7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari

Tour Overview

This 7-day luxury safari takes you deep into the Serengeti, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the Mara River crossing. Witness thousands of wildebeests braving crocodile-infested waters during the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti. Explore Central Serengeti’s predator-rich landscapes and conclude your journey with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed wonder. Enjoy exclusive game drives, luxury accommodations, and a seamless mix of adventure and comfort.

Highlights & Activities

Quick Facts

7 Days | 6 Nights

Destinations

Nearest Airports

Perfect for: First-time safari travelers, photographers, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the Great Migration season in comfort with a luxury fly-in safari.

Moments from the Wild

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, a stylish retreat in the heart of the city. Unwind by the pool, enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar, or explore the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center if time allows. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and a safari briefing to prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Arusha – Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for a scenic flight to Northern Serengeti, where the dramatic Mara River crossing unfolds. Upon landing, embark on a private game drive, witnessing thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles gathering at the riverbanks, waiting to cross. Watch as they navigate the crocodile-infested waters, while predators like lions and leopards lurk nearby. Arrive at Serengeti North Wilderness Camp, a luxury tented retreat offering breathtaking views of the plains.

Day 3: Full Day Northern Serengeti

Spend the entire day exploring the remote Northern Serengeti, home to fewer crowds and intense wildlife action. Your expert guide will position you at the best vantage points to witness the thrilling Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeests make their perilous journey. Apart from the migration, this region is rich in big cats, elephants, giraffes, and rare rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your adventure. Return to camp for a gourmet dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day’s unforgettable encounters.

Day 4: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive, capturing final moments of the Great Migration before heading to Central Serengeti, the heart of predator territory. This region is home to the highest concentration of lions and cheetahs in Africa. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way, enjoying the breathtaking Serengeti landscapes. Arrive at Serengeti Wilderness Camp, a luxury retreat nestled in the Seronera Valley. After settling in, enjoy on an afternoon game drive, tracking elusive leopards resting in the acacia trees.

Day 5: Full Day Central Serengeti

Today, experience the magic of Seronera, a wildlife-rich region teeming with action. Begin with a sunrise game drive, watching predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs on the hunt. Visit the famous Retina Hippo Pool, where dozens of hippo’s wallows in the water. Stop for a bush picnic lunch before continuing your safari, encountering elephants, giraffes, and herds of buffalos. In the evening, return to camp for a fine dining experience and sundowners by the campfire.

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti, capturing the last glimpses of its vast landscapes before heading towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, visit the Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites where early human fossils were discovered. Arrive at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp, a luxury lodge perched on the crater’s rim, offering breathtaking views. Spend the evening relaxing by the fire, enjoying a gourmet meal in the heart of nature.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Wake up early for a breathtaking safari inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven and home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard). Descend into the crater, where you will see flamingos in the soda lakes, hippos in the swamps, and countless herds of zebras and antelopes. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the crater, taking in the spectacular scenery. After your tour, drive back to Arusha, where you can relax before your flight. If needed, an additional overnight stay in Arusha can be arranged.

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Four Points by Sheraton Hotel

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is a luxury hotel in the heart of Arusha, Tanzania, offering a refined mix of historic charm and modern comfort. It is one of East Africa’s oldest hotels and acts as a convenient gateway to northern safari destinations such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park. The hotel is located about 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport and only a short drive from Arusha Airport, making it ideal for safari travelers.

You can enjoy stylish, air-conditioned rooms with modern African décor, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Room options range from queen and king rooms to balcony, pool-view rooms, and executive suites. Facilities include a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, the Hatari Bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, spa services, and lush tropical gardens. It is perfect for both business and leisure stays.

Serengeti North Wilderness Camp

Serengeti North Wilderness Camp is a seasonal luxury tented camp located in the Kogatende area of the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania. Open from July to October, the camp offers a prime location near the Mara River, giving guests the opportunity to witness the famous Great Wildebeest Migration and exciting river crossings.

The camp features 10 spacious safari tents, including a family tent, all designed to provide comfort while keeping guests close to nature. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom, hot shower, comfortable beds, USB charging points, and a private veranda overlooking the Serengeti wilderness.

Guests can enjoy daily game drives, optional hot air balloon safaris, bird watching, bush dining under the stars, and relaxing evenings around the campfire. The camp also offers a dining tent, lounge tent with a bar, free Wi-Fi, and friendly Tanzanian hospitality.

With its peaceful setting, eco-friendly design, and excellent wildlife viewing, Serengeti North Wilderness Camp provides an unforgettable safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most spectacular locations

Serengeti Central Wilderness Camp

Serengeti Central Wilderness Camp is a classic luxury tented camp located in the Central Serengeti near Nyabogati, Tanzania. It is set in a private and peaceful area overlooking a wildlife-rich valley with a permanent water source, attracting animals throughout the year.

The camp has 10 spacious safari tents designed for comfort and privacy. Each tent includes en-suite bathrooms, hot gravity-fed showers, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, USB charging points, and a private veranda with views of the Serengeti plains. The tents are well spaced to ensure a quiet and intimate safari experience.

The camp is open all year and offers excellent wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and seasonal migration herds passing through the area. Guests can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and optional hot air balloon safaris.

Facilities include a dining tent, lounge tent with bar, campfire evenings, free Wi-Fi, and warm Tanzanian hospitality. Serengeti Central Wilderness Camp offers a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and authentic safari adventure in the heart of the Serengeti

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw

Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw is a luxury tented camp located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. It is just about 10 minutes from the crater entrance, making it a perfect base for early morning game drives into the crater.

The camp offers stunning views over Lake Magadi and the crater floor, where guests can often see elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and the rare black rhino. Its elevated location provides breathtaking panoramic scenery from the lounge and dining areas.

Lion’s Paw features elegant and comfortable suites designed with Tanzanian-inspired style. Each room offers privacy, comfort, and direct views of the surrounding wilderness, making it ideal for couples, families, and honeymooners.

Guests can enjoy delicious meals, bush dining, sundowners, and warm Tanzanian hospitality. Relaxing lounge and bar areas allow guests to unwind after safari adventures.

With its prime location, luxury comfort, and incredible crater views, Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable safari experiences in Tanzania