8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

Experience an 8-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. Watch thousands of wildebeests brave crocodiles and predators in the Northern Serengeti.

8 Days Witness the Great Migration with Mara River Crossing Safari

This 8-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari is designed for those who want to see the most dramatic event in the animal kingdom. You will spend quality time in the Northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeests gather to face the crocodiles of the Mara River. The journey also includes the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park and the famous Ngorongoro Crater. This 8-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration offers a front-row seat to nature's rawest survival battle.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park then Manyara or Karatu

Day 2

Manyara or Karatu to Serengeti for a Half-Day Game Drive

Day 3

Central to Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour

Day 4

Northern Serengeti Full Day Migration River Crossing

Day 5

Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour to Central Serengeti

Day 6

Central Serengeti Full Day Tour

Day 7

Serengeti Morning Game Drive to Ngorongoro

Day 8

Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour to Arusha

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Duration 8 Days

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Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out

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Main Tour Focus NIL

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Tour Type Private Safari

Arrival Day: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver from Burigi Chato Safaris will meet you for a transfer to Arusha. The drive takes about 1 hour. This is your time to rest and prepare for the 8-day Mara River Crossing safari. You might see the peak of Mount Meru if the sky is clear, which is a wonderful introduction to the Tanzanian landscape.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park then Manyara or Karatu

After breakfast, you head to Tarangire National Park, a place famous for massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. You will spend the day viewing wildlife along the Tarangire River. The travel distance is 150 kilometers and takes about 3 hours of driving. You might witness a large elephant family protecting their calves while crossing the road right in front of your vehicle.

Destination: Tarangire

Accommodation: Karatu Safari Camp Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Manyara or Karatu to Serengeti for a Half-Day Game Drive

The journey continues toward the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will enter the Serengeti gates and begin your first game drive. This is where your 8-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration truly begins to reveal the vastness of the savannah. You will travel about 200 kilometers over 5 hours. Keep an eye out for leopards resting in the acacia trees along the Seronera Valley.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite Camp

budget 2 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central to Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour

Today you travel north to reach the region where the migration herds gather. This full-day journey takes you through different landscapes as you move closer to the river. The distance is about 150 kilometers and takes 4 to 5 hours depending on animal sightings. You may see thousands of wildebeests stretching across the horizon like a dark carpet moving across the golden grass.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti Full Day Migration River Crossing

This is the highlight of the 8-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. You spend the entire day near the Mara River watching for herds to gather and plunge into the water. Seeing a massive herd suddenly decide to brave the crocodiles is a moment of pure adrenaline. You will observe the strategy and courage of the animals as they reach the other side safely.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti Full Day Tour to Central Serengeti

After a final morning in the north, you start your journey back to the Central Serengeti. This area is famous for its high concentration of big cats like lions and cheetahs. The drive covers 150 kilometers and takes roughly 4 hours. You might spot a cheetah scanning the plains from the top of a termite mound or a pride of lions sleeping on granite kopjes.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite Camp

budget 2 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Central Serengeti Full Day Tour

Spend the day exploring the Seronera Valley, where wildlife is abundant year-round. You will look for predators and unique bird species along the river loops. This 8-day Mara River Crossing safari allows for a flexible schedule to watch animal behavior. You may see a pride of lions guarding a fresh kill, which provides an intense look at the predator-prey relationship in the wild.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite Camp

budget 2 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Serengeti Morning Game Drive to Ngorongoro

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive is about 140 kilometers and takes approximately 4 hours. As you climb the crater rim, the temperature drops and the scenery becomes lush. You might see a beautiful sunset over the crater floor, which offers a spectacular view of the caldera from your accommodation.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp

premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing in this natural sanctuary. You will look for the rare black rhino and large bull elephants. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, you drive back to Arusha. The drive is 180 kilometers and takes 4 hours. You may be surprised to see zebras and Maasai cattle grazing peacefully near each other on the crater slopes.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Forest Hill 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	$3,771 pp	$2,828 pp
2 Pax	$2,746 pp	$2,060 pp
3 Pax	$2,404 pp	$1,803 pp
4 Pax	$2,234 pp	$1,675 pp
5 Pax	$2,131 pp	$1,598 pp
6 Pax	$2,063 pp	$1,547 pp
7+ Pax	$2,014 pp	$1,510 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

8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

Experience an 8-day Serengeti Migration Mara River Crossing safari. Watch thousands of wildebeests brave crocodiles and predators in the Northern Serengeti.

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

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Number of Adults

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Dates & Reach

When do you want to travel?

RELATED FAQS ABOUT 8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari Mara River Crossing

What is the best month for an 8-day Mara River Crossing safari?

The most reliable months to witness the river crossings are July through October. During this window, the herds gather at the Mara River to find fresh grass in the north. Booking an 8-day river crossing safari in Serengeti Migration during this time gives you the best chance of seeing the action.

Are the river crossings guaranteed during this safari?

Are the river crossings guaranteed during this safari? While our guides use expert tracking to find the herds, river crossings are natural events and cannot be strictly guaranteed. However, spending a full day at the river on day 4 significantly increases your chances of seeing this spectacular event. Most guests find that the sheer volume of animals near the river is worth the trip alone.

What kind of vehicle is used for the 8-day Mara River Crossing safari?

We use specialized 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for the best wildlife viewing and photography. These vehicles are rugged and perfect for the diverse terrain of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Each vehicle is equipped with a radio to help guides communicate about animal locations.

Is it safe to watch crocodiles from the riverbank?

Yes, it is very safe as you remain inside the safari vehicle at a respectful distance. The vehicles provide an elevated and secure platform for viewing the wildlife. Our guides are trained to position the vehicle safely while ensuring you have a clear view of the river.

What should I pack for an 8-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration?

You should pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, and a good hat for the sun. Do not forget high-quality binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. Bringing an extra battery or power bank is also recommended for long game drive days.

Are meals provided during the full-day river crossing tour?

Yes, we provide a picnic lunch so that you do not have to leave the river during the peak crossing times. This allows you to stay on-site and wait for the herds to move without interruption. Breakfast and dinner are served at your lodge or camp.

How much time is spent driving on the transfer days?

On average, you will spend between 3 and 5 hours driving on the days you move between parks. These drives are also game drives, so you will still be looking for animals along the way. The 8-day Mara River Crossing safari is paced to balance travel with wildlife observation.

Can children join the 8-day Mara River Crossing safari in Serengeti Migration?

Yes, children are welcome on this safari, though we recommend they be at least five years old for the long game drives. Seeing the migration is a wonderful educational experience for young travelers. We can adjust the pace of the drives to accommodate family needs if you book a private tour.

Are park fees included in the package?

Yes, all national park entrance fees and conservation fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro are included. There are no hidden costs for entering the wildlife areas mentioned in the itinerary. This ensures your trip is worry-free from the moment you start.

Will I see the Big Five on this 8-day Mara River Crossing safari?

While the focus is the migration, this route covers the best spots for seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino. The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly famous for its rhino population. Your guide will work hard to find all five during the week.

The Migration Safari

5/5

Seeing the wildebeest crossing was a dream come true, and Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD handled the logistics with great professionalism.

By: Arthur Penhaligon

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