MARA RIVER MIGRATION ADVENTURE
Enjoy exciting game drives and experience the raw beauty of Tanzania wilderness regions. Witness the great migration as vast herds of wildebeests cross the Mara River, braving powerful currents and lurking crocodiles.
July - October
8 Days | 7 Nights
Day 1 :Your Journey start at Kilimanjaro International Airport
After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will be ready to welcome you and help with customs clearance. Then, we’ll make sure you have a comfortable ride to your accommodation in Arusha. There, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and get a good night’s rest. This is a perfect time to relax and prepare for the exciting safari ahead while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Lodging
Mt Meru Game Lodge or Similar
Day 2: Maasai Village-Cultural Tour- Karatu
This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on an enriching visit to a local Maasai village, where you will gain insight into the traditions and way of life of one of the few tribes that have preserved their cultural heritage with pride. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to observe their daily activities and learn about their customs.
Following your visit, you will take a short drive to Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural tour, exploring its vibrant banana and rice plantations. Here, you will enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, savoring authentic African cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.
In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to Karatu, arriving in time to settle in and prepare for the next phase of your adventure.
Lodging
Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Karatu or Similar
Day 3: Explore the basin of the Ngorongoro Crater - Drive to Eastern Central Serengeti
Start your adventure early at around 5:30 AM, gathering your luggage and packing delicious breakfast and lunch boxes. Then, embark on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. As you make your way to the crater, you’ll witness the stunning landscapes that make this area so special.
Upon arrival, prepare to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique ecosystem that promises an unforgettable exploration. This magnificent caldera is home to an incredible variety of wildlife set against a breathtaking backdrop. It offers one of the best chances in Africa to see the rare black rhino. The Ngorongoro Crater is known as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, captivating visitors with its magical scenery and rich animal life. You’ll have the opportunity to spot many predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, and the elusive caracal.
During your adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic spots on the crater floor, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. After lunch, head to the hippo pool near Mandusi Swamp, where you can observe these fascinating creatures up close. Explore the alkaline Lake Magadi, located in the southwestern corner of the crater. This large, shallow lake is a key feature of the area, attracting various bird species and other wildlife. You’ll also visit the lush Lerai Forest and other parts of the crater, searching for different wildlife interactions in this vibrant environment.
After an exciting day in the crater, leave this remarkable place and drive towards the central eastern plains of the Serengeti via the stunning Gol Kopjes. This area features ethereal granite formations and short grass plains that create a fragile yet beautiful habitat. Driving through the Gol Kopjes offers breathtaking views of the vast open plains and abundant wildlife, including gazelles and cheetahs.
In the late afternoon, continue your journey to your camp, arriving in time to enjoy a delicious dinner. Reflect on the day’s adventures as you settle in, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness
Lodgings
Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Central Serengeti
Day 4: Explore the Eastern Serengeti Plains and Kopjes - A Scenic Drive Ahead
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Central-Eastern Serengeti, a region renowned for its diverse landscapes and exceptional wildlife. This unique transition zone blends vast open grasslands with scattered acacia woodlands and rocky kopjes, creating a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life.
Spend the day exploring this untamed wilderness, home to large herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, topis, reedbucks, buffalo, baboons, and vervet monkeys. The iconic granite kopjes serve as prime vantage points for predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making this one of the best areas for big cat sightings.
The Seronera River Valley, a vital water source, sustains resident wildlife year-round and attracts seasonal migrations, leading to dramatic wildlife interactions. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to witness predators in action and admire the Serengeti’s golden landscapes under the soft light of dawn and dusk.
As the day draws to a close, return to your lodge or camp, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the Serengeti beneath the vast African sky.
Lodgings
Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Central Serengeti
Day 5: Scenic Drive Through Lamai: A Secluded Safari in the Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the remote and captivating Lamai area in the Northern Serengeti. Known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Lamai offers a more secluded safari experience. As you journey through the open plains dotted with acacia trees and granite kopjes, you may spot giraffes on the horizon, zebras grazing in large herds, and lions resting in the shade.
Upon arrival at your camp in time for lunch, take a moment to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this incredible region. Situated near the Mara River, Lamai is a prime wildlife viewing spot, especially during the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the river in one of nature’s most dramatic displays. Predators such as crocodiles, lions, and leopards are also often seen in the area, waiting for an opportunity to hunt.
After some rest, head out for an exciting evening game drive, exploring Lamai’s rugged landscapes. The rocky kopjes provide hiding spots for predators like cheetahs and leopards, while the expansive savannah is home to elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. The absence of crowds enhances the sense of intimacy with nature, offering peaceful, uninterrupted wildlife encounters.
As the sun sets, the Lamai region is bathed in a warm, golden glow, and the evening game drive provides the perfect opportunity to see animals becoming more active in the cooler hours. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Lamai offers an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Serengeti.
Lodgings
Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai
Day 6 and 7: Discover the beauty of Northern Serengeti
Prepare for an unforgettable two-days adventure in the northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River and the enchanting Lamai area. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these regions with early morning and late afternoon game drives, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife moments.
As dawn breaks, depart from the camp with a picnic breakfast in hand, setting off on a thrilling journey to track the massive herds of the Great Migration. The Mara River, glowing in the soft morning light, offers the perfect backdrop for witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebras crossing the water. Watch as the herds carefully assess the dangers of crocodiles and unpredictable currents before making their daring plunge.
Find a peaceful spot along the river to enjoy your picnic breakfast, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Serengeti. Afterward, return to camp for a leisurely lunch, giving you time to relax and reflect on the amazing experiences of the morning.
In the afternoon, head out again for another game drive as the sun sets, exploring the Mara River and the captivating Wogakuria kopjes. The warm, golden light of sunset enhances the landscape, offering a magical view of the wildlife as they move through this stunning terrain.
The Mara River and Lamai area showcase the natural beauty and vitality of the Serengeti’s northern region, where untouched wilderness is teeming with life. As the day ends, return to camp, filled with the excitement of your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, and look forward to more incredible moments in the days ahead.
Lodgings
Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai
Day 8: A Scenic Farewell From Serengeti
Start your day with an early breakfast at the camp, soaking in the peaceful morning ambiance before heading toward Lamai Airstrip. Along the way, enjoy one last opportunity for wildlife viewing as the Serengeti’s vast plains and remarkable animals bid you farewell.
Afterward, board a scenic bush flight from Lamai to Arusha, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti and surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, you will visit a nearby cultural heritage site, where you’ll have the option to browse for authentic Tanzanian souvenirs—an excellent way to bring a piece of your adventure home.
A short drive will then take you to Airport Planet Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a tranquil setting, offering the perfect moment to relax and reflect on your incredible journey. Later, unwind over an early farewell dinner, savoring your final evening in Tanzania before your onward travel arrangements.
Day Use Room
Airport Planet Lodge
Safari Enhancement choices
Early arrival Option
Arrive a day before your scheduled trip to unwind, explore the area at your own pace, and fully immerse yourself in the journey ahead.this extra time allows for a smooth start, ensuring you're refreshed and ready for the adventure that awaits.
Balloon safari
As the sun rises, you’ll gently ascend into the sky, floating silently above the vast Serengeti plains. From this unique vantage point, you’ll witness herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other wildlife roaming freely below.