10 days Mara river crossing & Great Wildebeest migration, Serengeti safari

This epic 10-day safari of the wildebeest crossing across the Mara River from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara in Kenya is designed for those seeking the pinnacle of wildlife drama: the Great Wildebeest Migration’s thrilling Mara River crossings in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, undertake this perilous journey, culminating in chaotic plunges into crocodile-infested waters. The itinerary begins with classic northern circuit parks—Tarangire’s elephants, Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats, and Ndutu’s lingering herds—before dedicating four full days (Days 5-8) to positioning in the prime Mara River area for multiple crossing attempts. It concludes with the dense wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, offering a comprehensive Tanzanian adventure blending anticipation, raw nature, and iconic sights.

Best Time for Wildebeest Crossing This Safari

The prime window for witnessing Mara River crossings is July to October, with peak action in August and September when herds mass along the northern Serengeti banks during the dry season. July sees initial build-ups and early crossings, while October often features return southbound plunges. Rainfall patterns influence exact timing—crossings are unpredictable but most reliable in these months as grasses dry out, forcing northward movement. Book this safari for July-October to maximise chances of dramatic spectacles, with clear skies and concentrated wildlife enhancing the experience.

About the Mara River Crossing

The Mara River crossing is the most iconic and hazardous phase of the Great Migration, where herds must traverse the swirling, crocodile-filled waters separating Tanzania’s Serengeti from Kenya’s Maasai Mara (though many stay on the Tanzanian side). Driven by instinct for fresher pastures, wildebeest gather in tense build-ups along steep banks, hesitating for hours or days before one brave individual leaps, triggering a frenzied stampede. This life-or-death gamble sustains the ecosystem’s balance but claims thousands annually.

What You Will See During the Migration Crossing

Expect raw, emotional drama: vast herds milling anxiously on riverbanks, dust clouds rising as thousands plunge in unison, creating thunderous splashes and chaotic surges. Massive Nile crocodiles (up to 5-6 meters long) ambush from below, snapping at legs in explosive attacks. Drownings, tramplings, and exhausted stragglers falling to lions or hyenas on the opposite bank underscore survival’s brutality. Yet triumphs abound—wildebeest scrambling up muddy slopes, shaking off water, alongside zebras and gazelles. Photography opportunities are unparalleled, with endless plains, vultures circling, and predator stalks adding layers of intensity.

Best Place to Stay During the Wildebeest Crossing

For optimal viewing, choose mobile or semi-permanent luxury tented camps in the northern Serengeti’s Kogatende or Lamai areas, close to key crossing points like the Mara River’s main channels. Camps such as Singita Mara River Tented Camp or similar offer eco-luxury with river views, en-suite tents, and expert guides who monitor herd movements daily. Staying here (as in Days 5-8) positions you minutes from action, with fewer crowds than Kenya’s side, plus excellent Big Cat sightings amid acacia-dotted plains.

Why 10 Days Is a Nice Duration for This Safari

Crossings are notoriously unpredictable—herds may hesitate for days before committing—so shorter trips risk missing the highlight. This 10-day itinerary provides an essential buffer: early days explore diverse parks (Tarangire elephants, Manyara tree-climbing lions, Ndutu plains), building anticipation, while four dedicated days in the north allow multiple game drives to known hotspots, increasing odds of witnessing several crossings. The extended stay reduces pressure, enables deeper immersion in migration dynamics, and ends with Ngorongoro’s Big Five density—delivering a balanced, rewarding journey without exhaustion. This safari captures nature’s greatest show in its most visceral form, leaving lifelong memories of triumph and tragedy on the African plains.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Tranquil Kilimanjaro. They will accompany you to your accommodation, where you can relax and prepare for the upcoming safari.

Accommodation options:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 2

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

In the morning, your private safari guide will pick you up from your lodging in Arusha. You’ll embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, passing through the picturesque Masai plains adorned with acacia trees. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of the vibrant Masai people going about their daily lives. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. From the comfort of your safari jeep, you’ll have the chance to observe zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, elephants, and giraffes. Keep an eye out for predators like lions and leopards too. After an exciting game drive, you’ll head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation options:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite

Day 3

Serengeti National Park (Central)

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll continue your journey through the fertile highlands, passing misty rainforests in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Keep an eye out for baboons, leopards, and elephants amidst the dense vegetation. As you traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater before arriving at the Serengeti National Park by midday. Spanning vast landscapes with diverse habitats such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, and savannahs, the Serengeti is Tanzania’s largest park. Enjoy an extensive game drive before heading to your accommodation for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation options:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Seasons Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 4

North Serengeti Following the Migration

On this day, you’ll embark on an en route game drive to the Northern region of the Serengeti. The Northern Serengeti boasts picturesque landscapes characterized by gentle rolling hills, small rivers, and impressive kopjes. This area is home to a permanent population of wildlife and offers unique geological formations like the stunning Lake Ndutu. As you venture further, you’ll witness a truly remarkable spectacle—the great wildebeest migration. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse these lands in search of fresh grazing grounds and water sources. The sight of the vast herds moving in unison is a sight to behold.

Your experienced guide will navigate the area, ensuring you have the best vantage points to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking moments as wildebeests brave the treacherous Mara River, overcoming obstacles and facing potential predators. The sheer determination and strength of these animals will leave you in awe.

Accommodation options:

Luxury: Singita Mara River Tented Camp / Sayari Camp / Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Mid-range: Mara Mara Tented Lodge / Kaskaz Mara Camp / Mara Under Canvas
Budget Camping: Nyamalumbwa Campsite / Kogatende Campsite

Day 5

North Serengeti

Rise early and embark on a captivating day, filled with endless possibilities. There is a chance to witness the awe-inspiring sight of animals crossing the Mara River. Witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, their yearning eyes fixed upon the lush green grass on the opposite bank, yearning to traverse the turbulent waters. All it takes is one brave wildebeest to plunge into the river, and the rest will follow in a spectacular display of bravery and determination. Those fortunate enough to successfully avoid the lurking jaws of crocodiles and cross the river will be rewarded with the verdant grazing grass of the Masai Mara. From August to October, this remarkable sight unfolds before your very eyes.

Accommodation Options
From August to October

Luxury: Mara Mara Tented Lodge / Mara Under Canvas
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp (Mara) / Acacia Migration Camp

Day 6

Central Serengeti

After indulging in a delectable breakfast, return to Seronera, relishing the opportunity for further encounters with the incredible wildlife and mesmerizing natural beauty that Serengeti holds. Apart from the migrating herds, you may have the privilege of witnessing the resident predators, such as the regal leopard, swift cheetah, and majestic lion, fulfilling their integral roles in the circle of life. Engage in an extensive game drive that reveals the captivating wonders of the Serengeti. As the day draws to a close, retreat to your accommodation, where a hearty dinner awaits you. Unwind by the crackling fire, engaging in leisurely conversations under the enchanting African night sky, which stretches infinitely above the sweeping plains.

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Melia Serengeti Lodge
Four Seasons Serengeti

Mid-range:

Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Embalakai Camp
Acacia Central Camp

Budget Camping:

Nyani Campsite

Day 7

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After savoring a sumptuous breakfast, embark on another extraordinary game drive in the Serengeti, before making your way to the illustrious Ngorongoro Crater. As you arrive at the edge of the crater in the afternoon, a captivating sight awaits you. Behold the glistening streams, vast open grasslands, and an abundance of animals that populate this remarkable natural wonder. Settle into your nearby lodge perched on the rim of the crater, where you will spend the night, eager for the adventures that await you on the following day.

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp

Mid-range:

Rhino Lodge
Angata Ngorongoro Camp

Budget Camping:

Nyani Campsite

Day 8

Ngorongoro Crater

In the early morning, before the first rays of light grace the horizon, set forth on an extraordinary descent to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. As you descend into this breathtaking amphitheater, be prepared to be mesmerized by the incredible wildlife that roams freely in this unfenced reserve. The crater, formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption rivaling the height of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a captivating glimpse into a world where animals thrive in harmony with their surroundings. Plummeting to a depth of 610 meters and spanning approximately 260 square kilometers, this enclosed ecosystem boasts an unrivaled concentration of wildlife. Ngorongoro, meaning “sound of bells” in the Maasai language, offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Africa’s renowned big five, as well as an array of other mesmerizing creatures, including wildebeest, gazelle, reedbuck, and over 500 bird species. Pause for a delightful picnic lunch near the hippo lake, and in the afternoon, ascend the steep road out of the crater. Rest and rejuvenate in the town of Karatu, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

Kitela Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilima Moja
The Retreat at Ngorongoro

Mid-range:

Eileen’s Tree Inn
Endoro Lodge
Karatu Simba Lodge

Budget Camping:

Lilac Campsite
Panorama Campsite

Day 9

Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After a fulfilling breakfast, embark on a journey to your final destination on this epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park. Located approximately 120 kilometers west of Arusha, this diverse and relatively small park beckons with its unique features. The park derives its name from the shallow salt lake that dominates seventy percent of its surface area, undergoing seasonal flooding and drying, and serving as a sanctuary for thousands of flamingos and around 500 other bird species. Explore the park’s varied landscapes, ranging from open grassy plains to woodlands teeming with primates, and cliffs adorned with iconic baobab trees. Encounter a plethora of wildlife, including monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, elephants, and, with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. After a delightful lunch, return to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

Grand Melia Lodge
Mount Meru Hotel
Arusha Coffee Lodge

Mid-range:

Ilboru Safari Lodge
Arusha Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge

Budget:

Outpost Lodge
Tulia Boutique Hotel
Green Mountain Hotel

Day 10

Departure from Arusha

After a remarkable journey through the captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife of Tanzania, it is time to bid farewell. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before being transferred to the airport, where you will embark on your onward journey with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Note: This 10-day wildebeest migration safari itinerary is flexible and can be customized according to your preferences and interests.

The cost for the whole 10 Days Wildebeest Migration Crossing safari includes and excludes the following items