6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

Witness the 6-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. See the wildebeest brave crocodiles, the Big Five, and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

6 Days Experience the Intense Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

This 6-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari is designed for those who want to see the most dramatic part of the Great Migration. You will visit Tarangire, the Central Serengeti, and the Northern Serengeti where the river crossings occur. The tour focuses on the struggle for survival as thousands of wildebeest face crocodiles in the Mara River. It concludes with a full day exploring the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day 2
Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)
Day 3
Central – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)
Day 4
Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) – Central Serengeti
Day 5
Serengeti (Morning Game Drive) to Ngorongoro
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour - Drive Back to Arusha
Duration 6 Days
🚙
Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out
🎯
Main Tour Focus NIL
Tour Type Private Safari
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Tarangire
Overnight: Balloon Camp Tarangire
2
Day 2
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Camp
3
Day 3
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Ang’ata Migration Camp
4
Day 4
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp (Central)
5
Day 5
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Rhino Lodge
6
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater

Arrival Day: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your driver for a transfer to Arusha. The drive takes about one hour through local villages. This evening is for resting and receiving a briefing on your 6-day Mara River Crossing safari. You can enjoy the view of Mount Meru from your hotel. The air is cool and provides a calm start to your adventure.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: The African Tulip

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you drive 120 kilometers to Tarangire National Park, a trip of 2.5 hours. Tarangire is famous for its elephants and baobab trees. You will enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River. A surprising moment occurs when you see a leopard resting in a baobab tree. You will have a picnic lunch in the park before heading to your lodge. The park provides a beautiful introduction to Tanzania's wildlife.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Balloon Camp Tarangire

  luxury 4 star lodge

Semi luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Tarangire to Serengeti Central (Half-Day Game Drive)

Today you travel toward the Central Serengeti, covering 250 kilometers in roughly 6 hours. The drive through the highlands offers spectacular views. As you enter the Serengeti, you will start a game drive in the Seronera Valley. This area is home to many lions and leopards. You might witness a rare moment where a cheetah is perched on a termite mound scouting for prey. You will reach your camp by sunset.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Central – Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

You will head toward the north today to witness the highlight of your 6-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration. The drive is 150 kilometers and takes 5 hours. Once in the north, you will spend the day near the Mara River. A positive moment for many is hearing the powerful sound of thousands of wildebeest calling as they gather at the riverbanks. You will watch for the intense river crossings where crocodiles wait in the water.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Ang’ata Migration Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge
Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) – Central Serengeti

The morning is spent in the north for further wildlife viewing near the river. After a picnic lunch, you begin the 150-kilometer drive back to the Central Serengeti. This 5-hour journey offers more chances to see predators following the herds. You might witness an unexpected moment like a lion pride resting near a kopje. By late afternoon, you will return to your central camp to relax and share stories of the river action.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camp (Central)

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti (Morning Game Drive) to Ngorongoro

Serengeti (Morning Game Drive) to Ngorongoro

Your day starts with a morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch the sunrise. After lunch, you drive 145 kilometers toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a trip of 4 hours. On the way, you can see Maasai herdsmen living alongside wild animals. An unexpected highlight is often seeing a giraffe standing tall against the horizon as you climb the crater rim. You will stay at a lodge with spectacular views over the caldera.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Rhino Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images
Rhino Lodge Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour - Drive Back to Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour - Drive Back to Arusha

The final day takes you into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour tour. This natural sanctuary is home to the rare black rhino and massive bull elephants. You might experience the thrill of seeing a hyena chasing a wildebeest across the crater floor. After a picnic lunch, you will drive 190 kilometers back to Arusha. The journey takes about 4 hours, and you will arrive in the evening for your flight.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Meals & Drinks: 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 $3,191 pp $2,393 pp
    2 Pax $2,416 pp $1,812 pp
    3 Pax $2,158 pp $1,618 pp
    4 Pax $2,029 pp $1,521 pp
    5 Pax $1,951 pp $1,463 pp
    6 Pax $1,899 pp $1,425 pp
    7+ Pax $1,862 pp $1,397 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

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 6 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

    What is the best time for a Mara River Crossing safari during the migration?

    The best time is between July and September when the herds are in the north. This is when the most dramatic river crossings happen as animals move between Tanzania and Kenya.

    Is it guaranteed that I will see a river crossing?

    While wildlife behavior is unpredictable, staying in the north for a 6-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration increases your chances. Our guides monitor herd movements to position you in the best spots.

    Are the drives long on this 6-day Mara River Crossing safari?

    The drives between parks range from 2.5 to 6 hours. However, much of the travel is within the parks and serves as a game drive where you see animals along the way.

    What kind of vehicle is used for the river crossing tour?

    We use 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing. These vehicles are built to handle the rugged tracks in the northern parts of the park.

    Can we stay in the north for more than one day?

    Yes, you can customize the package to add extra nights in the Northern Serengeti. This allows for more time to wait for the river crossings and explore the Mara region.

    Is the Ngorongoro Crater included in this 6-day Mara River Crossing safari?

    Yes, the final day is dedicated to a full tour of the Ngorongoro Crater. This provides a great contrast to the vast plains and a chance to see the black rhino.

    What should I pack for the northern region of the Serengeti?

    Pack light layers for the day and a warm jacket for the early mornings. The north can be windy and dusty, so a scarf and sunglasses are also very helpful.

    Are meals included during the game drives?

    Yes, we provide high-quality picnic lunch boxes so you can stay in the field all day. This is important when waiting for river crossings so you do not miss the action.

    Is the hot air balloon available on this tour?

    You can add a hot air balloon flight in either the Central or Northern Serengeti. It is a great way to see the scale of the herds from above.

    How far in advance should I book this migration tour?

    Since the Mara River area is very popular, we recommend booking at least 8 to 10 months in advance. This ensures we can secure the best lodges near the river.

    REVIEWS FOR 6 Days Experience the Intense Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

    Write a Review

    We saw a massive crossing at the Mara

    5/5

    We saw a massive crossing at the Mara River and it was the most intense thing I have ever seen.

    By: Marta Silva
    From: Flag PT

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    Unforgettable safari experience

    5/5

    : Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized everything perfectly and our guide knew exactly where the herds were gathering.

    By: Siobhan O'Malley
    From: Flag IE

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    The 6-day Mara River Crossing safari

    5/5

    : The 6-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration was worth every minute of waiting by the riverbank.

    By: Hans Weber
    From: Flag DE

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    Everything from the lodges to the food was excellent

    5/5

    : Everything from the lodges to the food was excellent and the river crossing was just the cherry on top.

    By: Chloe Bennett
    From: Flag AU

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    I was surprised by how close we got to the crocodiles

    5/5

    : I was surprised by how close we got to the crocodiles and the wildebeest during the crossing.

    By: Yuki Sato
    From: Flag JP

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    This was a professional tour

    5/5

    This was a professional tour with Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD and I highly recommend the northern Serengeti experience.

    By: Arthur Miller
    From: Flag AE

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    Unforgettable safari experience

    5/5

    The sound of thousands of wildebeest is something I will never forget and the views were spectacular.

    By: Elena Rossi
    From: Flag IT

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    Our guide was so patient

    5/5

    : Our guide was so patient as we waited for the crossing and his knowledge of animal behavior was impressive.

    By: Lars Nielsen
    From: Flag DK

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    our 6-day Mara River Crossing safari.

    5/5

    : The Ngorongoro Crater was beautiful but the Mara River action was the highlight of our 6-day Mara River Crossing safari.

    By: Sofia Gomez
    From: Flag ZM

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    Exceptional safari experience

    5/5

    : A very well-organized trip that gave us the best possible chance to see the Great Migration in action.

    By: Robert Brown
    From: Flag CA

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