8-day Wildebeest Migration River Crossing Safari
Our 8-day wildebeest migration river crossing safari is crafted to provide you with the chance to observe the remarkable wildebeest river crossing at the Mara River, characterized by heightened anticipation and trepidation as the wildebeest confront the formidable Nile crocodiles while attempting to traverse the river, alongside predators lurking on the banks.
The wildebeest migration river crossings commence in July when the herds progress northward, traversing the Lobo and Wagakuria regions on route to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. In August and September, the wildebeest herds disperse throughout the northern Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve, with some individuals remaining in the vicinity; climatic variations may occasionally prompt their return from the Mara. In October, the herds migrate southward towards the central Serengeti National Park through the Lobo region of the park.
Duration: 8 DAYS
PLACES TO VISIT: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
HIGHLIGHTS OF : 8-day wildebeest migration river crossing safari
- Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire national park
- Day 2: Serengeti national park (Seronera)
- Day 3: Serengeti national park
- Day 4: Serengeti national park (Kogatende)
- Day 5: Serengeti national park (North Mara)
- Day 6: Serengeti national park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 7: Ngorongoro crater floor
- Day 8: Arusha
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, your safari guide, a representative of All Tanzania Safaris will collect you from your accommodation, provide a quick overview of the safari, and transport you to Tarangire National Park. Arrive punctually for lunch, which will follow check-in; in the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive.
Tarangire National Park, situated in the Manyara region of Tanzania, is one of the largest national parks in the country, renowned for its substantial populations of elephants and tree-climbing lions, among various other wildlife species. The park’s terrain is characterized by the intriguing Baobab trees, known as the Tree of Life due to the almost legendary attributes attributed to them by certain groups in Tanzania.
Throughout the game drive, you will observe a diverse array of fauna, including bush elephants, lions, hippos, leopards, cheetahs, African buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, African wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, warthogs, and jackals, among others.
These species are readily observable near the Tarangire River, which traverses the park and serves as the sole water source for wildlife, particularly during the dry season. Proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight accommodation.
- Repasts: Luncheon and Supper
- Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Day 2: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Following breakfast, you will be collected from the lodge and transported to the Central Serengeti, namely the Seronera Area, renowned for its abundant resident species, including the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, go on a comprehensive game drive in the Serengeti National Park, tracing the Great Migration Trails. During the excursion, our ranger will impart intriguing information regarding the wildebeest migration and the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts approximately 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles that accompany the wildebeest migration in search of fresh pastures.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
Following breakfast, we embark on a full-day game drive in the Kogatende sector of Serengeti National Park to observe the huge migration in the Mara Area. The population of resident wildlife in the Wagakuria area is remarkably high, with the Mara River serving as a prominent landmark where one may observe herds crossing northward and subsequently returning southward a few days later.
Be advised: seeing the Mara River crossing can be challenging and often depends on chance; a herd may be present by the river yet may choose to cross several days later.
The Kogatende area is a remarkable environment characterized by kopjes, woodlands, riverine flora, and vast grasslands, akin to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 5: Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
Following breakfast, you will proceed to the Serengeti North to observe the Great Migration in the Mara Area, with the Mara River being the primary site of interest. It is not unusual for the herds to traverse the Mara River northward on one day and subsequently return southward a few days later.
Observing the river crossing is quite difficult and often contingent upon chance; there are occasions when the herds are positioned adjacent to the river yet choose to cross several days later.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 6: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Following breakfast, you will proceed to the park for an additional game drive in the Serengeti plains. After lunch, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a visit to the Olduvai Gorge Museum—an eminent archaeological site in East Africa. At Laetoli, situated 45 kilometers south of Olduvai Gorge, you will observe hominin footprints preserved in volcanic rock, dating back 3.6 million years, which signify some of the earliest evidence of humanity.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Following breakfast, you will descend to the crater floor for a game drive. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a vast highland region situated along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley and is home to the globally renowned Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera on the planet.
On the game drive across the crater floor, you will observe a diverse array of species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, cape buffaloes, elands, and warthogs, among others. You will also visit Lake Magadi, where you will observe a substantial number of pink flamingos.
Proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight accommodation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 8: Arusha
Following breakfast, you will vacate your lodge and embark on a journey back to Arusha for transfer to the airport for your subsequent departure.
Conclusion of 8-day wildebeest migration river crossing safari
INCLUSIONS
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
EXCLUSIONS
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
