7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari

Follow the herds from the southern plains to the dramatic Mara River crossings.

Duration

7 Days

From

$2,450 pp

Style

Private journey

Overview

A seven-day private safari built around the Great Migration. From the baobab valleys of Tarangire you move into the Central Serengeti, then push north to the Mara River where the herds bunch on the banks and plunge through crocodile-filled waters. Nights are split between Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp and the intimate mobile Intimate Camp Zebra, finishing with the Ngorongoro Crater.

Highlights

  • Mara River crossings of the Great Migration
  • Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti
  • Tarangire elephant herds and baobabs
  • Full day inside Ngorongoro Crater
  • Intimate Camp Zebra mobile camp in the North
  • Private 4×4 with senior Wakanda guide

Day-by-day itinerary

Sample programme. Every journey is private and can be paced or extended to suit you.

1

Arrival in Arusha: Airport Pickup & Transfer

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Serengeti Wakanda representative and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Settle in, relax and enjoy dinner as your guide briefs you on the journey ahead. Overnight at Forest Hill Hotel • Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City).

Your safari begins the moment you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport. A Serengeti Wakanda guide is waiting with your name on a board and the words every traveller wants to hear: karibu Tanzania, welcome to Tanzania.

We transfer you to your lodge in the Arusha foothills, where you can shower, change into safari clothes and settle in. Your driver-guide joins you for a relaxed welcome dinner, walks through tomorrow's plan in detail and answers every last question. An early night sets you up for the days ahead.

Dinner~50 km, 1 hr from JRO to Arusha

Today's plan

  • Meet & greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • Private transfer to your Arusha lodge (about 1 hour)
  • Trip briefing with your driver-guide over dinner
  • Time to rest, swap currency and adjust to the time zone

Where you sleep tonight

Forest Hill Hotel

Forest Hill Hotel

Boutique hotel in Arusha

Tarangire National Park

Day 2 · Tarangire National Park

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a guided game drive through seasonal swamps, open savanna and along the wildlife-rich Tarangire River, searching for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, impalas and over 500 bird species. After a picnic lunch in the park, continue with afternoon game viewing before transferring to Karatu for the evening. Overnight at Moonbow Lodge • Boutique lodge in Karatu.

Tarangire is the elephant capital of northern Tanzania. In the dry season the Tarangire River is the only permanent water for miles, and herds of up to 250 elephants come down to drink, calves tumbling between their mothers' legs.

You spend the day on a private game drive through baobab-studded floodplains: lions resting in the shade, giraffe browsing acacia tops, fringe-eared oryx and the strange dwarf mongoose colonies. We pack a hot picnic lunch so you can stay in the park while the light is good.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner~150 km from Arusha, ~3 hrs

Today's plan

  • Full-day private 4×4 game drive in Tarangire
  • Picnic lunch overlooking the Tarangire River
  • Photograph the giant baobabs and elephant herds
  • Sundowner back at camp with the sounds of the bush

Where you sleep tonight

Moonbow Lodge

Moonbow Lodge

Boutique lodge in Karatu

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Day 3 · Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park, enjoying game viewing en route. The landscapes open onto the endless Serengeti plains as you begin your first guided game drive in the central region, home to some of Africa's greatest concentrations of big cats. Arrive at your camp in the heart of the park for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp • Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP.

The Seronera valley is the heart of the Serengeti and a year-round game-viewing area. Permanent water, rocky kopjes and short-grass plains create the highest density of big cats in Africa: roughly 1 lion per 10 km², and the best leopard sightings on the circuit.

Mornings start before sunrise to catch the cats while they are still active; midday is a slow picnic in the shade of an acacia. In the afternoon we work the riverine fig trees for leopards and the kopjes for resting prides. Distances are long but every stop is worth it.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner~145 km from Ngorongoro gate, ~3.5 hrs in-park

Today's plan

  • Dawn departure for prime cat activity
  • Picnic lunch on a Seronera kopje
  • Search the fig trees for leopards
  • Optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise (extra)

Where you sleep tonight

Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp

Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp

Luxury tented camp, Central Serengeti

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Mara River)

Day 4 · Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Mara River)

Central to Northern Serengeti: Mara River Country

Today you travel north through the Serengeti towards the Mara River, the stage for the Great Migration's most dramatic river crossings. Enjoy a guided game drive along the way, following the herds as they gather on the northern plains. An optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise is available at extra cost. Arrive at your intimate mobile camp near the river for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Intimate Camp Zebra • Mobile tented camp in Northern Serengeti.

Between July and October the Mara River in the far north of the Serengeti becomes the stage for the most dramatic act of the Great Migration. Wildebeest pile up on the banks, hesitate, plunge: crocodiles wait below, lions and hyenas above.

We position you at Kogatende or Lamai for two or three full days, which is what it takes to be in the right place when a crossing happens. Between rivers there are lions on the koppies, elephants in the Mara woodland and very few other vehicles.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's plan

  • Full days at the Mara River crossing points
  • Game drives on the Lamai Wedge
  • Picnic breakfasts in the bush
  • Optional walking safari with a Maasai naturalist

Where you sleep tonight

Intimate Camp Zebra

Intimate Camp Zebra

Mobile tented camp, Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Mara River)

Day 5 · Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Mara River)

Early Morning Game Drive & Northern Serengeti to Central

Wake early for a sunrise game drive around the Mara River, the prime time to witness wildebeest and zebra plunging through the crocodile-filled waters. After lunch, enjoy a scenic guided game drive back south through the Serengeti, returning to the central plains in the golden evening light. Overnight at Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp • Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP.

Between July and October the Mara River in the far north of the Serengeti becomes the stage for the most dramatic act of the Great Migration. Wildebeest pile up on the banks, hesitate, plunge: crocodiles wait below, lions and hyenas above.

We position you at Kogatende or Lamai for two or three full days, which is what it takes to be in the right place when a crossing happens. Between rivers there are lions on the koppies, elephants in the Mara woodland and very few other vehicles.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's plan

  • Full days at the Mara River crossing points
  • Game drives on the Lamai Wedge
  • Picnic breakfasts in the bush
  • Optional walking safari with a Maasai naturalist

Where you sleep tonight

Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp

Lala Salama Serengeti Luxury Camp

Luxury tented camp, Central Serengeti

Ngorongoro Crater

Day 6 · Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you leave the Serengeti and transfer by road towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a guided game drive on the crater floor - lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. In the late afternoon ascend the rim and continue to Karatu. Overnight at Moonbow Lodge • Boutique lodge in Karatu.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a 260 km² collapsed caldera with 600 m walls, and the highest density of large mammals on Earth. Inside the crater floor live around 25,000 large animals, including the densest population of black-maned lions and one of the last strongholds of the eastern black rhino.

We descend at first light when the floor is still in shadow and the cats are working. A picnic breakfast on the rim, a full morning circuit past the soda lake's flamingos and Lerai Forest's elephants, then a climb back up the escarpment in time for a late lunch.

Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerCrater floor circuit ~6 hrs, 4×4 onlyRim 2,400 m, floor 1,800 m

Today's plan

  • Crater descent at first light
  • Search for the Big Five including black rhino
  • Picnic breakfast on the crater floor
  • Lerai Forest elephants and Munge soda flats

Where you sleep tonight

Moonbow Lodge

Moonbow Lodge

Boutique lodge in Karatu

Karatu Highlands

Day 7 · Karatu Highlands

Karatu to Arusha & Airport Drop-Off

After breakfast, transfer by road back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time in town before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward journey. Breakfast included.

Karatu is the green coffee town between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, cool, fertile and a perfect base. Many travellers prefer to overnight here instead of on the cold crater rim and descend fresh the next morning.

Use a half-day for a coffee farm tour, a walk to the Elephant Caves in Ngorongoro Forest or a Iraqw village visit. Otherwise simply rest by the lodge fire before tomorrow's crater dawn.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's plan

  • Coffee tour and tasting on a working farm
  • Walk to the Elephant Caves in the forest reserve
  • Iraqw cultural visit (optional)

Route map

7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari, route

  1. 1Arusha
  2. 2Serengeti
  3. 3Tarangire
  4. 4Ngorongoro
  5. 5Kilimanjaro

What makes this trip special

Private journey

Your own vehicle, guide and pace, no shared safari.

Local expertise

Designed and led by Tanzanians who grew up beside these parks.

Photo-friendly

Pop-top vehicles, beanbags on request and unrushed stops at every sighting.

Good to know

Everything you need to plan, pack and travel with confidence.

Best time to travel

Year-round. Peak game viewing runs June to October, when the bush is dry and animals concentrate around water. January to March is the dramatic green season, with wildebeest calving in southern Serengeti and excellent predator action. November is a brief shoulder month with low prices and lush landscapes.

Group size

Designed for 2 to 6 guests in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a guaranteed window seat for everyone. Families, honeymooners and small friend groups are our sweet spot. Larger parties travel in additional vehicles, never with strangers.

Physical rating

Easy. Days are spent in the vehicle with comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation. Optional walking safaris are graded separately and require basic fitness.

Getting there

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is served by KLM, Qatar, Turkish, Ethiopian, Kenya Airways and Precision Air. We meet you at the gate and handle every transfer for the rest of the trip.

Visa & entry

USD 50 single-entry e-visa for most nationalities, applied for online at eservices.immigration.go.tz at least two weeks before travel. US passport holders need the USD 100 multiple-entry visa.

Currency & payments

US dollars (post-2009 bills only) are widely accepted; Tanzanian shillings for small purchases. Major lodges accept Visa and Mastercard but a small surcharge may apply.

Electricity

230 V, UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G). Most camps have charging in the main area; bring a universal adapter.

Connectivity

4G coverage across Arusha and Zanzibar, intermittent in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Most lodges have Wi-Fi in the main lounge. A local Vodacom or Airtel SIM is cheap and easy to buy at the airport.

Tipping guidance

A guideline, not an obligation. Around USD 25 per guest per day for your driver-guide and USD 10 per day for lodge staff (collective tip box). On Kilimanjaro, USD 20 to 25 per climber per day for the crew is standard.

Responsible travel

We are a Tanzanian-owned company and 100% of our guides, cooks and office staff are Tanzanian. Park fees flow directly to TANAPA and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our camps follow leave-no-trace principles and we offset every vehicle kilometre through a verified East African reforestation program.

Booking & cancellation

To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required. You can make the payment via Revolut, Wise, standard bank transfer (fees vary by bank), or card (which incurs a 4% transaction fee). In case of any cancellations, receive a credit note for the full amount paid. We understand plans can change, so if you need to cancel, we’ve got you covered. You’ll receive a credit note for the amount paid, allowing you to rebook your safari within a generous 2-year timeframe. Explore at your convenience and enjoy the adventure when the time is right for you. The above policy would entirely depend on the accommodations opted for as they may differ.

What to pack

  • Neutral, layered safari clothes (long sleeves help with sun and mosquitoes)
  • A warm fleece for cold mornings on the Ngorongoro rim
  • Closed walking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat
  • Binoculars (8×42 is the safari standard) and a lightweight camera
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
  • Soft duffel bag if flying between camps (15 kg limit)

Health & safety

  • Yellow fever certificate required only if arriving from a yellow fever country
  • Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended, consult your travel clinic
  • Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory
  • Tap water is not potable, we provide unlimited bottled water in the vehicle

Photography

  • Pop-up roof and beanbags supplied on every vehicle
  • Bring at least a 100-400 mm zoom; a wide angle for landscapes
  • Extra memory cards and a charger that fits the 220 V UK-style plug
  • Drones are prohibited inside national parks without a written permit

Pricing, per person

Rates in USD, sharing twin/double accommodation. Final quote depends on chosen lodges and exact dates.

2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
$3,170$2,725$2,520$2,375$2,300

Single supplement applies for solo travellers. "-" means group size not offered for this itinerary.

What's included

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All park & conservation fees
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals on safari (B/L/D)
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania entry visa (USD 50, USD 100 for US citizens)
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Optional activities (balloon, walking safari)

Frequently asked

When is the best time to go?+

June–October for classic game viewing; January–March for the calving season in southern Serengeti; July–October for the Mara River crossings.

Is it safe?+

Yes, our vehicles are radio-equipped, our guides are licensed, and we operate only in well-managed parks. We've been doing this for over a decade with zero incidents.

Can the itinerary be customised?+

Absolutely. Every tour is private and tailor-made, extend a day, add a balloon flight, or combine with Zanzibar.

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