Experience the Great Migration during the Mara River Crossing Season in Northern Serengeti
Experience the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra gather during the legendary Mara River Crossing Season. With nature, timing and a little luck on your side, witness one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.
Journey through the highlands of Karatu and into the legendary Serengeti, on a private safari combining exceptional wildlife encounters, carefully selected accommodation and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Based on 2 adults sharing. Honeymoon, family & small-group options available.
Travel Season: July–October
Limited seasonal availability – early booking recommended.
Day 1
Welcome to Tanzania!
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your private Steven&Friends representative will warmly welcome you to Tanzania.
For morning arrivals, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge before continuing through the changing landscapes towards the beautiful Karatu highlands.
Arrive in Karatu in the afternoon, settle into your accommodation and unwind as your Tanzanian adventure begins.
Optional en-route experiences can be arranged depending on your arrival time and interests.
Day 2
After breakfast, journey through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the legendary Serengeti. As the landscape opens into endless plains, your safari truly begins.
Continue through Central Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way, with opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and other iconic species.
By late afternoon, arrive in the heart of the Serengeti and settle in for the night — one step closer to the Great Migration in the north.
Day 3
After breakfast, journey north through the Serengeti towards Kogatende and the Mara River region, following changing landscapes and enjoying wildlife viewing along the way.
As you enter the Northern Serengeti, the focus turns to the Great Migration. Depending on the movement of the herds, your guide will begin exploring the area around the Mara River — your first opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions.
Optional: Experience the Serengeti from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon safari (additional cost and advance booking required)
Day 4
Spend a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti, following the movement of the Great Migration and searching for the best wildlife activity around the Mara River.
During the crossing season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra may gather along the riverbanks, sometimes for hours — or even days — before conditions trigger a crossing. With the right timing and a little luck, you may witness one of nature’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.
Your private guide will adapt the day around the movement of the herds, giving you the flexibility to spend more time where the wildlife activity is strongest.
Day 5
Journey south from the Northern Serengeti, enjoying a game drive en route through the changing landscapes and wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Keep watch for elephants, giraffes, big cats and the many other species encountered along the way.
Pause along the journey for a relaxed lunch in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness, before continuing towards Central Serengeti.
Arrive in the heart of the Serengeti, renowned for its abundant wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. As the afternoon unfolds, continue exploring at nature’s pace — with every safari shaped by what the wild brings that day.
Day 6
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti behind and journey toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, descending into one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes.
Explore the crater floor on a game drive, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhino.
After your crater experience, continue through the Ngorongoro highlands toward Karatu, where your safari day comes to a relaxed close.
Day 7
After breakfast, depart the Karatu highlands and continue towards Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, with your transfer arranged around your onward travel plans. For international departures from JRO, later afternoon or evening flights are recommended to allow comfortable travel time.
Take in Tanzania’s changing landscapes one last time as your safari adventure draws to a close.
Not ready to leave Tanzania just yet? Extend your journey with a Zanzibar beach escape — the perfect contrast to the wild landscapes of your safari.
From the Mara River to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has a way of leaving you wanting to return.
Kwaheri — until we meet again. 🌍✨
Fill out the form and let’s start planning your unforgettable Great Migration Safari!
Month | Season | Traffic | Weather | Road Trails | Sky | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | Peak | Medium | Little to no rainfall | Dry | Sunny & Cloudy | Highly Recommended |
February | Peak | High | No rainfall | Dry | Sunny & Cloudy | Highly Recommended |
Mars | High | Low | Short Rainfall | Wet & Muddy | Cloudy | Highly Recommended |
April | Low | Low | Long Rainfall | Wet & Muddy | Cloudy | Recommended |
May | Low | Low | Short Rainfall | Wet & Muddy | Cloudy | Recommended |
June | Peak | High | No Rainfall | Dry | Sunny & Cloudy | Highly Recommended |
July | Peak | High | No Rainfall | Dry | Sunny | Highly Recommended |
August | Peak | High | No Rainfall | Dry | Sunny | Highly Recommended |
September | Peak | High | No Rainfall | Dry | Sunny | Highly Recommended |
October | Peak | High | No Rainfall | Dry | Sunny | Highly Recommended |
November | High | Medium | Little to no rainfall | Wet & Muddy | Sunny & Cloudy | Recommended |
December | High | Medium | Little to no rainfall | Wet & Muddy | Sunny & Cloudy | Recommended |
Your Serengeti journey doesn’t have to end here—elevate your experience with unforgettable adventures across Tanzania. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing tropical escape in Zanzibar, world-class golf on breathtaking highland courses, or the challenge of trekking the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, we have the perfect extension for you.
Let Steven&Friends tailor your ideal experience—crafting a seamless, once-in-a-lifetime journey designed just for you.
Unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters meet soft white sand. Stay at handpicked resorts offering comfort and charm, set out on a Safari Blue adventure or a snorkeling trip to Mnemba Island, and wander the winding alleys of historic Stone Town. It’s the perfect blend of tropical relaxation and rich cultural discovery.
Enjoy a round of golf at world-class courses, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar’s finest greens. Whether you’re a passionate golfer or simply want to unwind, playing on lush fairways with breathtaking views is the perfect way to complement your adventure.
Take on the ultimate challenge and trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa. Choose from various routes suited to your experience level, each offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and an unforgettable sense of achievement.
Whether you aim for the summit or prefer a scenic day hike, this journey is the perfect blend of adventure and personal triumph.
Set in the peaceful Karatu highlands, ideally positioned for exploring some of northern Tanzania’s most remarkable safari destinations, Baghayo Garden Suites combines spacious accommodation, beautiful gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality.
After a day in the wild, unwind by the pool, enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take in the views across the highlands.
A peaceful and welcoming retreat between your safari adventures.
Set in the heart of the Central Serengeti, Intimate Camp Seronera places you close to one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Surrounded by sweeping savannah, the camp offers an authentic tented safari experience with the wilderness just beyond your doorstep.
Wake to the sounds of the bush and spend your days exploring an area renowned for its year-round wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. Here, the Serengeti is not simply somewhere you visit — it surrounds you.
Set in the heart of the Central Serengeti, Intimate Camp Seronera places you close to one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Surrounded by sweeping savannah, the camp offers an authentic tented safari experience with the wilderness just beyond your doorstep.
Wake to the sounds of the bush and spend your days exploring an area renowned for its year-round wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. Here, the Serengeti is not simply somewhere you visit — it surrounds you.
Set in the heart of the Central Serengeti, Intimate Camp Seronera places you close to one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Surrounded by sweeping savannah, the camp offers an authentic tented safari experience with the wilderness just beyond your doorstep.
Wake to the sounds of the bush and spend your days exploring an area renowned for its year-round wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. Here, the Serengeti is not simply somewhere you visit — it surrounds you.
Set in the heart of the Central Serengeti, Intimate Camp Seronera places you close to one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Surrounded by sweeping savannah, the camp offers an authentic tented safari experience with the wilderness just beyond your doorstep.
Wake to the sounds of the bush and spend your days exploring an area renowned for its year-round wildlife and exceptional big-cat sightings. Here, the Serengeti is not simply somewhere you visit — it surrounds you.
Set in the peaceful Karatu highlands, ideally positioned for exploring some of northern Tanzania’s most remarkable safari destinations, Baghayo Garden Suites combines spacious accommodation, beautiful gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality.
After a day in the wild, unwind by the pool, enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take in the views across the highlands.
A peaceful and welcoming retreat between your safari adventures.
