8 Day Northern Serengeti Mara River Crossing Safari

Experience one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events on this 8-day safari, centered around the iconic Mara River crossings. From July to September, witness vast herds of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters while lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt nearby. Beginning in Arusha, the safari

8-day Tanzania safari · From $2,850 USD per person

Destinations: Tarangire National Park · Serengeti National Park · Mount Kilimanjaro National Park · Ngorongoro Conservation Area

What's included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• All park entrance fees.
• Accommodation as per itinerary.
• Professional Guide
• Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Bottled water
• free Wi-Fi

What's not included

• International and domestic flights
• Visa and travel insurance.
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, drinks)
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon safari )

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival & Arusha Experience

   Arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore Arusha with a guided city tour including Maasai Market, local markets, and cultural sites. Attend a safari briefing in the evening

2. Day 2: Tarangire National Park

   Drive 2–3 hours to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. Spot large elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy lunch in the park before an extended afternoon

3. Day 3: Tarangire → Central Serengeti – Big Cat Safari

   Journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at the crater viewpoint for panoramic photos and visiting a Maasai Boma. Arrive in Central Serengeti for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for lions

4. Day 4: Northern Serengeti – Migration Safari

   Drive to Northern Serengeti, following the wildebeest herds. Witness predator-prey interactions and capture river crossing moments, while enjoying the vast, wildlife-rich plains. Evening game drive before returning

5. Day 5: Mara River Crossing Experience

   Full-day guided game drives in Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River crossings. Watch thousands of wildebeest and zebras navigate crocodile-infested waters while lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt in the area.

6. Day 6: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti

   Follow the migration across Northern Serengeti, spotting big cats and other wildlife. Transfer back to Central Serengeti with stops for wildlife photography. Conclude with a sunset game drive in Central Serengeti

7. Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Safari

   Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—alongside zebras, hyenas, and other wildlife. Ascend the crater rim and transfer to Arusha

8. Day 8: Departure

   After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure, taking home memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality. Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off included.

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Planning help: Serengeti safari cost 2026 · Safari + Zanzibar combo · Great Migration months · February calving · August crossings · October in Tanzania