9 Days Mara River Crossing Safari

Witness the famous Mara River crossing of the Great Wildebeest Migration! Experience thousands of wildebeests and zebras risking their lives in a river full of crocodiles - nature's most spectacular and nerve-racking event from July to October.

9 Days
Mara River Crossing
Jul-Oct Best Time
From $2,341 Per Person

Ready to Book Your Migration Safari?

Safari Overview

Experience the apotheosis of nature - the famous Mara River crossing! This route takes you straight to witness one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth.

Imagine thousands of wildebeests and zebras together in a herd, all moaning and braying in their distinctive sounds, kicking up dust and protecting each other from the surrounding predators. Impressive as this may be (and trust us – it is!), if you add a river to that equation, it becomes truly a unique spectacle!

This is the yearly Mara River crossing of the Great Wildebeest Migration in northern Serengeti, which only occurs from late July to early October. This route takes you straight to the area of this apotheosis of nature, where – if you're fortunate – you might see the herds risking their lives in a river full of crocs. Crocs? Indeed, those nasty buggers, and no, this is not a route for the faint-hearted!

Oh, and did we mention it also passes by the elephant-packed Tarangire and the impressive Ngorongoro crater on the way back? This 9-day adventure combines the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on Earth with Tanzania's other natural wonders, all in one incredible journey.

Migration Safari Pricing

Specialized pricing for your 9-day Mara River crossing adventure. Witness the Great Migration at its most dramatic moment.

Season 1 Person 2 Persons 4 Persons 6+ Persons Book Now
Low Season (Apr 1 - May 19) $3,825 $3,063 $2,522 $2,341 Book Now
Mid Season (Rest of year) $4,247 $3,400 $2,724 $2,498 Book Now
High Season (Jul-Sep + Dec 20-Jan 10) $4,852 $3,882 $3,080 $2,813 Book Now

* Prices per person (USD), excluding international flights

Low Season (April 1 - May 19)
1 Person $3,825 USD
2 Persons $3,063 USD
4 Persons $2,522 USD
6+ Persons $2,341 USD
Book Low Season Now
Mid Season (Rest of the year)
1 Person $4,247 USD
2 Persons $3,400 USD
4 Persons $2,724 USD
6+ Persons $2,498 USD
Book Mid Season Now
High Season (Jul-Sep + Dec 20-Jan 10)
1 Person $4,852 USD
2 Persons $3,882 USD
4 Persons $3,080 USD
6+ Persons $2,813 USD
Book High Season Now

* Prices per person (USD), excluding international flights

Detailed Itinerary

Follow your adventure through Tanzania's most dramatic wildlife destinations and the famous Mara River crossing

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal Tanzania Specialist guide greets you with a big smile: 'Karibu Tanzania - welcome to Tanzania!' The guide takes you straight to your hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere. The next day your guide takes you on an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace.

Overnight: Arusha/Moshi - Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge or Ahadi Lodge
Day 2

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is well known for its big groups of elephants and the huge amount of giant baobab trees. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are actually a source of water for elephants in the dry season as they have a special technique to draw water from them. Besides, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the dry season, which is why in this season in Tarangire you can see groups of up to 250 elephants next to many more animals!

Overnight: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa or Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Day 3

Serengeti National Park (Central West/East)

Serengeti National Park is widely known as the place to go on safari, mainly because of the Great Migration that passes through here. The enormous, stampeding herds are impressive, as are the vast amount of predators that live here: over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, a thousand leopards, 3500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs! And of course, plenty of other beautiful animals, which your guide will be delighted to search for together with you.

Overnight: Serengeti Sametu Camp or Sound of Silence Tented Camp
Day 4-5

Northern Serengeti & The Great Migration (Mara River Crossing)

Imagine crossing the grassy plains of northern Serengeti with your guide, and coming across millions of wildebeests and zebras, moaning and bleating as they attempt to cross a river full of crocodiles. This is the famous Mara River crossing of the Great Migration, a natural wonder that every year between July and October can be witnessed in the northern part of Serengeti National Park. This will be a nerve-racking event to watch - for did we mention the big cats waiting on the other side, just as hungry for meat as the herds are for greener pastures...?

Overnight: Nimali Mara or Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
Day 6

Serengeti National Park (Central West/East)

Return to the central Serengeti for more incredible wildlife viewing. The enormous, stampeding herds are impressive, as are the vast amount of predators that live here. Your guide will continue to search for the incredible wildlife that makes the Serengeti world-famous.

Overnight: Serengeti Sametu Camp or Sound of Silence Tented Camp
Day 7

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Including Crater)

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's seven natural wonders. The crater was formed two million years ago when a vast volcano erupted. The fertile lava has created a unique ecosystem, now home to the highest concentration of animals found anywhere in Africa! Once in the crater, thousands of animals such as lions, zebras, buffalos and black rhinos surround you, and the views are astounding – you won't know where to look!

Overnight: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa or Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Day 8-9

The Last Day and Your Flight Home

The last day! Depending on your flight time, you can relax in the lodge a bit longer before our driver takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home. Having second thoughts? It's also possible to add a few days to your holiday by going to one of Tanzania's paradise islands, such as Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia!

What's Included & Excluded

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your Mara River crossing safari package

Trip Included

  • All accommodations (9 days)
  • 24/7 service
  • Crater Fee
  • English speaking guide
  • Full board during your safari
  • Game drives
  • Park fees
  • Pickup and transfer airport
  • Private 4×4 Safari Jeep
  • Specialized Migration Guide

Trip Excluded

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Tipping for your driver/guide (USD$30-$40 per day recommended)
  • Alcoholic drinks (unless specified)
  • Personal spending money
  • Personal items & souvenirs
  • Vaccinations
  • Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary

Ready for the Ultimate Migration Experience?

Book your 9-day Mara River crossing safari and witness nature's most spectacular event! Experience the drama, excitement, and raw power of the Great Wildebeest Migration with our expert guides who know exactly where and when to find the action.