8-Day Mara River Great Migration Safari (July to October)

Experience the Great Migration at its most dramatic with Alvin African Safaris. This 8-day safari explores Tarangire, Serengeti (including Mara River), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, offering front-row seats to wildebeest crossings and Tanzania’s top wildlife.

8 Days / 7 Nights Safari

Serengeti (including Mara River), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara

Plan Your Adventure

Safari Overview

This 8-day safari with Alvin African Safaris is designed to give you a front-row seat to the Great Migration’s most dramatic chapter: the Mara River crossing. From July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope gather in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti, facing the perilous challenge of crossing crocodile-infested waters while predators wait on the banks.

Your journey will take you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and both Central and Northern Serengeti—with expert guides ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this breathtaking spectacle.

Full Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha — Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your Alvin African Safaris guide will greet you and transfer you to your lodge. Settle in and rest up for the incredible adventure ahead.

Meals: Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Lodge/hotel in Arusha

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park — Giants of the Savannah

After breakfast, head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River. Keep watch for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 species of birds as you explore.

Enjoy a picnic lunch and an afternoon game drive before continuing to your lodge near Ngorongoro for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp near Ngorongoro

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (Central) — Into the Plains

Travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enter the heart of the Serengeti, home to vast grasslands and iconic wildlife. Stop along the way for spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater rim before descending into the plains for an afternoon game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp in Central Serengeti

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti — Following the Herds

Today, journey north through the Serengeti, tracking the path of the Great Migration as the herds push toward the Mara River. Marvel at endless wildlife scenes along the way, from zebras and wildebeest to antelopes and predators on the hunt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp near the Mara River

Day 5: Northern Serengeti — Mara River Crossing Action

Spend a full day in the Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River and its surrounding plains. Witness the drama of wildebeest and zebras braving the treacherous river, where crocodiles lurk and predators wait nearby—a true wildlife spectacle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp near the Mara River

Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti — Scenic Return

After breakfast, begin your southbound journey back to Central Serengeti, with game drives along the way. Keep an eye out for the herds and the predators that follow them, making the most of your final moments in this legendary park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp in Central Serengeti

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater — Nature’s Masterpiece

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and travel to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for an unforgettable safari experience surrounded by towering walls and rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and—if lucky—the rare black rhino.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/camp near Ngorongoro

Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha — Safari Finale

On your final day, explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for its varied landscapes and iconic wildlife. From dense forests to shimmering lake shores, watch for flamingos, elephants, baboons, and the famous tree-climbing lions. After a last picnic lunch, return to Arusha or transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)