8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

Overview

8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing is a tailor made safari package that grants a great opportunity witness one of the world’s natural wonders, The Great Wildebeest Migration. The wildebeest migration river crossing begins in July, as the mammal grazers move north and pass through the Lobo and the Wagakuria area en-route to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. In September, the wildebeest herds are spread out over the northern Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Several large herds of wildebeest remain behind in the area and weather changes may sometimes bring the herds back into the area from the Mara. In October, the herds move south towards the central Serengeti National Park via the Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park.

Quick tour details

Duration: 8 days (7 nights)

Number of People: Tailored

Starts/Ends: Arusha

Availability: All year round

Trip overview – 8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

• Day 01: Arusha
• Day 02: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
• Day 03: Serengeti National Park
• Day 04: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
• Day 05: Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
• Day 06: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Day 07: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
• Day 08: Lake Manyara National Park

Detailed day by day itinerary for 8 days wildebeest migration River crossing safari

DAY 01: ARUSHA – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Today we will start our safari as we head from Arusha to Tarangire National Park for our game drive. One of the largest national parks in Tanzania located in Manyara region, this place is characterized by the large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and the fascinating baobab trees also called the Tree of Life for its almost mythical powers that some cultures attach to it. This park is especially known for Tarangire river which flows all year round and the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. While here, you will enjoy wildlife sighting in large numbers. In the late afternoon, you will head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

DAY 02: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (SERONERA)

After breakfast at your accommodation, you will proceed to the Central part of Serengeti. This park is well-known for its healthy stock of resident wildlife, particularly the “big five”, named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffaloes, and Rhinos. You will enjoy wildlife sighting on your game drives in this wildlife rich area before heading back for dinner and overnight stay at your already booked accommodation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 03: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Following an early morning breakfast, you will set off on a full day game drive in the wilderness following the Great Migration trails. Your experienced driver tour guide will provide you with interesting facts about this highly renowned event, which makes Tanzania the top safari destination in Africa.

A renowned UNESCO world heritage site is home to around 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle, which join in the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Listen to the exotic sounds of over six million hooves pounding the open plains. This is just like you imagined Africa to be!

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 04: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (KOGATENDE)

After breakfast, you will proceed for a full day game drive viewing the great migration at Mara area. Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area. The key feature is the Mara River and there is a great chance to see the herds cross the Mara River to the north on one day and back south a few days later. Please note that it can be very difficult to witness crossing and is sometimes a matter of luck. A herd can be seen next to river and only decide to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Late in the afternoon, you will head to your booked accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 05: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (NORTH MARA)

Following an early morning breakfast, you and your driver guide will drive to Serengeti north viewing the great migration at Mara area. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Please take note that finding a crossing is very challenging and is sometimes a matter of luck. There are instances where herds can be seen next to the river but then only decides to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Late in the afternoon, you will head to your booked accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 06: SERENGETI – NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

On this day of your safari, you will enjoy another game drive in Serengeti National Park. Come afternoon, you proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Olduvai Gorge museum, a famous archaeological location in East Africa. At Laetoli, located 45 km south of Olduvai gorge, you will find hominin footprints preserved in volcanic rock that dates back 3.6 million years ago and represent some of the earliest signs of mankind in the world. You will later drive to your booked accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 07: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR

The other top area on this safari is the crater area. You start with an early morning game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is an extensive highland area along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley, with the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater as its focal point. Ngorongoro was established to conserve wildlife and other natural resources. It also safeguards the interests of indigenous people and promotes tourism. While here, you will enjoy wildlife sighting with all big game available.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 08: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK – ARUSHA

Following breakfast, you will enjoy a drive to Lake Manyara for the morning game drive and in the afternoon you make your way back to Arusha or at the airport for your flight back home.

End of safari

TRIP INCLUSIONS

• All Taxes/VAT
•  Roundtrip airport transfer
•  All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
•  Drinking water on all days
•  Park fees
•  All activities (unless labeled as optional)
•  All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
•  A professional driver/guide
•  All transportation (unless labeled as optional)

TRIP EXCLUSIONS

•  International flights
•  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
•  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
•  Alcohol drinks