The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha city is approximately 1 hour by road. The distance is about 50 kilometers (31 miles), but travel time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
10 Days Great Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari
Safari Highlights – Great Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari
- Witness the Dramatic Mara River Crossing
- Explore Serengeti & Maasai Mara
- Game Drives in Prime Wildlife Areas
- Visit the Ngorongoro Crater
- Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges
- Cultural Experience with the Maasai
Tour Summary
Duration
10 Days
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Places to Visit
Tour Itinerary
Day to day Best of Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide/driver will warmly welcome you and provide a short briefing about your safari. After the introduction, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, a journey of approximately one hour. This transfer allows you to take in the beautiful Tanzanian landscapes as you begin your adventure.
Once you arrive at your lodge or hotel in Arusha, you can relax and settle in for the night. This is the perfect time to rest after your journey and prepare for the exciting safari days ahead. Enjoy a delicious meal and a comfortable stay before setting off on your wildlife adventure.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer From Jro Airport
Arusha City Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: Plantantion Room
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Travel Time
Day 2:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will drive for about three hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and towering baobab trees. The Tarangire River runs through the park, attracting many animals, including zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. You will enjoy a game drive, searching for wildlife like tree-climbing lions and graceful antelopes.
At midday, you will have a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The afternoon brings more wildlife sightings, including cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas. As the sun sets, you will head to Tarangire Safari Lodge for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.
Tarangire National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Tarangire National Park
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
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CONTINUE TO SERONERA - SERENGETI CENTRAL
Day 3:
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive to Serengeti
After breakfast, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich areas. This natural wonder is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. As you drive through the crater, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery and diverse animals, including zebras, hippos, and hyenas.
Midday, you will stop for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, where you can relax and enjoy the view. After lunch, you will embark on a three-hour drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes, and by evening, you will arrive at Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp for a restful night.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Enjoy a third-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five
Travel Time
The estimated travel time from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park is approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and wildlife sightings along the way. The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the vast Serengeti plains.
Day 4:
Full Day Serengeti Central Experience
Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park, famous for its vast plains and incredible wildlife. Early in the morning, you may witness predators in action, as lions and leopards hunt at sunrise. As the sun rises higher, you’ll embark on a game drive along the Sogore River Circuit, where you might spot gazelles, topis, ostriches, and cheetahs.
At midday, take a break at the Seronera Visitor Center, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of acacia trees. In the afternoon, follow the Kopjes Circuit, a great spot for lion sightings, as these rock formations provide shade and water. If lucky, you may even witness part of the Great Migration, a breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebras on the move.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central
Ngorongoro Crater Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Enjoy a 4-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five
Day 5:
Serengeti Central to North Kogatende
Start your day with a scenic drive from Central Serengeti to the northern region of Kogatende, a prime location to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. As you travel across the Togoro Plains and Mbuzi Mawe kopjes, you’ll see the Serengeti’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to open savannah.
Along the way, keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and the small but agile dik-dik. The journey offers fantastic game-viewing opportunities, making it an exciting transition into the remote northern Serengeti, where you will settle in for the night at Nyikani Migration Camp.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Serengeti Central To North Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti National Park
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Day 6:
Full Day Serengeti North Kogatende Wildebeest Migration Experience
Start your day with a thrilling game drive in northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeests gather for their dramatic river crossing. This natural spectacle is a highlight of the Great Migration, attracting predators like crocodiles and big cats.
As you explore Kogatende, watch for elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife roaming the vast savannah. The acacia-dotted landscape provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable safari adventure.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Game Drive - River Crossing
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti National Park
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Day 7:
Serengeti North Kogatende to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, begin a scenic journey from Serengeti’s northern region to the Isebania border, where you will complete immigration formalities before entering Kenya. Your Kenya guide will then take you on a four-hour drive to the legendary Maasai Mara Game Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Upon arrival, embark on an exciting game drive through the Mara’s vast plains, where you can witness the famous wildebeest migration and encounter the Big Five. As the sun sets, settle into your camp and prepare for another thrilling day of safari adventures.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Masai Mara Game Drive
Masai Mara Game Reserve Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
Sarova Mara Game Camp
- Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Day 8:
Full Day Maasai Mara Experience
Start your day with an early morning game drive, where you might spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting in the golden light. As you explore the vast plains, you’ll see herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the savannah.
For a unique experience, consider a hot air balloon safari, offering breathtaking views of the Mara from above. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your adventure, spotting elephants, giraffes, and hippos along the rivers.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Sunrise Game Drive
- Full Day Game Drive In Masai Mara
- Picnic Lunch in the Wild
Masai Mara Game Reserve Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
Sarova Mara Game Camp
- Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Day 9:
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
The journey back to Nairobi after an exhilarating Maasai Mara safari is a chance to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. As you leave the vast savannah behind, the scenery gradually shifts to rolling hills and lively towns, offering a glimpse into daily life in rural Kenya.
The five-hour drive provides a relaxing transition from the wild to the city, with opportunities to stop for refreshments and enjoy the local atmosphere. Your guide may share fascinating stories about the region’s culture and history, making the journey as enriching as the safari itself.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Sunrise Game Drive
- Full Day Game Drive In Masai Mara
- Picnic Lunch in the Wild
Masai Mara Game Reserve Photos
Day 10:
Nairobi to Nairobi Airport for flight home
After an unforgettable safari experience, your journey comes to an end as you prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be picked up from your Nairobi accommodation and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The drive offers a final glimpse of Kenya’s vibrant city life, a contrast to the wild landscapes you explored.
As you check in for your flight, you’ll carry with you incredible memories of breathtaking wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of East Africa. With captivating photos and unforgettable moments, your safari adventure will remain a cherished story to share for years to come
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer To Nairobi Airport
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- 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)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
How to plan your Tanzania safari
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Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 10 Days Great Wildebeest Mara River Crossing
The Wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya) in search of fresh grazing. The Mara River crossing is the most dramatic and thrilling part of the journey.
The best time is July to October when the herds gather at the riverbanks, preparing to cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is the peak migration season and offers the best chances to see dramatic river crossings.
This safari takes you through Serengeti National Park (Central & Northern Serengeti), Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and other key migration areas like Kogatende and Togoro Plains.
Game drives typically last between 4 to 8 hours daily, depending on wildlife movement and your preference. Some days will include full-day game drives with picnic lunches.
You will travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. These vehicles are built for comfort and off-road driving.
Besides wildebeest, you will see zebras, gazelles, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and many bird species. The river crossings also attract powerful predators like crocodiles and big cats.
Safari guides ensure you get as close as possible while maintaining a safe and ethical distance. Expect to be within a few meters of lions, elephants, and even massive herds of wildebeest.
While sightings are never guaranteed, spending multiple days in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) and Maasai Mara increases your chances of witnessing a river crossing.
Yes, a hot air balloon safari is available for an extra cost. It’s an amazing way to see the Serengeti at sunrise.
This tour includes multiple private game drives, allowing you to explore different areas of Serengeti.
Some lodges provide Wi-Fi, but the connection may be slow due to the remote location.
We will monitor your flight and adjust your transfer and game drive schedule accordingly.
Domestic flights usually allow soft-sided bags with a 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit. Hard suitcases may not be accepted.
Yes, Serengeti is safe. You will always be accompanied by an experienced guide and follow strict safety protocols.
Yes, you can add a hot air balloon safari for an extra cost of around $600 per person.
Bring light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a camera, and binoculars.
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