8-Day Great Migration Safari Itinerary: Mara River Crossing
Overview:
Witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration — during its dramatic Mara River crossing. This 8-day safari blends classic game drives, scenic landscapes, and premium accommodation in Tanzania’s top safari parks.
Day 1: Arrival
Picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay, before your adventure begins.
Day 2: Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your safari lodge on the crater rim.
Day 3: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning of game viewing. This ancient volcanic caldera is teeming with wildlife, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti
After breakfast, journey to the Central Serengeti, famous for its open plains and predator-rich territory. Arrive for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Overnight at a tented camp or safari lodge.
Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the Seronera Valley, home to large prides of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before returning for a relaxing evening at camp.
Day 6: Central – Northern Serengeti
Drive to the Northern Serengeti, where the Great Migration herds gather at the Mara River. Arrive in time for lunch and a thrilling afternoon game drive focused on migration action and big cat encounters.
Day 7: Great Migration Viewing – Mara River
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Mara River region, witnessing thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempting the dangerous river crossing — a true bucket-list experience. Overnight at your northern Serengeti tented camp or lodge.
Day 8: Fly to Arusha – Departure
Take a scenic bush flight from Serengeti to Arusha. Enjoy lunch and day rooms before your airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
BOOK THIS TOUR
What is included
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Accommodation during the safari (lodges, camps, or hotels)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (typically breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Local flights to and from Serengeti
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Unlimited game drives within the national parks
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Evacuation insurance (AMREF Flying Doctors)
- Cultural visits (e.g., Maasai village or Hadzabe, if specified)
- Government VAT and tourism levies
What is excluded
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa fees for entry into Tanzania
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff (customary but not mandatory)
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless stated
- Additional optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, crater rim walk, night game drive)
- Accommodation before/after the safari (unless included in your package)
