Overview
Experience the ultimate wildlife thriller on this 6-day fly-out midrange Tanzanian safari, expertly designed to track the dramatic Mara River crossings. Begin with overland exploration through Tarangire’s iconic elephant kingdom and the spectacular, predator-dense Ngorongoro Crater floor. Journey north through the acacia-studded Central Serengeti before reaching the remote northern frontiers. Spend your time stationed along the banks of the Mara River, witnessing massive herds of wildebeest and zebras braving giant Nile crocodiles in their high-stakes leap of faith toward greener pastures. Conclude your high-octane expedition with a seamless domestic flight directly out of the Northern Serengeti back to Arusha or Zanzibar, bypassing long rugged roads to maximize your time in the heart of Africa’s wild.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your professional driver-guide will greet you warmly and transfer you to your comfortable midrange hotel in Arusha. This charming property offers a peaceful sanctuary to relax and wash away the dust of your international travels. Spend your afternoon unwinding by the outdoor swimming pool or walking through the quiet, lush gardens. In the evening, gather for a comprehensive pre-safari briefing from your expert guide, followed by a delicious welcome dinner featuring excellent local and international cuisine to comfortably launch your classic African safari adventure.
Accommodation:
Name : GRAN MELIA ARUSHA (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Hotel
Rank : Midrange
Day 2: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK TO KARATU
Depart Arusha after an early breakfast for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, an untamed wilderness famous for giant baobab trees and massive elephant populations. Embark on a rewarding game drive along the Tarangire River, the primary water source drawing thousands of animals. Watch for lions, giraffes, leopards, and zebras gathering along the banks. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint inside the park surrounded by beautiful landscapes. In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive to the cooler, green highlands of Karatu, checking into your welcoming countryside lodge for a fresh dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : MARERA VALLEY LODGE (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Lodge
Rank : Midrange
Day 3: KARATU TO NGORONGORO CRATER TO CENTRAL SERENGETI
After an early breakfast, travel to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 meters into this ancient, unbroken volcanic caldera for an unforgettable morning safari. The crater floor acts as a thriving natural sanctuary, home to nearly 30,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino and giant elephant bulls. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch by the hippo pool. Afterward, ascend the crater floor and journey onward into the vast, endless plains of the Central Serengeti. Arrive at your authentic midrange tented camp by evening for a warm campfire, storytelling, and a delicious candlelit dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : THORN TREE TENTED LODGE (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 4: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO NORTHERN SERENGETI (MARA RIVER)
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic game drive moving northward through the Serengeti ecosystem. Watch the landscape transition into the rugged, rolling hills of the Kogatende region. This remote northern frontier becomes the dramatic stage for the Great Migration during the river crossing season. Track massive columns of wildebeest and zebras marching toward the water. Arrive at your comfortable northern bush camp by afternoon to unpack and unwind. In the evening, gather around a roaring campfire to discuss the herd movements with your guide before a hearty dinner under the star-filled African sky.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE MARA CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 5: 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 courage. 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 a superb candlelit dinner.
Accommodation:
Name : HERITAGE MARA CAMP (Full Board, Drinks Not Included)
Version : Camp
Rank : Midrange
Day 6: FLY OUT FROM NORTH SERENGETI (TO ARUSHA OR ZANZIBAR)
Enjoy a final morning breakfast surrounded by the raw beauty and awakening sounds of the northern bush. Pack your bags and embark on a brief, final en-route game drive as your guide transfers you directly to the Kogatende airstrip. Board your scheduled domestic fly-out aircraft, bidding farewell to the winding Mara River as you soar back across the Tanzanian sky. Depending on your onward travel plans, your scenic flight will land in Arusha for your international connection home, or fly directly to the spice island of Zanzibar for a tropical beach extension, marking the conclusion of your epic migration safari.
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