10-Day Great Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari

Overview

This 10-day safari adventure is crafted for wildlife lovers eager to witness one of nature’s most dramatic events: the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River. From August to October, the northern Serengeti becomes the stage for this heart-stopping spectacle as thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes cross crocodile-infested waters in search of greener pastures. Alongside this, you’ll explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and the iconic Serengeti — a journey packed with Big Five sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

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Let Shafino Wildlife Safaris craft your unforgettable safari — for the peace of your mind.

Day to Day Itinerary

Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, followed by a transfer to your selected lodge or hotel in Arusha. Relax, refresh, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

🍽 Meals: At own expense
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange lodge or hotel in Arusha

Travel across the scenic Maasai plains to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. From your safari vehicle, watch zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, buffaloes, and (with luck) lions or leopards in the shade of the acacias.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange lodge or camp in Karatu

Cross the lush Ngorongoro highlands, catching your first glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and continue into the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park. Spend the afternoon on a game drive across diverse habitats, home to everything from elephants and lions to hippos and crocodiles.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected luxury tented camp in Central Serengeti

Today you head north toward the Mara River, home to the legendary wildebeest crossings. This less-traveled part of the Serengeti offers rolling hills, small rivers, and incredible wildlife, including the iconic Lobo Kopjes.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange tented camp near the Mara River

Spend a full day tracking the Great Migration at the Mara River, where hundreds of thousands of animals brave the strong currents and lurking crocodiles. This is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on Earth.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange tented camp near the Mara River

Return to central Serengeti, continuing your search for the resident predators — lions, cheetahs, and leopards — who follow the herds. Along the way, enjoy the sweeping savannas and incredible wildlife density.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected luxury tented camp in Central Serengeti

Enjoy one last Serengeti game drive before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Tonight, you’ll stay at a lodge or camp with stunning crater views, ready for an unforgettable descent into Africa’s natural amphitheater tomorrow.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange lodge or camp near Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to a dense population of wildlife including endangered black rhinos, massive elephants, lions, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and over 500 bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending the crater walls and heading to Karatu.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange lodge or camp in Karatu

Your final safari stop is Lake Manyara National Park, known for its soda lake, pink flamingos, baboon-filled forests, and the rare tree-climbing lions. After a picnic lunch, return to Arusha for a final night of relaxation.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Selected midrange lodge or hotel in Arusha

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward travel. If you wish, extend your adventure with a Zanzibar beach escape!

🍽 Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

  • National park fees and permits
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All game drives and safari activities (non-optional)
  • Midrange lodge or camp accommodation (as per itinerary)
  • All road transportation in a private 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • Meals as specified (including bottled water, one beer per adult per day, plus white or red wine)
  • All government taxes and VAT

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged)
  • Tips and gratuities (suggested $15–$20 per adult per day)
  • Personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance, and visa fees

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