5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

Join a 5-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. Witness wildebeest river crossings and see the Big Five in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

Experience the Thrill of a Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing Safari

This 5-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari takes you to the heart of the Northern Serengeti. You will witness thousands of wildebeests brave crocodile infested waters at the Mara River. The trip also includes visits to Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This 5-day Mara River Crossing safari offers a close look at the most dramatic wildlife event on earth. You will explore vast savannahs and search for the Big Five with expert guides.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire (Full Day Tour)

Day 2

Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)

Day 3

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Day 4

Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

Day 5

Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater (half day tour) to Arusha

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Duration 5 Days

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Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out

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Main Tour Focus Serengeti Migration

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Tour Type Private Safari

Arrival Day: Arriva (Kilimanjaro Airport) – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your driver for a transfer to Arusha. The drive takes about one hour and covers 50 kilometers. After checking into your hotel, you will have a short briefing about your safari. Arusha is a green city located at the base of Mount Meru, providing a cool climate for your first night. You might see blue monkeys in the hotel gardens, which is a pleasant surprise for many travelers.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire (Full Day Tour)

The journey starts with a drive to Tarangire National Park, covering 120 kilometers in about 3 hours. Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees and massive elephant herds. You will spend the day on a full game drive exploring the Tarangire River area. A positive unexpected moment might be spotting a large python hiding in a swampy area near the river. This park has a unique landscape that looks different from any other place in Tanzania. You will head to your accommodation in the late evening for dinner.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)

After breakfast, you will drive toward the Central Serengeti, a journey of approximately 250 kilometers taking about 6 hours. You will pass through the beautiful highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once you enter the Serengeti, you will begin a half day game drive in the Seronera Valley. This area is known for its high density of leopards and lions. A surprising moment could be seeing a leopard dragging its prey up an acacia tree, which is a common but thrilling sight in this region.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

Today you travel north to reach the Mara River area. The drive covers 140 kilometers and takes 5 hours through rolling hills and woodlands. This 5-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration focuses on reaching the northern loops where the wildebeest congregate. You will spend the afternoon watching the herds prepare for the crossings. A powerful moment for many is hearing the constant low grunting of thousands of wildebeests as they move together. You will stay at a camp near the river for the night.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Nyikani Migration Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

The morning is dedicated to observing the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. You will see thousands of animals plunging into the water while avoiding crocodiles. After a picnic lunch, you will begin the game drive back toward the Central Serengeti, which takes another 5 hours. Along the way, you might spot a cheetah using a termite mound to scout for prey in the tall grass. An unexpected positive moment might be a stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can watch the sunset over the vast plains.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater (half day tour) to Arusha

You will leave early for the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a 3 hour drive. You will descend into the caldera for a half day tour of this unique ecosystem. This is the best place to find the rare black rhino and see the Big Five in one day. A highlight is having lunch near the hippo pool while watching the animals interact in the water. Afterward, you will drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha, arriving in the late evening for your flight. The climb out of the crater offers a final spectacular view of the entire floor.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

Private Tour (Sharing Price)

The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

Group Joining Tour

Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

Private (Shared) Price

No of pax	Adult	Child
1 Pax	$2,472 pp	$1,854 pp
2 Pax	$1,822 pp	$1,367 pp
3 Pax	$1,605 pp	$1,204 pp
4 Pax	$1,497 pp	$1,123 pp
5 Pax	$1,432 pp	$1,074 pp
6 Pax	$1,389 pp	$1,042 pp
7+ Pax	$1,358 pp	$1,018 pp

PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

✓ Rescue fee

✓ Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

✓ All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

✓ All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

✓ All Taxes/VAT

Exclusions

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips: tipping guideline

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

The Booking Form

5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

Join a 5-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. Witness wildebeest river crossings and see the Big Five in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.

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Six Days Booking form

This form has four short pages please enter valid details. Filling this forms marks the official first step of your booking with us. After its submission you will receive an e-mail in the coming few hours telling you what to do next.

Personal Details

Contact Details

Travelers in Numbers

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Dates & Reach

When do you want to travel?

RELATED FAQS ABOUT 5 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

What is the best time for a 5-day Mara River Crossing safari?

The best time is usually from July to October when the herds are in the Northern Serengeti. During these months, the wildebeest make several crossings across the Mara River. You have a high chance of witnessing the dramatic struggle between the herds and crocodiles.

Are the river crossings guaranteed during a 5-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration?

Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, so crossings are not guaranteed on a specific hour. However, our guides are experts at tracking herd movements and will spend as much time as possible at the riverbanks. Patience is key to seeing the animals brave the water.

How many hours do we spend on game drives each day?

Usually, you will spend between 6 and 8 hours on game drives depending on animal activity. This includes breaks for picnic lunches in the bush and time to stretch your legs. We plan the schedule to ensure you are in the best spots during the golden hours of the day.

Can we customize the accommodation for this package?

Yes, we offer various levels of accommodation ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges. You can easily adjust the package to fit your preferred comfort level and budget. Just let us know your requirements during the booking process so we can make the changes.

Is it safe to see a 5-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration?

Tanzania is a very safe destination for tourists throughout the year. Our professional guides are trained to handle all situations and ensure your safety during the game drives. The vehicles are well maintained and designed for the rugged terrain of the national parks.

What kind of vehicle is used for the safari?

We use professional 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop up roofs for the best wildlife viewing. These vehicles are equipped with charging ports, a fridge for cold drinks, and high quality radio systems. They are designed to provide a comfortable ride on the bumpy safari roads.

Will we see the Big Five on this tour?

This itinerary visits Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, which are the best locations for the Big Five. You will have excellent opportunities to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the endangered black rhino. Your guide will work hard to help you find every animal on your list.

What should I pack for the Northern Serengeti weather?

It is important to pack layers because the mornings and evenings can be quite cold. Bring a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunblock. Do not forget your binoculars and a camera with extra memory cards to capture the river crossings.

Is birdwatching good during this 5-day Mara River Crossing safari?

The Serengeti and Tarangire are home to hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers. You will see everything from giant ostriches to colorful little lovebirds. Your guide will help you identify the different species you encounter along the way.

Does the package price include all park fees?

Yes, the package price includes all national park entry fees, transit fees, and conservation taxes. There are no hidden costs for the activities mentioned in the itinerary. We handle all the permits so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife.

the most amazing safari

5/5

Watching the river crossing was the most intense experience of my life and perfectly timed.

By: Alistair Cook

From:

Photos related to the place visited

well organized safari

Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided an excellent guide who found a leopard for us on the very first day in the Serengeti. The 5-day Mara River Crossing safari was organized flawlessly from start to finish.

By: Brianna Miller