8-Day Ultimate Mara River Crossing Safari

Exclusive Wildlife Safari Experiences

Itinerary

Overview

This 8-day safari gives you a chance to see the Great Migration in northern Serengeti between late July and early October. During this time, wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes move across the Serengeti in search of fresh grass. You may also see them crossing the Mara River, where crocodiles and predators wait. The safari also includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Park.

PRICE

  1. One Pax U$D 6,020
  2. Two Pax U$D 3,795
  3. Three Pax U$D 3,445
  4. Four- Six Pax U$D 3,120

Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania. When you arrive at the airport, a company representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel in Arusha. You will rest after your journey and prepare for your safari. Arusha is a busy town and the main starting point for safaris in northern Tanzania.

Accommodations:

  • Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Pazuri Inn
  • Forest Hill
  • Ritz Arcadia

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will drive about 2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park with your safari guide. The park is famous for its large elephant families and the Tarangire River, which is the main water source during the dry season. You may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and leopards. The park also has many old baobab trees and many bird species.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park. In the afternoon, you will continue game viewing before driving to Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodations:

  • Farm of Dreams
  • Eileen’s Trees Inn
  • Marera Valley
  • Karatu Simba Lodge

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

After breakfast, you will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You may stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the amazing scenery of the crater highlands. Then you will continue to Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is known for its wide open plains and large number of wild animals. You may see lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and many antelopes. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

After your game drive, you will go to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodations:

  • Land of Nature Camp
  • Conserve Safari Camp
  • Embalakai Serengeti Camp
  • Mbuni Camp

Day 4: Central Serengeti to North Serengeti (Searching for Migration)

After breakfast, you will drive slowly from central Serengeti to the northern area with game viewing on the way. This area is where the Great Migration is often found at this time of year.

You will look for large groups of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes as they move across the plains in search of fresh grazing land. You may also see predators following the herds.

You will arrive in northern Serengeti in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodations:

  • Sero Tented Camp
  • Friends Camp
  • Nyikani Migration Camp
  • Mbuni Camp

Day 5: Full Day in North Serengeti

You will spend a full day in northern Serengeti. This area has hills, rivers, forests, and open plains. The famous Mara River flows through this region.

If you are lucky, you may see the dramatic river crossing where thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the river while crocodiles wait in the water. On the other side, lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs wait for hunting opportunities.

This is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa.

Accommodations:

  • Sero Tented Camp
  • Friends Camp
  • Nyikani Migration Camp
  • Mbuni Camp

Day 6: North Serengeti to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you will drive back to central Serengeti with a game drive along the way. You may still see parts of the migration or other wildlife during the journey.

Every day in the Serengeti is different, and there is always something new to see. You will arrive in central Serengeti for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodations:

  • Land of Nature Camp
  • Conserve Safari Camp
  • Embalakai Serengeti Camp
  • Mbuni Camp

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you will drive slowly through Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. You may see giraffes and other animals on the slopes.

By midday, you will descend into Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is a large natural bowl formed by a volcano millions of years ago. It has grasslands, forests, lakes, and swamps, and is home to many animals.

Inside the crater, you may see lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and even the rare black rhino.

After the game drive, you will drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodations:

  • Farm of Dreams
  • Eileen’s Trees Inn
  • Marera Valley
  • Karatu Simba Lodge

Day 8: Lake Manyara to Arusha

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park for your final safari experience. The park is small but very beautiful, with a large lake, forest, and views of the Great Rift Valley.

You may see flamingos, elephants, baboons, hippos, and sometimes tree-climbing lions. The park is also known for its many bird species.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park. After the game drive, you will be driven back to Arusha or dropped off at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport, depending on your plan.

We hope you enjoy your safari adventure with Natural Serenity Safaris.

Accommodation

No accommodation included on the final day.

What's Included?

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges.
  • Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
  • Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, including airport transfers.
  • Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
  • Park Fees: All national park entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Game Drives: Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
    Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives.
  • Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a Maasai village (if time permits on Day 7).
  • Internal Flights: Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti (if applicable).

What's Excluded?

  • International Flights: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Visas: Entry visas for Tanzania.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
  • Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
  • Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional beverages, and laundry services.
  • Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari).
  • Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks at lodges and camps unless otherwise stated.

Book with us

Dreaming of the ultimate Tanzania Safari experience?

Tanzania offers a classic wildlife safari. On the popular northern circuit see the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, the southern circuit parks and other attractions.

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Natural Serenity Safari

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari packages generally cover lodging, meals, park admission fees, guided game drives, and transport within the safari parks. Certain packages might also offer airport transfers, domestic flights, and unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides. For more details, please refer to the specific package information.

We suggest bringing lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones, comfy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Be sure to pack your camera, binoculars, and any necessary personal medications. You’ll receive a comprehensive packing list with your booking confirmation.

Absolutely, your safety comes first. Our skilled guides are well-prepared to manage different scenarios, and we adhere to rigorous safety standards for all activities. We also advise getting travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies.

The ideal safari timing hinges on your interests. For instance, the Great Migration in the Serengeti shines from June to September. Typically, the dry season (June to October) is perfect for spotting wildlife, whereas the wet season (November to May) offers prime birdwatching and vibrant scenery.

Depending on your travel plans, specific vaccinations like yellow fever might be necessary. It’s also wise to ensure your hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus shots are current. We recommend checking with your doctor for the latest advice.

Definitely! We provide flexible safari packages tailored to your unique preferences and requirements. Whether you’re keen on wildlife photography, cultural immersion, or upscale lodging, we can craft the perfect safari for you.

You can reserve your spot right on our website by choosing your desired safari package and completing the booking form. Or, if you prefer, feel free to reach out to us by email or phone for tailored booking support.

We offer multiple payment options, such as credit cards, bank transfers, and online payment services. You’ll receive full payment instructions with your booking confirmation.

Absolutely, we’re happy to assist in designing an extended trip that includes hotspots like Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, or Cape Town. Share your preferences with us, and we’ll put together a smooth, unforgettable journey for you.

Yes, we provide family-oriented safari packages with accommodations and activities designed for all ages. Our guides excel at delivering fun and informative experiences for kids.