Short Overview

Experience the high drama of the river crossing at the Mara River—arguably the highlight of the Wildebeest Migration. This stunning life-and-death display sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest bravely facing treacherous currents and lurking crocodiles in a desperate attempt to reach the safety of the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Our six-day river crossing safari takes you into the northern Serengeti, offering the best chance to witness death-defying leaps and heart-wrenching near misses as you spend multiple nights in the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

About the Mara River Crossing (July to October)

During this period, the herd continues its northward journey towards Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. There is no strict schedule that these animals follow, making tracking their movements a daily adventure as they slowly approach their next significant obstacle: the Mara River.

The Mara River poses another deadly barrier for the herd, forcing them to brave swollen waters and opportunistic predators in search of relative safety on the opposite bank. Photographers and documentarians from around the world gather to witness this dramatic crossing, set against the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the Kogatende crossing.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu

• Depart from Arusha after breakfast for a two-hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park, passing through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu.
• Enjoy a brief stop at the village market, known for its diverse local cultures and souvenirs.
• Enter Lake Manyara National Park, a photographer’s playground offering some of the best game viewing in the world, including tree-climbing lions.
• Bird-watchers will delight in the variety of species, including large flamingo flocks and the lilac-breasted roller.
• Dinner and overnight at your chosen accommodation.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Serengeti National Park (Seronera Region)

• Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive towards the Serengeti.
• Pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with chances to see cape buffalo, baboons, and possibly elephants and leopards.
• After lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, explore the iconic savannah landscape and the abundance of wildlife.
• Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti, based on your accommodation preferences.

Day 3: Serengeti NP (Seronera Region) – Serengeti NP (Kogatende Region)

• After breakfast, drive across the plains of Togoro and through the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes towards the northern Serengeti.
• Experience diverse scenery, from wooded hills to wide-open savannah, and encounter various wildlife.
• Upon arrival in the Kogatende region, search for the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Region)

• Start your day with a game drive around Kogatende, looking for carnivores and large migration groups preparing to cross the Mara River.
• Witness the Mara River’s challenges, where hippos and Nile crocodiles lurk, and the opportunity to see the wildebeest crossing.
• Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti, tailored to your accommodation choice.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende Region) – Ngorongoro

• After breakfast, head back toward the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, taking a different route through the Serengeti.
• Enjoy wildlife sightings, including migratory herds and predators like cheetahs and lions.
• Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town, depending on your accommodation preference.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

• After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, often considered the Eighth Wonder of the World.
• Marvel at the breathtaking views from the panoramic viewpoint, understanding its esteemed reputation.
• Home to over 120 mammal species, including the Big Five, the crater is a prime safari destination, showcasing rare wildlife like the black rhinoceros and numerous predators.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the famous hippo pool before returning to Arusha for overnight.