8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing
The 8-day wildebeest migration river crossing safari is crafted to provide an opportunity to observe the dramatic wildebeest river crossing at the Mara River, characterized by heightened anticipation and trepidation as the wildebeest confront formidable Nile crocodiles and predators lurking along the banks.
The wildebeest migration river crossings commence in July when the herds progress northward, traversing the Lobo and Wagakuria regions on route to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. In August and September, the wildebeest herds disperse throughout the northern Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve, with some individuals remaining in the region; fluctuations in weather may occasionally prompt their return from the Mara. In October, the herds migrate southward to the central Serengeti National Park through the Lobo region of the park.
Highlights of 8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing
- Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
- Day 3: Serengeti National Park
- Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
- Day 5: Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
- Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 7: Ngorongoro crater floor
- Day 8: Arusha
Detailed itinerary for 8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, your safari guide from All Tanzania Safaris will collect you from your hotel, provide a quick overview of the safari, and transport you to Tarangire National Park. Arrive punctually for lunch, which will occur after check-in; in the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive.
Tarangire National Park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania located in the Manyara region. The park is home to enormous herds of elephants and tree climbing lions among other wildlife species. The park’s terrain is characterized by the intriguing Baobab trees, known as the Tree of Life due to the almost legendary attributes ascribed to them by certain groups in Tanzania. Throughout the game drive, you will encounter a diverse array of fauna, including bush elephants, lions, hippos, leopards, cheetahs, African buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, African wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, warthogs, and jackals, among others.
Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Following breakfast, you will be collected from the resort and transported to the central region of Serengeti – the Seronera Area, renowned for its abundant resident species, including the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
- Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, go on a comprehensive game drive in the Serengeti National Park, tracing the Great Migration Trails. During the excursion, our ranger will impart intriguing information regarding the wildebeest migration and the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts approximately 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles that accompany the wildebeest migration in search of fresh pastures.
- Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 4: Explore Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
Following breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive game drive in the Kogatende sector of Serengeti National Park, focusing on observing the great migration in the Mara Area throughout the day. The population of resident wildlife in the Wagakuria area is notably strong, with the Mara River serving as a prominent landmark where one may observe herds crossing to the north and returning south a few days later.
Be advised: seeing the Mara River crossing can be challenging and often depends on chance; a herd may be present near the river yet may choose to cross several days later. The Kogatende area is a remarkable environment characterized by kopjes, woodlands, riverine flora, and vast grasslands akin to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
- Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 5: Continue Exploring Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
After breakfast, you will go to the Serengeti North for viewing of the Great Migration at the Mara spot, the essential spot to see is the Mara River. It is not unusual for the herds to traverse the Mara River northward one day and subsequently return southward a few days later. Observing the river crossings is quite difficult and often contingent upon chance; there are occasions when the herds are positioned adjacent to the river yet choose to cross several days later.
- Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 6: Transfer tom Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Following breakfast, you will proceed to the park for an additional game drive in the Serengeti plains. After lunch, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum, a renowned archaeological site in East Africa. At Laetoli, situated 45 kilometers south of Olduvai Gorge, you will observe hominin footprints preserved in volcanic rock, dating back 3.6 million years, which signify some of the earliest evidence of humanity.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Following breakfast, you will descend to the crater floor for a wildlife drive. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a vast highland region situated along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley and is home to the globally renowned Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest intact caldera in existence. During the game drive on the crater floor, you will observe a diverse array of species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, Cape buffaloes, elands, and warthogs, among others. You will also visit Lake Magadi where you will view enormous population of pink flamingoes.
Proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
- Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 8: Transfer Back Arusha
Following breakfast, you will vacate the hotel and commence your journey back to Arusha for airport drop-off for your subsequent departure.
-
Inclusions
-
Transportations on a 4 x 4 safari vehicle with a pop up roof
-
Accommodations and meals as stated
-
Entrance fees to all National Parks
-
En route lunches
-
Bottled water
-
Professional English speaking driver guide
-
English Driver guide
Exclusions
-
Visa Fees & flights
-
Optional activities
-
Tips for Guides
-
Laundry
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
International vaccinations & tests
-
Health test requirements
-
Personal Travel Insurance
-
Items of a personal nature
-