6-Day Beach to Bush: Northern Serengeti Mara River Migration Safari

Tour Overview

Price Start From $ 2890 Per Person, 2 Pax

This exclusive safari is specially designed for travelers whose main goal is to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti National Park. Beginning on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, the journey takes you from tropical beaches to the remote wilderness of northern Tanzania, where one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles unfolds.

The focus of this itinerary is the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather along the Mara River between mid-July and October. Here, herds attempt dangerous river crossings while crocodiles wait in the waters and predators patrol the riverbanks. This package is carefully structured to maximize your time in the north, giving you the best possible chance of witnessing this extraordinary natural event.

In addition to the migration, you will also explore the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park and the wildlife-dense floor of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, creating a complete Northern Tanzania safari experience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Zanzibar to Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha. Upon arrival, meet your professional safari guide and drive to Tarangire National Park.

You may choose to begin with a guided walking safari for a closer connection to nature, learning about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife species, or proceed directly with a game drive. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue exploring the riverine areas where wildlife gathers. In the late afternoon, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

As the day winds down, transfer to Kankari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay, relaxing in comfort after a day of adventure.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation: Kankari Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park (Central)

After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as one of Africa’s natural wonders.
The crater floor supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lions, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a half-day game drive with a picnic lunch near the hippo pool.
In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls with your picnic lunch and continue your journey into the Serengeti National Park. Arrive at your tented camp in time for dinner and overnight under the vast African sky.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Friends Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti

Wake early for a morning game drive in Central Serengeti, known for its high concentration of predators. Lions rest on rocky kopjes, cheetahs patrol the open plains, and leopards hide in acacia trees.

After a picnic lunch, continue with a scenic game drive northward toward the Northern Serengeti. As you approach the Mara River region, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote.

Arrive at your northern camp, strategically located near migration routes, for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic Views

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4: Full Day in Northen Serengeti

Today is dedicated entirely to the Great Migration. For an unforgettable start, you may choose an optional hot air balloon safari at dawn, floating silently above the Serengeti plains as the sun rises, before enjoying a champagne breakfast upon landing. The rest of the day is spent tracking the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras as they gather along the Mara River. With patience and the guidance of your expert safari team, you may witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles the river crossings as thousands of animal’s plunges into the water while crocodiles and predators wait nearby.

A picnic lunch in the bush keeps you immersed in the wilderness, after which you continue exploring until sunset. As evening falls, return to camp for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the Serengeti and a star-filled sky.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic Views

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Dedicate another full day to exploring different areas of the Northern Serengeti. Early morning game drives offer the best opportunity to witness predator action, especially lions and hyenas following the migration.

The open plains and riverine forests provide excellent photographic opportunities, whether capturing large herds on the move or intimate predator encounters.

After a picnic lunch, continue your afternoon exploration before returning to camp for your final night in the Serengeti wilderness.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Serengeti Classic Views

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Zanzibar

Enjoy an early breakfast followed by a final short game drive to the airstrip. Take in your last views of the Serengeti plains before boarding your flight back to Zanzibar.

Arrive on the island in the afternoon, where the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches welcome you back concluding your extraordinary beach-to-bush safari adventure.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch