8-day Crossing Season Safari in Northern Tanzania
Grumeti River in Western Serengeti
The Grumeti river with its large Nile crocodiles is an enormous hustle that the wildebeest herds must overcome on their trek through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Between May and June, the herds are usually found in the western part of Serengeti and with a little luck you might even witness a river crossing! Also, a notable noisy encounter as males fight for dominance and mating partners!
Tour Style
private safari with unlimited mileage
Tour Duration
8 days, 7 nights (start: day of your choice)
Expectations
Prime location to witness the natural phenomena of the Great Migration
May & June: river crossings at Grumeti – home to large Nile crocodiles
Big Cats and incredible vistas in Serengeti National Park
Africa’s legendary “Big Five” inside the Ngorongoro Crater
National Parks
Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park – Western & Central
Ngorongoro Crater
Activities
mainly game drives, but optional activities available
Physical Rating
leisurely – no strenuous exercise is expected
Interested? Talk to an expert!
Sandra
As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!
Not sure if this itinerary is suitable for you? You have questions or missing a particular activity? Don’t worry we are here to assist!
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Not sure – Talk to an expert
Michael
Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my experience in the bush and my passioan for wildlife, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.
You have any questions or are unsure if Tanzania is the right travel destination for you? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!
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Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After you have passed the passport control, you will be met by your professional safari guide outside the terminal and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha town (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 45 minutes to 1 hour). Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing evening before starting your Tanzania adventure on the next morning.
Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park
Meet & greet with your professional safari guide. Drive to Lake Manyara National Park that Ernest Hemingway once described as “the most stunning” he had ever seen. Enjoy the incredible scenery and watch out for large baboon families, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions, as well as seasonal flamingos and pelicans. Proceed to your overnight stay afterwards. Included meals: Picnic-Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 to 4: Serengeti National Park – Western Corridor
Road journey to the western part of Serengeti National Park with its rivers Grumeti and Mbalageti. The Western Corridor is home to an abundant wildlife variety and the availability of water ensure that animals can be seen all year-round. Wildlife includes large Nile crocodiles, the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys as well as elephants, giraffes, hippos, topis, zebras, and many more.
Spend your days with game drives in search for the Great Wildebeest Migration. The crossing of Grumeti is an obstacle that the herds must overcome on their way further North. The herds will graze on the river banks and when the space becomes too small, they are forced to cross. Although water levels are low, the main risks are the large Nile crocodiles who lurk in anticipation of a catch! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 5 and 6: Serengeti National Park – Central
Spend the following two days on game drive in Central Serengeti and search for its rich cat population including cheetah, leopard and lion. Also try to spot the very shy serval cat who calls the Seronera Valley its home. The Seronera river supports a large variety of game – including antelopes, mammals, monkeys and its trees offer a perfect nesting place for birds. Outstanding game viewing! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Today’s highlight is the visit of the Ngorongoro Crater – home to a vast number of wildlife due to its stable water availability. During the dry season the numbers of wildebeests and zebras increase, whereas eland, elephant and waterbuck increase during the wet season. Search for the “Big Five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros). Proceed to your overnight stay afterwards. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Return to Arusha
Depending on your departure time, you can add in some optional activities in the morning. Afterwards return to Arusha with drop-off according to your onwards travel journey – either in Arusha Town with the possibility to overnight, or at Arusha Airport (ARK) / Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Included meals: breakfast and picnic-lunch.
Beach Extensions
Would you like to extend your safari on the mainland of Tanzania with a beach holiday? Tanzania offers some fantastic beach stays directly on the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise, and the marine park offers a large variety of dive options. From September the March is whale shark season – a great adventure to be experienced by snorkeling or scuba diving. Accommodations are limited but provide you with everything you need – excellent quality and service!
Pemba Island
Pemba Island is located just north of Zanzibar. A completely off-the-beaten-track getaway awaits you – quiet and easy-going. It is well known for its diving – incredible dive walls, drop-offs and rich coral gardens. If beach-lounging was what you had in mind, take note that the beaches are not as perfect as in Zanzibar, but there are sandbanks nearby. Only a few scattered properties are found here – simple and rustic, but with a fantastic service!
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is everything you imagine of an Indian Ocean Island – beautiful white beaches lined with palm trees and azure-blue waters. It is the most easily accessible island with a short flight from the main land. Various activities apart from sunbathing are available including the historic Stone Town and Spice Tour, Kitesurfing or Dhow Cruises. A large variety of accommodation options that suit every style, budget and desire!