5-Day Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti
Overview
Witness one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles on this unforgettable 5-day safari through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This adventure is specially designed for travelers hoping to experience the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration and, when conditions are right, the dramatic Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti.
Your journey combines the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable safari moments guided by an experienced professional.
The Great Migration is a year-round movement of more than two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem. Between July and October, many herds gather in Northern Serengeti, where they attempt the thrilling Mara River crossing while predators wait nearby, creating one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife events.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha. Travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, seasonal river, and impressive elephant population.
Enjoy a full-day game drive while searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue exploring before driving to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
After breakfast, journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as you make your way toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
Upon entering the park, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the endless plains of Central Serengeti, where predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are commonly seen alongside large herds of herbivores.
Arrive at your safari camp in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Great Migration)
After an early breakfast, continue your safari toward Northern Serengeti, following the movement of the Great Migration.
Spend the day exploring the Mara River region, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather during migration season. If conditions are favorable, you may witness the dramatic river crossings as animals brave fast-moving water and lurking crocodiles. Even when crossings are not taking place, the area offers outstanding wildlife viewing, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and numerous bird species.
Dinner and overnight at your safari camp in Northern Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Northern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a sunrise game drive in Northern Serengeti before beginning your journey south through the park.
Continue wildlife viewing as you travel across the Serengeti’s diverse landscapes, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, exit the park and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and overnight at your lodge near the crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
Following an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for your final safari experience.
The crater’s unique ecosystem supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend the crater walls and begin your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlights
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.
- Increase your chances of seeing the famous Mara River crossing (seasonal).
- Explore Tarangire National Park, home to giant elephant herds.
- Enjoy extensive game drives across Central and Northern Serengeti.
- Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
- Travel with an experienced English-speaking safari guide in a 4x4 Land Cruiser.
- Stay in comfortable safari lodges and tented camps.
Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All national park entrance fees
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes
- Ngorongoro Crater conservation fees
- International and domestic flights
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Optional excursions
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tanzania visa fees