This 7-day safari is built around sustained time in the northern Serengeti National Park near the Mara River — three consecutive days that maximise the probability of witnessing the Great Migration river crossings (July to October). The route enters the Serengeti through the central Seronera area before moving north, spending three full days in the Mara River zone, and returning south through central Serengeti before the final descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
For a shorter 6-day version, see our 6-day north migration safari. For the Ndutu calving season, see our 5-day Ndutu migration safari.
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• $5,641 per person when 1 travels alone
• $4,448 per person when 2 people travel together
• $4,051 per person when 3 people travel together
• $3,852 per person when 4 people travel together
• $3,732 per person when 5 people travel together
• $3,653 per person when 6 people travel together
For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.
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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel. After check-in, a briefing prepares you for the safari.
Distance: Airport transfer to Arusha
Activity: Transfer and safari briefing
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Arusha
Meals: Half Board
After breakfast, the drive heads toward Serengeti National Park across the Ngorongoro highlands. An afternoon game drive in the central Seronera area introduces the Serengeti's resident wildlife. The area is anchored by the Seronera River, which attracts lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of plains game year-round.
Distance: Approximately 320 km from Arusha to central Serengeti
Activity: Afternoon game drive in central Serengeti
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, a game drive heads gradually north through the Serengeti. The landscape transitions from open plains to rolling hills and rocky outcrops. Resident wildlife including antelopes, buffalo, and big cats are encountered throughout the northward drive.
Distance: Approximately 100 km from central to northern Serengeti
Activity: En route game drive northward toward the Mara River zone
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
A full day exploring the northern Serengeti. The region is known for its remote character and quieter atmosphere compared to the central plains. Game drives cover rolling hills and open plains, with the Mara River as the key focal point. During the July to October migration season, wildebeest and zebra crossings here are among the most dramatic wildlife events on earth.
Distance: Game drives within the northern Serengeti
Activity: Full-day game drives with picnic lunch in the bush
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After an early breakfast, the day is dedicated to the Mara River. Your guide positions the vehicle at strategic points along the river where wildebeest and zebra may attempt to cross. Watching thousands of animals gather, hesitate, and plunge into the crocodile-filled water is one of Africa's great wildlife spectacles. The river ecosystem also attracts hippos, large Nile crocodiles, and predators waiting on both banks. Lunch is taken in the bush to stay close to the action throughout the day.
Distance: Game drives along the Mara River corridor in northern Serengeti
Activity: Full-day Mara River game drives with bush lunch
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, begin the southward drive back through the Serengeti. The route passes through changing landscapes from the rugged north to the open grasslands of the Seronera area, with wildlife sightings throughout. Lion prides are prominent in the central region. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Distance: Approximately 100 km from northern to central Serengeti
Activity: En route game drive southward through central Serengeti
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, a morning game drive in the central Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You arrive at the crater rim in the late 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 with a picnic lunch. The crater supports one of Africa's highest wildlife densities — elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. After the drive you return 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: Half Board
For a shorter 6-day version, see our 6-day north migration safari. For the Ndutu calving season, see our 5-day Ndutu migration safari.
July to October for the Mara River crossings, with August and September typically the peak. Year-round for resident predators and wildlife in both the northern and central Serengeti.
The central Serengeti offers year-round Big Five sightings and predator activity. The northern Serengeti supports high predator densities year-round, with the Great Migration river crossings as the seasonal highlight. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best locations for the rare black rhino.
All park and conservancy fees, crater service fee, full-board accommodation throughout, a professional driver-guide, 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, all game drives as specified, drinking water, and airport transfers. International flights and visa fees are not included.
Wildlife movement cannot be guaranteed, but your guide monitors migration conditions before and during the safari to position you in the best areas. The parks on this itinerary deliver exceptional wildlife viewing year-round regardless of migration timing.
Yes. The combination of parks on this itinerary gives a thorough introduction to northern Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations.
Yes. Extra nights in any park can be added, or the tour can be extended with a Zanzibar beach stay. Contact us to discuss options.
Most nationalities require a tourist visa, available as an e-visa in advance or on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Yellow fever documentation may be required.
Accommodation throughout is in lodges or tented camps as specified. Categories range from mid-range to luxury. Please specify your preferred category at booking.
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