Tanzania safari

7 Days Wildebeest Mara River Crossing

Trip Days: 7 Days
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Transport: With Safari Vehicle
Price: From $1,780

Tour Overview

Between mid-July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebras move north from Central Serengeti. They cross the Grumeti River and then the Mara River as they head toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This trip focuses on the Northern Serengeti migration corridor, where you're most likely to see river crossings.

This safari includes:

A game drive in Tarangire National Park
Long game drives in Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Time set aside in Northern Serengeti (Mara River area)
A game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Drive-in / drive-out safari from Arusha

This 7 Days Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari is planned to give you the best chance of seeing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, including the dramatic Mara River crossing. The route covers the Lobo area (north of central Serengeti) and the Wagakuria area (in the remote northern Serengeti), where most of the wildebeest are usually found between mid-July and October.

The safari starts and ends in Arusha and follows a carefully planned route through some of Tanzania's top wildlife areas, including the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. From mid-July through October, the migration moves north from central Serengeti and splits into two routes.

The main group heads into the western corridor and crosses the Grumeti River in wild stampedes, while huge crocodiles wait in the water.
After the Grumeti, the herds face another risky crossing at the Mara River to reach the green grazing land of Kenya's Masai Mara.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is where the Great Migration happens: more than 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 350,000 gazelles travel across the plains looking for fresh grass.

The Lobo and Wagakuria areas in the northern Serengeti are some of the best places to watch the Mara River crossing.
The Serengeti is also home to the big cats, lions, leopards and cheetahs, plus elephants, giraffes and much more.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. It covers 265 sq. km, and its walls rise up to 600 meters.

Around 20,000 to 30,000 animals live on the crater floor, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
With good grassland and water all year, there's wildlife to see in every season.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a pretty soda lake, known for its tree-climbing lions and big herds of elephants.

The lake draws thousands of flamingos and other water birds, and the shoreline often looks pink.
The park's groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open savannah give a home to many kinds of animals and birds.

Highlights

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

Key Information

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

Food

All your meals are included on this safari. Fresh food is cooked every day, and we provide bottled mineral water throughout (about 3 liters per person per day). If you have special dietary needs, tell us in advance and we'll arrange it.

Itinerary

Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

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
Day 1 Arusha – Tarangire National Park

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
Day 2 Tarangire National Park – Central Serengeti (via Ngorongoro)

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
Day 3 Full Day Game Drive Serengeti Seronera Area

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
Day 4 Central -Northern Serengeti (Seronera-Kogatende)

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
Day 5 Serengeti Northern To Central Serengeti

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
Day 6 Serengeti Central - Ngorongoro Coservation Area

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
Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater- Arusha

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

Parks Visited

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

Prices

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

Prices in US dollars.

Safari Preparation

Testimonials

What Our Travelers Say About Our Tours

Highly Experienced and Wonderful Crew
The 7 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trek exceeded our expectations. The route is so beautiful and we enjoyed tackling the mountain with experienced guides - Bakari and Nickson. They were supportive from start to finish in all the aspects of the trek, starting with the technical strategy on the speed, rests and ensuring that we were healthy through regular checks.
SteveRead on TripAdvisor (Steve’s review)
Absolutely Beautiful Memories For My Family
Traveling with my 6 members of my family of ages between 8 and 73 is always a complex task with many moving parts. We had to arrange for Mama and Poppas dietary restrictions, accommodations, easy access for Mama and off-course places with a pool and kids activities for Lil Poppa and his teenage sister Anna.
Martina_EaghanRead on TripAdvisor (Martina_Eaghan’s review)
Awesome Trekking
My bothers and I shared one of the most incredible experiences in Tanzania as we trekked up Kilimanjaro. Our host Naick of Kilisa Tours & Safaris is the man behind our success.
TobiasRead on TripAdvisor (Tobias’s review)
Fun & Adventure On Our Christmas Vacation
Our safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti with Kilisa Tours and Safaris for exceeded all our expectations in every way. We were impressed by the high standards set right from our pickup at the airport, during the trip to the good byes. Nothing was left to chance as every detail had been well planned for.
MauriceRead on TripAdvisor (Maurice’s review)
The Best Experience Absolutely
We could not have asked for a better experience on Kilimanjaro. Everything about this trip with this local operator was top notch. Starting with the booking with Naick who made it smooth and easy with his timely responses and advice. Payment was easy and they took care of all the logistics that all we had to do was present ourselves at the KIA.
LokiRead on TripAdvisor (Loki’s review)
Hike Mt Kilimanjaro
We have visited Tanzania before, but this was our first time trekking Kilimanjaro. We are truly thrilled with our decision to choose Kilisa Tours & Safaris for our adventure, as they provided exceptional support throughout the trek.
Tephia SRead on TripAdvisor (Tephia S’s review)