9-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari Crossing the Mara River
Experience the iconic Mara River crossing on this unforgettable 9-day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania. Follow the Great Migration through Serengeti National Park and witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles — the Mara River crossing, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-infested waters. This safari also includes Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, offering an extraordinary combination of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide from Praygod Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take time to relax and prepare for your thrilling wildebeest migration safari.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park (Game Drive)
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal Tarangire River that attracts a variety of animals. Enjoy a game drive and lunch in the park.
Key highlights: Elephants, lions, giraffes, and birdlife
Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Tarangire – Central Serengeti National Park
Leave Tarangire early and head toward Central Serengeti, enjoying an en-route game drive. This area is known for resident wildlife and predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Keyphrase focus: Central Serengeti wildlife safari
Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Mara River Region)
Today’s journey takes you to Northern Serengeti, the heart of the Great Migration during July–October. This is where the wildebeest gather in huge numbers before crossing the Mara River, one of the most thrilling natural events on Earth.
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Northern Serengeti – Wildebeest Migration & Mara River Crossing
Spend the full day tracking herds near the Mara River. With patience and luck, you’ll witness the Wildebeest Migration River Crossing, as thousands of animals plunge into the crocodile-infested waters in a survival stampede.
Keyphrase: Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Northern Serengeti (Full Day Game Drive)
Enjoy another day in Northern Serengeti with game drives along the Mara River and Lamai Wedge. Capture sightings of dramatic chases, crocodiles, hippos, and large predators trailing the herds.
: Learn more about Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Mara Under Canvas or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic game drive en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at Maasai villages and crater viewpoints. Optional visit to Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind.”
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full-day game drive. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers high chances of spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos at Lake Magadi.
Keyphrase: Ngorongoro Crater Big Five safari
Accommodation: Gran Melia Arusha or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 9: Arusha – Departure
Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward destination. Optionally extend your safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
: Why Visit Zanzibar After a Safari?
What’s Included:
All accommodations as per itinerary
Park entry fees
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Experienced English-speaking guide
Daily game drives
Meals as stated
Bottled drinking water
Government taxes
Why Book the Mara River Migration Safari with Praygod Africa Safaris?
We offer exclusive access to the best wildlife sightings, knowledgeable local guides, and handpicked accommodations near the Mara River. Our Wildebeest Migration safaris are designed for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers looking for the ultimate safari experience in Tanzania.
