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Great Migration River Crossing

Overview

Witness one of nature’s most thrilling, chaotic events – the annual Great Migration – where life and death hang in the balance in this survival of the fittest. Picture thousands of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elands and antelopes as they make their way perilously across the turbid waters of the Mara River in search of greener pastures, while also contending with the river’s crocodiles and hippos scouring for prey.

Tour Information

Duration

1 Night Arusha | 1 Night Tarangire | 2 Nights Central Serengeti | 2 Nights Northern Serengeti | 1 Night Ngorongoro Crater

Availability

July - October

Tour Highlights

Arusha, Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater

Price

Starting from USD 7,920 per person sharing

Duration

8 Days

Day 1

Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

Our guide meets you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha
Located beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha City is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of national parks and marks the starting point of your safari into the African Bush
Set out to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of local life in Arusha
Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy popular coffee tours – weaving in and out of the evergreen coffee trees, while learning about how beans are nurtured, harvested, dried and finally roasted to produce myriad different blends which are exported and enjoyed all over the world

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 2

Arusha – Tarangire

Enjoy an early start to the day as your guide collects you from Arusha and takes you to Tarangire National Park to begin your safari adventure
Situated in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, the Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for animals migrating into the park from surrounding areas, making wildlife sightings more likely as they stay close to the river
Enjoy beautiful sunny weather while watching some of Tanzania’s best wildlife, including a 300-strong herd of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, eland and buffalo.
After an exciting day scouring the bush, your guides transfers you to your hotel in Tarangire in time for dinner
As the African night comes alive, set out on a late-night safari to see nocturnal animals with the aid of our expert guide, including hyenas, leopards, honey badgers, white tailed mongoose, hippos and genets *
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 3

Tarangire – Central Serengeti

It’s an early start, as we depart Tarangire and make our way to the Serengeti for a spectacular afternoon game drive and begin to track the migrating herds as they prepare to make the treacherous crossing
After an exciting day exploring the heart of the Serengeti, guests are taken back to their accommodation inside the National Park to enjoy a gourmet dinner and an early night
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti

After a hearty breakfast, we set off to the North Serengeti, following in the footsteps of the Great Migration and spotting herds as they look for the safest place to cross
Here on the riverbanks, expect to see wildebeest and other mammals gathered in their thousands, as they nervously wait for the first wildebeest to take the leap. Not only are the deep waters dangerous for calves and new-borns, but with large Nile Crocodiles and hungry hippos lying in wait, animals are understandably reluctant to cross and can often move to multiple different crossing points before finally making the journey over
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5

Northern Serengeti

It’s an early start to the day, as we head out for a full day game viewing in search of some more migration action
Located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, the Mara River is one of the most treacherous points of the migration. With millions of clattering hooves, crashing waters and predators waiting on the other side, this is the best place to catch the whirlwind action and enjoy the greatest show on earth
Enjoy a full day along the River, exploring the northern and southern banks, watching the build of energy among the migrating herds, the first tentative crossings, until the final amazing crossing of the river
The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year and so sightings are not guaranteed. However, with the help of our expert guides, July to October are when you’ll have the best chance of catching the migration action
Enjoy excellent views of the southern Masai Mara plains towards the north and beautiful sunsets towards the west
After an eventful and emotional day, you are driven back to your accommodation inside the national park to enjoy a relaxing evening under the starry night sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti

Before leaving North Serengeti, enjoy a morning game drive and one more chance to catch a glimpse of the migrating herds, the dangers and challenges they face each year in their battle for survival
After an action-packed day, your guide transfers you to Central Serengeti, in time for a gourmet dinner at your accommodation
Cosy around the campfire and enjoy sharing stories of the day’s wildlife sightings
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7

Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, you leave for a final game drive in the Serengeti
Few predators hunt during the heat of the day and so early morning is often the best time to observe the thrill of the chase
Enjoy your last few moments in the Serengeti National Park and get ready for our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater
Check in to your accommodation at Ngorongoro Crater and settle into your new surroundings
Enjoy a guided walk around the rim of the mighty Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to seeing breathtaking views of the volcanic crater and the diverse wildlife, our expert guides will also teach you about its incredible indigenous flora and fauna
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 8

Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro International Airport

Wake up early to panoramic views of the Crater, and after breakfast, head off for a day trip to explore the many fascinating species that are protected within its rim
Here, we can see the Big Five in high concentration against the stunning backdrop of the crater walls
After a morning of exploring, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport – where we wave you a fond farewell
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 1

Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

Our guide meets you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha
Located beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha City is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of national parks and marks the starting point of your safari into the African Bush
Set out to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of local life in Arusha
Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy popular coffee tours – weaving in and out of the evergreen coffee trees, while learning about how beans are nurtured, harvested, dried and finally roasted to produce myriad different blends which are exported and enjoyed all over the world

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 2

Arusha – Tarangire

Enjoy an early start to the day as your guide collects you from Arusha and takes you to Tarangire National Park to begin your safari adventure
Situated in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, the Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for animals migrating into the park from surrounding areas, making wildlife sightings more likely as they stay close to the river
Enjoy beautiful sunny weather while watching some of Tanzania’s best wildlife, including a 300-strong herd of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, eland and buffalo.
After an exciting day scouring the bush, your guides transfers you to your hotel in Tarangire in time for dinner
As the African night comes alive, set out on a late-night safari to see nocturnal animals with the aid of our expert guide, including hyenas, leopards, honey badgers, white tailed mongoose, hippos and genets *
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 3

Tarangire – Central Serengeti

It’s an early start, as we depart Tarangire and make our way to the Serengeti for a spectacular afternoon game drive and begin to track the migrating herds as they prepare to make the treacherous crossing
After an exciting day exploring the heart of the Serengeti, guests are taken back to their accommodation inside the National Park to enjoy a gourmet dinner and an early night
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti

After a hearty breakfast, we set off to the North Serengeti, following in the footsteps of the Great Migration and spotting herds as they look for the safest place to cross
Here on the riverbanks, expect to see wildebeest and other mammals gathered in their thousands, as they nervously wait for the first wildebeest to take the leap. Not only are the deep waters dangerous for calves and new-borns, but with large Nile Crocodiles and hungry hippos lying in wait, animals are understandably reluctant to cross and can often move to multiple different crossing points before finally making the journey over
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5

Northern Serengeti

It’s an early start to the day, as we head out for a full day game viewing in search of some more migration action
Located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, the Mara River is one of the most treacherous points of the migration. With millions of clattering hooves, crashing waters and predators waiting on the other side, this is the best place to catch the whirlwind action and enjoy the greatest show on earth
Enjoy a full day along the River, exploring the northern and southern banks, watching the build of energy among the migrating herds, the first tentative crossings, until the final amazing crossing of the river
The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year and so sightings are not guaranteed. However, with the help of our expert guides, July to October are when you’ll have the best chance of catching the migration action
Enjoy excellent views of the southern Masai Mara plains towards the north and beautiful sunsets towards the west
After an eventful and emotional day, you are driven back to your accommodation inside the national park to enjoy a relaxing evening under the starry night sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti

Before leaving North Serengeti, enjoy a morning game drive and one more chance to catch a glimpse of the migrating herds, the dangers and challenges they face each year in their battle for survival
After an action-packed day, your guide transfers you to Central Serengeti, in time for a gourmet dinner at your accommodation
Cosy around the campfire and enjoy sharing stories of the day’s wildlife sightings
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7

Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, you leave for a final game drive in the Serengeti
Few predators hunt during the heat of the day and so early morning is often the best time to observe the thrill of the chase
Enjoy your last few moments in the Serengeti National Park and get ready for our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater
Check in to your accommodation at Ngorongoro Crater and settle into your new surroundings
Enjoy a guided walk around the rim of the mighty Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to seeing breathtaking views of the volcanic crater and the diverse wildlife, our expert guides will also teach you about its incredible indigenous flora and fauna
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

* These activities are an additional cost

Day 8

Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro International Airport

Wake up early to panoramic views of the Crater, and after breakfast, head off for a day trip to explore the many fascinating species that are protected within its rim
Here, we can see the Big Five in high concentration against the stunning backdrop of the crater walls
After a morning of exploring, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport – where we wave you a fond farewell
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Whats included

Return airport transfers to Kilimanjaro international Airport
7 x Nights of accommodation and meals as outlined above
Your own professional English-speaking driver/guide
Activities and game viewing as specified in the itinerary
Evening sundowners (where applicable)
Packed lunches on excursions with unlimited soft drinks and snacks
Unlimited mileage in one of our custom 4 x 4 Toyota Land cruisers during safari game drives
Government taxes and national park fees
Flying Doctor Service

Whats excluded

International and domestic flights
Any items of a personal nature such as: telephone calls, alcoholic drinks, laundry, tips for drivers and guides etc
Insurance
Visas

Accommodation

From traditional tented safari camps to luxurious lodges, we work with a number of tried and tested accommodation providers to ensure your stay is truly unforgettable. Below are some of the camps that we highly recommend for this itinerary: