8 Days Great Migration River Crossing
overview
Witness one of nature’s most thrilling, chaotic events – the annual Great Migration – where life and death hang in the balance in this survival of the fittest. Picture thousands of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elands and antelopes as they make their way perilously across the turbid waters of the Mara River in search of greener pastures, while also contending with the river’s crocodiles and hippos scouring for prey.
Tour Information
Availability
July – October
Price
Starting from USD 3,541
per person sharing
Tour Highlights
Arusha, Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
Duration
1 Night Arusha | 1 Night Tarangire | 2 Nights Central Serengeti | 2 Nights Northern Serengeti | 1 Night Ngorongoro Crater
Day 1
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Our guide meets you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha.
Located beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha City is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of national parks and marks the starting point of your safari into the African Bush.
Set out to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of local life in Arusha.
Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy popular coffee tours – weaving in and out of the evergreen coffee trees, while learning about how beans are nurtured, harvested, dried and finally roasted to produce myriad different blends which are exported and enjoyed all over the world.*
* These activities are an additional cost
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire
Enjoy an early start to the day as your guide collects you from Arusha and takes you to Tarangire National Park to kickstart your adventure.
Situated in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, the Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for animals migrating into the park from surrounding areas – making wildlife sightings more likely as they congregate here in their masses.
Enjoy beautiful sunny weather while watching some of Tanzania’s best wildlife, including a 300-strong herd of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, eland and buffalo.
After an exciting day scouring the bush, your guide transfers you to your hotel in time for dinner.
As the African night comes alive, set out on a late-night safari to see nocturnal animals with the aid of our knowledgeable guide, including hyenas, leopards, honey badgers, white tailed mongoose, hippos and genets.*
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* These activities are an additional cost
Day 3
Tarangire – Central Serengeti
It’s an early start, as we depart Tarangire and make our way to the Serengeti for a spectacular afternoon game drive and begin to track the migrating herds as they prepare to make the treacherous crossing.
After an exciting day exploring the heart of the Serengeti, guests are taken back to their accommodation inside the National Park to enjoy a gourmet dinner and an early night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4
Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti
After a hearty breakfast, we set off to the North Serengeti, following in the footsteps of the Great Migration and spotting herds as they look for the safest place to cross.
Here on the riverbanks, expect to see wildebeest and other mammals gathered in their thousands, as they nervously wait for the first wildebeest to take the leap. Not only are the deep waters dangerous for calves and new-borns, but with large Nile Crocodiles and hungry hippos lying in wait, animals are understandably reluctant to cross and can often move to multiple different crossing points before finally making the journey over.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5
Northern Serengeti
It’s an early start to the day, as we head out for a full day game viewing in search of some more migration action,
Located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, the Mara River is one of the most treacherous points of the migration. With millions of clattering hooves, crashing waters and predators waiting on the other side, this is the best place to catch the whirlwind action and enjoy the greatest show on earth,
Enjoy a full day along the River, exploring the northern and southern banks, watching the build of energy among the migrating herds, the first tentative crossings, until the final amazing crossing of the river,
The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year and so sightings are not guaranteed. However, with the help of our expert guides, July to October are when you’ll have the best chance of catching the migration action,
Enjoy excellent views of the southern Masai Mara plains towards the north and beautiful sunsets towards the west,
After an eventful and emotional day, you are driven back to your accommodation inside the national park to enjoy a relaxing evening under the starry night sky,
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6
Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
Before leaving North Serengeti, enjoy a morning game drive and one more chance to catch a glimpse of the migrating herds, the dangers and challenges they face each year in their battle for survival.
After an action-packed day, your guide transfers you to Central Serengeti, in time for a gourmet dinner at your accommodation.
Cosy around the campfire and enjoy sharing stories of the day’s wildlife sightings.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7
Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, you leave for a final game drive in the Serengeti.
Few predators hunt during the heat of the day and so early morning is often the best time to observe the thrill of the chase.
Enjoy your last few moments in the Serengeti National Park and get ready for our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Check in to your accommodation at Ngorongoro Crater and settle into your new surroundings.
Enjoy a guided walk around the rim of the mighty Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to seeing breathtaking views of the volcanic crater and the diverse wildlife, our expert guides will also teach you about its incredible indigenous flora and fauna.*
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* These activities are an additional cost
Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Wake up early to panoramic views of the Crater, and after breakfast, head off for a day trip to explore the many fascinating species that are protected within its rim.
Here, we can see the Big Five in high concentration against the stunning backdrop of the crater walls.
After a morning of exploring, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport – where we wave you a fond farewell.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
WHATS INCLUDED
- Return airport transfers to Kilimanjaro international Airport
- 7 x Nights of accommodation and meals as outlined above
- Your own professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Activities and game viewing as specified in the itinerary
- Evening sundowners (where applicable)
- Packed lunches on excursions with unlimited soft drinks and snacks
- Unlimited mileage in one of our custom 4 x 4 Toyota Land cruisers during safari game drives
- Government taxes and national park fees
- Flying Doctor Service
WHATS EXCLUDED
- International and domestic Flights
- Any items of a personal nature such as: telephone calls, alcoholic drinks, laundry, tips for drivers and guides etc
- Insurance
- Visas
Accommodations
From traditional tented safari camps to luxurious lodges, we work with a number of tried and tested accommodation providers to ensure your stay is truly unforgettable. Below are some of the camps that we highly recommend for this itinerary: