8-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

Upon arrival at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our representative will be on hand to welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You’ll spend the night at the Gran Melia, a stunning property nestled at the base of Mount Meru in the heart of Arusha city.

• Accommodation: Mtoni River Lodge

• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park.

The park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through it and serves as the main water source for wildlife during the dry season. Often referred to as the “river of warthogs,” it supports a rich diversity of animals throughout the year.

The landscape features a mix of dense elephant grass, acacia woodlands, and open areas where wildlife is frequently seen. Tarangire is especially famous for its large elephant herds, often gathering along the riverbanks. You may also encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests, while predators such as lions and leopards are commonly seen following the herds.

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more breeding bird species recorded here than in almost any other place on Earth. It is one of the best locations to observe elephants in their natural habitat, from young calves to powerful bulls.

After lunch and an extensive game drive, you will continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay at Marera Valley Lodge.

Travel Time: Approx. 2–3 hours (Tarangire → Ngorongoro Highlands/Karatu)

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Serengeti National Park, driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a scenic game-viewing experience along the way.

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world, known for its vast open plains and incredible concentration of animals. The park offers breathtaking landscapes and is widely recognized for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

The Serengeti is home to the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, where over a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. This natural movement happens throughout the year, guided by seasonal rains, making it one of the most remarkable wildlife events on Earth.

The park provides a true African safari experience, where you can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other species in their natural habitat. It is also a popular filming location for many wildlife documentaries.

You will arrive at Embalakai Camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Travel Time: Approx. 4–6 hours (Ngorongoro → Serengeti)

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Embalakai Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

On Days 4 and 5, you will focus on exploring the Northern Serengeti and following the Great Migration, with special attention to the famous Mara River crossings. These days are dedicated to tracking the movement of wildebeests and zebras as they gather near the river and attempt their dramatic crossings.

The northern region of Serengeti National Park is a vast and unspoiled area, known for its rolling hills, open grassy plains, and impressive granite outcrops. This remote part of the park offers a quieter and more exclusive safari experience, away from the busier central regions.

Situated between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, the Northern Serengeti features beautiful landscapes of green hills, scattered acacia woodlands, and wide savannah plains that support a wide variety of wildlife.

This area is one of the best locations to witness the Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras gather at the riverbanks and bravely cross the crocodile-filled waters, creating one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles. This usually happens between June and July and again from September to November.

After your game drives, you will return to your camp for meals and relaxation, enjoying dinner and overnight stays in the heart of the Serengeti.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Intimate Camp Zebra

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will depart for the Central Serengeti (Seronera), enjoying a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours with game viewing along the way. This journey offers another opportunity to experience the vast wilderness and incredible wildlife of the Serengeti.

The Central Serengeti is one of the most الحيو sections of the park, known for its year-round wildlife and beautiful open plains. Established in 1951, Serengeti National Park is home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Wildebeest Migration, where large herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

In addition to the migration, the Seronera area has a high concentration of resident wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species, making it one of the best places for game viewing throughout the year.

After your game drive, you will proceed to your camp, arriving in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours (Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti/Seronera)

Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will depart from Serengeti National Park and drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater, enjoying game viewing along the way.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It is معروف for having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, offering excellent game viewing in a unique and breathtaking environment.

The crater floor is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhinoceros. You may also see large herds of wildebeests and zebras, as well as a strong population of lions and year-round sightings of Cape buffalo.

Although the crater is a popular destination and you may encounter other safari vehicles, the wildlife experience here is truly unforgettable due to the richness and diversity of animals in a relatively small area.

A packed lunch will be served at a designated picnic site inside the crater. After your game drive, you will ascend the crater and continue to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Travel Time: Approx. 3–5 hours (Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Karatu)

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, you will depart and drive back to Arusha, enjoying the scenic journey along the way.

Upon arrival, you will have time for lunch, last-minute shopping, or re-packing before your onward travel. This is a great opportunity to relax and reflect on your safari experience.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or your connecting flight to Zanzibar.

Travel Time: Approx. 4–5 hours (Karatu/Ngorongoro → Arusha)

Main Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)

Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)