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7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration

Experience the Great Migration in Tanzania on a thrilling 7 Day private safari through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with prime Mara River crossing viewing — USD 3,300 per person.

Experience the Great Migration in Tanzania on a thrilling 7 day private safari through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Discover elephant-filled landscapes and ancient baobabs in Tarangire before heading into the Central Serengeti for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Continue north to Northern Serengeti, where the legendary Mara River crossing takes center stage. Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras gathering along the riverbanks as they follow the annual Great Migration, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences.

At a glance

Highlights

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Your Tanzania safari adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You’ll be warmly welcomed by your Golden Memories Safaris representative, holding a personalized name board. From the airport, you’ll enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha, nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru. Upon arrival, take time to relax, freshen up, and settle into your accommodation. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner while meeting your safari guide, who will brief you on the exciting journey ahead and answer any questions about your Tanzania wildlife safari. After a restful night, you’ll be ready to begin your safari adventure.

Stay: Gold Crest Hotel. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations and renowned for its spectacular elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full day Tarangire safari game drive through open savannah, seasonal swamps and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River. Especially during the dry season, the river attracts large concentrations of elephants and other wildlife. Keep your eyes open for lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, fringe-eared oryx, dwarf mongooses and an impressive variety of birdlife. A delicious picnic lunch will be served in the park, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the wildlife and beautiful scenery. Continue your afternoon game drive before leaving Tarangire and heading to Karatu for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Stay: Farm of Dreams Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. Enter Central Serengeti and explore the scenic Seronera Valley, renowned for year-round wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. Continue with a guided game drive across the endless Serengeti plains, searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Arrive at Nakupenda Luxury Camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti.

Stay: Nakupenda Luxury Camp Central Serengeti. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Northern Serengeti & Mara River Great Migration

Travel north through the Serengeti on a scenic game drive toward the Mara River, the legendary stage of the Great Migration. Between July and October, the northern Serengeti offers exceptional opportunities to witness wildebeest and zebra gathering near the river and, when conditions align, dramatic river crossings. Continue through Kogatende or Lamai, exploring the northern plains for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife before arriving at your intimate mobile camp near the river. An optional sunrise hot air balloon safari is available at an additional cost.

Stay: Moyo Migration Camp In Northern Serengeti. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Mara River Great Migration & Northern Serengeti Safari

Wake early for a sunrise game drive around the Mara River, one of the best areas to experience the Great Migration. From July to October, wildebeest and zebra gather along the riverbanks, creating unforgettable opportunities to witness dramatic river crossings. After lunch, begin a scenic game drive south through the Serengeti, enjoying wildlife sightings and the golden landscapes as you return to Central Serengeti.

Stay: Nakupenda Luxury Camp in Central Serengeti. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Safari

After breakfast, enjoy a final Serengeti game drive as you journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive, searching for lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, and the endangered black rhino. Explore the crater floor with its rich wildlife and dramatic landscapes before ascending the crater rim and continuing to Karatu for a relaxing evening.

Stay: Farm of Dreams Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Karatu to Arusha, Hotel or Airport Drop-Off

After breakfast, depart Karatu and drive back to Arusha, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time in Arusha before your transfer to your hotel, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward journey.

Stay: Departure (no overnight). Meals: Breakfast.

What is included

What is not included

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration cost?

The 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration starts from USD 3,300 per person. The final price depends on your group size, travel dates and accommodation level, so send an inquiry with your dates for an exact quote.

How long is the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration and where does it go?

It lasts 7 days and 6 nights and covers Arusha, Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Karatu. The day-by-day itinerary on this page lists each stop.

What is included in the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration?

The price includes all park entry fees, concession fees, and Ngorongoro Crater fees, private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and unlimited mileage on game drives, professional English-speaking driver-guide, lodge and luxury tented camp accommodation as specified, meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The "What is included" list on this page has everything.

What is not included in the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration?

Not included: international flights and entry visas, travel and medical insurance, tips and gratuities for safari guides and camp staff, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses, optional activities not listed in the itinerary and optional sunrise hot air balloon safari. The "What is not included" list on this page has everything.

When is the best time to book the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration?

Tanzania can be visited all year. The dry months from June to October give the easiest wildlife viewing, the calving season in the southern Serengeti runs from about January to March, and the green season is quieter with good birdlife. Tell us your dates and we will confirm what to expect.

How do I book the 7 Day Mara River Crossing Safari, The Great Wildebeest Migration?

Press "Book this safari" on this page or send an inquiry with your dates and number of travellers. We confirm availability and the details by email.

Do I need travel insurance for Tanzania?

Yes. Travel insurance is required for travel to Tanzania, and it should cover medical care and evacuation. See our travel insurance guide before you buy a policy.

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