8 Days Northern Serengeti Safari
Tour Overview
(Best Travel Period: August – Mid October)
Experience Africa’s most dramatic wildlife spectacle on this 8-day safari designed around the legendary Mara River crossings. From August to mid-October, witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras courageously crossing crocodile-infested waters while predators wait along the riverbanks.
Your journey begins in Arusha, followed by exploration of Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Continue to the Central Serengeti, known for its year-round big cat activity, before heading north to the Mara River region, where the Great Migration reaches its most intense and dramatic phase.
Spend two full days in the Northern Serengeti to maximize your chances of witnessing river crossings and predator-prey interactions. The safari concludes in the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense ecosystems.
Accompanied by expert Italian-speaking guides, this safari offers exceptional wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable African experiences i deal for photographers, families, and passionate wildlife lovers.
Included/Excluded
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All park entrance fees.
- Accommodation as per itinerary.
- Professional Guide
- Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled water
- Free Wi-Fi
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, drinks)
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon safari )
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Meet your Italian-speaking guide and transfer to your lodge in Arusha. Relax after your journey or enjoy a short town visit depending on your arrival time.
Overnight: Arusha
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its enormous elephant herds and majestic baobab trees, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, and diverse birdlife.
Overnight: Tarangire / Mto wa Mbu area
After breakfast, journey through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands en route to the Central Serengeti. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the famous Seronera Valley, home to high concentrations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and resident wildlife.
Overnight: Central Serengeti Lodge or Camp
Enjoy a morning game drive before heading north toward the Mara River region. Wildlife sightings continue along the way, with opportunities to spot predators and migrating herds. Arrive in the Northern Serengeti with time to enjoy sunset views over the vast plains.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti Lodge or Camp
Spend the full day near the Mara River, positioning strategically for wildebeest and zebra crossings. Witness dramatic moments as herds plunge into the river while crocodiles and predators lie in wait.
Your Italian-speaking guide will provide expert insight into migration behavior and predator-prey dynamics.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti Lodge or Camp
Another full day dedicated to maximizing crossing opportunities. Explore different river sections and surrounding plains for additional wildlife encounters, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and hyenas.
This second day significantly increases your chances of witnessing multiple crossings.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti Lodge or Camp
After a final morning game drive, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional culture.
Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Rim Lodge
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular wildlife safari. This natural wildlife amphitheater is home to the Big Five, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and abundant birdlife.
After a picnic lunch inside the crater, ascend and drive back to Arusha for your onward flight or extension.
