CROSSING OF THE MARA RIVER
The Most Dramatic Chapter of The Great Migration
See tens of thousands of wildebeests gather at the riverbanks of the Mara River and attempt a crossing of the river. The animals cross to follow their food – grass – which grows all along the path of the Great Migration. Happens 2 to 3 times a day in 10 specific points of the river.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A NatGeo adventure of a lifetime!
- Stunning sunrises and sunsets
- See thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempt to Cross the Mara River.
- Crossings happen 2 to 4 times a day
10days/9nights in September
From 8-17 September 2026, your stay begins with two nights at the Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge in Arusha, a tranquil sanctuary set in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens and a spring-fed lake. As you move into the wilder landscapes of Tarangire, you will spend two nights at the Katikati Tented Camp, where you can unwind under the African stars. The journey continues into the heart of the Serengeti for two nights at the Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp, offering an immersive experience in a region known for its year-round wildlife activity. Finally, the expedition concludes with three nights at Mara under Canvas in Northern Serengeti, providing a comfortable and strategic base to witness the dramatic Great Migration river crossings. Across these diverse settings, the accommodations range from refined historic lodges to intimate tented camps, all designed to connect you deeply with the natural beauty and rhythms of Tanzania.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL JRO AIRPORT (KILIMANJARO) TRANSFER TO ARUSHA
Your unforgettable safari begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our Miguu Expeditions guide will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. From JRO, a colorful drive of 40-45 minutes (33 km) will bring you to the tranquil Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, a hidden gem nestled in the verdant foothills of Mount Meru. The Lodge is housed in a beautifully restored 100-year old farmhouse surrounded by lush tropical gardens, ancient forest, and a serene, spring-fed lake full of bird life. Ngare Sero, one of our favourites is a relaxing introduction to the rhythms of Tanzania and its natural splendour. With its refined charm, exceptional hospitality, and breath taking setting, Ngare Sero provides an ideal sanctuary to unwind, recharge, and gently transition into your East African adventure. Book a massage and order an African dinner - in advance.
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge for 2 nights
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast only
DAY 2: FULL DAY ARUSHA LEISURE
After a delicious early breakfast at Ngare Sero, we will enjoy a relaxing day in Arusha. Depending on your interests and timing you may choose to explore local markets, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre or the Maasai Market to do some shopping and discover authentic Tanzanian crafts, art, and souvenirs or simply unwind by the pool or spa at Ngare Sero. Optional activities such a visit to nearby attractions can also be arranged upon request. You may want to visit the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary (a 2-hour drive) to pet and feed zebra, giraffe, wildebeests, eland, serval cats and lions. Serval is a lot of fun! Selfies with the animals are compulsory in Serval.
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Board Basis: Half board
DAY 3: DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TO ELEPHANTS PARADISE - TARANGIRE
After a leisurely breakfast, we will set off for Tarangire National Park, a scenic 3-hour drive of 130 km. The road trip will offer captivating views of northern Tanzania's landscapes and glimpses of Maasai village life along the way. Upon arrival and after park registration, we'll begin our game drive through Tarangire's iconic baobab-dotted plains and riverine woodlands. Tarangire is renowned for hosting Tanzania's largest elephant population. The park also shelters rare species like the fringed-eared oryx, greater kudu, and ashy starling. With over 500 bird species and frequent sightings of lions, leopards, zebras, buffalo and wildebeests, Tarangire promises a rich and rewarding safari experience. Tarangire is known as "Elephants Paradise" so expect relatively close encounters with these majestic beasts. In the late afternoon, we'll check in to your safari camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, to unwind and embrace the serenity of your first night under the wild African stars.
Accommodation: Katikati Tented Camp for 2 nights
Board Basis: Full Board
DAY 4: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN TARANGIRE
After an early breakfast, we'll begin a full-day game drive in Tarangire, renowned for its massive baobab trees, large elephant herds, and seasonal swamps that attract diverse wildlife. This Park is famously called "Elephant's Paradise" so expect very close encounters. We will explore the park's rich ecosystems and enjoy a bush picnic. Later we will drive back to the camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Tarangire Katikati Tented Camp
Board Basis: Full Board
DAY 5: DRIVE TO CENTRAL SERENGETI VIA NGORONGORO CRATER
A very early delicious breakfast the will exit Tarangire and enjoy a scenic 7 - 8.5 hours' drive to the heart of Serengeti via Ngorongoro. Upon arrival in Central Serengeti expect to see incredible views of the Serengeti's endless plains, scattered kopjes, and wildlife. We'll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Central Serengeti, known for its year-round wildlife activity, before en route to your lodge for sundowners, dinner and a two-night stay under the Serengeti's stars surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp
Board Basis: Full Board
DAY 6: EXPLORING CENTRAL SERENGETI
Today we will explore the wildlife-rich Heart of the Serengeti, renowned for its classic savannah landscapes and year-round game-viewing opportunities. With an early start, depart we'll head out into the golden plains in search of lions lounging on kopjes, cheetahs scanning the grasslands, and massive herds of cape buffalo, and elephants moving gracefully through the woodlands. This region is a predator stronghold, making it one of the best places in Africa to witness thrilling hunts and dramatic wildlife interactions. With your picnic lunch packed, you'll spend the full day immersed in the rhythms of the wild, stopping at key areas like the Seronera River Valley, known for its resident leopard population. We will also visit "Pride Rock", the famous setting for Simba's Pride in Disney's the "Lion King". As the sun begins to set, we will return to our Lodge for well-deserved sundowners and dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the wild Serengeti at night.
Accommodation: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp
Board Basis: Full Board
DAYS 7:,EXTENDED GAME DRIVE TO KOGATENDE, NORTH SERENGETI
After breakfast we will check out and drive to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), a170km 5 to 6hour drive, including stops for game viewing along the way. This route is more than a transfer - it's an extended safari drive, offering a chance to observe wildlife in less-travelled parts of the Serengeti. Along the way, you may encounter herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, as well as lions and cheetahs hunting in open grasslands. On arrival in Northern Serengeti by late afternoon, we will settle into our comfortable lodge for sundowners and dinner, while listening to the exciting sounds of the wild savannah at night - hyenas, zebras, wildebeests and maybe even lions.
Accommodation: Mara under Canvas for 3 nights
Board Basis: Full Board
DAYS 8 - 9 : THREE DAYS GAME DRIVES/THE CROSSING OF THE MARA RIVER
We will begin our day with an early wake-up call and a hearty 6:30am breakfast. At 7:30am, we will leave for a full-day game drive to explore Northern Serengeti, with a special focus on the Mara River Crossings, the most iconic wildlife spectacle in the world. Each day will include morning and afternoon game drives, giving you the best opportunities to witness predators in action and the dramatic river crossings of wildebeest and zebras during the migration season. The Mara River area is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including lions, crocodiles, hippos, and large herds of herbivores. Between drives, you can relax at your lodge, enjoy the scenic landscapes, and capture unforgettable photographs and selfies of the Serengeti plains, rich wildlife, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Accommodation: Mara under Canvas
Board Basis: Full Board
DAY 10: DEPARTURE KOGATENDE AIRSTRIP TO FLY BACK TO ARUSHA TRANSFER TO JRO FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
After an early breakfast we drive to the Kogatende Airstrip for our 1-hour flight to Arusha. On arrival we'll be met and transferred to the Cultural Heritage Centre for a relaxed lunch and if you like, an afternoon of exploring African arts and crafts, and shopping. This iconic destination is more than just a craft market it's a museum-like showcase of Tanzanian culture, art, and design. You'll browse an impressive selection of high-quality Tanzanian crafts, gemstones (including tanzanite), carvings, fabrics, and fine African art in the gallery. We'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at the on-site restaurant, surrounded by lush gardens and local sculptures. Later begin our 1hour drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. As your Tanzanian adventure comes to a close, we hope you'll take with you memories of the untamed beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Karibu Tanzania! It was a pleasure having you as our honored guests.
Note: Our departure time from Arusha will depend on the departure of your international flight time. Karibu Tanzania!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Incredible Wildlife Sightings
Elephants, antelope, cheetah, crocodiles, hippos, jackals, leopards, lions, wildebeest, zebras, et al!
High Predator Activity
Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals hunting amid the abundance of vulnerable prey.
Unique Behavioral Observations
Heart-warming maternal care, strong herd protection instincts, and thrilling predator-prey interactions.
Mild weather
Warm days with highs around $28^{\circ}C$ cooler mornings and evenings around $13^{\circ}C$ to $19^{\circ}C$, with occasional short rains enhancing the scenery. It will be coldest in Ngorongoro.
Inclusions
- All accommodations as listed above.
- Domestic flights within Tanzania.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Safari drives in a 4x4 vehicle.
- Meals as per itinerary (Full Board or Bed & Breakfast).
- Park fees and taxes.
Exclusions
- Visa fees ($50 per person).
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari: $600 per person).
- Tips and gratuities: budget 7% of total cost per person).
- Personal shopping expenses
- International flights
Optional Activities (for custom safaris only)
- Serval Wildlife Lodge in Arusha. Enjoy coffee surrounded by giraffe, kudu and other antelope. Serval is a one-hour drive from your Arusha lodge, maybe slightly longer and costs $120 per person excluding the transfer cost of $100/vehicle.
- Our lodges are all comfortable and the food excellent. If you’d like high-luxe accommodations these can be arranged. Costs will increase by approximately $500 to $1000 per person depending on the selected camps.
- Private videographer. We have an excellent video crew who, if available, will accompany you throughout the safari and create excellent videos of your experience. This will cost $1000 for group.
- Zanzibar. Zanzibar is an island of the East Coast of Tanzania known for beautiful beaches and a rich history. You will need at least 3 nights to scratch the surface of a Zanzibar Experience.
COST PER PERSON
- US$ 5,801 per person
- 4 pax per vehicle
- Not including airfare
- PREMIUM ACCOMODATIONS/LUXXE ALSO AVAILABLE
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