8 Days Mara River Wildbeests Migration

Safari Overview

This 8-day safari offers an exciting opportunity to witness the great migration in Tanzania. From the end of July to the beginning of October, the migration occurs in the northern part of the Serengeti. During this time, you may have the chance to see thousands of animals as they approach the perilous crossing of the Mara River in search of fresh grazing grounds. This safari has countless opportunities to observe and learn about Tanzania’s rich wildlife, including visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and more.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania! A representative from somewhere in Africa will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to relax and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! Busy Arusha is an essential part of safari life here in northern Tanzania, and most travelers pass through at some stage.

Accommodations:
Budget: Our Stay at Mlima
Midrange: Tanzania Safari Lodge
Luxury: Serengeti Villa Lodge

The guide from Somewhere in Africa will collect you from your accommodation following breakfast. On this day, you will undertake a two-and-a-half-hour journey to Tarangire National Park, which is accessible via well-maintained tarmac roads. The park derives its name from the Tarangire River, the sole water source for wildlife during the dry season. Often referred to as the “river of warthogs,” Tarangire is renowned for its substantial populations of elephants, frequently observed congregating near the river. Furthermore, visitors may encounter various species, including giraffes, bushbuck, and hartebeest, while predators such as lions and leopards are known to follow these herbivores.

Tarangire National Park is distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity. It has the highest number of breeding bird species in the world and is home to impressive and ancient baobab trees, some estimated to be over one thousand years old. Lunch will be provided at a picnic site within the park. Following the game drive, you will return to your accommodation in Karatu.

Accommodations:
Budget: Kankari Lodge
Midrange: Marera Valley
Luxury: Kitela Lodge

Following breakfast, participants will commence their journey into the cooler regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. An opportunity will be provided to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Subsequently, the group will transit through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to access the southern region of Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is renowned for its remarkable vast open grasslands, which facilitate exceptional opportunities for wildlife observations. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos. In addition to the stunning landscapes, there is a substantial likelihood of encountering predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. After the game drive, participants will proceed to their accommodation promptly for dinner.

Accommodations:
Budget: Tukaone Tented Camp
Midrange: Signature Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubukubu Tented Lodge

Following breakfast, You will journey through the Serengeti toward the northern region, with scheduled stops to appreciate the area’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. The Serengeti is renowned for its annual great migration, during which vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope embark on a seasonal journey in search of fresh grazing opportunities. This migration is observable throughout the year; however, it requires knowledge of specific locations to maximize viewing chances. At this particular time of year, the migration is predominantly located in the Northern Serengeti.

Accommodations:
Midrange: Mara Tanzania Bushcamp
Luxury: Mara Under Canvas

The landscape of the Northern Serengeti features a unique topography, encompassing hills, riverine forests, open plains, and rocky outcrops. This region is traversed by the prominent Mara River, which serves as a dramatic setting for one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the river crossings. During this migration, over two million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes, attempt to traverse the Mara River in search of fresh grazing grounds and water sources. This perilous journey is further complicated by the presence of Nile crocodiles, adding an element of danger to the crossing. The dynamics of this ecosystem provide a compelling study of survival and predation in the wild.

Accommodations:
Midrange: Mara Tanzania Bush Camp
Luxury: Mara Under Canvas

Following breakfast, you will proceed to Central Serengeti, incorporating a game drive along the route. This presents an opportunity to continue your observation of the migrating wildlife before you depart from this remarkable location. Each day in the Serengeti is unique, offering diverse experiences and numerous opportunities for exploration.

Accommodations:
Budget: Tukaone Tented Camp
Midrange: Signature Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu kubu Tented Lodge

On the morning of Day 7, participants will embark on a journey back through the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they will have the opportunity to observe an array of wildlife along the way. It is not uncommon to encounter herds of giraffes foraging on the verdant slopes. The group is expected to reach Ngorongoro Crater by midday.
The initial view of Ngorongoro Crater presents itself as an extraordinary, isolated landscape. This pristine wilderness is enclosed by steep volcanic walls and encompasses expansive savannahs, clusters of acacia woodland, as well as glimmering lakes and swamps. The formation of the crater occurred two to three million years ago as a result of a significant volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse. The descent into the crater represents an adventure in its own right. Upon arrival at the crater floor, visitors will be greeted by large populations of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, in addition to over 500 species of birds. The crater offers an optimal setting for observing the endangered black rhino, which may occasionally be seen in the open grasslands.
Following an afternoon game drive, the group will proceed to their accommodation in Karatu.

Accommodations:
Budget: Kankari Lodge
Midrange: Marera Valley
Luxury: Kitela Lodge

On this morning, participants will embark on a journey to Lake Manyara National Park, the concluding destination of this remarkable safari experience. Lake Manyara is a relatively small but ecologically diverse park situated 120 kilometers west of Arusha. The park is characterized by its compactness—recognized as one of the narrowest parks in Africa—while simultaneously offering a majestic landscape, with the Great Rift Escarpment dominating the western perimeter. The park’s primary feature, a shallow salt lake, occupies a significant portion of the area and undergoes seasonal fluctuations, flooding and drying at different times of the year. This habitat supports an impressive variety of avian species, including thousands of wading birds such as flamingos, alongside more than 500 other bird species. During the exploration of the park’s dense evergreen forest, observers may encounter baboons and elephants, as well as the notable tree-climbing lions, which have garnered fame across the continent. A picnic lunch will be provided within the park, allowing for a leisurely dining experience amidst the natural surroundings. Following the completion of the game drive, participants will be transported to a location of their choice, including options such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha Airport. We trust that this adventure with Somewhere in Africa has been both enjoyable and enriching.

Accommodation Note:
Additional accommodation arrangements may be made at an extra cost, and all participants will be transported to the airport upon conclusion of the program.

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