8 Days Serengeti Migration River Crossing Safari – Witness the Great Wildebeest Crossing
Experience one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles on this 8-day Serengeti Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania. This unforgettable journey is designed to place you in the heart of the action as over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles brave crocodile-filled rivers during the legendary Great Migration river crossings.
Travel through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks — Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti (Mara River), and the Ngorongoro Crater — with expert safari guides, handpicked lodges, and flexible game drives that maximize wildlife sightings.
This safari is ideal for photographers, couples, honeymooners, wildlife lovers, and adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and well-paced Tanzania safari experience.
Safari Highlights
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossing at the Mara River
Explore Northern Serengeti, the best location for migration action
Big Five game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater
Vast savannahs and predator action in Central Serengeti
Huge elephant herds and baobab landscapes in Tarangire National Park
Private or small-group safari with experienced local guides
Optional luxury lodges, tented camps, or mobile camps
Best safari itinerary for July–October river crossings
Why Choose an 8-Day Migration River Crossing Safari?
An 8-day itinerary offers the perfect balance between travel time and wildlife immersion. Shorter safaris often rush the Serengeti experience, while longer itineraries can feel repetitive. With 8 days, you get:
Enough time to wait patiently for river crossings
Flexibility to move camps based on migration movement
Multiple full-day game drives
Reduced driving fatigue
A higher chance of witnessing dramatic crossings
This safari is carefully designed to follow the migration, not just visit the parks.
Best Time for Serengeti River Crossing Safari
July to October is the prime season for the Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti.
July – August: First major crossings begin
August – September: Peak river crossing action
October: Late crossings and fewer crowds
River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed, but spending multiple days in Northern Serengeti significantly increases your chances.
Detailed 8-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or optional activities such as a town tour or coffee experience.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel in Arusha
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse birdlife.
Enjoy a full game drive with chances to see lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp near Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti
Today you journey into the legendary Serengeti National Park via the scenic Ngorongoro highlands.
As you enter the Serengeti plains, game viewing begins immediately. Central Serengeti (Seronera area) is rich in resident wildlife and predators year-round.
Overnight: Tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Central Serengeti Game Drives
Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and large herbivore herds.
This region offers excellent chances to see:
Big cats hunting
Hippos and crocodiles in the Seronera River
Endless plains perfect for photography
Overnight: Central Serengeti camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Drive north toward the Mara River, following the migration route. This is where anticipation builds as wildebeest gather near the riverbanks.
Game drives en route provide opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, and predators following the herds.
Overnight: Tented camp near Mara River (Northern Serengeti)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Mara River Crossing Safari
A full day dedicated to the Great Migration river crossing experience.
Spend hours observing wildebeest and zebras assembling near the river, waiting for the right moment to cross. When it happens, it’s dramatic, chaotic, and unforgettable — dust, panic, splashing water, and lurking crocodiles.
Your guide will position the vehicle strategically and patiently to maximize chances of witnessing crossings.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a final morning game drive before departing Serengeti and heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As you ascend the crater rim, enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim or nearby
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.
This natural wildlife sanctuary hosts:
Lions and spotted hyenas
Large buffalo herds
Hippos and flamingos
Rare black rhinoceros
After the game drive, return to Arusha or transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
Wildebeest (millions during migration)
Zebras and gazelles
Lions, cheetahs, leopards
Elephants and buffalo
Giraffes and hippos
Nile crocodiles
Black rhinos (Ngorongoro)
Over 500 bird species
Safari Accommodation Options
This safari can be customized as:
Luxury Safari
Luxury lodges
High-end tented camps
Premium service and amenities
Mid-Range Safari
Comfortable lodges
Well-located tented camps
Excellent value for money
Mobile Migration Camps
Move with the migration
Closest access to river crossings
Authentic wilderness experience
What’s Included
All park entrance fees
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Accommodation and meals as stated
All game drives
Bottled drinking water
Airport transfers
What’s Not Included
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and lodge staff
Personal expenses
Who Is This Safari Perfect For?
Wildlife enthusiasts
Professional & amateur photographers
Honeymooners & couples
First-time Tanzania safari travelers
Repeat safari visitors seeking migration action
Why Book This Serengeti Migration Safari With Us?
Local Tanzania safari experts
Handpicked camps near river crossings
Flexible itineraries and private safaris
Competitive pricing with high-quality service
Strong focus on ethical and sustainable tourism
