7 Days Mara River Great Migration Safari (July - October)
This 7-day safari offers an unforgettable experience witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, particularly around the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. From thrilling river crossings to expansive savannah landscapes filled with predators and prey, this itinerary ensures prime wildlife viewing. Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Arusha, followed by a scenic flight to Northern Serengeti for exclusive game drives. The trip continues to Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater before concluding at Kilimanjaro International Airport..
Activities Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha
Distance: 50 km | Time: 1 hour drive
- • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- • Meet your safari guide and transfer to Arusha for an overnight stay.
- • Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. On this day, if time allows, you will have a short briefing about your safari, otherwise, this will take place the following day before you depart for your safari.
- • Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
• Enjoy dinner at the hotel in Arusha at Arusha Safari Lodge – on Half Board (Dinner & Breakfast).
Day 2: Flight from Arusha to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip) – Game Drive
Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours
- • Early morning transfer to Arusha Airport for a scenic domestic flight to Northern Serengeti.
- • Upon arrival at Kogatende Airstrip, meet your safari guide and begin the game drive.
- • Spot wildebeests, zebras, crocodiles, and predators along the Mara River.
- • Picnic lunch at a designated site (option for hot lunch at the lodge/camp).
- • Continue with game viewing until late afternoon before heading to your lodge/camp.
• Overnight stay in Northern Serengeti at Moyo Migration Tented Camp – Kogatende on Full Board (Dinner, Picnic lunch box, Breakfast)
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti / Mara River
- • Depart early for a full-day game drive near the Mara River.
- • Witness dramatic river crossings where wildebeests and zebras navigate crocodile-infested waters.
- • Explore predator-rich areas with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
- • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush.
- • Continue exploring various migration paths before returning to the lodge/camp.
• Overnight stay in Northern Serengeti at Moyo Migration Tented Camp – Kogatende on Full Board (Dinner, Picnic lunch box, Breakfast)
Day 4: Transfer from Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
Time: 3.30 hours
- • Morning game drive in Northern Serengeti before departing for Central Serengeti.
- • Spot leopards, elephants, and other resident wildlife en route.
- • Arrive in Central Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.
- • Settle into your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
• Overnight stay in Central Serengeti at Moyo Tented Camp on Full Board (Dinner, Picnic lunch box, Breakfast)
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti
- • Explore the Serengeti’s vast plains and rock outcrops (kopjes).
- • Encounter large lion prides, cheetahs, and herbivores grazing the open savannah.
- • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness.
- • Continue game viewing before returning to the lodge/camp for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Central Serengeti at Moyo Tented Camp on Full Board (Dinner, Picnic lunch box, Breakfast)
Day 6: Final Game Drive in Central Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Time: 3.30 hours (including en-route game drive)
- • Early morning game drive in Central Serengeti.
- • Depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing en route.
- • Arrive at the crater rim and enjoy a relaxing evening at the lodge/camp.
• Overnight stay near Ngorongoro Crater at Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp –
on Full Board (Dinner, Picnic lunch box, Breakfast)
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for Departure
Time: 4.20 hours drive
- • Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
- • Enjoy a game drive in the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, home to the Big Five.
- • Spot black rhinos, elephants, and hippos in the crater floor.
- • Have a picnic lunch near a scenic hippo pool.
- • Ascend the crater and drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Included and Excluded
- Airport transfers (JRO – Arusha – JRO).
- All accommodations as per itinerary (Mid-range).
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide.
- All park entrance fees .
- Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Safari hamper that includes bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea during the safari.
- Government taxes and levies .
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance .
- International and Domestic flights.
- Visa fees ($50 per person, $100 for U.S. citizens).
- Optional activities and excursions.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges.
- Tips for guides and hotel staff ($10–$20 per day recommended).
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Serengeti).
