This 6-day safari is designed around the most dramatic chapter of the Great Migration: the wildebeest and zebra river crossings at the Mara River in the northern Serengeti National Park. Arriving in the central Serengeti first, the route then moves north to the Mara River zone for two dedicated days — the best way to maximise the chances of witnessing a crossing event. The southward return passes through the central plains before the final descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
For a shorter 4-day Mara River option, see our 7-day Serengeti migration safari. For the southern Ndutu calving season, see our 5-day Ndutu migration safari.
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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport your guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, a briefing outlines the migration safari ahead.
Distance: Airport transfer to Arusha
Activity: Transfer and safari briefing
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Arusha
Meals: Half Board
After breakfast, the drive heads to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro highlands. Entering through Naabi Hill Gate, an afternoon game drive in the central Seronera area introduces the Serengeti's resident wildlife — lions on the kopjes, leopards in the acacia trees, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the park.
Distance: Approximately 320 km from Arusha to central Serengeti, around 6-7 hours
Activity: Afternoon game drive in central Serengeti with picnic lunch
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, the drive heads north toward the Mara River zone. The landscape transitions from open grassland to rolling hills and scattered woodland as the route passes through the Lobo area toward the northern Serengeti. Resident wildlife including zebras, buffalo, lions, leopards, and antelope species are encountered en route. As you approach the north, the Mara River becomes the key focal point — attracting wildlife and offering outstanding photographic opportunities.
Distance: Approximately 100 km from central to northern Serengeti, around 2-3 hours
Activity: En route game drive northward; afternoon Mara River game drives
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
A full day in the northern Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives focused on the Mara River and the surrounding Lobo Valley. During the July to October migration season, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra mass at the riverbanks before crossing the crocodile-filled waters — one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth. Year-round, the northern Serengeti supports high predator densities. The Lobo Valley area offers rolling hills, granite kopjes, and woodland that creates an especially scenic backdrop for game drives.
Distance: Game drives within the northern Serengeti Mara River zone
Activity: Full-day Mara River game drives with picnic lunch
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, begin the southward drive through the Serengeti back toward the central Seronera area. The route passes through the varied landscapes of the northern and central Serengeti — an en route game drive gives further sighting opportunities. The permanent water sources of the Seronera River in the central area attract year-round concentrations of wildlife. Lion prides are especially prominent here, often seen on the kopjes or near the river. A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the route.
Distance: Approximately 100 km from northern to central Serengeti, around 2-3 hours
Activity: En route game drive southward through central Serengeti
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, a final morning game drive in the central Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you near the crater, the landscape transitions from open savannah to scenic highlands with panoramic views. You arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Distance: Approximately 145 km from Serengeti to Ngorongoro rim
Activity: Morning Serengeti game drive; afternoon transfer to Ngorongoro
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp on the Ngorongoro crater rim
Meals: Full Board
After an early breakfast you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. The crater floor supports elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. A picnic lunch at the hippo pool is followed by the ascent and the return drive to Arusha.
Distance: Approximately 200 km from Ngorongoro to Arusha
Activity: Ngorongoro Crater game drive with picnic lunch; return to Arusha
Accommodation: N/A – return to Arusha
Meals: Full Board
Add Tarangire or Lake Manyara for a fuller northern circuit, or combine with a Zanzibar beach extension. For the southern calving season safari, see our 5-day Ndutu migration safari.
The main crossing season in the northern Serengeti is July to October, peaking in August and September. The exact timing varies year to year based on rainfall patterns. Your guide tracks migration movements before and during the safari to position the group optimally.
No wildlife event can be guaranteed. Crossings are inherently unpredictable — herds may mass at the bank for hours before crossing, or turn back. Two days in the northern Serengeti during the migration season substantially improves the probability. Year-round, the northern Serengeti is outstanding for predator activity regardless of migration timing.
The northern Serengeti has a more varied landscape of rolling hills, woodland, and granite kopjes compared to the flatter central plains. Predator density is high year-round, and during migration season (July to October) it hosts the most dramatic concentration of wildebeest and zebra anywhere in Africa.
All park fees, crater service fee, full-board accommodation throughout, a professional driver-guide, 4x4 safari vehicle, all game drives, drinking water, and airport transfers.
Yes. The northern Serengeti is excellent for resident predators, elephants, giraffes, and general wildlife year-round. The migration crossings are the seasonal highlight but the northern zone remains one of the best game drive areas in the ecosystem throughout the year.
Yes, though the northern Serengeti is particularly compelling for travellers specifically interested in the Great Migration. First-time visitors wanting a broader overview of the northern circuit might consider the 8-day circuits that also include Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Most nationalities require a tourist visa, available as an e-visa in advance or on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Yes. An extra northern Serengeti day, a Tarangire start, or a Zanzibar beach extension can all be arranged. Contact us to discuss options.
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