8 Days Northern Serengeti Migration River Crossings

Overview

From about July to October, the great herds gather on the banks of the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, then plunge across it in spectacular, unpredictable crossings. This safari is built around that moment. After a night in the Karatu highlands and a night in the central Serengeti, you spend three nights in the quiet far north, with long days beside the river and in the surrounding plains. On the way back you break the journey in the central Serengeti before finishing at Ngorongoro.

• Three nights in the northern Serengeti close to the Mara River
• Best chance of witnessing a wildebeest river crossing (July to October)
• Quiet northern plains with far fewer vehicles
• Central Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Crater
• Upper mid-range camps and lodges

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1 Arusha to Karatu

   Drive via Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu to the Karatu highlands for a relaxed evening.

   Stay: Upper mid-range lodge in Karatu Meals: Lunch, dinner

2. Day2 Karatu to the central Serengeti

   Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the plains to Seronera, with game drives en route.

   Stay: Upper mid-range tented camp in the central Serengeti Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

3. Day3 Central to northern Serengeti

   Drive north through the Seronera valley and the Lobo hills to the Mara River region. This is a long day of game viewing across ever-changing landscapes. (A charter flight to the north can replace the drive.)

   Stay: Upper mid-range tented camp in the northern Serengeti Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

4. Day4 Mara River day

   Spend the day along the Mara River, waiting at lookout points for the herds to cross. Crossings are unpredictable, so we use your guide's experience and plenty of patience. Hippos and crocodiles fill the river below.

   Stay: Upper mid-range tented camp in the northern Serengeti Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

5. Day5 Second day in the north

   Explore the northern plains and the river valleys, with more chances at crossings, lion prides, leopards and elephants. The north is far quieter than the south.

   Stay: Upper mid-range tented camp in the northern Serengeti Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

6. Day6 Northern to central Serengeti

   Drive south through the park, stopping for game viewing in the Seronera area on the way.

   Stay: Upper mid-range tented camp in the central Serengeti Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

7. Day7 Serengeti to Ngorongoro rim

   Take a final morning game drive, then travel via Olduvai Gorge to the Ngorongoro rim for sunset views over the caldera.

   Stay: Upper mid-range lodge on the Ngorongoro rim Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

8. Day8 Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

   Descend into the crater at dawn for a half-day game drive, then drive back to Arusha.

   Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Where you'll go

Serengeti

Ngorongoro Crater