Overview
Experience the absolute pinnacle of wildlife drama on this premium 6-day fly-in, fly-out midrange Tanzanian safari, expertly timed for the iconic Mara River crossings. By flying directly into the remote Northern Serengeti, you bypass days of exhausting road travel, arriving instantly at the heart of the Great Migration. Spend your time tracking massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as they brave giant Nile crocodiles in a high-stakes leap of faith across the river. Transition smoothly south through the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti plains before exploring the spectacular, predator-dense floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Conclude your high-octane expedition with an immersive safari at Lake Manyara National Park before catching your onward evening departure flight.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA (KILIMANJARO OR ZANZIBAR)
Welcome to East Africa! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Zanzibar Airport, our professional driver-guide will greet you warmly and transfer you to your comfortable midrange hotel. This initial day is entirely dedicated to relaxing, shaking off international jet lag, and preparing for the high-stakes wildlife expedition ahead. Unwind by the swimming pool, check your camera gear and telephoto lenses, and stroll through the peaceful grounds. In the evening, meet your expert guide for a comprehensive briefing on current river crossing dynamics over a delicious welcome dinner featuring excellent local and continental cuisine.
Accommodation:
Name : ARUSHA PLANET LODGE / ZANZIBAR MIDRANGE HOTEL (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Hotel
Rank : Midrange
Day 2: MORNING FLIGHT TO NORTH SERENGETI (MARA RIVER)
Board a morning domestic flight from Arusha or Zanzibar, soaring over the dramatic Great Rift Valley and the vast expanses of the central plains before landing at a remote northern airstrip. Your private expert driver-guide will meet you at the aircraft in a 4×4 safari vehicle, launching immediately into an afternoon game drive. Arrive in the scenic Kogatende region, where rolling hills meet the path of the Great Migration. Check into your authentic bush camp, relax with a refreshing drink, and gather around a roaring campfire for dinner under the stars.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE MARA CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 3: FULL DAY TRACKING MARA RIVER CROSSINGS
Dedicate a thrilling, full day to tracking the mega-herds along the banks of the iconic Mara River. Your expert guide will strategically position the vehicle near established crossing points, where thousands of wildebeest gather, nervously building up the courage to plunge into the churning waters. Witness the raw tension and explosive energy as the first brave animal leaps, triggering a spectacular, chaotic chain reaction. Watch them brave steep, dusty ridges and predatory Nile crocodiles waiting in the currents. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the wild bush, returning to camp late afternoon for hot showers and dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE MARA CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 4: NORTH SERENGETI TO CENTRAL SERENGETI
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic game drive moving southward through the Serengeti ecosystem. Watch the landscape transition from the rugged hills of the north to the classic, acacia-studded savannahs and rocky granite kopjes of the Seronera Valley. The Central Serengeti provides a permanent water source, ensuring exceptional year-round wildlife viewing. Spend the afternoon tracking resident prides of lions, solitary leopards resting in sausage trees, and elegant cheetahs hunting on the open plains. Arrive at your comfortable tented camp by evening for a warm campfire, storytelling, and a delicious dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : THORN TREE TENTED LODGE (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 5: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER TO KARATU
Depart after an early breakfast and travel to the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into this ancient, unbroken volcanic caldera for an unforgettable morning safari. The enclosed crater floor acts as a thriving sanctuary for roughly 30,000 animals, offering your best opportunity to view the entire “Big Five,” including the highly endangered black rhino and giant elephant bulls. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch beside the scenic hippo pool, watching the wildlife interact just meters away. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater walls and drive to the cooler, green highlands of Karatu.
Accommodation:
Name : EILEEN’S TREES INN (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Lodge
Rank : Midrange
Day 6: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA / DEPARTURE
Conclude your adventure at Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its underground water forests, massive troops of baboons, and legendary tree-climbing lions. Explore the diverse habitats, from the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment to the expansive soda lake shoreline glistening with thousands of pink flamingos and migratory waterbirds. After a rewarding morning game drive and a fresh picnic lunch, embark on a scenic drive back to Arusha town. Arrive by late afternoon to catch your domestic evening flight to Zanzibar for a beach extension, or check in for your international flight back home.
Included
- Park fees
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- All transportation
- Round-trip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Included
- All Taxes/VAT
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips to your safari Guide (tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Additions: Optional Activities After Booking Confirmations
- Travel insurance;
- Visa fee