The Mara River Crossing is the most dramatic and iconic phase of the Great Wildebeest Migration, often referred to as the “Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth.” Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. The highlight of this journey occurs when the herds brave the crocodile-infested Mara River between Northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
July – September | Mara River Crossing Experience
This spectacular natural event typically takes place from July to October, with peak crossing activity often occurring between July and September, depending on rainfall patterns and grazing conditions. Each crossing is unpredictable, making every safari experience unique.
Safari Highlights
✓ Witness the Legendary Mara River Crossing
Watch thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather nervously on the riverbanks before making their dramatic plunge into the river.
✓ Exceptional Predator Action
Observe Nile crocodiles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas taking advantage of the migration.
✓ Massive Wildlife Concentrations
Experience enormous herds stretching across the plains of Northern Serengeti.
✓ Outstanding Photography Opportunities
Capture dramatic river crossings, predator encounters, dust-filled landscapes, and stunning wildlife scenes.
✓ Luxury or Mobile Migration Camps
Stay close to the action in seasonal camps and lodges located near key crossing points.
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Migration Activity |
| July | Herds arrive in Northern Serengeti and begin river crossings |
| August | Peak Mara River Crossing season |
| September | Excellent crossing opportunities continue |
| October | Herds gradually move toward Maasai Mara and begin return movements |
Why Choose a Mara River Crossing Safari?
- One of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events
- Incredible predator-prey interactions
- High concentration of wildlife
- Excellent photographic opportunities
Perfect addition to a Northern Tanzania safari itinerary
Itinerary Highlights
- Our Mid Range Mara River Wildebeest Migration Safari lets you witness immense herds of wildebeest migration in the northern tip of Serengeti and along Mara River. Should the timing be just right, you’ll see wildebeest crossing the Mara River. Amidst the journey, enjoy deluxe accommodations while visiting Tanzania’s most popular national parks and destinations.
Extreme African Wonders offers personalized and locally guided adventures, specializing in Kilimanjaro trekking, wildlife safaris, and beach getaways. With a deep understanding of Tanzania’s landscapes and culture, we ensure authentic, safe, and memorable experiences.
We offer all the major Kilimanjaro routes including Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. Our team helps you choose the best route based on your fitness level, schedule, and preferences.
Yes, our Tanzania safari packages are all-inclusive, covering park entry fees, comfortable lodges or tented camps, meals, and professional guides. We tailor everything to match your travel style and budget.
Absolutely! Many clients enjoy combining a Kilimanjaro trek with a Serengeti safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar. We offer seamless multi-destination packages that suit both adventure seekers and leisure travelers.
Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are Wilderness First Responders, and we conduct daily health checks, carry oxygen cylinders, and have a high summit success rate. You're in good hands.
The best time for Kilimanjaro treks is January–March and June–October. These months also offer excellent wildlife viewing in national parks. Zanzibar is great year-round, especially during the dry seasons.
Included
- Transport and wildlife drives in 4×4 Land Cruiser
- All meals and accommodation
- Services of a professional safari guide
- All wildlife reserve entry fees
- All game drives as mentioned
- Drinking Water during Game Drives
- All activities & Excursion
Excluded
- International airfare & flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and camp staff
- Travel insurance
- Visa and Passport fee
Make your dream trip come true with Extreme African Wonders Tours & Safaris
At Extreme African Wonders Tours & Safaris, you can customizeize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Arusha
Day 2: Arusha To Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Tarangire National Park To Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 4: Northern Serengeti National Park Full Game Drive
Day 5: Northern To Central Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Central Serengeti National Park To Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Mto Wa Mbu To Arusha
Day 1:
Arrival at Arusha
You will arrive in Arusha through border point or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Your driver guide will meet you and drive you to Masailand Safari & Lodge. Arusha is situated at the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. It’s a bustling city filled with an interesting mix of markets, chaotic traffic, old colonial buildings and modern conveniences, like coffee shops with WiFi, and an array of great restaurants.
Day 2:
Arusha To Tarangire National Park
With packed Lunch, depart Arusha for two hours drive through the Maasai stepple towards Tarangire National Park. As you enter the park we’ll be greeted by a landscape dominated by majestic baobabs rising out of the acacia parkland, forming a perfect backdrop for the large herds of African Elephants wandering among them. Other mammals sharing this habitat range from Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wilddogs and Black-backed Jackal, to Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Dwarf and Banded Mongoose, Impala, Beisa Oryx, Steinbok and African Hare. You should expect to see Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and Waterbuck The variety of birds we may see include Maasai Ostrich, White-headed Volture, African Scops Owls and the endemic Ashy Starling. Lunch in the Park, later in the afternoon drive to Bougainvillea Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Bougainvillea Lodge
Day 3:
Tarangire National Park To Northern Serengeti National Park
After early breakfast with a packed lunch drive to Northern Serengeti National Park for a half game day drive, This afternoon you’ll travel to Mara River to search for wildebeest migration (seeing migration is subject to rain pattern at the time of visit). The Northern Serengeti National Park is dominated by hills and open woodlands. It is the best place to see Hippos, Crocodiles, Lions, Rhinos, Cheetah, Leopards, Topi, Elands, Giraffe, dikdiks and Elephants. It is very close to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is where migrating wildebeest pass through when crossing into Kenya. Dinner and Overnight at Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River
Day 4:
Northern Serengeti National Park Full Game Drive
After breakfast, you will go on for a morning game drive, the main objective is to see the Wildebeest crossing the Mara River, There are several crossing points where you are likely to witness the actual crossing. During the end of July through the beginning of August, expanse herds of migrating wildebeest are normally heading north back to Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and one of the rivers they cross is Mara River. Thousands of guests come from all over the world to watch these movements and crossings. Around September, herds will migrate back south in Serengeti in Tanzania and cross the Mara River again. Large crocodiles take advantage of these crossings and make for themselves easy food. Dinner and Overnight Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River
Day 5:
Northern To Central Serengeti National Park
After breakfast then drive to Central Serengeti National Park for a full day of game drives around. Opens onto the Serenora valley, a vibrant wildlife area at the heart of the Serengeti. The Valley is famous for its resident animal population that one can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species. Dinner and Overnight at Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps
Day 6:
Central Serengeti National Park To Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast at your lodge drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a wonderful game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is just one of those places that has to be seen – words alone cannot do it justice. Leaving our lodge we’ll drive down into what was once, many eons ago, the fiery heart of a huge volcano. Today this natural amphitheatre has a much more peaceful atmosphere as Wildebeest, Coke’s Hartebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelles, and Common Zebra feed contentedly – or at least as contentedly as the ever present Lions and Cheetah will allow, although the Black Rhinoceros here will be less concerned about these predators. The bird life in the crater varies according to the seasons but during our visit we should see Grey Crowned Crane, Lappet-faced Vulture, Black-bellied and Kori Bustards, Fischer’s Lovebird and Northern Anteater Chat among many others. Lunch to be saved at the designated picnic site in the Crater. Dinner and Overnight at Eileen’s Trees Inn.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Day 7:
Mto Wa Mbu To Arusha
After breakfast at the Lodge, you will drive to take a walking tour of the Mto wa Mbu village led by a local guide. This area is famous for its tropical fruit growing, including an abundance of banana farms. You will visit a local wood carving studio and see some intricate carvings being created from local solid wood, such as ebony and mahogany, visit a food market, School, local pub, rice field etc. We’ll have a traditional Tanzanian cooking lesson, which is where you will eat your hot lunch, Later you will drive back to Arusha Town.
Make your dream trip come true with Extreme African Wonders Tours & Safaris
At Extreme African Wonders Tours & Safaris, you can customizeize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Why Choose Extreme African Wonders?
Unmatched Service Excellence
Swift & Attentive Communication
Dedicated Tanzania Specialists
On-Ground Experts Living in Tanzania
Elite Safari Guiding Professionals
Fair & Competitive Pricing
Highly Rated Private Safari Journeys
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Arusha
Day 2: Arusha To Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Tarangire National Park To Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 4: Northern Serengeti National Park Full Game Drive
Day 5: Northern To Central Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Central Serengeti National Park To Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Mto Wa Mbu To Arusha
Day 1:
Arrival at Arusha
You will arrive in Arusha through border point or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Your driver guide will meet you and drive you to Masailand Safari & Lodge. Arusha is situated at the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. It’s a bustling city filled with an interesting mix of markets, chaotic traffic, old colonial buildings and modern conveniences, like coffee shops with WiFi, and an array of great restaurants.
Day 2:
Arusha To Tarangire National Park
With packed Lunch, depart Arusha for two hours drive through the Maasai stepple towards Tarangire National Park. As you enter the park we’ll be greeted by a landscape dominated by majestic baobabs rising out of the acacia parkland, forming a perfect backdrop for the large herds of African Elephants wandering among them. Other mammals sharing this habitat range from Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wilddogs and Black-backed Jackal, to Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Dwarf and Banded Mongoose, Impala, Beisa Oryx, Steinbok and African Hare. You should expect to see Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and Waterbuck The variety of birds we may see include Maasai Ostrich, White-headed Volture, African Scops Owls and the endemic Ashy Starling. Lunch in the Park, later in the afternoon drive to Bougainvillea Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Bougainvillea Lodge
Day 3:
Tarangire National Park To Northern Serengeti National Park
After early breakfast with a packed lunch drive to Northern Serengeti National Park for a half game day drive, This afternoon you’ll travel to Mara River to search for wildebeest migration (seeing migration is subject to rain pattern at the time of visit). The Northern Serengeti National Park is dominated by hills and open woodlands. It is the best place to see Hippos, Crocodiles, Lions, Rhinos, Cheetah, Leopards, Topi, Elands, Giraffe, dikdiks and Elephants. It is very close to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is where migrating wildebeest pass through when crossing into Kenya. Dinner and Overnight at Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River
Day 4:
Northern Serengeti National Park Full Game Drive
After breakfast, you will go on for a morning game drive, the main objective is to see the Wildebeest crossing the Mara River, There are several crossing points where you are likely to witness the actual crossing. During the end of July through the beginning of August, expanse herds of migrating wildebeest are normally heading north back to Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and one of the rivers they cross is Mara River. Thousands of guests come from all over the world to watch these movements and crossings. Around September, herds will migrate back south in Serengeti in Tanzania and cross the Mara River again. Large crocodiles take advantage of these crossings and make for themselves easy food. Dinner and Overnight Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps Mara River
Day 5:
Northern To Central Serengeti National Park
After breakfast then drive to Central Serengeti National Park for a full day of game drives around. Opens onto the Serenora valley, a vibrant wildlife area at the heart of the Serengeti. The Valley is famous for its resident animal population that one can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species. Dinner and Overnight at Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti.
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps
Day 6:
Central Serengeti National Park To Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast at your lodge drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a wonderful game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is just one of those places that has to be seen – words alone cannot do it justice. Leaving our lodge we’ll drive down into what was once, many eons ago, the fiery heart of a huge volcano. Today this natural amphitheatre has a much more peaceful atmosphere as Wildebeest, Coke’s Hartebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelles, and Common Zebra feed contentedly – or at least as contentedly as the ever present Lions and Cheetah will allow, although the Black Rhinoceros here will be less concerned about these predators. The bird life in the crater varies according to the seasons but during our visit we should see Grey Crowned Crane, Lappet-faced Vulture, Black-bellied and Kori Bustards, Fischer’s Lovebird and Northern Anteater Chat among many others. Lunch to be saved at the designated picnic site in the Crater. Dinner and Overnight at Eileen’s Trees Inn.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Day 7:
Mto Wa Mbu To Arusha
After breakfast at the Lodge, you will drive to take a walking tour of the Mto wa Mbu village led by a local guide. This area is famous for its tropical fruit growing, including an abundance of banana farms. You will visit a local wood carving studio and see some intricate carvings being created from local solid wood, such as ebony and mahogany, visit a food market, School, local pub, rice field etc. We’ll have a traditional Tanzanian cooking lesson, which is where you will eat your hot lunch, Later you will drive back to Arusha Town.
Start Planning Your Journey
Make your dream trip come true with Extreme African Wonders
Unmatched Service Excellence
Swift & Attentive Communication
Dedicated Tanzania Specialists
On-Ground Experts Living in Tanzania
Elite Safari Guiding Professionals
Fair & Competitive Pricing
Highly Rated Private Safari Journeys
