8 Days Unforgettable Mara Wildebeest Crossing Safari

GALLERY

Tour Overview

Witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth—the dramatic Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River. This exclusive 8 days Tanzania safari takes you deep into the Northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras make their perilous river crossings, dodging hungry crocodiles and stalking predators.

Your adventure begins in the Serengeti’s Mara River region, where you will spend three full days tracking the migration and observing the intense predator action. The journey continues through Central Serengeti, known for its big cats, before heading to Ndutu, a key stop in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for its seasonal calving grounds. Finally, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five, before ending with an authentic Maasai cultural experience and a traditional local Tanzanian lunch.

This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture raw nature in action. With carefully selected mid-range, comfort, and premium accommodations, you’ll experience both adventure and comfort in the heart of Africa.

Itinerary - Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Serengeti Mara River

  • Arrive at Serengeti Mara River, one of the most famous wildlife areas in Africa.
  • Meet and greet with your safari guide, followed by a transfer to your lodge/camp.
  • Briefing about the safari and time to relax before your adventure begins.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration along the Mara River.
  • High chances of spotting crocodile-infested river crossings.
  • Abundant wildlife, including big cats, elephants, and hippos.

Accommodation Options:

  • Mid-range: Mara Kati Kati, Sound of Silence, Serengeti Wilderness Camp.
  • Comfort: Mara Mara Tented Lodge, Kenzan, Kubu Kubu.
  • Premium: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, One Nature.

Day 2: Full Day in Serengeti Mara River

  • Morning and afternoon game drives tracking the Great Migration.
  • Explore the Mara River crossing points, where wildebeests battle crocodiles.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the Serengeti.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • Dramatic river crossings with thousands of wildebeests and zebras.
  • Predator action – watch lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting.
  • Large numbers of hippos and crocodiles in the river.

Accommodation Options:

  • Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti Mara River

  • Continue exploring the Northern Serengeti, following the movement of the migration.
  • Optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara River (extra cost).
  • Evening game drive for sunset photography opportunities.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • Up-close encounters with wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
  • Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Mara region.
  • Rare wildlife sightings, including elands and bat-eared foxes.

Accommodation Options:

  • Same as Day 1.

Day 4: Serengeti Mara River – Central Serengeti

  • Morning game drive before heading south to Central Serengeti (approx. 4-5 hours).
  • Explore the Seronera Valley, a prime location for big cats.
  • Afternoon game drive in the predator-rich grasslands.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • High concentration of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
  • Scenic savanna landscapes dotted with acacia trees.
  • Kopjes (rock formations) where big cats love to rest.

Accommodation Options:

  • Mid-range: Embalakai Tented Camp, Serengeti Wilderness Camp.
  • Comfort: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, Serengeti Serena Lodge.
  • Premium: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Lemala Nanyukie.

Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti

  • Spend a full day on game drives in Seronera Valley.
  • Track the movements of large predators and herds of herbivores.
  • Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (extra cost).

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • The Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
  • Seasonal Great Migration herds moving across the plains.
  • Hyenas and wild dogs scavenging in the golden grasslands.

Accommodation Options:

  • Same as Day 4.

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Ndutu

  • Morning game drive in Central Serengeti before heading to Ndutu (approx. 3-4 hours).
  • Explore the Ndutu woodlands and lakes, a key area for migration herds.
  • Afternoon game drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • Unique wildlife mix of Serengeti and Ngorongoro species.
  • Seasonal calving grounds for wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
  • Scenic alkaline lakes attracting flamingos and water birds.

Accommodation Options:

  • Mid-range: Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp.
  • Comfort: Ndutu Under Canvas, Kenzan Ndutu.
  • Premium: Lemala Ndutu, Serengeti Bushtops.

Day 7: Ndutu – Ngorongoro Crater

  • Morning drive to Ngorongoro Crater (approx. 3 hours).
  • Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive.
  • Spot the Big Five, including rare black rhinos.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • One of the world’s best places to see rhinos.
  • Large prides of lions, hyenas, and jackals.
  • Hippos, flamingos, and breathtaking crater views.

Accommodation Options:

  • Mid-range: Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
  • Comfort: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Farm House.
  • Premium: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands.

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Local Lunch – Airport

  • Visit a local Maasai village for a cultural experience.
  • Enjoy an authentic Tanzanian lunch before heading to the airport.
  • Transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Attractions & What to Expect:

  • Learn about Maasai traditions and daily life.
  • Try local Tanzanian cuisine at a traditional lunch spot.
  • Scenic drive back to Arusha with final safari moments.

Pricing (Per Person in USD)

Number of People Mid-range Comfort Premium
1 Pax $4,184 $4,800 $5,893
2 Pax $3,307 $4,246 $5,363
3 Pax $3,275 $4,204 $5,310
4 Pax $3,243 $4,161 $5,257
5 Pax $3,210 $4,119
6 Pax $3,379 $4,078
7 Pax $3,148 $3,825

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included Not Included
Park entry fees International flights
Game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Professional English-speaking guide Tips and gratuities
Full-board accommodations based on package selection Travel insurance
Bottled drinking water
Airport transfers

from $4119 USD / per person

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