Overview

A 7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari with Serengeti Travels is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Tanzania, designed for travelers who want to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings and explore the country's most iconic national parks. This carefully planned itinerary combines the spectacular Northern Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, giving you the best opportunity to experience the Great Migration alongside exceptional year-round game viewing.

From July to October, millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move through the northern Serengeti in search of fresh grazing, creating unforgettable moments as they brave the crocodile-filled Mara River. Beyond the migration, you'll encounter large prides of lions, leopards resting in acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the open plains, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and countless other species in their natural habitat. The journey also includes a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater where the dense concentration of wildlife offers an excellent chance to spot the Big Five in a single day.

With Serengeti Travels, every safari is tailored for comfort, expert guidance and memorable experiences. Professional safari guides, carefully selected accommodations, well-maintained 4x4 safari vehicles and personalized service ensure you enjoy every moment from arrival to departure. Whether you are a wildlife photographer, a couple seeking adventure or a family exploring Africa for the first time, this safari delivers exceptional game viewing, breathtaking landscapes and authentic Tanzanian hospitality in one unforgettable seven-day journey.

Highlights

• Witness the spectacular Great Migration Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti
• Enjoy full-day game drives in Northern and Central Serengeti
• Search for the Big Five including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
• Experience exceptional wildlife viewing during the peak migration season from July to October
• Visit the Ngorongoro Crater a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in wildlife
• Spot large predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards in their natural habitat
• Travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
• Stay in carefully selected safari lodges or tented camps close to prime wildlife areas
• Capture incredible photographs of river crossings, endless plains and stunning African sunsets
• Experience unforgettable landscapes, diverse ecosystems and authentic Tanzanian safari adventures with Serengeti Travels

• Reserve now & pay later. Secure your spot while staying flexible.
• Bes price guarantee Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!

Where You Will Experience the Mara River Crossing Safari

Arusha Your safari begins in Arusha the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Meet your professional guide from Serengeti Travels and prepare for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Northern Serengeti National Park Experience the world-famous Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave strong currents and crocodiles during the Great Migration. This region offers some of the most dramatic wildlife encounters in Africa from July to October.

Central Serengeti National Park (Seronera) Discover the heart of the Serengeti, renowned for its abundant resident wildlife and high concentration of predators. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and countless plains game can be seen throughout the year.

Ngorongoro Crater Explore the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to one of Africa's highest densities of wildlife. The crater provides excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, alongside hippos, zebras, buffaloes and flamingos.

Throughout this 7-day safari, you will experience Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable game drives, making it an ideal journey for nature lovers, photographers and anyone seeking the ultimate Great Migration safari with Serengeti Travels.

7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed by your Serengeti Travels safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a safari briefing, relax after your journey and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in Central Serengeti in the afternoon for your first game drive, where you may spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife before heading to your camp. Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Enjoy an early morning game drive as you travel toward Northern Serengeti. Along the way, search for predators and migrating herds before arriving in the Kogatende area, where the Great Migration gathers near the Mara River. Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Full Day Northern Serengeti – Mara River Crossing

Spend the entire day exploring Northern Serengeti, following the Great Migration. Witness the thrilling Mara River crossings if conditions are favorable and watch crocodiles, lions, cheetahs and other predators in action while enjoying one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles. Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

After a morning game drive, return to Central Serengeti while enjoying excellent wildlife viewing along the route. The Seronera Valley is famous for its year-round resident animals and impressive predator population. Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Begin the day with a final Serengeti game drive before continuing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy beautiful views of the crater highlands and relax at your lodge in preparation for the crater tour. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable morning game drive. Search for the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, while exploring this remarkable wildlife sanctuary. After lunch, drive back to Arusha, where your 7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari with Serengeti Travels concludes. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Best Time to Witness 7 Days Mara River Crossing Safari

The best time for a 7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari is July to October, when the Great Migration reaches the Northern Serengeti. During these months, thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles gather along the Mara River before making dramatic crossings through fast-moving waters filled with Nile crocodiles. This is the most exciting period to witness one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.

July marks the arrival of the migration in Northern Serengeti, with the first river crossings beginning as herds move north.

August and September offer the highest chances of seeing multiple Mara River crossings, along with excellent predator action involving lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas following the migrating herds.

October continues to provide outstanding wildlife viewing as many animals remain in the northern region before gradually moving south with the changing rains.

Although the Mara River crossings are seasonal Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater provide exceptional game viewing throughout the year, ensuring an unforgettable safari regardless of when the crossing occurs. Since river crossings are natural events, exact timing cannot be guaranteed but traveling during the peak migration season greatly increases your chances of witnessing this remarkable phenomenon with Serengeti Travels.

Safari Inclusions

Professional Safari Guide: Travel with an experienced English-speaking guide from Serengeti Travels who will help you discover Tanzania's incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Enjoy comfortable game drives in a customized Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, window seat and charging facilities.

Park Entry Fees: All national park and conservation area entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater fee, are included.

Accommodation: Stay in carefully selected lodges or tented camps offering comfort, excellent service and prime wildlife locations.

Meals on Safari: Enjoy daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the itinerary including picnic lunches during game drives.

Bottled Drinking Water: Complimentary bottled mineral water is provided throughout the safari.

Unlimited Game Drives: Experience extensive game drives with plenty of opportunities to witness the Great Migration, Big Five and other wildlife.

Airport Transfers: Receive complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off between Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and your accommodation.

Government Taxes and VAT: All applicable government taxes, conservation fees and VAT are included in the safari price.

24/7 Safari Support: Enjoy dedicated assistance from the Serengeti Travels team before, during and after your safari for a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation Options

Budget Camping: Stay in public or special campsites with quality camping equipment, comfortable sleeping arrangements, freshly prepared meals and support from a dedicated safari crew for an authentic bush experience.

Mid-Range Tented Camps: Enjoy comfortable tented camps such as Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp, Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp and Ngorongoro Farm House, offering en-suite rooms, delicious meals and excellent locations close to wildlife.

Luxury Safari Lodges: Experience premium comfort at luxury properties such as Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge and Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Lodge, featuring spacious rooms, fine dining, outstanding service and spectacular views.

Ultra-Luxury Safari Camps: Indulge in world-class hospitality at exclusive camps such as Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga, or Singita Mara River Tented Camp, where personalized service, exceptional comfort and prime wildlife viewing create an unforgettable safari experience.

Tour Cost

The cost of a 7 Days Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari varies depending on the travel season, accommodation category and number of travelers. Since the Mara River crossing season from July to October is the most popular time to visit prices are generally higher due to increased demand.

Budget Camping: From US$2,300 to US$2,900 per person

Mid-Range Safari: From US$2,900 to US$4,200 per person

Luxury Safari: From US$4,300 to US$6,800 per person

Ultra-Luxury Safari: From US$7,000 to US$12,000+ per person

The tour price typically includes accommodation, park entry fees, Ngorongoro Crater fee, private 4x4 safari vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, meals during the safari, bottled drinking water, airport transfers and all activities listed in the itinerary.

For the best value and a personalized quotation, Serengeti Travels offers customized pricing based on your preferred travel dates, group size and accommodation level. Early booking is recommended for travel between July and October as lodges and camps in Northern Serengeti sell out well in advance.

Why Book This 7 Days Mara River Crossing Safari

Expert Local Knowledge: Travel with experienced safari professionals who understand wildlife movements, migration patterns and the best locations to maximize your Mara River crossing experience.

Great Migration Expertise: Enjoy a carefully designed itinerary focused on Northern Serengeti, where you have the best opportunity to witness the dramatic wildebeest river crossings during the migration season.

Personalized Safari Experience: Every safari is customized to match your travel style, budget, interests and preferred accommodation level, creating a more personal and memorable adventure.

Professional Safari Guides: Benefit from skilled guides who provide detailed information about wildlife, nature and Tanzania’s unique ecosystems throughout your journey.

Comfort and Reliability: Travel in well-maintained 4x4 safari vehicles and stay in carefully selected lodges and camps that provide comfort after exciting days of wildlife exploration.

Excellent Wildlife Opportunities: Explore iconic destinations including Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for unforgettable encounters with the Big Five and diverse wildlife.

Hassle-Free Travel Planning: From airport transfers and accommodation arrangements to park fees and daily activities, Serengeti Travels handles every detail for a smooth safari experience.

Authentic Tanzania Experience: Discover Tanzania beyond wildlife through breathtaking landscapes, local hospitality and unforgettable moments created by a trusted local safari company.

How to book 7 Days Mara River Crossing Safari