8 Day Mid – Luxury; Mara River Great Migration Safari (Aug-Oct)
Experience a completely customized and flexible trip of a lifetime with experts you can trust.
Safari Overview
Embark on an 8-day safari offering a chance to witness the Great Migration, with accommodations ranging from mid-range to luxurious. Scheduled during the period from late July to early October, this safari coincides with the migration’s presence in the northern Serengeti. There, you may witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the migration braving the Mara River crossings in search of fresh pastures. Beyond this iconic event, the safari presents numerous opportunities to encounter Tanzania’s abundant wildlife, spanning diverse landscapes including Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and beyond!
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Arusha
Greetings to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at the airport, a representative from Arem Safaris will greet you and escort you to your lodging in Arusha. Depending on your arrival schedule, you may have the opportunity to unwind and get ready for the extraordinary adventure ahead. Arusha, bustling with activity, serves as a pivotal hub for safari expeditions in northern Tanzania, and it's a place where most travelers find themselves at some point during their journey.
Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge
Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge
Day 2 Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, your Arem safari guide will collect you from your lodging. Today's journey takes you to Tarangire National Park, a drive of approximately two and a half hours along well-maintained tarmac roads. Named after the Tarangire River that meanders through its terrain, this park is dubbed the "river of warthogs" and serves as the primary water source for wildlife during the dry season. Tarangire is renowned for its elephant herds, often spotted congregating near the riverbanks. Additionally, giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests roam the park, trailed closely by a variety of predators including lions and leopards. Tarangire boasts a remarkable diversity of bird species, with more breeding varieties than anywhere else on Earth. The landscape is dotted with colossal and age-old baobab trees, some of which are believed to have thrived for over a millennium.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a designated picnic site within the park. Following your game drive, you will transition to your accommodation in Karatu.
Overnight Marera ValleyLodge
Overnight Marera ValleyLodge
Day 3: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, you'll embark on a journey toward the cooler realms of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to pause and admire the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Subsequently, you'll traverse through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the southern region of the Serengeti.The Serengeti is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, characterized by vast open grasslands that offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Here, you'll encounter a plethora of wildlife including impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos amidst the iconic scenery. Moreover, the Serengeti is a prime habitat for predators, providing ample chances to spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards in their natural environment.
After an exhilarating game drive, you'll journey towards your accommodation in time for dinner.
Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Day 4: Central to Northern Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, your journey through the Serengeti will continue towards the northern region, with captivating stops along the way to further enhance your experience. While the Serengeti is renowned for its rich biodiversity, its most celebrated phenomenon is the annual Great Migration. This remarkable event sees vast herds of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes traversing the plains in search of fresh grazing, following a cyclical pattern. The migration spectacle can be observed at various times throughout the year, contingent upon knowing where to look. During this period, typically, the migration is concentrated in the Northern Serengeti National Park.
Your accommodation for the night will be provided at a mid-range seasonal tented camp, offering comfort amidst the wilderness.
Overnight Kon Tiki Serengeti Migration Camp
Overnight Kon Tiki Serengeti Migration Camp
Day 5 : Northern Serengeti National Park Full Day
In this part of the Serengeti, the landscape showcases a diverse array of features, including hills, riverine forests, expansive plains, and rugged rocky outcrops. Dominating the scene is the impressive Mara River, which serves as the stage for the awe-inspiring river crossing that occurs during your stay. This dramatic event unfolds as over two million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes, bravely attempt to navigate the Mara River in pursuit of sustenance and hydration. However, their journey is fraught with danger as Nile crocodiles lurk in the waters, posing a formidable obstacle. On the opposite bank, hungry lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs eagerly await the opportunity presented by the migrating herds, their stomachs rumbling with anticipation.
Overnight Kon Tiki Serengeti Migration Camp Day
Overnight Kon Tiki Serengeti Migration Camp Day
Day 6: Return to Central Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, you'll leisurely make your way back to Central Serengeti, pausing for an en-route game drive. You might opt to extend your quest for the migration before bidding farewell to this extraordinary locale. The Serengeti offers a dynamic and ever-changing environment, ensuring each day holds new discoveries and ample opportunities for exploration.
Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
This morning, you'll embark on a leisurely journey back through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with opportunities to encounter more wildlife along the way. By lunchtime, you should arrive at the crater.
Upon first sighting the Ngorongoro Crater, it appears like a world frozen in time, nestled within the embrace of steep volcanic walls. Within this pristine wilderness lies a mosaic of landscapes, including vast savannahs, clusters of acacia woodland, and shimmering lakes and swamps. Formed by the dramatic collapse of a massive volcano two to three million years ago, the crater offers a captivating blend of natural wonders. The descent into the crater is an adventure in itself, and upon reaching the crater floor, you'll find yourself surrounded by abundant wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and a diverse array of over 500 bird species. Notably, the crater presents an excellent opportunity to spot the endangered black rhinoceros, which occasionally graze in the open grasslands.
After an afternoon game drive, you'll journey to your accommodation in Karatu.
Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
This morning, you'll embark on a journey to Lake Manyara National Park, marking the final destination of your extraordinary safari. Situated 120 kilometers west of Arusha, Manyara is a compact yet remarkably diverse park. Everything within its boundaries is characterized by a unique magnificence. The park's size is both diminutive (being one of the narrowest parks in Africa) and monumental (with the imposing Great Rift Escarpment looming over its western edge). At its heart lies the park's namesake, a shallow salt lake that fluctuates in size with the changing seasons, serving as a habitat for countless wading birds, including flamboyant flamingos and an impressive array of over 500 other bird species. Amidst the lush evergreen forest, keep an eye out for baboons and elephants, while also scanning the branches for the famous tree-climbing lions that have garnered renown across Africa.
A delightful picnic lunch will be savored within the park. Following your game drive, you'll be transported to a location of your choice, whether it be Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Arusha Airport. We trust that your adventure with Arem Safaris has been thoroughly enjoyable and memorable!
A delightful picnic lunch will be savored within the park. Following your game drive, you'll be transported to a location of your choice, whether it be Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Arusha Airport. We trust that your adventure with Arem Safaris has been thoroughly enjoyable and memorable!
What is Included
- All national park fees.
- All mentioned activities.
- All accommodation according to the itinerary.
- Transport in 4×4 Safari Vehicle(s)
- Certified Professional Guide/Driver.
- Drinking Water during Safari.
- All meals according to the itinerary.
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
