7-Day Great Migration Safari in Tanzania – Witness the Mara River Crossings (July to October)

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 7-day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania, designed to put you in the front row of one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on the planet. From July to October, more than 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the Northern Serengeti and attempt the treacherous crossing of the Mara River, where hungry crocodiles and predators await.
This immersive safari takes you from Arusha to the Central and Northern Serengeti, culminating with a visit to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the legendary Big Five. Enjoy daily game drives, stay in luxury tented camps and lodges, and travel in a private or small-group 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide. Perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Arrival in Arusha – Safari Briefing & Overnight

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you’ll be greeted by our professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, relax and enjoy a detailed safari briefing.
Accommodation: Green Side Hotel, Arusha (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2 :

Arusha – Drive to Central Serengeti – Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Central Serengeti (Seronera), home to high concentrations of big cats and year-round wildlife activity. Enjoy your first thrilling game drive through the savannah plains before checking in at your luxury tented camp.
Accommodation: Moyo Luxury Tented Camp – Central Serengeti (Full Board)

Day 3 :

Full-Day Safari in Central Serengeti – Big Cat Territory

Spend the day tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the Central Serengeti. This area is famous for resident predators and may also hold large groups of migrating herds during certain weeks. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and sundowners at your camp.
Accommodation: Moyo Luxury Tented Camp – Central Serengeti (Full Board)

Day 4 :

Drive to Northern Serengeti – Migration Tracking

Today, head north toward the Mara River region, following the movement of the Great Wildebeest Migration. This is where you’ll have the best chance of seeing thousands of animals gathering near the riverbanks.
Accommodation: Moyo Luxury Tented Camp – Northern Serengeti Migration Zone (Full Board)

Day 5 :

Witness the Mara River Crossings – Peak Migration Action

Wake early for a full day of game drives along the Mara River, the best place to witness the legendary river crossings. Watch as wildebeests and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters while predators lurk nearby. This is a once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity.
Accommodation: Moyo Luxury Tented Camp – Northern Serengeti Migration Zone (Full Board)

Day 6 :

Northern Serengeti – Drive to Karatu via Ngorongoro Highlands

After breakfast and a final game drive in the north, travel toward Karatu, passing through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Take in breathtaking landscapes and Maasai villages along the way.
Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge (Full Board)

Day 7 :

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Return to Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Enjoy a half-day game drive among rhinos, elephants, lions, and flamingos before returning to Arusha in the late afternoon.
Safari ends with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Optional: Add a beach extension to Zanzibar for post-safari relaxation.

Included & Excluded

6 nights’ accommodation in luxury tented camps & lodges
Private or small group 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
All Park entry fees & conservation charges
Daily game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Crater descent fee
Bottled drinking water during safari
All meals as per itinerary (B, L, D)
Airport transfers in Arusha
Government taxes and VAT

International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees
Travel insurance (required)
Tips for guide and camp staff
Soft drinks, alcohol, and personal expenses
Optional balloon safari or Zanzibar extension

Map

Frequent Asked Question

When is the best time to witness the Great Migration river crossings?

The best time is between July and October, when the wildebeest herds gather in Northern Serengeti near the Mara River. This is the prime season for witnessing dramatic river crossings and predator action.

What kind of accommodations are provided on this safari?

You will stay in a combination of luxury tented camps and lodges, each offering private en-suite bathrooms, full board meals, and comfortable amenities set in the heart of nature.

Is this a private or group safari?

This safari can be arranged as a private tour or in a small group (usually 2–6 people). You’ll travel in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes. Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. It can be obtained online before arrival or upon arrival at the airport.