7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration
- Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, & Tarangire National Park
Trip Overview
This special 7-day safari is designed to focus on the Serengeti and follow the Great Wildebeest Migration, including the dramatic Mara River crossings.
During the journey, you will spend at least three nights in the Serengeti National Park. Typically, two nights are spent in the Central Serengeti, known for its high concentration of big cats, while the remaining nights are spent in the area where the migration is taking place, depending on the season.
This itinerary is carefully planned to give you the best chance of witnessing the famous river crossings, where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters in one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles. The safari concludes at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater, where you will have an excellent opportunity to see the Big Five in a unique and breathtaking environment.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: 7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration
Upon arrival at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our representative will be on hand to welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You’ll spend the night at the Under the Shade Safari Lodge, a stunning property nestled at the base of Mount Meru in the heart of Arusha city.
• Accommodation: Under the Shade Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
After an early breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park.
The park is named after the Tarangire River, the main water source for wildlife during the dry season. Known as the “river of warthogs,” it attracts large numbers of animals throughout the year.
The landscape includes dense elephant grass, acacia woodlands, and open savannah. Tarangire is especially famous for its large elephant herds, often seen gathering along the river. You may also spot giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests, while predators such as lions and leopards follow closely behind.
The park is also a haven for birdlife, with one of the highest numbers of breeding bird species in the world. It is one of the best places to see elephants in their natural habitat, from young calves to impressive bulls.
After lunch and an extensive game drive, you will continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay at Farm of Dreams Lodge.
Travel Time: Approx. 2–3 hours (Tarangire → Ngorongoro Highlands)
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we depart for Serengeti National Park. We enter the park around midday at Naabi Hill Gate and begin our first game drive en route through the Seronera area, continuing north in search of the Great Migration.
While the Serengeti is rich in wildlife year-round, it is most famous for the Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest, along with zebras and antelopes, move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. From late July to September, the migration is typically found in the northern Serengeti, where animals face the dramatic challenge of crossing the Mara River on their way toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
This is one of nature’s most intense spectacles, with predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas following closely, while crocodiles wait in the river. The exact timing of the migration depends on rainfall patterns each year.
After lunch and an extensive game drive, we continue to our camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Intimate Camp Zebra, a luxury tented camp offering an authentic safari experience.
Travel Time: Approx. 6–7 hours (including game drive en route)
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Intimate Camp Zebra
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you will continue with a full-day game drive in the northern region of Serengeti National Park.
The Mara River crossing is one of the most dramatic highlights of the Great Migration and one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa. As the herds move forward, they face many challenges—predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas follow closely behind, while large Nile crocodiles wait in the river. Many wildebeests attempt the crossing in search of the greener, mineral-rich grasslands of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where they remain for a short period before continuing their migration back towards the southern plains.
Beyond the action, the northern Serengeti offers breathtaking scenery, with endless landscapes stretching beneath wide open skies—an experience that truly connects you with the natural world.
After a full day of game viewing, and hopefully witnessing a river crossing, you will return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Intimate Camp Zebra.
Travel Time: Full-day game drive (no long-distance transfer)
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Intimate Camp Zebra
Meal Plan: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
After an early breakfast, you will set off on an en-route game drive through the northern part of Serengeti National Park, heading toward the central region, also known as the Seronera Valley.
The Seronera Valley is one of the best areas in the Serengeti for year-round wildlife viewing. It is especially known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. These animals are often seen around the rocky outcrops, known as kopjes, which provide excellent vantage points for spotting prey.
You will also encounter a wide range of herbivores such as buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, impalas, topi, warthogs, and zebras, making this area rich in both predator and prey activity.
After a rewarding game drive, you will head to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Embalakai Serengeti Camp.
Travel Time: Approx. 4–6 hours (game drive en route)
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we continue with a game drive through Serengeti National Park before heading towards Ngorongoro Crater.
At first sight, the crater feels like a hidden world. Surrounded by steep volcanic walls, it contains a beautiful mix of open savannah, acacia woodlands, lakes, and swamps. Formed two to three million years ago after a massive volcanic collapse, it is now one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas.
The descent into the crater is an adventure in itself. Once on the crater floor, you will encounter large numbers of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and an impressive variety of birdlife, with over 500 species recorded. It is also one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat.
After the game drive, we ascend and continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Farm of Dreams Lodge, located about 1–2 hours from the crater.
Travel Time: Approx. 4–6 hours (game drive + transfer)
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at your accommodation, we begin our drive back to Arusha. You will arrive in time for your onward flight from either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of your safari adventure.
Travel Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks: All drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5+ Pax | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,940 | $2,970 | $2,700 | $2,452 | $2,452 | Price Per Person |
| Here are some important things to know and prepare before your safari. These tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and ready to explore Tanzania's incredible wildlife with full confidence. | |
| What to Pack | Neutral-colored clothing, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a dust-proof camera bag |
|---|---|
| Health & Safety Tips | Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, carry a basic first-aid kit, drink bottled water, and use sunscreen daily |
| Visa & Entry Info | Tourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at the airport |
| Local Etiquette | Greet with "Jambo," ask permission before photographing local people, dress modestly in towns, tipping guides is customary |
| Photo Tips | Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the best light for wildlife shots in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| We offer airport pickup and drop-off services from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Please confirm your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your arrival and departure smoothly. | |
| Airport Pickup | Included in this package |
|---|---|
| Transfers to/from Hotel | Included in this package |
| Safari Vehicle | Pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle — shared within your private group |
| Private Vehicle Upgrades | Available for an extra charge |
| Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the safari crew. Below are suggested amounts per day based on the quality of service received. | |
| Lead Safari Guide | $20–25 per day |
| Assistant Guide | $10–15 per day |
| Hotel/Camp Staff | $2–5 per safari |
| Tips are usually given at the end of the safari. You can tip in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) directly to each crew member or through your lead guide for group distribution. | |
Inclusions/Excluded
What's Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation (lodge, camp, or tented camp)
- All meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entrance fees & conservation fees
- Professional safari guide
- Flying doctors / emergency evacuation insurance
- Government taxes & levies
What's Excluded
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips & gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits)
- Items of personal nature (sunscreen, medication, etc.)
- Single supplement (extra charge for solo travelers)
7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration
Group size: 1–15 Trekkers
Private or group departures available
| Luxury Tour — Lodges & Hotels Throughout |
| Private Tour — Exclusively Yours, Not Shared |
| Flexible Start — Can Begin Any Day (Subject to Availability) |
| Customizable — Itinerary Changes Available on Request |
| Game Drives in Pop-Up Roof 4×4 Vehicles |
| Airport Transfers Included — Both Ways |
| Minimum Age: 3 Years |
| 10+ Years of Expert Safari Guiding Across Tanzania's Top Parks |
| Fully Licensed & Registered by MNRT (Tanzania Tourism Authority) |
| Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor — Tanzania's Top-Rated Safari Operator |
| Private & Small-Group Safaris for a More Intimate Experience |
| Expert Naturalist Guides With Deep Knowledge of Local Wildlife |
| Tailor-Made Safari Itineraries — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & More |
| Comfortable, Well-Equipped Safari Vehicles With Pop-Up Roofs |
| Authentic Bush Meals & Sustainable Safari Practices |
| Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees |
| End-to-End Support, From Airport Transfer to Final Drop-Off |
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Nyange Adventures Reviews
Posted on Catriona SVerified 10/10 Kilimanjaro Trip We had the most amazing Kilimanjaro climb with Nyange Adventures and Equatours. We took the 7 day Machame route and our AMAZING guide Amnaay and team were just the best! We submitted on 7th October 2025 and loved every second! The team were amazing and every tiny detail was catered for, our safety was too priority, and of course having fun along the way! Would recommend them completely and will definitely book future African adventures with them too! Thank you so much, Catriona, Scotland UK.Posted on Thomas FVerified 5 Stars + rating for the extraordinary Nyange Adventures Climb Team! 5 Stars + rating for the extraordinary Nyange Adventures Climb Team! Our team of 7 climbers took the 6 day Marangu route. The climb team leaders and assistant guides (Victor, Mo and Navia) worked well as a group to provide an overview of our hike before starting and instilled in use the importance of positive vibes only (POV). Were attentive to the needs of climbers who had a slower (pole, pole). The initial backpack checks to double check all equipment that was needed was in your bag and whatever you were missing at that late stage they were about to rent to you.The daily oximeter readings and health checks and inspirational motivational talks mixed with humor always helped to PVO at the highest levels every day.Enough cannot be said about how delicious the food that was prepared by Steve, who called himself the stomach engineer. An animated gentleman, who was very funny, and you could tell he loved his job of preparing our food for the day. All the food came from Nyange’s Organic Kibo View Farm. We had a range of delicious soups (Motri, Maharagwe ya Nazi, Tomato, etc) along with other favorite Tanzanian dishes. We all enjoyed seeing Emmanuel, the waiter 3 times a day delivering coffee / tea to the huts to wake us up in the morning (and as we go higher on the mountain with no water source – bucket baths supplies), followed by breakfast and later in the day dinner, typically in the dining hall at the camp. Lunch was typically a box meal (but also delicious) since we were in route to other locations during the day. Emmanuel had such a big heart with great big smile, and we all enjoyed seeing him at least 3 times a day.The porters (16 of them and important to list all of their names: Venance, Raymond, Philip, Julius, Tayari, James, Josia, Rogers, Salimu, Pendaeli, Mashdi, Ramadhani, Wilfred, Shabani, Rajabu, and Ally) were the hidden heroes of the climb team, ranging in responsibilities of carrying the back packs for our team of climbers and they raced ahead to get our bags to the next location before we arrived, along with when we got to base camp at roughly 14,000 feet needed to return to the lower camp to retrieve more drinking water for our group. Also, transporting the portable toilet (Muba), to the three that were the summit porters (Muddy, Daubi and Mduma) which required early morning departures to the reach summit points with frequent checks to make sure all were doing well, with all of these activities making us all feel secure and well-supported in this challenging environment. We all had success with our climbs and no one in the group got sick. Thank you climb team.Nyange Adventures was started in 2011 and the Organic Kibo View Farms started in 2015, which is huge asset to the quality of food served pre and post hotel stays for climbs but also the source of food for climbs. A few suggestions that I hope will assist on the administrative side of Nyange in making the arrangements with future client groups. More transparency of the coordination between the staff member arranging the trip for climbers and the crew that carries out the climb. We never met the staff person on site that we spent 9 months coordinating and confirming arrangements with. The complexity of the living wage tip rubric was confusing but finally confirmed via staff in multiple messages, but the climbing crew had different numbers. It got sorted out in the end, but timing of renegotiation at this celebratory end of climb was not pleasant time. Simplifying these recommendations, since this confusion prevents clients from increasing tips beyond the minimum levels. Also, improving the upfront transparency for the mechanics for returning deposits (in keeping with the policies of Nyange Adventures), for climbers who cannot make it due unforeseen circumstances. We had 1 person that needed to cancel 6 months ahead of the climb and it was worked out in the end, but a time-consuming back and forth process that took several months to resolve. I feel so strongly about the extraordinary service of the Nyange Adventures Climb Team, my rating is a 5 stars + for this 25 person group, but lowered the overall rating to 4 due to the administrative hiccups that will hopefully be resolved for future clients. Thank you again for this amazing opportunity to be supported by your company for such an epic life changing event.Posted on Tristen mVerified Phenomenal climbing experience Incredible experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. All of the porters and guides were amazing and far exceeded our expectations, caring for all 7 of us every step of the way. Would recommend going with Nyange Adventures over anyone else especially after completing the climb. Also, Victor, Mo, and Navia were fantastic; extremely sociable and made the experience so much fun.Posted on Frances SVerified FREAKING SO AWESOME BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE. This was actually such an amazing experience from start to finish. We came as a group of 6 22 year old college students and a teacher and had the best time climbing. Our guides were understanding, knowledgeable, and very personable. I felt heard and safe the whole time. The food and accommodations were excellent and the experience was truly catered to our specific group and our needs. Summit day was the best day I have had thus far and it was because of the team we had. Our porters were super kind and funny and despite carrying more than we could even imagine were fist bumping us on trail and giving us words of encouragement. Our guides were Victor, Mohamed, and Navia! They were beyond amazing. Overall great experience.Posted on C RasquinhaVerified Nyange Adventures for trip of a lifetime to Tanzania Nyange Adventures managed our trip into Tanzania and developed the itinerary and set us up with an Amazing coordinator in Amina and a great guide in Richard Eberneezer. From start to finish, the accommodations and the attractions along this 8 day journey were magnificent. Strongly recommend Nyange Adventures and working with Amina and Richard.Posted on jana rVerified 5 star company!!! Excellent service with the guides and porters from Nyange Adventures! Hands down, top notch company! Their motto is come as a client, leave as a friend- I can attest to that! We had an amazing time and all bases were covered- even the ones we didn’t know about! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Posted on Regina OVerified Unforgettable Safari Experience. Our safari with Nyange Adventures through Lake Manyara and Serengeti was incredible! We saw so many animals in their natural habitat, and the expertise of the guide made each moment more enriching.Posted on HCVerified An incredible team and an unforgettable climb. The group tour I signed up for ended up being a solo trip due to last minute cancellations. However, this gave me great flexibility with the itinerary and a perfect opportunity to get to know the team. I felt safe, respected and taken care of as a female solo traveller. The whole trip felt seamless. Amnaay, the mountain guide, was instrumental to my successful summit - he was knowledgable and professional. The meals provided every day were freshly prepared and delicious. The team of porters amazed me every day with their physical abilities and joyful spirit. Bonding with the team was a highlight of the trip - not a day went by without someone bursting into a belly laugh! I also stayed at the Kibo View Farm before and after the climb, which was a little slice of heaven. I would highly recommend Nyange Adventures for their local expertise and fair treatment of porters.Posted on CarlosVerified A personal goal achieved thanks to the guidance and support received from the Nyange Adventures team. At age 73 I successfully completed the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, via the Lemosho route, a week ago today. Throughout the eight day trek and the final ascent to Uhuru Peak I was impressed by the guidance and support received at all times from the entire Nyange Adventures team. The guides, Mo and Colin, the cook, the waiter and the fantastic team of porters that accompanied me made my success possible, and I would therefore not hesitate to recommend Nyange Adventures to anyone considering the experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.Posted on Leticia LVerified Excellent and exceptional experience! My experience couldn't be better and I couldn't recommend Nyange more! They are excellent and I'm super satisfied with everything.I booked my climbing to Kilimanjaro with them and everything was perfect from the starting communication to the very last second I was with them.I'm a woman solo traveler and I felt safe every single time.All the staff is very nice, helpful and attentive. They really make the phrase "come as a client, leave as a friend" come true, I'll miss everyone! Special thanks to my guide in Kilimanjaro: Amnaay (if you wanna go with him, I assure you'll have a fun and pleasant time! He knows a lot, is very encouraging and literally held me when I couldn't walk anymore. I don't know if I could reach the summit without him and all the other guys that came with me - the cooker, waiter and porters, everyone special, very professional and has their space in my heart).They arranged everything I needed: my commuting from the city center to the farm (their farm is amaaaaazing, beautiful and the room was super comfortable and clean and with a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro. All the delicious food they make is local - with ingredients from the farm), even in my last night Amnaay asked them if they could cook Ugali for me, and they did!The owner, Praise, is also very caring and himself always make sure that everything is ok, always having nice conversations, asking if I need something, etc.I could be here writing a review of 50 pages only speaking good things about them. Highly recommend! It was for sure the best experience in my life and thanks for them!

