9 Days Wildbeest Migration – River Crossing
TOUR OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you will begin a scenic drive of approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its immense elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which serves as a vital water source for animals during the dry season. Here, you will see large herds of zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and impalas congregating near the riverbanks. The park is also home to fascinating small wildlife, including dwarf mongooses and colorful red and yellow barbets. Your evening ends with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at your lodge or camp.
Day 2: Tarangire to Seronera (Central Serengeti)
After breakfast, you will depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying dramatic landscapes and wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at Naabi Gate, check-in is followed by lunch, after which you embark on your first game drive into the central Serengeti. The area is abundant with wildlife, from lions and leopards to zebras and gazelles, providing unforgettable photographic opportunities. As night falls, the Serengeti comes alive with sounds of the wild, making it a truly immersive experience. You will spend the night in comfortable accommodation, surrounded by nature and the untamed African wilderness.
Day 3: Seronera to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
After an early breakfast, you will journey approximately 150 kilometers to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende), an area that serves as a key stopover during the wildebeest migration. Northern Serengeti is home to resident herbivores such as giraffes, topis, impalas, and Thomson’s gazelles. You may also encounter large elephant herds and predators such as lions and cheetahs stalking their prey. The open savannah and riverine forests provide endless wildlife viewing opportunities. After an exhilarating day of exploration, enjoy a well-deserved dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp, ready to wake early the next day for more thrilling safari adventures.
Day 4 to 7: Full Day in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
These days are devoted to fully experiencing the Northern Serengeti, focusing on the iconic Mara River where the wildebeest undertake their perilous crossing. Early mornings begin with breakfast followed by game drives, tracking herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they navigate predator-filled landscapes. The river crossing is a spectacle, as crocodiles lie in ambush, creating a dramatic display of survival. Wildlife photography opportunities are endless, capturing lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hippos along the way. Evenings are spent returning to your lodge or camp for dinner, relaxation, and recounting the day’s incredible encounters. These days offer the safari experience of a lifetime.
Day 8: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic landscapes and wildlife sightings en route. While today does not include a descent into the crater, you will encounter elephants, zebras, and other wildlife along the journey. The Ngorongoro area is rich in biodiversity and features unique volcanic landscapes. Arriving at your lodge or camp on the crater rim, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the crater below. Sunset over the crater creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography. After dinner, relax at your accommodation and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera at 610 meters deep. The crater hosts over 120 mammal species, including the Big Five, offering one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. You will have the opportunity to see endangered black rhinoceroses, hippos lounging in waterholes, and large herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. After a full morning of game viewing and a picnic lunch in this remarkable setting, continue with a short drive to Arusha. Arriving in the evening, your safari concludes with memories of dramatic migrations, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Included
Excluded
