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8-Day Greatest Wildebeest Migration Safari to Mara River Crossing

Overview

Embark on the ultimate 8-day safari adventure to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River. This safari allows you to explore Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara—while staying in exceptional accommodations. Enjoy private 4x4 game drives, expert English-speaking guides, and breathtaking landscapes, from vast savannahs to volcanic craters. Perfect for wildlife photographers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts eager to experience the Big Five and migratory herds in their natural habitat.

On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari

What Makes This Safari Special?

  • Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River

  • Explore multiple premier national parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara

  • Big Five encounters: Lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards

  • Expert driver-guides familiar with every corner of Tanzania’s wildlife hotspots

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, power sockets, and binoculars

  • All-inclusive experience: meals, park fees, game drives, and mineral water

Quick Itinerary Snapshot

  • 🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport

  • 🗓️ Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire National Park

  • 🗓️ Day 3: Drive to Central Serengeti National Park

  • 🗓️ Day 4: North Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

  • 🗓️ Day 5: North Serengeti – Mara River Migration Viewing

  • 🗓️ Day 6: Transfer Back to Central Serengeti

  • 🗓️ Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • 🗓️ Day 8: Departure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 2: Transfer to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobabs and large elephant herds. Experience your first full day of safari with a private game drive in search of lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and countless bird species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while observing wildlife along the Tarangire River. Afternoon drives offer additional wildlife photography opportunities as animals gather around water sources, especially during the dry season. Return to your lodge for dinner.

  • Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
Farm-of-Dream-Lodge-Swimming-Pool
DAY 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you’ll be greeted by your On Target Safari representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha City, the gateway to Northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.

Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring Arusha, or joining optional activities like a cultural tour of Maasai villages or visiting a local coffee plantation. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing about your safari journey.

  • Main Destination: Arusha City

  • Meals: Dinner included

On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
arushah
DAY 3: Drive to Central Serengeti National Park

Leave early for the journey to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum, a key archaeological site known as the “Cradle of Mankind.”

Arrive at the Serengeti in time for a half-day game drive. Witness lions lounging under acacias, elephants roaming the plains, and herds of wildebeest and zebras, enjoying the iconic Serengeti sunset.

  • Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Kon-Tiki-Serengeti-camp-
On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
DAY 4: North Serengeti – Mara River Migration Viewing

Today, journey to the Serengeti National Park, prime territory for observing the Great Migration at the Mara River crossings. Spend the day tracking wildebeest and zebras as they navigate river rapids, encountering crocodiles and witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions.

Also, keep an eye out for big cats hunting near the riverbanks, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the plains. Afternoon drives allow for sunset photography over rolling savannahs, creating unforgettable memories.

  • Main Destination: North Serengeti National Park

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
DAY 5: Transfer Back to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, return south to the Central Serengeti. Spend the day on full-day game drives, exploring open plains and spotting a variety of wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and antelope species.

Take advantage of the golden hour light for wildlife photography, and enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site. In the evening, check into your luxury tented camp for dinner.

  • Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Kon-Tiki-Serengeti-camp-
On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
DAY 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Depart the Serengeti early and drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands to reach the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive to spot the Big Five, hippos, flamingos, and hyenas.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater while taking in the stunning volcanic landscapes. In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge near the crater for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Main Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Farm-of-Dream-Lodge-Swimming-Pool
On Target Safaris | Tanzania safari
DAY 7: Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive

Early breakfast before heading to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos. Take a morning game drive exploring lush forests, soda lakes, and grassy plains.

Watch elephants, giraffes, baboons, buffalo, and diverse bird species. After a scenic picnic lunch, return to Arusha for a farewell dinner.

  • Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

DAY 8: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your outbound flight, concluding your unforgettable 8-day Greatest Wildebeest Migration Safari.

  • Main Destination: Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport

  • Meals: Breakfast included

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • ✔ Full board accommodation as specified on safari

  • ✔ Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

  • ✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide

  • ✔ All national park entry fees as per itinerary

  • ✔ Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • ✔ Mineral water during game drives

  • ✔ Airport transfers

Tour Exclusions

  • ✖ International flights and airport taxes

  • ✖ Visa fees and vaccinations

  • ✖ Laundry and personal items

  • ✖ Tips and gratuities

  • ✖ Travel insurance

  • ✖ Optional activities or tours

BEST TIME TO GO

This safari runs all year round, with the best wildlife viewing during:

  • June – October (dry season with excellent wildlife visibility)

Image by Anton Darius

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