Eight- Days Mara Crossing
8 days—Experience the Dramatic Mara River Crossings During the Peak Migration Season
$2800-3390 USD
pp
Safari summary
8 Days Mara Crossing | Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
The 8 Days Mara River Crossing Safari focuses on one of the most dramatic phases of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where massive herds attempt to cross the crocodile-filled Mara River in northern Serengeti. Timed between July and October, this safari maximizes your chances of witnessing these high-adrenaline crossings while also exploring surrounding areas rich in predators and resident wildlife. With multiple nights in key locations, the itinerary allows flexibility to track herd movements and capture unforgettable moments that define the peak of the migration season.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Easy activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Internal flights
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Laundry
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
The Giants of Tarangire & Baobab
Tarangire
Morning: Your journey begins in Arusha, where we leave the city behind and head southwest toward Tarangire National Park Mid-Day: We head toward the silty banks of the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the region during the dry season Evening: As the sun begins to dip, the "Golden Hour" illuminates the baobab silhouettes in shades of orange and violet We spend this time tracking the park’s resident lions, who often seek the cool shade of the river loops.
Marera Valley Lodge/Marera Valley Lodge
The Gateway to the Endless Plains
Serengeti
Morning: After a hearty farm-to-table breakfast, we depart the highlands and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes us along the misty, rainforest-covered rim of the crater before we descend the western slopes Mid-Day: We pause at Naabi Hill to stretch our legs and climb the granite kopjes for a 360-degree view of the "Endless Plains." We enjoy lunch here while observing the movement Evening: We delve into the Seronera Valley in the Central Serengeti. T
ThornTree Camp/Serengeti Sametu Camp
Seronera: The Heart of the Cat
Serengeti
Morning: We depart camp before the sun crests the horizon, heading toward the river loops of the Central Serengeti. Mid-Day: We find a secluded spot near the Maasai Kopjes to enjoy a bush lunch. T they are vital micro-ecosystems that provide shelter and vantage points for predators. Evening: We spend the afternoon exploring the open grasslands adjacent to the river, looking for the elusive Cheetah that prefers the flat plains for its high-speed hunts.
ThornTree Camp/Serengeti Sametu Camp
Journey to the Northern Frontier
Serengeti
Morning: We break camp and begin the long, scenic trek toward the Northern Serengeti Mid-Day: We stop for lunch near the Lobo Kopjes, enjoying the dramatic vistas of the northern woodland. Evening: We arrive in the Kogatende region late in the afternoon. This is the epicenter of the Mara River drama. We take an introductory game drive along the riverbanks, scouting the "crossing points" to see where the herds are congregating.
Heritage Mara River Camp/Sayari Camp
Mara River: Survival of the Fittest
Serengeti
Morning: This is the day you’ve traveled for. We are at the banks of the Mara River at first light. The air is thick with anticipation and the dust of a million hooves. Mid-Day: We remain stationary at the river, practicing the ultimate safari virtue: patience Evening: After the adrenaline of a crossing, we explore the surrounding plains, which are often littered with the massive herds that have successfully made it across.
Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp/ Lemala Kururia Hills
The Lamai Wedge: The Hidden Corner
Serengeti
Morning: We cross over into the Lamai Wedge, a triangular area of land situated between the Mara River and the Kenyan border. This is one of the most scenic and exclusive corners of the Serengeti Mid-Day: We find a secluded spot near the border post to enjoy a bush lunch in total isolation. Evening: We take a slow game drive back across the river, exploring the riverine forest which is home to the rare Black-and-White Colobus Monkey and a variety of colorful birds like the Ross's Turaco
Heritage Mara River Camp/Sayari Camp
Southward Journey & The Crater Rim
Serengeti
Morning: We begin our long journey back south, taking a route that explores the eastern edges of the park. This area is known for its rugged beauty and the "Lobo Lion Prides. Mid-Day: Lunch is served in the car or at a picnic site near the central kopjes, allowing us to maximize our game viewing time during the transit. Evening: We exit the Serengeti and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, climbing the steep, winding road back to the crater rim. The change in atmosphere is immediate
Rhino Lodge/Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Caldera&Return to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater
Morning: We descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at the earliest possible moment to beat the crowds and catch the animals at their most active. Mid-Day: We enjoy our final safari lunch at the Ngoitoktok Springs, watching hippos grunt and wallow in the cool water just a few meters from our picnic spot. Evening: We ascend the crater walls one last time and begin the drive back to Arusha.The journey takes us through the colorful villages of Karatu and Mto wa Mbu,
Here are the latest 6 tours by Edel Safaris. See all 9 tours.
Two-Day Tanzania Safari
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Grumeti River Migration
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Five-Day Serengeti Migration
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Six-Day Serengeti Calving
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Four-Day Serengeti Migration
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Five Day Tanzania Safari
Tour by: Edel Safaris
Countries:
Focus: Game drives