wildbeest migration river crossing (6 days)

$1,800.00 /

per person
  • 6 Days / 5 Night

Through Tanzania’s most popular Northern Parks, revolving around Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The highlight of this safari will be to experience the “Calving of Wildebeest” which only takes place once a year from January to end of March, an exciting natural phenomenon not to be missed.

The high drama of a river crossing at the Mara River is arguably the highlight of the Wildebeest Migration, a stunning life-and-death display as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest brave the treacherous currents and lurking crocodiles in a last ditch attempt to reach the safety of the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Our six-day river crossing safari takes you into the northern Serengeti and offers the best chance of seeing death-defying leaps and heart-wrenching near misses as you spend multiple nights and days in the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

 

Safari Itinerary

1

DAY 1 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, your adventure continues as you depart from Arusha for the scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The approximately two-hour journey will take you through the vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu, which is renowned for its agricultural produce and bustling market. This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into the local cultures and offers a fantastic opportunity for souvenir shopping.

 

As you enter Lake Manyara National Park, get ready to immerse yourself in a photographer's paradise. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional game viewing opportunities. You'll have the chance to encounter a wide array of Africa's most iconic animals, with a special highlight being the tree-climbing lions. These majestic predators can often be spotted lounging in the branches of acacia trees, creating a truly remarkable sight that is bound to ignite your passion for photography.

 

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant avian species that call Lake Manyara their home. The park is a haven for bird-watching, offering a diverse range of species to observe and capture on camera. From vibrant flocks of flamingos to circling birds of prey and the striking lilac-breasted roller, the park presents a captivating display of birdlife that will leave even novice bird-watchers in awe.

 

After an exhilarating day of game viewing and bird-watching, you'll retire to your chosen accommodation for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night's sleep. Take this opportunity to savor the experiences and memories of the day, knowing that you've witnessed the beauty of Lake Manyara and its incredible wildlife firsthand.

 

2

DAY 2 - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (SERONERA REGION)

After a fulfilling breakfast, you'll embark on an exciting day of exploration and adventure in the Serengeti. The journey to the park is filled with breathtaking scenery as you pass through the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Keep your eyes peeled as you might have the opportunity to spot cape buffalos, baboons, elephants, and even elusive leopards amidst the dense vegetation.

 

The drive to the Serengeti park gates takes around four hours, and along the way, you have the option to enhance your experience with two optional activities.

 

Olduvai Gorge Museum: Known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Olduvai Gorge Museum showcases the oldest evidence of human habitation ever discovered. Here, you can marvel at some of the world's oldest fossil evidence, learn about the human journey, and enjoy the stunning views of the rugged gorge country.

 

Maasai boma visit: Immerse yourself in the rich Maasai culture by visiting one of the renowned Maasai bomas. You'll have the chance to witness traditional Maasai dances, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even explore the local market for souvenirs.

 

Both activities incur additional costs, so consult with your safari expert to include them in your itinerary if you're interested.

 

After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it's time to delve into the wonders of the Serengeti itself. As you step onto the iconic savannah landscape, you'll be greeted by an awe-inspiring sight—the vast grassy plains teeming with wildlife.

 

Prepare to be amazed by the abundance of animals that roam freely in their natural habitat. From graceful gazelles to majestic lions, the Serengeti is home to an incredible array of wildlife that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.

 

As the day draws to a close, you'll enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, surrounded by the serene beauty of the wilderness. Choose your accommodation based on your preferred standard and type, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable experience in this remarkable destination.

 

 

3

DAY 3 - SERENGETI NP (SERONERA REGION) - SERENGETI NP (KOGATENDE REGION)

 

After a satisfying breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic drive across the vast plains of Togoro and traverse the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes, which are small hills, as we venture into the northern reaches of the Serengeti.

 

During the drive, you'll have the opportunity to witness the remarkable diversity of the Serengeti's landscapes. From wooded hills to rocky kopjes and expansive savannahs, the scenery will captivate your senses. Keep your eyes peeled as the wildlife sightings are plentiful, ranging from the tiny dik-dik to the majestic elephants and towering giraffes.

 

As we reach the Kogatende region, renowned for its wildlife abundance, we'll embark on an exhilarating search for two of the Serengeti's most iconic attractions—the Wildebeest Migration and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Witnessing the great wildebeest migration is a truly extraordinary experience as you observe thousands of these majestic animals in their annual journey across the plains.

 

Throughout the day, your experienced guide will navigate the region, ensuring you have the best chances of encountering these incredible wildlife spectacles. Keep your camera at the ready to capture these awe-inspiring moments.

 

After a day filled with adventure and wildlife encounters, we'll head back to your chosen accommodation, where you can relish a delicious dinner and reminisce about the extraordinary sightings and experiences of the day. Prepare for a restful night, as you'll need to recharge for the next day's exploration in this wildlife-rich region of the Serengeti.

 

4

DAY 4 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (KOGATENDE REGION)

 

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll set off on an exciting game drive in the Kogatende area of the Serengeti. Our primary focus will be exploring the kopjes, which are rocky outcrops, in search of carnivores and the immense herds of the Wildebeest Migration that are preparing to cross the Mara River into Kenya.

 

The kopjes provide excellent vantage points for observing predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they scan the grasslands for potential prey. You'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating dynamics of the African savannah, where predator-prey interactions play out in the wild.

 

As we venture closer to the Mara River, you'll discover why it is a crucial obstacle for the Wildebeest Migration. Teeming with hippos and Nile crocodiles, the river poses a perilous challenge for the migrating herds. With patience and a touch of luck, you may even have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the dramatic river crossing itself, where wildebeest and zebras summon their courage to navigate the currents and face the lurking crocodiles in their quest for safety on the opposite bank.

 

After a thrilling day of wildlife exploration, we'll retreat to our chosen accommodation in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. Here, you'll savor a delicious dinner while reflecting on the incredible sightings and memorable experiences of the day. Allow the serene ambiance of the Serengeti to envelop you as you settle in for a peaceful overnight stay, ready for more adventures that await on the following day.

 

5

DAY 5 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (KOGATENDE REGION) - NGORONGORO

 

 

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, we'll embark on our journey back to the Ngorongoro Crater National Park. This time, we'll take a different route through the Serengeti, offering you another opportunity to spot the incredible diversity of wildlife that roams these vast plains.

 

As we traverse the Serengeti, your eyes will be treated to a spectacular sight—thousands upon thousands of animals in their natural habitat. The wildebeests and zebras will capture your attention as they migrate together, creating a mesmerizing display of movement and unity. Giraffes will grace the landscape with their elegance, while antelopes and gazelles showcase their agility with impressive jumps. The powerful African elephants will command your respect, and you'll witness the fascinating dynamics of predator and prey as the predators, including lean cheetahs, elusive leopards, and foraging hyenas, seek their next meal.

 

But the true icon of the African savannah awaits you—the lion, the king of the jungle. With a bit of luck, you may have the privilege of observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, witnessing their regal presence and raw power.

 

As the day draws to a close, we'll settle in for dinner and overnight accommodation either on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in the charming town of Karatu, depending on the standard and type of accommodation you have chosen. Allow yourself to unwind and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes you've experienced during your safari adventure.

 

 

6

DAY 6 - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA

 

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a place often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. As we approach the crater, prepare yourself for a breathtaking sight. The expansive, green caldera will unfold before your eyes from the panoramic viewpoint, leaving you in awe of its grandeur.

 

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the fabled Big Five—elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as the playful hippos enjoying the cool waters. With the comfort of an open-top vehicle, you'll have the perfect vantage point to observe and capture photographs of Africa's iconic animals.

 

Within the crater's boundaries, a thriving predator population resides, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas. The plentiful herbivores such as wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and cape buffaloes attract these predators, creating a dynamic ecosystem that showcases nature's intricate balance. The Ngorongoro Crater is rightfully hailed as one of Africa's premier safari destinations, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters.

 

As the day unfolds with thrills and excitement, we'll pause for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool within the park. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the sight and sounds of these magnificent creatures before we make our way back to Arusha, where you'll spend the night. Take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered during your safari adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater.

 

Accommodation Options

  • SAFARIS IN LODGES 4 STARS
    • Overall

    • $3,500.00 per Person

  • SAFARIS IN LODGES 5 STARS
    • Overall

    • From $4,800.00 per Person

  • SAFARIS IN LODGES 5 STARS
    • Overall

    • From $17,500.00 per Person

  • Learn More About Accommodation Click here

    Included & Excluded


  • Package Included
    • All Park Fees
    • 4x4 Safari Vehicle
    • Professional English Speaking Guide
    • All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
    • Game safari to national park as specified
    • Mineral Water
    • All game viewing activities specified
  • Package Excludes
    • International Flights
    • Visa
    • Drinks on Accommodations
    • Personal items
    • Increases in park fees where applicable
    • Tips and Gratitude

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