Nyange Adventures

7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration

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

Day 1 : Arrival in Arusha

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

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

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

Day 3: North Serengeti National Park

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

Day 4: North Serengeti National Park

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)

Day 5: North to Central Serengeti

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

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

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

Day 7: Departure Day

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)

Price For a 7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration
1 Pax2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5+ PaxNumber of People
$5,940$2,970$2,700$2,452$2,452Price Per Person
Trip Essentials
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 PackNeutral-colored clothing, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a dust-proof camera bag
Health & Safety TipsConsult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, carry a basic first-aid kit, drink bottled water, and use sunscreen daily
Visa & Entry InfoTourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at the airport
Local EtiquetteGreet with "Jambo," ask permission before photographing local people, dress modestly in towns, tipping guides is customary
Photo TipsGolden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the best light for wildlife shots in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Transportation & Tipping Guidelines
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 PickupIncluded in this package
Transfers to/from HotelIncluded in this package
Safari VehiclePop-up roof 4×4 vehicle — shared within your private group
Private Vehicle UpgradesAvailable 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

What's Excluded

7-Day Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration

Group size: 1–15 Trekkers


$2,970 to $3,099 pp (USD)
What’s included in this price Request a Free Quote

Private or group departures available

Tour HighlightsTour Features
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
Why Travel With Nyange AdventuresTanzania Safari — Our Promise
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

Request a Quote

Safari Inquiry Form

Related Tanzania Safari Tours you might interested in

Starts from $3,399 $3,798 / person

7-Day South Africa Safari – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Elephant Coast

Visits: Elephant Coast, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
View Tour Details
Starts from $1,689 $1,858 / person

5-Day South Africa Safari – Kruger National Park, Big Five & Panorama Route

Visits: Kruger National Park, Panorama Route (Highlight)
View Tour Details
Starts from $1,150 $2,100 / person

4-Day Kruger National Park Luxury Safari – Big Five & Panorama Route

Visits: Kruger National Park, Panorama Route (Highlight)
View Tour Details
Starts from $6,849 $8,049 / person

7-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari – Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes

Visits: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park (Chimps), Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
View Tour Details
Starts from $5,545 $6,458 / person

4-Day Rwanda Safari – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Visits: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
View Tour Details
Starts from $2,970 $3,300 / person

8-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Safari – Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Akagera

Visits: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park (Chimps), Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
View Tour Details
Starts from $2,970 $3,300 / person

7-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari – Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi

Visits: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
View Tour Details
Starts from $1,725 $1,850 / person

4-Day Uganda Safari – Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Visits: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
View Tour Details
Starts from $2,070 $2,475 / person

5-Day Murchison Falls & Kibale Chimpanzee Safari

Visits: Entebbe Airport, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park
View Tour Details

Speak with a safari specialist.

Planning your Tanzania safari? Our specialists are ready to help you choose the right parks, destinations, and itinerary for your wildlife adventure. Get clear, reliable advice in real time, no waiting.

Tanzania safari expert specialist
Praise | Safari Specialist

Nyange Adventures Reviews

Scroll to Top