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.
8-Day Great Migration Safari with Mara River Crossing & Balloon Ride Safari
8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari in Northern Serengeti
Join us on an unforgettable 8-day safari adventure that takes you straight into the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti. From the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly guide and transferred to Arusha for a relaxing overnight stay. The next morning, fly directly to the famous Kogatende area of Serengeti North, where the magic begins — thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and predators gather near the Mara River, offering thrilling chances to witness dramatic river crossings and real wildlife action.
This well-planned safari includes full-day game drives in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions, cozy stays at Mara River Camp, and a relaxing coffee tour in Arusha to end your journey. With all flights, meals, and transfers included, this trip is perfect for those looking for a premium, stress-free safari experience. Let Seko Tours Adventures guide you through the wild beauty of Tanzania — where memories are made every day.
Safari Highlights – Great Wildebeest Mara River Crossing Safari
- Airport pick-up and comfortable first night in Arusha
- Scenic flight to Serengeti North (Kogatende)
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration & river crossings
- Full-day game drives with expert safari guide
- Stay at Mara River Camp, close to the migration action
- Enjoy a relaxing Arusha coffee plantation tour before departure
Tour Summary
Duration
8 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: Standard Room
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Travel Time
Day 2:
Arusha flight to Serengeti North Kogatende
After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll head to the airport for a scenic one-hour flight to Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti. This quick flight saves travel time and brings you straight into the heart of the migration action. Upon landing, your professional safari guide will meet you and begin your first game drive right away.
Today’s adventure takes you through the vast plains and woodlands of Serengeti North — one of the best places to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Keep your eyes open for herds of wildebeest, zebras, and the predators that follow them. This is your first real taste of the wild, and it’s only the beginning!
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Serengeti North Game Drive
DAY FLIGHTS
DEPT: 7:00 FROM: Arusha Airport (ARK)
ARRV: 8:00 TO: Kogatende Airstrip
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
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EXPLORE KOGATENDE - NORTHERN SERENGETI
Day 3 - 6:
Full Day Serengeti North Kogatende Wildebeest Migration Experience
Get ready for a full day of adventure in Serengeti North, where the Great Wildebeest Migration comes to life. After breakfast, you’ll head out on a game drive through the vast Kogatende region, following the paths of thousands of wildebeests and zebras as they gather near the Mara River. This is one of the most exciting places to see dramatic river crossings — where the herds risk everything to reach fresh grazing land in the Masai Mara.
Along the way, you’ll explore areas rich with wildlife like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and big cats. The Bologonja and Kogatende valleys are also home to the Mara River, filled with giant hippos and lurking Nile crocodiles. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll be in the perfect spot to experience this unforgettable migration moment up close.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Game Drive - River Crossing
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
In Serengeti North, you’ll enjoy amazing wildlife viewing. This area is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and big cats like lions and cheetahs. During the migration season, the plains fill with thousands of wildebeests and zebras.
One of the highlights is visiting the Mara River, where the herds may attempt to cross. It’s a dramatic and risky moment as they face strong currents and hungry crocodiles. If lucky, you might witness this unforgettable event.
But remember, the Great Migration is a natural event. We can’t predict exactly when or where the animals will cross. Every safari is unique, and nature always leads the way.
Day 7:
Kogatende Serengeti North flight to Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll fly from Kogatende back to Arusha, enjoying beautiful views of the Serengeti from above. Once you land, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your next experience.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided coffee tour at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. This fun and relaxing activity shows how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted — ending with a fresh cup straight from the source.
It’s a great way to unwind after your safari adventure and learn something new before your journey home.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer From Arusha Airport
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - Coffee Plantation Tour
DAY FLIGHTS
DEPT: 11:00 FROM: Kogatende Airstrip
ARRV: 12:45 TO: Arusha Airport (ARK)
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: Standard Room
- 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 8:
Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport for flight back home
After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your flight time.
This marks the end of your unforgettable safari adventure in Tanzania, filled with amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes, and special moments.
You’ll head home with wonderful memories, beautiful photos, and stories to share for a lifetime.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer To Jro Airport
Kilimanjaro International airport Photos
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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Travel
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Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 8-Day Great Migration Safari with Mara River Crossing & Balloon Ride
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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