7 days Serengeti wildebeest migration safari for Mara River crossing in 2023 and 2024

Arrival and Transfer to Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the town or relax at your hotel. Then, you'll meet with your operator for a briefing on the Serengeti migration safari.

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara

Start your Serengeti safari from Arusha and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. After arriving at the park, go on a game drive to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the park. Look out for tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of bird species. Overnight stay at a lodge or campsite in Manyara.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive to the central part of Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, enjoy game drives and stop for lunch at a scenic spot. Arrive in the central Serengeti and explore the vast plains and acacia woodlands, looking out for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and other wildlife. Overnight stay at a lodge or campsite in central Serengeti.

Day 3: Serengeti full day

Spend the entire day exploring the central Serengeti, going on game drives to see the wildlife and landscapes. Visit the Seronera River and the Moru Kopjes, where lions, leopards, and hyenas are often spotted. Overnight stay at a lodge or campsite in central Serengeti.

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Kogatende

After breakfast, drive to Kogatende in the northern part of the Serengeti, passing through the Grumeti River. Arrive in Kogatende and go on a game drive to explore the northern Serengeti. Look out for wildebeest herds, zebras, gazelles, and predators such as lions and cheetahs and stay overnight at a lodge or campsite in Kogatende.

Day 5: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

After breakfast on this day, enjoy a full-day game drive in the Wagakuria area. Resident wildlife numbers are high, with prides of lions up to 30 strong; however, from mid-July through October (August, September, and October), the area turns into a wildlife paradise. The Mara River is the main feature, and it is not uncommon to see herds cross to the north on one day and then back south a few days later. 

Please take note: Finding a crossing is very difficult and is sometimes a matter of luck. Similar to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve, this area is beautiful with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation, and wide plains.

Day 6: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the day exploring the crater and seeing the wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos. Visit the Maasai villages in the conservation area and learn about their culture and way of life. Overnight stay at a lodge or campsite near the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha and say goodbye to your safari guide and crew. On the way, stop at local markets to buy souvenirs and crafts. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or airport.