Overview

The 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari by Serengeti Travels is a carefully crafted Tanzania safari that combines the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration with unforgettable Big Five wildlife encounters. Designed for travelers seeking both thrilling wildlife action and premium safari experiences, this journey takes you through Tanzania's most iconic national parks, including Tarangire National Park, the endless plains of Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.

The highlight of this safari is witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossing, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters as they migrate between Tanzania and Kenya. This extraordinary natural event is one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles and offers exceptional opportunities for photography and close-up game viewing. Beyond the migration, you'll search for the legendary Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhinoceros while encountering cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species along the way.

Every day brings a different landscape and wildlife experience, from ancient baobab-dotted savannahs to riverine forests and volcanic highlands. Professional safari guides from Serengeti Travels use their local expertise to position you in the best wildlife viewing areas, maximizing your chances of witnessing rare animal behavior and unforgettable predator-prey interactions.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Tanzania or returning to experience the migration, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort and authentic African hospitality. With carefully selected accommodations, expertly planned game drives and personalized service, the 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari delivers an extraordinary wildlife holiday that creates lifelong memories while showcasing the very best of Tanzania's legendary Northern Safari Circuit.

Highlights

• Witness the spectacular Mara River Crossing, one of the greatest wildlife events on Earth.
• Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti (seasonal).
• Search for the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhinoceros.
• Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for giant elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
• Enjoy extensive game drives across Central Serengeti (Seronera), home to abundant predators and year-round wildlife.
• Visit Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) for exceptional migration and river crossing action.
• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of Africa's highest wildlife concentrations.
• Spot cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and hundreds of bird species.
• Capture stunning sunrise and sunset photography in Tanzania's most scenic safari landscapes.
• Travel with an experienced Serengeti Travels professional safari guide for expert wildlife tracking and personalized service.
• Stay in carefully selected safari lodges and tented camps located close to prime wildlife viewing areas.
• Enjoy a seamless safari combining breathtaking scenery, exceptional wildlife encounters and unforgettable African hospitality.

• 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 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari

Your 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels takes you through Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations, each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable safari experiences.

Arusha Begin your adventure in Tanzania's safari capital, where you'll prepare for your journey before heading into the wilderness.

Tarangire National Park Explore a park renowned for its ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, tree-climbing pythons and diverse wildlife gathering along the Tarangire River.

Central Serengeti (Seronera) Discover the heart of Serengeti National Park, famous for endless plains, resident wildlife and exceptional sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs and other predators throughout the year.

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) Experience the world-famous Mara River Crossing, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebras attempt dramatic river crossings while avoiding powerful Nile crocodiles. This region also offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, leopards and other iconic African wildlife.

Ngorongoro Crater Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife, including the endangered black rhinoceros, large lion prides, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras and thousands of flamingos on the crater lakes.

Throughout the safari Serengeti Travels ensures expertly guided game drives, breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife encounters giving you the opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five in some of Africa's finest safari destinations.

8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy an exciting game drive through the park, where you'll have opportunities to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and a variety of birdlife. In the late afternoon, continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire – Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area and continue to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the endless plains of Central Serengeti, renowned for its abundant wildlife and excellent predator sightings, including lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti

Following an early morning game drive in Central Serengeti, continue north towards the Kogatende region. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way as you pass through different ecosystems before arriving in Northern Serengeti, home to the spectacular Mara River and the seasonal Great Migration. Accommodation: Mara Mara Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full Day Northern Serengeti – Mara River Crossing

Spend the entire day exploring Northern Serengeti, following the Great Wildebeest Migration. With your experienced Serengeti Travels guide, search for dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters. You may also encounter lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs and many other wildlife species. Accommodation: Mara Mara Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before returning to Central Serengeti. Continue searching for the Big Five and other wildlife while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Africa's most famous national park. Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Full Day Central Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring the wildlife-rich Seronera region of Central Serengeti. This area offers exceptional opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and countless plains game. Every game drive offers new and unforgettable wildlife encounters.Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, admire spectacular landscapes and wildlife before arriving at your lodge near the crater for a relaxing evening. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. Search for the endangered black rhinoceros alongside lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and flamingos. After a picnic lunch, drive back to Arusha, where your unforgettable 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels comes to an end. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Best Time to Witness the 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari

The best time to witness the Mara River Crossing during the 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari is from July to October, when the Great Wildebeest Migration arrives in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area). During this period, thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather along the Mara River, creating dramatic river crossings as they move between Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing areas.

July and August offer excellent opportunities to see the beginning of river crossing activity, while September and October are often considered prime months because large herds may remain concentrated in Northern Serengeti and crossing events can continue depending on rainfall and animal movements.

For the best overall wildlife experience, the dry season from June to October is highly recommended. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around remaining water sources, vegetation is thinner and the weather is ideal for game drives and photography across Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Although the Mara River Crossing is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed on a specific day, traveling with Serengeti Travels during the peak migration months increases your chances of witnessing this incredible natural spectacle while enjoying unforgettable Big Five encounters.

Safari Inclusions

Your 8 Days Mara River Crossing & Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels includes the following services to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable wildlife experience: Included

• Airport transfers before and after the safari
• Professional English-speaking safari guide with excellent wildlife knowledge
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat
• All national park entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Mara River Crossing experience in Northern Serengeti during the migration season
• Daily game drives in Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
• Accommodation in selected safari lodges and tented camps as per the itinerary
• All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Picnic lunch during full-day game drives
• Drinking water throughout the safari
• Ngorongoro Crater descent and conservation fees
• Government taxes and service charges
• Professional safari planning and support from Serengeti Travels

Not Included

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips for safari guide and lodge staff
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and beverages
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any services not specified under inclusions

Serengeti Travels ensures every part of your safari is carefully arranged, allowing you to focus on the Great Migration, Big Five encounters and the unforgettable beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Accommodation Options

Luxury Accommodation offers an exclusive safari experience with high-end lodges and premium tented camps located in strategic wildlife areas. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, elegant dining, exceptional service, beautiful views and additional comforts that create a relaxing retreat after exciting game drives.

Mid-Range Accommodation provides a perfect balance between comfort, quality and value. These lodges and tented camps offer comfortable rooms, good meals, friendly service and convenient locations close to major wildlife areas, allowing travelers to enjoy an authentic safari experience without compromising comfort.

Budget Accommodation is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable Tanzania safari while still enjoying the beauty of the wilderness. These options provide clean and comfortable rooms, essential facilities and a great location for wildlife adventures while keeping the safari cost more accessible.

Customized Accommodation Serengeti Travels can arrange customized accommodation according to your travel preferences, budget and safari style. Whether you prefer luxury lodges authentic tented camps or a combination of different accommodation levels we create a personalized safari experience that matches your expectations.

Tour Cost