12-Day Majestic Great Migration Safari at Mara River Crossing Safari — Arusha, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park Tanzania safari
private safari12 days

12-Day Majestic Great Migration Safari at Mara River Crossing Safari

12 days / 11 nights Arusha · Arusha National Park · Tarangire National Park 4x4 Land Cruiser

Overview

A 12-day safari gives you the perfect chance to experience the thrill of Africa’s wildlife and breathtaking nature. With Serengeti Affinity Safaris, you’ll enjoy an authentic encounter with the wild, spotting incredible animals up close and…

Safari price

Price per person, based on group size. Smaller groups pay a little more.

Group sizePrice per person
2 people$4,900
3 people$4,500
4 people$4,200
5 people$4,050
6 people$3,950
7 people$3,850

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Arrival – Arusha: Arusha Planet Lodge

Airport – Arusha town: 1 hour

After arrival our transfer guide will meet and welcome you, then pick you up at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and overnight. Before reaching the hotel if time allows feel free to explore Arusha city with our guide for free.

Transfer and Relaxation

Arusha town

Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The city serves as a perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding landscapes, including the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks.

Arusha Planet Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Each chalet is tastefully decorated with African decor creating a peaceful immersion in the colors and culture of Africa.

Day2

Arusha National Park - Arusha Planet Lodge

Arusha town – Arusha Park: 40 minutes

Pick up from the hotel early in the morning and begin a beautiful journey to Arusha National Park with packed lunch boxes. After enjoying a rewarding game drive, the adventure continues with a guided nature walk inside the park, accompanied by a professional park ranger for a safe and immersive experience.

Game drives + Walking Safari

Arusha National Park

Located in northeastern Tanzania, Arusha National Park sits against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Meru and offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Covering 552 square kilometers, the park is known for its extraordinary landscapes and excellent walking and trekking opportunities. It is made up of three main areas: the impressive Mount Meru volcanic cone, the lush Ngurdoto Crater with its “lost world” feel, and the colorful Momela Lakes. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, warthogs, monkeys, flamingos, and many more, making it a perfect place to enjoy both game drives and nature walks.

Arusha Planet Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Each chalet is tastefully decorated with African decor creating a peaceful immersion in the colors and culture of Africa.

Day3

Tarangire National Park - Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Arusha – Tarangire: 2 hours

We begin this day with an early pick-up from your hotel in Arusha and start a scenic drive toward Tarangire National Park while carrying packed lunch boxes, we’ll dive straight into the adventure with exciting game drives through stunning landscapes filled with wildlife and iconic baobab trees. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to Karatu for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

Game drives Full board

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a place of pure African romance, where sweeping golden plains meet the gentle curves of the Tarangire River and herds of elephants wander gracefully among towering baobab trees. Here, every moment feels alive lions may be seen stalking their prey, leopards lounging elegantly in the trees, and graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas painting the landscape with motion and life. As the sun sets, the air fills with a warm glow, leading you to your cozy lodge for a delicious dinner, peaceful relaxation, and the soothing whispers of the African night.

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Tarangire Permanent luxury tents. Located only 10 minutes from Tarangire National Park, Lake Burunge Tented Camp consists of 30 rooms with en suite facilities. Among them 6 family tents, that consist in two interconnected rooms.

Day4

Tarangire National Park - Marera Valley Lodge, Karatu

Tarangire - Karatu: 2 hours

After a delicious breakfast, we proceed with exciting game drives inside Tarangire National Park, exploring its beautiful landscapes and enjoying incredible wildlife sightings. After this thrilling day in the park, we will drive to Karatu for a relaxing evening, dinner, and overnight stay.

Game drives. Full board

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and its beautiful mix of landscapes, ranging from open savannas to seasonal swamps, all centred around the life-giving Tarangire River. The park is also known for exciting predator sightings, including lions stalking their prey and leopards resting in the trees. After a memorable game drive, we will head to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge is located between Karatu Town and Rohia Village and to the main road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Day5

Central Serengeti - Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp

Karatu– Serengeti: 3 hours

After breakfast, we depart from Karatu to Central Serengeti Park, get ready to watch the open up landscapes as we approach one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Once inside the park, we begin our game drive with great opportunities to spot animals along the way. We will enjoy our packed Lunch at a beautiful place inside the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. In the afternoon, we continue with more exciting wildlife viewing before reaching the camp for a relaxing evening in the heart of the savannah.

Game drives Full board

Central Serengeti

The Serengeti is famous for its large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes that move across the plains. As you explore, get ready to see resident predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, each playing an important part in fulfilling their daily natural circle of life.

Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp

With an idyllic location in the middle of the wilderness, Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp rests in Central Serengeti, 30 min drive from Seronera airstrip. The camp is situated near the mighty Orangi river, which means wildlife walk through the camp frequently.

Day6

Mara Heritage Camp, Northern Serengeti

Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti: 3 hours

After breakfast, we proceed our journey toward the Northern Serengeti, driving through untouched wilderness and enjoying wildlife sightings along the way. As we approach the Mara River area in the afternoon, the landscape opens up to one of nature’s greatest spectacles the Great Migration. Our safari guide will take us to the best viewing spots, giving the perfect opportunity to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras as they gather near the river for this unforgettable experience.

Game drives Full board

Northern Serengeti

The Northern Serengeti is the dramatic stage for one of nature’s greatest events the Great Migration. Here, massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals make their daring crossing over the crocodile-filled Mara River as they move toward the Masai Mara in Kenya. This thrilling spectacle is best seen from July to early October each year, offering unforgettable moments of wildlife action and breathtaking scenery.

Mara Heritage Camp – Mid range

Situated in Kogatende, Mara Heritage Camp is situated on a hill surrounded by evergreen trees with scenic views of the Northern Serengeti plains. The luxurious camp rooms include private bathrooms, flush toilets, mosquito nets and 24-hour communication devices. Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the dining area. Other amenities and services include cosy lounges, a bar, and grilling stations. From July to November, guests can witness the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti.

Day7

Northern Serengeti - Mara Heritage Camp

After breakfast, we dedicate this for full day game drives inside Northern Serengeti with Great Migration and possibly to witness the Mara river Crossing.

Game drives Full board

Northern Serengeti

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of wildebeests, Zebra and other animals crossing Mara River to Masai Mara in Kenya. Migration crosses Mara River that is full of Crocodiles. The best time to visit if from July to early October every year.

Mara Heritage Camp – Mid range

Situated in Kogatende, Mara Heritage Camp is situated on a hill surrounded by evergreen trees with scenic views of the Northern Serengeti plains. The luxurious camp rooms include private bathrooms, flush toilets, mosquito nets and 24-hour communication devices. Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the dining area. Other amenities and services include cosy lounges, a bar, and grilling stations. From July to November, guests can witness the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti.

Day8

Central Serengeti - Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp

Northern Serengeti - Central Serengeti: 3 hours

Get up early and enjoy breakfast, then continue with game drive in Northern Serengeti with special eye to the Great Migration. Later we drive back to Central Serengeti where we stop for overnight.

Game drives. Full board

Northern Serengeti

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of wildebeests, Zebra and other animals crossing Mara River to Masai Mara in Kenya. Migration crosses Mara River that is full of Crocodiles. The best time to visit if from July to early October every year.

Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp

With an idyllic location in the middle of the wilderness, Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp rests in Central Serengeti, 30 min drive from Seronera airstrip. The camp is situated near the mighty Orangi river, which means wildlife walk through the camp frequently.

Day9

Ngorongoro Region: Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp

Serengeti – Ngorongoro: 2 hours

Today wake up early and enjoy magic game drives in Central Serengeti Park, then in the afternoon departure to Ngorongoro for overnight at the accommodation located inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the crater rim. This gives you a chance to depart and descend inside the Crater next day in early morning and see many animals when they are still more active.

Game drives Full board

Ngorongoro region

The Ngorongoro Region is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. It includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, which is one of the best places in Africa to see a large concentration of animals in a natural setting.

Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp

Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp offers stylish accommodation in a natural setting. The luxury tented camps feature private bathrooms and a choice of king-size or twin beds. Guests may unwind in the lounge while enjoying complimentary Tanzanian coffee. Meals are served at the on-site dining area. Additional amenities include a campfire, Wi-Fi access and a 24-hour front desk.

Day10

Ngorongoro Crater - Marera Valley Lodge, Karatu

Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu: 40 Minutes

After breakfast, we depart for an exciting game drive inside the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, carrying lunch boxes to enjoy along the way. After exploring the crater’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, we will continue the journey to Karatu, where a warm dinner and a comfortable overnight stay await.

Game drives Full board

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a true jewel of Northern Tanzania, famed for its dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Encircled by towering highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a natural amphitheatre teeming with life. Lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and rhinos roam its fertile plains, while flamingos may grace the crater’s soda lakes. With its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, Ngorongoro offers a magical finale to any safari adventure.

Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge is located between Karatu Town and Rohia Village and to the main road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Day11

Lake Manyara Park - Arusha Planet Lodge

Karatu – Lake Manyara: 35 minutes

After breakfast, depart for a short and scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park with packed lunch boxes for your day’s adventure. Enjoy an exciting game drive through the park’s rich habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands, and along the shimmering lake shores. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer you to Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Game drives

Lake Manyara National Park

The Lake Manyara is a paradise of contrasts and natural charm where emerald forests meet glistening waters and wildlife thrives in abundance. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions resting elegantly on acacia branches and its playful colonies of baboons that greet you at nearly every turn. Along the lake’s edge, flocks of flamingos paint the horizon pink, while elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras roam freely beneath the lush canopy. It’s a serene and magical setting, the perfect finale to your unforgettable safari adventure.

Arusha Planet Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Each chalet is tastefully decorated with African decor creating a peaceful immersion in the colors and culture of Africa.

Day12

Departure - End of Itinerary

to Airport – For your international flight

After breakfast relax at the lodge and if time allows take a short tour in Arusha city with our local guide for shopping, you will have a good time to explore the local markets, souvenirs shops, cultural sites within the city and if possible, take lunch within the local restaurants to experience different local food taste.

Breakfast

What’s included

  • Transfers/Pick up/Drop off listed in the program
  • Professional English-Speaking safari guide
  • Transportation by 4x4 jeep Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Bottled Mineral water for safari
  • All Park fees, but for Single entry park fees expire 24 hours
  • All Activities listed in the program

Not included

  • International flights
  • VISA
  • All beverages at hotels/lodges/tented camps (Alcoholic beverages)
  • Laundry service
  • Tipping
  • All personal expenses
  • All what is not explicitly included in this program

Best time to go

June July August September October

Make this trip yours

Every safari is tailor-made. Tell us your dates and we will shape it around you.

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