7-Days Serengeti River crossing Wildebeest Migration
- Safari Overview
- Full Itinerary
- Pricing
- Includes
Serengeti River crossing Wildebeest Migration Overview
This unforgettable 7-day safari follows one of nature’s most spectacular events: The Great Wildebeest Migration during its dramatic river crossing phase. From August to October, over a million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traverse the Mara River in northern Serengeti as they move between Tanzania and Kenya in search of greener pastures.
Your journey begins in Arusha and takes you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. Tarangire National Park – Known for its giant baobabs and vast elephant herds. Serengeti National Park – Witness the breathtaking migration in both the central and northern regions, including the famous Mara River crossings. Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an incredible density of wildlife including the Big Five.
This safari offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities and immersive nature experiences. Whether you catch a river crossing or track a lion pride across the plains, every day brings new and unforgettable moments.
Safari Highlights
Dramatic River Crossings at the Mara River: Witness one of nature’s most heart-pounding spectacles as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River, primarily in the northern Serengeti. These crossings are unpredictable and intense, offering some of the best action-packed wildlife moments on the planet.
Timing and Location: Peak crossings typically occur between July and October, when the herds move from Tanzania’s Serengeti northwards into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures — and return later in the season.
High-Stakes Survival Drama: Watch as wildebeest hesitate at the riverbank, pushed forward by the pressure of thousands behind them, leaping into the water to escape predators, only to face danger from massive Nile crocodiles lurking below.
Predators on the Prowl: The river crossing season is also a prime time to see lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs taking advantage of the chaos and abundance of prey.
Prime Viewing in Northern Serengeti: Base yourself near the Mara River in the Kogatende or Lamai areas for optimal access to multiple crossing points. Mobile camps and luxury lodges offer front-row seats to the migration’s most thrilling moments.
Scenic Diversity: Beyond the river, enjoy stunning savannahs, riverine forests, and kopjes teeming with wildlife year-round.
Photographic Goldmine: Capture dramatic images of wildebeest mid-leap, crocodiles ambushing their prey, and the raw emotion of survival etched across the African plains.
Serengeti River crossing Wildebeest Migration Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania!
Your journey begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a Travencia Safaris friendly guide will be waiting to greet you. Enjoy a private transfer to Planet Lodge, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru in Arusha. This peaceful, garden-style lodge offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere – the perfect place to unwind after your flight.
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park.
After breakfast at Planet Lodge, we will pick you up and continue to Tarangire National Park. One of the largest national parks in Tanzania, located in the Manyara region. The place is characterized by large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions and fascinating baobabs, also known as the tree of life because some cultures attribute to it an almost mythical power. This park is particularly known for the Tarangire River, which flows year-round and is the only source of water for wildlife during the dry season.
- Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park.
This day starts with early breakfast at your hotel followed by a drive through Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park. Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful scenery rolling into the distance as far as your eyes can see. You will head in the central part of the park known as the Seronera circuit which is very rich in wildlife habitat, the place is featured by the Seronera River that provides Water for the Animals.
You will spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of the predators. You might have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.
- Accommodation: Serengeti Kontiki Tented Camp.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park-Northern Part (Kogatende).
After breakfast, we will set off on a full day game drive in the wilderness following the Great Migration trails. Our experienced driver tour guide will provide you with interesting facts about this highly renowned event, which makes Tanzania the top safari destination in Africa.
Serengeti, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to around 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles, which join in the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Listen to the exotic sounds of over six million hooves pounding the open plains. This is just like you imagined Africa to be!
- Accommodation: Serengeti Kontiki Kogatende Camp.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Northern Part (Kogatende)
We will proceed for a full day game drive viewing the great migration at Mara area. Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area.
The key feature is the Mara River and there is a great chance to see the herds cross the Mara River to the north on one day and back south a few days later. Please note that it can be very difficult to witness crossing and is sometimes a matter of luck. A herd can be seen next to river and only decide to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
- Accommodation: Serengeti Kontiki Kogatende Camp.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Seronera
After breakfast, we will drive to Serengeti north viewing the great migration at Mara area. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Please take note that finding a crossing is very challenging and is sometimes a matter of luck. There are instances where herds can be seen next to the river but then only decides to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
- Accommodation: Serengeti Kontiki Tented Camp.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater.
After an early breakfast, we head to the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here we descend 600 meters into the crater to see a variety of wildlife.
With year-round access to water and food, Ngorongoro National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including herds of wildebeest and zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants among others. What makes this attraction especially famous is the dense population of predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which requires a trained eye to be spotted.
We also visited Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwest corner and one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other waterfowl can be found in this lake.
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast.
End of Tour
PRICING INCLUDES
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- Daily packed lunch and unlimited drinking water
- Professional safari guide
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- All Park and conservation fees
- All airport transfers
PRICING EXCLUDES
- Optional activities (e.g. Hot air balloon safari – $550 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges and camps
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.).
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff.
- International and domestic flights.
- Personal travel insurance.
OPTIONAL SAFARI ACTIVITIES
- Balloon Safari (USD 550 per person).
- Maasai Village (USD 5O per vehicle).
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim walk (USD 30 per person).
- Visit to Olduvai Gorge and Museum (USD 40 per person).
- Walking Safari – Arusha National Park & Tarangire (USD 50 per person).
Inquire This Tour
