7 Days Wildebeest Migration Safari – Serengeti River Crossings
- Overview
- Tour Details
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest mammal movement on Earth, and the Mara and Grumeti river crossings in the northern Serengeti are its most dramatic moments. This seven-day shared safari is timed precisely for crossing season and places you in mobile camps that move with the herds, giving you the best possible chance of witnessing the spectacle.
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, joined by zebra and gazelle, surge across crocodile-infested rivers in search of fresh grass. The tension at the riverbank – thousands of animals jostling, hesitating, finally plunging in – is one of nature’s great theatrical moments. You will spend full days in the northern Serengeti following herds, with an experienced guide who reads the migration’s rhythm and positions the vehicle for the best vantage.
The itinerary also includes the Ngorongoro Crater and the central Seronera Valley, giving you a complete cross-section of Tanzania’s ecosystems. Accommodation balances comfort with proximity: classic tented camps that bring you close to the action without sacrificing a hot shower at the end of the day.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your lodge in Arusha. Evening trip briefing.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for an afternoon game drive among baboons, elephants, and tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation: Manyara Serena Lodge
Meals: Full board
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Full-day game drive on the crater floor - one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Picnic lunch on the rim.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Drive to Central Serengeti
Transfer into the Serengeti with game drives en route. Afternoon explorations of Seronera Valley for leopard and cheetah.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Meals: Full board
Day 5: Fly to Northern Serengeti
Light aircraft transfer to the Kogatende airstrip. Afternoon game drive in pursuit of the migration herds.
Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo Mobile Camp
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Mara River Crossings
Full day positioned along the Mara River for the season\'s spectacular crossings. Picnic lunch in the field.
Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo Mobile Camp
Meals: Full board
Day 7: Fly back to Arusha
Morning game drive, flight back to Arusha and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- 6 nights mobile camp & lodge accommodation
- Shared 4x4 safari vehicle (max 7 guests)
- Professional safari guide
- All park entry & conservation fees
- Full board meals on safari
- Bottled water
- Arusha airport transfers
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa & yellow fever vaccine
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses
- Optional balloon safari (~USD 600)
Additional Notes
Migration Timing:
- July - October: Mara River crossings in northern Serengeti
- November - December: Herds return south
- January - March: Calving season in southern Serengeti
Wildlife Sightings: Crossings are spectacular but not guaranteed on any specific day - patience and a flexible itinerary are key.
Important Information
- This tour is organized by the tour operator.
- The exact itinerary sequence, details, and pricing of this tour depend on availability.
- If a selected accommodation is fully booked, the operator will recommend a comparable alternative.
- The operator reserves the right to adjust the rates advertised on this website.