7 Days Wildebeest Mara River Crossing

Trip Days

7 Days

Accommodation

Mid-Range

Transport

With Safari Vehicle

Between mid‑July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebras move north from Central Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River and later the Mara River as they head toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This itinerary focuses on the Northern Serengeti migration corridor, where river crossings most frequently occur.

This safari includes:
• Tarangire National Park game drive
• Extensive game drives in Central Serengeti (Seronera)
• Dedicated time in Northern Serengeti (Mara River area)
• Ngorongoro Crater game drive
• Drive‑in / drive‑out safari from Arusha

This 7 Days Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti, including the heart-stopping Mara River crossing. The itinerary covers both the Lobo area (north of central Serengeti) and the Wagakuria area (remote northern Serengeti), where the majority of the wildebeest migration is typically found between mid-July and October.

The safari starts and ends in Arusha, offering a carefully crafted route through Tanzania's top wildlife destinations, including the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. Mid-July through October, the migration moves northward from central Serengeti, splitting into two routes.

  • The main group heads into the western corridor, crossing the Grumeti River in dramatic stampedes, where enormous crocodiles lie in wait.

  • After crossing the Grumeti, the herds make another perilous crossing at the Mara River to reach the lush grazing lands of Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is the stage for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles travel across the plains in search of fresh grazing.

  • The Lobo and Wagakuria areas in the northern Serengeti are prime viewing spots for the Mara River crossing.

  • The Serengeti is also home to the Big Cats — lions, leopards, and cheetahs — along with elephants, giraffes, and other iconic wildlife.

Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, measuring 265 sq. km with walls rising up to 600 meters high.

  • The crater floor is home to around 20,000 to 30,000 animals, including the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

  • Its lush grasslands and permanent water sources create a year-round haven for wildlife.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a scenic soda lake, famous for its tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants.

  • The lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds, creating a vibrant pink shoreline.

  • The park’s groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and open savannah provide diverse habitats for a wide range of animals and birds.

    • Starting & Ending Point: Arusha
      Children Policy: Children from 5 years and above (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
      Languages: English (other languages available on request)
      Main Wildlife: Wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, jackal, antelope, rich birdlife
  • Starting & Ending Point: Arusha
    Children Policy: Children from 5 years and above (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
    Languages: English (other languages available on request)
    Main Wildlife: Wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, jackal, antelope, rich birdlife
  •  

All meals are provided during the safari. Fresh meals are prepared daily, and bottled mineral water (approximately 3 liters per person per day) is supplied throughout the safari. Special dietary requirements can be arranged in advance.

Price For 7 Days Wildebeest Mara River Crossingari

Tour Name 1 Pax 2Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax
5 Days Safari $3595 PP $2560 PP $2320 PP $2100 PP $1950 PP $ 1780 PP

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where you will be met by a Kilisa Tours & Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. A safari briefing will be provided by your guide.

Driving Time: Approx. 1 hour
Accommodation: Planet Lodge, Arusha
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, especially during the dry season. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts a high concentration of wildlife.

Enjoy a full game drive with picnic lunch inside the park. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Fanaka Campsite
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Depart after breakfast and drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park. Stop at Naabi Hill Gate for registration and picnic lunch. Enter Serengeti in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive in the Central Serengeti (Seronera Area).

Optional (extra cost): Olduvai Gorge Museum or Maasai village visit.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: KatiKati Public Campsite (Central Serengeti)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and abundant plains game.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: KatiKati Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, drive north toward the remote Northern Serengeti via the Lobo area. Wildlife sightings continue en route. Arrive near the Mara River in the afternoon and enjoy game drives focused on migration activity.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Public Campsite – Northern Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend the day exploring the Mara River region, where wildebeest gather before attempting river crossings. Sightings depend on wildlife movement and patience is required, but crossings can be dramatic and unforgettable.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (Extra Cost):
Start the day with a sunrise Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari over Northern Serengeti. The one‑hour flight offers panoramic views of the Mara River, open plains, and migrating herds, followed by a bush breakfast. Advance booking is required and flights are weather‑dependent.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: KatiKati Public Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before driving toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue wildlife viewing en route and arrive at the crater rim in the late afternoon.

Game Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Simba Public Campsite (Ngorongoro)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half‑day game drive. The crater hosts around 30,000 animals, including the Big Five and the endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch, return to Arusha.

Game Drive Time: 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Planet Lodge, Arusha

What’s included?

  • 2 nights of accommodation in a Hotel (before and after the safari)
  • 6 Night of accommodation in Camping safari
  • Transportation in 4×4 Land cruiser with Fridge and Inverter for charging mobile
  • Daily game drive
  • A professional driver/guide
  • Park fees & Crater fees
  • Airport Private Pickup and Drop-off Transportation
  • Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners per day during the safari
  • Drinks (Mineral water – 3 litre of water per day)
  • Airport/Bus station Arrival/Departure Meet and Greets at the airport/Bus station
  • On safari – Vehicles equipped with ice chest with mineral water, wildlife guidebook.
  • Government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodation and included meals

What’s not included?

  • Travel Insurance/ Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. Laundry, Telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Visa fees
  • Hot Air balloon $600
  • Tips to the guide/driver/cook and any items of personal nature

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