8-day Crossing Season Safari in Northern Tanzania
Mara River in Northern Serengeti
Witness Tanzania’s famous river crossings at the legendary Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Between July and October, the herds will gather at the steep riverbanks, waiting for the perfect moment to cross, while the strong current and dangerous Nile crocodiles are a hurdle that they must overcome to reach fresh grazing grounds! An unbelievable spectacle for any safari goer!
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
River Crossing of Mara River – truly unbelievable spectacle not to be missed
Big Cats and incredible vistas in Serengeti National Park
Africa’s legendary “Big Five” inside the Ngorongoro Crater
National Parks
Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park – Northern & 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: Tarangire National Park
Meet & greet in Arusha with your qualified guide. Take off to Tarangire National Park with its large concentration of wildlife! Have you spotted Africa’s largest living land mammal – the elephant? But there is more – from small mammal’s like hyrax, mongoose and steenbok to larger mammal’s such as hartebeest, wildebeest and zebra. Proceed to your overnight stay in the afternoon. Included meals: picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park – Central
After breakfast proceed further and drive up the Rift Valley Escarpment Wall, through the Ngorongoro highlands onwards to the short grass-plains of Serengeti National Park. Serengeti was declared a National Park in 1951 and is Tanzania’s oldest park as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon on game drive before continuing to your overnight stay. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 3 to 5: Serengeti National Park – Northern
Between July and October, thousands of wildebeest will gather at the legendary Mara River in Northern Serengeti – always waiting for the perfect moment to cross in order to reach fresh grazing grounds. The crossing of Mara is much more challenging than the crossing of Grumeti (between May and June) due to the steep river banks and strong streams.
The herds will gather on the river bank, undecided about what to do. Once the first begins to cross, the rest will follow almost blindly. Nile crocodiles, predators including cheetah, leopards and lions are ready to pounce as the migration crosses their territory. The herds will spread over the northern grasslands and will cross back and forth between Serengeti and Masai Mara. What a spectacle! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Highlands
Road journey with game drives en-route to the park gate of Serengeti. Exit the National Park at Naabi Hill Gate and proceed further to the Ngorongoro Crater Region. Enjoy a first glimpse from the view point and take in the breathtaking scenery before proceeding to your overnight stay directly at the crater rim or in Karatu town. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater today! The crater was formed two million years ago during a volcanic eruption and with its constant availability of water it supports a huge variety of wildlife. Watch out for buffalos, elands, elephants, hippos, hyenas, lions, rhinos, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, and many more. Bird-life is also plentiful with seasonal flocks of flamingos at Lake Magadi. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Return to Arusha
Road transfer back to Manyara Airstrip for your return flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport – in time for your international departure back home.
Depending on your departure time, you can add in some optional activities in the morning. 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!