see lions, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras, while the scenery slowly changes to green hills and river areas, and upon arrival in the Northern Serengeti you will continue with an afternoon game drive before heading to your tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay Mara River crossing safari moments fill the northern Serengeti.

Game Drive

Where to stay

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

All Meals

DAY 07

Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti – Mara River

This is the most exciting day of your safari. Meanwhile, you will spend the day in the northern part of Serengeti National Park near the Mara River, where the wildebeest migration happens. Also, thousands of animals gather near the river, waiting for the right time to cross. In addition, it is a dramatic moment as they jump into the water, facing strong currents and crocodiles. Your guide will take you to the best viewing areas depending on where the animals are. The Great Migration safari continues as herds push south.

Hiking And Trekking

Where to stay

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

All Meals

DAY 08

Serengeti- Arusha

Northern Serengeti – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in Serengeti National Park with a short game drive as you head to the airstrip.

You will then take a flight back to Arusha or continue to your next destination. After that, this marks the end of your safari, leaving you with amazing memories of wildlife and nature.

8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

About This Mara River Crossing Safari — Great Migration safari

Great Migration Safari: How the Trip Works

Plan Your Trip

Planning Your Great Migration safari

Sample itineraries

DAY 01

Kilimanjaro Airport

Arrival - Welcome to Tanzania

Arrival – Welcome to Tanzania

Transfer

Where to stay

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Arusha

Meals

DAY 2

Tarangire National Park

Into Wild - Tarangire National Park

Game Drive

Where to stay

Maramboi Tented Lodge

Lake Manyara National Park

Meals

DAY 03

Ngorongoro Highlands

Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands via Lake Manyara

Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands via Lake Manyara

Game Drive

Walking Safari

Where to stay

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw

Ngorongoro Crater

Meals

DAY 04

Ngorongoro Area

Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater- Crater Floor

Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater- Crater Floor

Crater Tour

Game Drive

Where to stay

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw

Ngorongoro Crater

Meals

DAY 05

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

Game Drive

Where to stay

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

DAY 06

Serengeti National Park

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Mara River Area)

Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Mara River Area)

Game Drive

Where to stay

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

DAY 07

Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti – Mara River

Northern Serengeti – Mara River

Hiking And Trekking

Where to stay

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Serengeti National Park

Meals

DAY 08

Serengeti- Arusha

Northern Serengeti – Departure

Northern Serengeti – Departure

Transfer

Where to stay

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli National Park

Meals