5-Day Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari
Overview
This 5-day Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari is a thrilling wildlife experience designed to take you deep into the Northern Serengeti, where the world-famous wildebeest migration crosses the crocodile-filled Mara River. This region offers some of the most dramatic and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather in massive herds, driven by instinct to cross the river in search of fresh grazing lands.
During this safari, you will spend quality time tracking the migration across the vast plains of the Northern Serengeti, maximizing your chances of witnessing an actual river crossing. In addition to the migration, the area is rich in resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species. With fewer crowds than the central Serengeti, the northern region provides a more exclusive and authentic safari experience, guided by expert local professionals who understand the seasonal movement of the herds.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Serengeti
Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha Airport. You’ll be greeted by a professional guide and transferred either via private safari vehicle or domestic flight to Serengeti.
Afternoon Game Drive: Your first encounter with wildlife – zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and predators on the hunt.
Evening: Check-in at a luxury or mid-range safari lodge/tented camp inside or near Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight stay.
Highlight: Sunset over the savannah, perfect for photography.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Budget : Serengeti Public Camp Camping
- Mid-Range : Friends Serengeti Lodge
- Luxury : Escarpment Luxury Lodge Serengeti
Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Migration Safari
Morning Game Drive: Track the migrating herds, spotting wildebeest, zebras, and predators like lions and cheetahs.
Lunch: Picnic or lodge meal in the park.
Afternoon Game Drive: Explore rivers and plains where the migration gathers. Guides provide insight into migration patterns and wildlife behavior.
Evening: Return to the camp, optional night photography, and stargazing.
Highlight: Witness the raw energy of the migration herds in their natural environment.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Budget : Serengeti Public Camp Camping
- Mid-Range : Sero Tented Lodge
- Luxury : Escarpment Luxury Lodge Serengeti
Day 3: Northern Serengeti / Mara River Crossings
Early Morning: Sunrise game drive to catch predators in action.
Midday: Optional cultural visit to a Maasai village to experience traditional life.
Afternoon: Visit Mara River (seasonal) for dramatic river crossings where crocodiles lie in wait.
Night: Lodge or tented camp stay in the northern Serengeti.
Highlight: One of the most iconic wildlife spectacles—the river crossings during migration season.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Budget : Serengeti Public Camp Camping
- Mid-Range : Sero Tented Lodge
- Luxury : Escarpment Luxury Lodge Serengeti
Day 4: Game Drives & Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Morning: Early morning game drive to explore less-visited areas and spot rare wildlife.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise with champagne breakfast—additional cost.
Afternoon: Relax at camp, enjoy lodge amenities, or take a short walking safari with your guide.
Evening: Sundowner drinks on the savannah, final night in Serengeti.
Highlight: Panoramic aerial views of migration and savannah landscapes.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Budget : Serengeti Public Camp Camping
- Mid-Range : Sero Tented Lodge
- Luxury : Escarpment Luxury Lodge Serengeti
Day 5: Serengeti - Arusha & Departure
Morning: Optional short game drive or leisure breakfast at camp.
Transfer: Road or flight transfer back to Arusha.
Departure: Connect to your international flight or overnight in Arusha if your flight is next day.
Highlight: Final sightings of Tanzania’s wildlife as you conclude the safari.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Inclusions & Exclusion
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
5-Day Great Migration Mara River Crossing Safari
Budget
2 pax
$2,000 USD*
4 pax
$1,800 USD*
6 pax
$1,600 USD*
Mid-Range
2 pax
$2,800 USD*
4 pax
$2,400 USD*
6 pax
$2,200 USD*
Luxury
2 pax
$5,000 USD*
4 pax
$4,500 USD*
6 pax
$4,000 USD*
Ready to Book Your Tanzania Safari?
Reserve your spot today or let us tailor the experience to your travel dates and preferences.
Frequently Ask Questions
What currency should I bring?
We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.
What vaccinations do I need?
You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).
Which airport should I fly to?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.
Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).
Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).
How can I pay the balance for my Climb and Safari?
What gear should I bring for Safari and Kilimanjaro?
Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.
Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.
Should I bring a First aid kit?
There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,
What is the weather like in Tanzania?
The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.
Can I visit a Maasai village after Kilimanjaro?
It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.
How much is the Tipping for Supporting Teams??
Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
How many crew staffs for the Kilimanjaro climb?
The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters
=> 4 Supporting Porters