8 DAYS NORTHERN MARA RIVER SPECIALIST
An extended, specialized safari dedicating four full days to the remote Northern Serengeti to maximize your chances of witnessing the famous, highly dramatic wildebeest crossings of the Mara River.
Key Highlights of this Specialist Safari
4 Days at Mara River
Dedicated days in the prime zone to increase the likelihood of witnessing the epic and unpredictable wildebeest river crossings.
Northern Serengeti Focus
Staying in the remote north, known for its less-crowded camps and the highest chances for spectacular crossing sightings (July - Oct).
Tanzania's Big Five Route
Includes visits to the essential Northern Circuit parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Central Serengeti.
8-Day Northern Serengeti River Crossing Itinerary
The ultimate itinerary for experiencing the Mara River crossing, balanced with Tanzania's essential Northern Circuit parks.
Morning: Depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. The park is renowned for its incredible density of massive elephant herds and the iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape.
Game Drive: Spend the day exploring the Tarangire River system, searching for wildlife. In the late afternoon, drive to a lodge/camp outside the park in the Crater Highlands area.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Karatu/Crater Highlands | Highlight: Huge Elephant Herds & Baobab Landscape | Travel: ~3 hrs
Morning Descent: Early wake-up for the dramatic descent into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend a full day exploring the crater floor, maximizing the chance to spot the Big Five, including the Black Rhino.
Afternoon Transfer: After a late picnic lunch in the crater and ascending the rim, we drive towards the Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley).
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Highlight: Guaranteed Big Five in the Crater | Travel: ~4-5 hrs
Morning Seronera: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Seronera Valley, famous for its big cat population (lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard) near the perennial river systems.
Northward Journey: After lunch, we begin the long but exciting drive northwards through the vast Serengeti plains, following the path of the Great Migration herds towards the Mara River area.
Overnight: Luxury Mobile Camp in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Mara area) | Highlight: Tracking the Migration North | Travel: ~6-7 hrs
River Watch: Dedicate the entire day to the Mara River. We start early, driving to a known crossing point where large herds are gathered. Your patience is essentialthe herds can wait for days before crossing.
Crossing Drama: The spectacle of the crossing is unforgettable: a frenzy of wildebeest leaping into the water, fighting the current and the giant Nile crocodiles. The Northern Serengeti also holds excellent resident game, including large prides of lion.
Overnight: Luxury Mobile Camp in Northern Serengeti | Highlight: Mara River Crossing Witnessing | Activity: Full Day River Watch
Second Chance: Spend another full day monitoring the river and the concentration of the herds. With multiple crossings possible in one day, having dedicated time dramatically increases your odds.
Northern Game: Explore the Lobo Hills and Kopjes area of the north, offering great leopard and lion sightings, as well as a different landscape compared to the riverine areas.
Overnight: Luxury Mobile Camp in Northern Serengeti | Highlight: Multiple Crossing Opportunities | Activity: Full Day River Watch & Game Drive
Full Mara Exploration: A third dedicated day gives you the flexibility to search different parts of the Mara River, ensuring you find the best activity, whether it's a small crossing or a huge concentration.
Resident Predators: Focus shifts to the resident big catsespecially the lion prides that hunt near the river and the elusive leopards that use the large riverine trees as vantage points.
Overnight: Luxury Mobile Camp in Northern Serengeti | Highlight: Extensive Mara River Coverage | Activity: Full Day River Watch & Predator Search
Morning: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti, soaking in the atmosphere of this remote wilderness. This is often a great time to spot leopards or lions winding down after a night's hunt.
Fly-Out: After an early lunch, transfer to the Kogatende Airstrip for your scenic flight back to Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This flight minimizes travel time and offers incredible aerial views of the plains.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Departure | Highlight: Scenic Flight over Serengeti | Travel: Domestic Flight (~2.5 hrs)
Leisure and Transfer: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Arusha. Your guide will provide a comfortable and seamless transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your international departure.
Overnight: N/A (Departure) | Highlight: Seamless International Transfer | Travel: ~1 hr to JRO
We guarantee a reply within 24 hours.
Package Details: What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions (What you pay for)
- • All Park entry fees (Tarangire, Serengeti) and Ngorongoro Crater fees (8 days).
- • 7 Nights accommodation (Mix of Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge & Luxury Mobile Camp).
- • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch/Picnic, Dinner) throughout the safari.
- • Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle (Land Cruiser or Rover) with pop-up roof for ground travel.
- • Domestic flight from Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Arusha (ARK/JRO).
- • Professional, English-speaking guide/driver with extensive wildlife knowledge.
- • Unlimited bottled mineral water and soft drinks during game drives.
Exclusions (What's not included)
- • International flights to and from JRO/ARK.
- • Visa fees for entry into Tanzania.
- • Gratuities (tips) for the guide and lodge staff.
- • Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases.
- • Travel and medical insurance (Mandatory).