6-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing Adventure
Three nights near the Mara River in crossing season, with the central Serengeti's predators either side.
- Days / nights
- 6 / 5
- Starts
- From Arusha
- From, per person
- $2,017
- Destinations
- Serengeti
Experience one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on this unforgettable 6-day Serengeti Great Migration Safari with NAVOI. Designed around the seasonal movement of enormous wildebeest and zebra herds, this adventure takes you deep into the legendary Serengeti ecosystem, where sweeping grasslands, riverine woodlands, and dramatic river landscapes provide the setting for exceptional wildlife encounters. The highlight of your journey is the Northern Serengeti's Mara River region, where migrating herds may gather along the riverbanks and attempt crossings during the migration season. With experienced local guides, carefully planned game drives, and opportunities to explore both central and northern Serengeti habitats, this safari offers a remarkable combination of adventure, wildlife photography, and authentic African wilderness experiences.
Your journey begins in Arusha before continuing toward the Serengeti, one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the central Serengeti, renowned for its resident wildlife populations, rocky kopjes, and productive predator habitats, before traveling north toward the Kogatende and Mara River areas. During the appropriate migration months, particularly from approximately July through October, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may be found moving through the northern plains and gathering near river crossing points. Here, you will spend extended time exploring suitable wildlife-viewing areas while searching for herds, predators, and the extraordinary interactions that make the Great Migration so famous. River crossings are unpredictable natural events, and sightings depend on rainfall, herd movements, and the timing of your visit.
Beyond the migration itself, this six-day safari offers wonderful opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, and numerous antelope species across the Serengeti's diverse ecosystems. Your professional safari driver-guide will use current wildlife information and seasonal conditions to plan rewarding game drives, allowing you to appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of this remarkable destination. Comfortable safari accommodation provides a relaxing retreat after each day of exploration, while the flexibility of a private 4×4 vehicle allows a more personalized experience. Whether your priority is witnessing migrating herds, photographing dramatic wildlife scenes, or exploring the Serengeti's breathtaking landscapes, this journey promises a memorable encounter with one of Africa's greatest natural wonders.
Choose your comfort level.
- Night 1 Central Serengeti On request Serengeti Safari Haven Serengeti Sametu Camp
- Nights 2–4 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) On request Sero Tented Camp Mara Mara Tented Lodge
- Night 5 Central Serengeti On request Serengeti Safari Haven Serengeti Sametu Camp
All accommodation is subject to availability. If a lodge is full for your dates, we'll propose an equivalent of the same standard for your approval.
Highlights of the journey
- Search for the Legendary Mara River CrossingsExplore the Northern Serengeti's river corridors during migration season, when wildebeest herds may attempt dramatic crossings.
- Discover the Northern SerengetiTravel through remote plains, rolling hills, and riverine landscapes that form a vital part of the Great Migration route.
- Enjoy Exceptional Predator EncountersSearch for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas across the Serengeti's diverse wildlife habitats.
- Explore Central and Northern SerengetiExperience contrasting landscapes, from the central plains and rocky kopjes to the beautiful Mara River region.
- Experience Authentic Safari AccommodationRelax in comfortable safari lodges or tented camps surrounded by the atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Your route
Your itinerary.
Arusha to Central Serengeti National Park
Your unforgettable Great Migration safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha, where you will meet your professional safari driver-guide and receive a briefing about the adventure ahead. Depart toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park, traveling through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania and the spectacular Ngorongoro highlands. Along the way, admire rolling hills, Maasai pastoral landscapes, and beautiful viewpoints before continuing westward toward the vast plains of the Serengeti ecosystem. As the landscape opens into sweeping grasslands and scattered acacia trees, you will begin to appreciate the extraordinary scale of one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Your guide will stop at suitable viewpoints and designated rest areas during the journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and capture memorable photographs.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch before continuing toward the central Serengeti, where your first wildlife game drive introduces you to the park's remarkable biodiversity. Explore open grasslands, rocky kopjes, and riverine habitats in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. The central Serengeti is particularly famous for its resident predator populations, making it an exciting destination for wildlife photography and observation throughout the year. As the afternoon draws to a close, travel to your selected safari lodge or tented camp for check-in. Enjoy dinner and spend your first evening surrounded by the remarkable atmosphere of the Serengeti wilderness.
Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti – Kogatende
After an early breakfast at your accommodation, depart for the Northern Serengeti, traveling through the park's beautiful and increasingly remote landscapes. The journey takes you across sweeping grasslands, gently rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and riverine habitats, providing wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. Your guide will search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and predators as you continue toward the Kogatende region, one of the most important areas for viewing the Great Migration during the northern migration season. Depending on rainfall and herd movements, you may begin encountering large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras as they move through the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing your journey toward the Mara River area, where the landscape becomes particularly exciting during the migration season. The river and surrounding plains form an important part of the migration route, with herds sometimes gathering near crossing points before moving across the water. Your guide will explore suitable wildlife-viewing routes and identify areas where migrating animals have recently been observed. River crossings are unpredictable and may happen without warning, so patience and flexibility are important parts of the experience. In the late afternoon, travel to your selected Northern Serengeti lodge or tented camp, where you will enjoy dinner and relax after a rewarding day of wildlife exploration.
Full-Day Mara River Migration Safari
Wake up to the sounds of the Northern Serengeti wilderness and prepare for one of the most anticipated days of your safari. After breakfast, depart with your professional guide to explore the Mara River region, where migrating wildebeest and zebra herds may gather along the riverbanks during the appropriate season. The Mara River is one of the most famous locations associated with the Great Migration, as large herds sometimes attempt crossings while moving between grazing areas. Your guide will monitor wildlife activity and explore suitable viewpoints along the river, searching for opportunities to observe migrating animals in their natural environment. The surrounding landscapes also support elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Spend the afternoon exploring different sections of the Northern Serengeti, with the day's activities adjusted according to herd movements and wildlife conditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location while appreciating the extraordinary scenery of the northern plains. If migrating herds are gathered near the river, your guide may recommend spending additional time at suitable viewing areas, as crossings can occur unexpectedly. However, no crossing can be guaranteed, and the experience remains rewarding even when the herds do not enter the river. The Northern Serengeti offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife habitats, and excellent opportunities for photography throughout the migration season. Later in the afternoon, return to your safari accommodation for dinner and another peaceful evening in the wilderness.
Another Full Day Exploring the Mara River
Begin your fourth safari day with breakfast at your lodge before setting out for another exciting day in the Northern Serengeti. With additional time available, your guide can explore different wildlife-viewing areas and revisit suitable sections of the Mara River where migrating herds may be gathering. The extra day provides valuable flexibility because the Great Migration follows natural seasonal patterns rather than a fixed schedule. Herds may remain in one area for extended periods before moving, and their behavior is influenced by rainfall, grazing conditions, and other environmental factors. Your guide will use current wildlife observations and local knowledge to plan the day's route, searching for wildebeest, zebras, predators, and other animals inhabiting the northern plains.
Continue exploring the region through the afternoon, enjoying a picnic lunch at a designated location before resuming your game drive. The Northern Serengeti's landscapes offer beautiful photographic opportunities, from rolling grasslands and riverine forests to rocky hills and open savannahs. Beyond the migrating herds, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and a wide variety of bird species. If conditions are favorable, you may have another opportunity to observe a Mara River crossing, although sightings remain entirely dependent on natural wildlife movements. As the afternoon draws to a close, return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences of your time in the Great Migration region.
Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
After breakfast at your safari accommodation, begin the journey south toward the central Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. The drive takes you through the beautiful northern plains, rolling landscapes, and diverse habitats that make the Serengeti ecosystem so remarkable. Your guide will continue searching for wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. As you travel toward the central region, the landscape gradually changes, offering new opportunities to observe different animals and appreciate the park's ecological diversity. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may encounter migrating herds along the route, while resident wildlife remains present throughout much of the year.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey before continuing toward the central Serengeti, where rocky kopjes, riverine woodlands, and open grasslands provide excellent habitats for predators. Your guide will explore suitable areas in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other wildlife, allowing you to enjoy a final afternoon of Serengeti game viewing. The central region is particularly rewarding for wildlife photography, with beautiful landscapes and diverse animal populations. As the afternoon draws to a close, travel to your selected safari lodge or tented camp for check-in. Enjoy dinner and relax after another exciting day of wildlife exploration, preparing for your return journey to Arusha the following morning.
Central Serengeti – Return to Arusha
Begin your final safari day with an early breakfast at your accommodation before departing from the central Serengeti toward Arusha. Depending on your departure time and park regulations, enjoy wildlife viewing along the route as you travel through the park's beautiful landscapes. Keep your eyes open for giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators that may be active during the morning hours. Your guide will continue sharing insights into the Serengeti's remarkable ecosystems and the seasonal movements of the Great Migration. As you leave the Serengeti plains behind, the landscape gradually transforms into the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro highlands, where rolling hills and spectacular viewpoints create a memorable final chapter of your safari adventure.
Continue the scenic journey toward Arusha, stopping at suitable rest areas along the way and enjoying a packed lunch during the drive. The return journey provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife experiences of the past six days, from the predator-rich plains of the central Serengeti to the beautiful Mara River region of the Northern Serengeti. Upon arrival in Arusha, your guide will transfer you to your hotel or another agreed drop-off location, bringing your unforgettable Great Migration safari with NAVOI to a close. You will leave with lasting memories of Tanzania's remarkable wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and one of nature's greatest seasonal spectacles.
What's included
Includes
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- All scheduled wildlife game drives in Central and Northern Serengeti.
- Guided exploration of the Mara River migration areas.
- Serengeti National Park entrance fees.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area transit fees, where applicable.
- Five nights of safari accommodation.
- Meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities.
- Safari vehicle fuel and transportation.
- Pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
- Applicable camping or concession fees covered by the package.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guides and lodge staff.
- Optional activities and additional excursions.
- Laundry services and personal expenses.
- Airport transfers unless specifically confirmed.
- Services outside the agreed itinerary.
Optional experiences.
Added before, during or after your safari, at an extra cost. Ask us when you enquire.
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Serengeti from above during a sunrise balloon flight, followed by a special bush breakfast. Availability depends on the selected operating area.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Extension
Add an extra day to descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater and search for its extraordinary resident wildlife.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday Extension
Continue your wildlife adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on Zanzibar, combining safari experiences with beautiful Indian Ocean scenery.
Price per person, by group size.
US dollars per person, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Tap any price to see your total.
Prices are per person in US dollars, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Solo travellers and groups larger than six: price on request.
Request this journey
This holds your place as an enquiry. We confirm availability and follow up personally before anything is finalised. Nothing is charged at this stage.
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What our guests say
“They gave us a Tanzania we did not believe existed any more — empty horizons, lions at our feet, a guide who knew every bird by call. Eleven days that reset ou…”
M. Henrikssen — Copenhagen
“Every detail was considered before we even asked. Navoi somehow knew exactly what we needed, without ever making us feel managed.”
A. & J. Sinclair — London
“A private vehicle, a guide who understood light as well as wildlife, and the patience to wait for the frame. This is how a photography safari should be run.”
R. Kimura — Tokyo
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