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8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari

An 8 Day expedition combining Lake Natron flamingos and waterfalls with Tarangire, Northern Serengeti Mara River crossings, Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro — USD 3,650 per person.

Experience an unforgettable 8 day Tanzania safari combining the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron, the elephant-rich wilderness of Tarangire National Park, the legendary Serengeti National Park, the spectacular Mara River migration crossings, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Designed for July to October, this private mid range safari follows the Great Migration into the Northern Serengeti, where vast herds of wildebeest gather around the Mara River. Along the way, discover Lake Natron’s flamingos, volcanic scenery and waterfalls before continuing through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas.

At a glance

Highlights

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by the Golden Memories Safaris team and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Settle into your hotel and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Arusha or simply enjoy a peaceful evening before your safari adventure begins.

Stay: Gold Crest Hotel. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park & Karatu

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2.5 hour drive away. Famous for its enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and seasonal wetlands, Tarangire offers an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. Enjoy a full day game drive through the park, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and numerous bird species. During the dry season, wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, drive toward the Karatu area for dinner and overnight.

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

Day 3: Karatu to Lake Natron

After breakfast, continue toward the spectacular Lake Natron, travelling through the dramatic landscapes of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley. Lake Natron is one of northern Tanzania’s most extraordinary destinations, known for its alkaline waters, volcanic surroundings and large concentrations of flamingos. The area lies beneath Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s active volcano and one of the most distinctive mountains in the region. After lunch at your camp, explore the surroundings of Lake Natron and enjoy a nature walk toward the lake. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may see large numbers of flamingos gathering around the shallow waters.

Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti

Start the morning with an adventure around Lake Natron, including a guided hike toward the spectacular Ngare Sero Waterfalls. Surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery, this is a refreshing contrast to the traditional game drive experience. After lunch, begin the journey toward the Northern Serengeti, travelling through increasingly remote landscapes toward the Kogatende area. Arrive in the Northern Serengeti and begin your first game drive around the Mara River ecosystem, where the Great Migration may be gathering during the July–October season.

Stay: Moyo Migration Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Full Day Great Migration Safari

Today is dedicated to one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife experiences: the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti. Set out early with your experienced Golden Memories safari guide to search for the migrating wildebeest and zebra herds around the Mara River. Your guide will monitor wildlife activity and choose suitable areas for game viewing based on current conditions. The river crossing is a completely natural event and cannot be guaranteed, but spending time in the Northern Serengeti during the migration season gives you an excellent opportunity to witness the herds gathering along the river. Between migration sightings, continue exploring the surrounding plains and woodland, where you may encounter lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas and other resident wildlife.

Stay: Moyo Migration Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti To Central Serengeti

Rise early for another game drive in the Northern Serengeti before continuing south toward Central Serengeti and the Seronera Valley. The journey itself becomes a safari as you travel through changing landscapes and wildlife-rich plains. Keep your eyes open for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and big cats along the route. Central Serengeti is famous for its year round wildlife and excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs and leopards around the Seronera River and surrounding kopjes. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before heading to your tented camp for dinner and overnight.

Stay: Moyo Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Central Serengeti Game Drive To Ndutu Plains

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive through the Serengeti as you travel toward the Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Although the main wildebeest calving season occurs between approximately December and April, the Ndutu region remains an important wildlife area throughout the year, with resident wildlife and beautiful seasonal landscapes. Continue through the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying game viewing along the way before arriving at your accommodation.

Stay: Masek Tented Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for your final major wildlife experience. The crater is one of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations and provides excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a game drive across the crater floor, including the open grasslands, Lerai Forest and the soda lake areas where wildlife gathers. After your crater experience, ascend the crater walls and begin the journey back to Arusha, where your 8 day Lake Natron and Great Migration safari comes to an end.

Stay: Departure transfer. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

What is included

What is not included

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari cost?

The 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari starts from USD 3,650 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 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari and where does it go?

It lasts 8 days and 7 nights and covers Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro. The day-by-day itinerary on this page lists each stop.

What is included in the 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari?

The price includes all park fees, concession fees, Lake Natron permits, and Ngorongoro Crater fee, private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and expert guide, all accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary, guided hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls and Lake Natron flamingo walk, airport transfers (JRO / Arusha Airport) and bottled mineral water in vehicle. The "What is included" list on this page has everything.

What is not included in the 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari?

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 Oldoinyo Lengai night trek or balloon safari. The "What is not included" list on this page has everything.

When is the best time to book the 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari?

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 8 Day Lake Natron & Mara River Migration Crossing Safari?

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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