8-Day Private Mara River Crossing Experience

Overview

About this itinerary

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Itinerary

8 Days / 7 Nights · day to day

Each day is paced for game drives, transfers, and a proper night in camp or lodge.

1. 

   Day 1

   Arrival in Arusha - Welcome to Tanzania

   Upon arrival at either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your flight arrangements, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha in a comfortable private vehicle. Later, meet your safari consultant for a detailed safari briefing, review your itinerary and finalize any outstanding payments. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing as you prepare for your exciting Tanzania wildlife adventure.

   Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge

2. 

   Day 2

   Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   After breakfast, depart Arusha for approximately 2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, begin your wildlife adventure with an exciting game drive through this beautiful wilderness, famous for its impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife.

   Explore the park in search of large elephant families, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and different species of antelopes. The Tarangire River also provides an important water source, attracting numerous animals and creating excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.

   In the late afternoon, leave the park and drive approximately 45 minutes to your accommodation.

   Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening.

   Overnight: Marera Valley Safari Lodge

3. 

   Day 3

   Karatu to Central Serengeti

   After breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge, depart Karatu and journey towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

   Enjoy a scenic transfer game drive of approximately four hours towards Central Serengeti, with opportunities to stop and observe wildlife along the way. As you enter the endless plains, prepare to discover one of Africa's richest wildlife habitats.

   Central Serengeti is particularly famous for its large populations of predators. Spend your afternoon exploring the plains in search of lions, leopards and cheetahs, alongside elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and other fascinating wildlife.

   Overnight: Friend Serengeti Camp

4. 

   Day 4

   Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

   After an early breakfast, depart Central Serengeti and travel towards Northern Serengeti on an exciting transfer game drive of approximately three hours, depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions.

   Along the way, enjoy opportunities to observe wildlife and appreciate the changing landscapes of the Serengeti. Your journey takes you towards the northern wilderness, where the Great Wildebeest Migration gathers around the Mara River ecosystem.

   Upon arrival, explore Northern Serengeti in search of enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras, together with the predators that follow their movements. This region also offers excellent opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife.

   Overnight: Safari Haven Migration Camp

5. 

   Day 5

   Northern Serengeti -Mara River Crossing Experience

   After an early breakfast, head towards the famous Mara River, where you will spend the day exploring the migration routes and searching for the spectacular wildebeest river crossings.

   Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras gathering along the riverbanks as they navigate their journey in search of fresh grazing grounds. If fortunate, you may experience one of nature's most dramatic spectacles as massive herds plunge into the crocodile-inhabited waters, creating unforgettable moments in the African wilderness.

   The river crossing experience is particularly sought after between late July and September, although actual timing depends on rainfall and migration movements.

   Overnight: Safari Haven Migration Camp

6. 

   Day 6

   Northern Serengeti - A Full Day Following the Great Migration

   Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for another full day of wildlife exploration in Northern Serengeti.

   Continue following the Great Wildebeest Migration around the Mara River, observing the movements of the herds and searching for opportunities to witness further river crossings.

   Beyond the migration, explore the remarkable wildlife of Northern Serengeti, particularly the big cats that follow the migrating herds. Look out for lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as crocodiles, elephants, giraffes and other fascinating wildlife.

   This day offers another excellent opportunity to experience the beauty, excitement and unpredictability of the African wilderness.

   Overnight: Safari Haven Migration Camp

7. 

   Day 7

   Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

   After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before beginning your journey towards the Ngorongoro Highlands.

   Travel south through the Serengeti with a transfer game drive, enjoying opportunities to explore different wildlife habitats along the way. Depending on wildlife sightings and your route, you may explore parts of Central Serengeti, offering further opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife.

   Continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying the spectacular scenery as the endless Serengeti plains gradually give way to the beautiful highlands.

   Arrive at your accommodation in the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight, preparing for your final Big Five adventure.

   Overnight: Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

8. 

   Day 8

   Ngorongoro Crater

   After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 metres into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive across one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations.

   Explore the crater's diverse habitats in search of the remaining members of the Big Five, particularly the endangered black rhino. The crater is also home to large populations of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and numerous other wildlife species.

   With approximately 6-7 hours of game viewing, enjoy an exceptional opportunity to complete your Big Five experience while appreciating the spectacular landscapes of this natural wildlife sanctuary.

   In the afternoon, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha, where you will either be transferred to your accommodation or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, depending on your flight arrangements.

   Important flight recommendation: If departing on this day, please book a late-evening flight to allow sufficient time for your Ngorongoro Crater game drive, the ascent and the transfer to the airport.

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