8 Days Mid-Range Safari

Mara River Crossing, Serengeti, Tarangire & Ngorongoro

Overview

This 8-day safari offers the ultimate Serengeti adventure, centered on the dramatic Mara River crossing. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested river. The itinerary also includes Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, providing a comprehensive Tanzanian safari experience. With four nights in the Serengeti, including two at the Mara River, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in this natural spectacle. This journey delivers an unforgettable combination of wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and cultural insights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening preparing for your safari adventure. Explore the town, visit local markets, or simply unwind at your hotel.

Overnight: The African Tulip Hotel
Meals: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. Enjoy full-day game drives, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. The park’s varied landscapes provide incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

Begin early and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience a full-day game drive, encountering the Big Five and other remarkable wildlife. A picnic lunch inside the crater completes this unforgettable adventure.Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Central Serengeti

Transfer to the Central Serengeti, famous for resident wildlife and excellent year-round game viewing. Enjoy game drives en route to the northern Serengeti, spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs across the vast plains.

Overnight: Mara Serengeti Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mara River Crossing (Northern Serengeti)

Journey to the Northern Serengeti, witnessing the iconic Mara River crossing. Observe thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles braving the river’s strong currents and crocodile threats. Your guide ensures the best vantage points to witness this spectacular event.

Overnight: Mara Serengeti Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mara River Crossing (Northern Serengeti)

Spend another day exploring the Mara River region. Search for multiple river crossings, observe wildlife encounters, and spot lion prides resting on kopjes.

Overnight: Serengeti Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Central Serengeti – Karatu

Enjoy a final morning game drive before transferring back to Central Serengeti, then continue to Karatu near Ngorongoro Crater. Experience changing landscapes and spot smaller wildlife and bird species along the way.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha, with time to relax or explore the town before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure.

Include

  • All park entry fees

  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary

  • All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Bottled water during game drives

Exclude

  • International flights

  • Visa fees

  • Tips for driver/guide and lodge staff

  • Drinks (except bottled water during game drives)

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

  • Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari, walking safari)

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Discover Tanzania’s northern circuit with budget, luxury, and classic safari packages — taking you to some of the most amazing wildlife hotspots in Northern Tanzania.