5 Days Mara River Crossing & Northern Serengeti Safari

5 Days Mara River Crossing & Northern Serengeti

Built for travellers who want the most concentrated Great Migration experience in a short timeframe. 3 full days in the Northern Serengeti focused on the Mara River corridor from July to October.

📅5 Days / 4 Nights

⛰️Easy

👥Max 6 People

$2,250Per Person

Things to Know

🌊Mara River Crossings3 full days in the Northern Serengeti focused on the Mara River corridor with front-row seats to Great Migration river crossings.

🦁Predator TrackingPredator tracking across Kogatende plains and Bologonja Springs.

🐘Tarangire ElephantsTarangire afternoon game drive among giant baobabs and elephant herds.

🚙Private 4x4Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof and expert safari guide.

✈️Flexible ReturnFlexible flight or road return to Arusha and final hotel night in Moshi.

Day by Day

Itinerary

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Afternoon game drive in Tarangire among ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant populations and iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife from across the region during the dry season, creating some of the best game viewing outside the Serengeti. Look for lions resting in the shade, giraffes browsing the treetops, and flocks of colorful birds. The park is also home to rare species like the fringe-eared oryx and the gerenuk. Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind the baobabs.

📍 ~2 hours drive Distance

⏱️ Afternoon game drive Hiking

⛺ Tarangire Safari Lodge Stay

🍽️ Lunch, Dinner Meals

Day 2

Tarangire to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Full-day scenic transfer with game drives en route to Kogatende in the Northern Serengeti. As you approach the Mara River corridor, the landscape transforms into the heart of the Great Migration zone. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with stunning views of the highlands. Stop for a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Serengeti plains. On arrival in the Northern Serengeti, check into your camp and head out for a late afternoon game drive along the Mara River. The herds are everywhere — thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze along the riverbanks. Return to camp as darkness falls.

📍 ~6-7 hours drive Distance

⏱️ Full-day scenic transfer Hiking

⛺ Mara River Camp Stay

🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Meals

Day 3

Full Day Northern Serengeti — Mara River Crossings

Full day along the Mara River monitoring crossing points with bush lunch on the riverbank. Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempting to cross the crocodile-filled Mara River — one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth. Your guide will position you at the best vantage points based on herd movements. The crossing can happen at any moment — when it does, the sight and sound of thousands of animals plunging into the water is overwhelming. Some make it across, others fall prey to the waiting crocodiles or are swept away by the current. This is nature at its most raw and magnificent. Visit multiple crossing points throughout the day.

📍 Mara River corridor Distance

⏱️ Full day game drive Hiking

⛺ Mara River Camp Stay

🍽️ Breakfast, Bush Lunch, Dinner Meals

Day 4

Full Day Northern Serengeti — Kogatende Plains and Predators

Morning predator tracking — the Kogatende plains are home to resident lion prides, leopard territories, and cheetah hunting grounds. The predators follow the migration herds, taking advantage of weak and exhausted animals. Visit Bologonja Springs where animals gather to drink, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Afternoon return to the Mara River or explore the surrounding woodlands. The Northern Serengeti offers some of the best predator viewing in Africa during migration season. Watch lions stalk their prey, leopards rest in sausage trees, and cheetahs sprint across the open plains. Return to camp for a farewell dinner under the stars.

📍 Kogatende and Bologonja Distance

⏱️ Full day game drive Hiking

⛺ Mara River Camp Stay

🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Meals

Day 5

Northern Serengeti to Arusha to Moshi

Early departure, flight or road transfer to Arusha, then continue to Moshi for a hotel overnight. Option for a light-aircraft flight from Kogatende to Arusha available at extra cost (approximately $300-400). If driving, enjoy one last game drive as you exit the park. The scenic drive back passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with final views of the crater rim. Arrive in Moshi by evening for a well-deserved rest at your hotel. Your safari ends here — but the memories last forever.

📍 Flight or road transfer Distance

⏱️ Morning game drive and transfer Hiking

⛺ Hotel in Moshi Stay

🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch Meals

Inclusions

What's Included & Not Included

✓ What's Included

Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
Dedicated professional English-speaking safari guide
All national park and conservation area entry fees
Full-board accommodation as per itinerary (4 nights)
1 night hotel in Moshi after safari (B and B)
Bottled water and soft drinks in the safari vehicle
Safari briefing and 24/7 support from our Arusha team
AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
All government taxes and VAT (18%)

✗ What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
Travel and evacuation insurance (mandatory)
Tips for guide and camp staff (recommended USD 15-20 per day)
Optional flight Kogatende-Arusha on Day 5
Drinks and meals at hotels (before/after safari)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for Mara River crossings?

The best time is between July and October when the Great Migration herds reach the Northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River.

Can I fly back on Day 5?

Yes, a light-aircraft flight from Kogatende to Arusha is available at extra cost. Alternatively, you can drive back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

What animals will I see?

You will see thousands of wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, and many more species.

What is the accommodation like?

You stay in intimate camps positioned minutes from key crossing points, with comfortable rooms and excellent wildlife viewing.

Tour Pricing & Inquiry

Group Size	Price Per Person
1 - 1 People	$3,100
2 - 4 People	$2,490
5 - 7 People	$2,350
8 - 12 People	$2,250

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