8-Day Northern Serengeti River Crossing Safari
Tarangire National Park • Central Serengeti • Northern Serengeti / Kogatende • Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Overview
This 8-day migration safari is ideal for travelers who want to witness one of the most dramatic stages of the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti, where wildebeests and zebras gather near the Mara River and attempt dangerous crossings. Best from around July to October, this safari combines the classic wildlife of Tarangire, the predator-rich plains of Central Serengeti, and the thrilling migration scenes of Kogatende. The extra nights in the north give you more time to follow herd movement and improve your chances of witnessing a crossing. It is a rewarding safari for wildlife lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a deeper migration experience.
Tour features
GAME DRIVES
Safaris include daily game drives in a high quality Land Cruiser, suitable for up to 7 people.
MEALS AND DRINKS INCLUDED
All meals as listed, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
RECOMMENDED DATES
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL:
We can incorporate all kind of activities in your safari, like coffee farm tours, hot air balloon, Maasai cultural tours, canoe safari, zip-lining and hiking. See below for our optional extras.
Day by day highlights
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti
- Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
- Day 4: Full Day in Northern Serengeti
- Day 5: Another Full Day in Northern Serengeti
- Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
- Day 7: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
- Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
THE BUDGET:
Price is an estimate only and is dependant on group size, age of children, time of year and your choice of camps.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park and begin your safari among baobab trees, elephants, and wide savannah landscapes. The park offers great wildlife viewing, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and occasional predators. After lunch and an afternoon game drive, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Marera Valley Lodge / similar
Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro area toward Central Serengeti, entering one of Tanzania’s most iconic safari regions. Wildlife viewing begins en route, with chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, and large grazing herds. Arrive at camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Thorn Tree Camp / similar
Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Today you continue north through the Serengeti ecosystem toward Kogatende, where the migration often gathers near the Mara River. Game viewing along the way can be very rewarding, with changing scenery and increasing chances of seeing large herd concentrations. Arrive at your camp in Northern Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Mara Heritage Camp / Baobab Mara Camp / similar
Day 4: Full Day in Northern Serengeti
Spend the day exploring Northern Serengeti with packed lunch, following the herds and searching for possible river crossing activity. This area is famous for dramatic movement, crocodile-filled waters, and strong predator presence around the migration routes. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Mara Heritage Camp / Baobab Mara Camp / similar
Day 5: Another Full Day in Northern Serengeti
A second full day in the north gives you more time and flexibility to track the herds and wait patiently at promising river crossing points. Even when crossings do not happen, the area offers excellent wildlife viewing, beautiful scenery, and rewarding predator encounters. Return to camp for dinner and another overnight stay.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Mara Heritage Camp / Baobab Mara Camp / similar
Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the north before beginning the journey back toward Central Serengeti. Wildlife viewing continues along the route, and the change in landscape adds variety to the safari experience. Arrive at camp later in the day for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Thorn Tree Camp / similar
Day 7: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Central Serengeti before leaving the plains behind and heading toward the Ngorongoro highlands. This final Serengeti stretch may still offer good sightings of big cats and resident wildlife. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accomodation: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House / similar
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive in one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife havens. You may spot lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, hyenas, and many bird species in the crater’s rich ecosystem. After lunch, ascend and return to Arusha, ending your river crossing safari.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accomodation: End of Safari
Package Excludes
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g., drinks at lodges/camps, souvenirs, laundry)
Tips and gratuities (highly appreciated)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Maasai village visit, balloon safari)
Hotel accommodation before and after safari (can be arranged on request)
Additional meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Package Includes
All park feesÂ
Professional safari guide/driver
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Daily game drives as per itinerary
Accommodation as specified
All meals as specified in the itineraryÂ
Drinking water in the safari vehicle
Camping equipment (for budget camping safaris)
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
Government taxes and VAT
Begin Your Tanzania Safari Journey
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