Overview & Summary
Witness nature's greatest drama unfold on this exclusive 6-day safari designed for the peak migration season between July and October. Fly into the remote Northern Serengeti, where the Mara River becomes the stage for one of the most intense wildlife spectacles on earth—thousands of wildebeest and zebras gathering at the water's edge, crocodiles lurking in the murky depths, and the desperate, chaotic crossings that define survival in the wild. Spend three full days positioned near the river, watching herds gather, cross, and triumph. Explore the remote Lamai Wedge, a hidden corner of the Serengeti with stunning scenery and fewer vehicles. Then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a final game drive among Africa's densest wildlife populations. With expert BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guides and exclusive access to prime viewing locations, this is the ultimate safari for migration enthusiasts.
Full Itinerary
Airport Pick-up, Mount Meru views & Migration Orientation
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your BMC TOURS & SAFARIS driver at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You are transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha, where you settle in and take in views of Mount Meru. The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps exploring the vibrant local markets or simply unwinding by the pool.
In the evening, your safari guide meets you for a private briefing, reviewing the adventure ahead and sharing insights into the Mara River crossings you will soon witness. A delicious dinner awaits, setting the tone for the extraordinary days to come.
Dinner and overnight at Tulia Retreat Hotel & Spa
Scheduled Flight to Kogatende Airstrip, Afternoon Mara River Scouting
After breakfast, you are transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti. As you soar above the Ngorongoro Highlands and descend onto the vast plains, the landscape transforms into the rolling hills and riverine forests of the far north.
Upon landing, your private BMC safari guide welcomes you and escorts you toward the Mara River. Enjoy an afternoon game drive along the river's edge, scouting for crossing points where wildebeest and zebra gather in the thousands. The air is thick with anticipation as the herds mill about, waiting for the right moment. Arrive at your comfortable camp as the sun sets, with dinner and overnight in the heart of crossing territory.
Dinner and overnight at Kirimu Migration Camp
Migration Crossings Tracking, Crocodiles & Champagne Bush Breakfast
Wake before dawn and position yourself along the Mara River, where the day's drama is about to unfold. Your expert guide chooses the best vantage point based on herd movements and river conditions. As the morning light spreads across the savannah, thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather at the water's edge, their tension palpable.
Then it begins—the first animals plunge into the churning water, and chaos erupts. Crocodiles surge from the depths, snatching at the struggling herds. Mothers call for their young, and the desperate scramble for the far bank becomes a blur of dust, spray, and survival. Enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush, watching the spectacle unfold from a safe yet thrilling distance. The day continues with more crossings as new herds arrive. Return to camp in the evening, filled with the raw energy of one of nature's most powerful events.
Dinner and overnight at Kirimu Migration CampRocky Outcrops, Exclusive Game Drives & Border Border Tracking
After a leisurely breakfast, venture into the Lamai Wedge, a remote and rugged area of the Northern Serengeti that lies between the Mara River and the Kenyan border. This region is often overlooked by safari vehicles, offering a more exclusive experience with stunning scenery of rocky outcrops, rolling hills, and riverine forests.
Here you may find the massive herds that have already crossed into Kenya's Maasai Mara or those still gathering on the Serengeti side. Your guide navigates the wild terrain, tracking elephants, lions, and the elusive leopards that thrive in this remote corner. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by sweeping views. The afternoon offers more exploration before you return to camp for dinner, reflecting on the scale of the migration you are witnessing.
Dinner and overnight at Kirimu Migration CampFinal Mara River Scouting, Highlands Scenic Drive & Crater Rim Vistas
After a final morning game drive along the Mara River, enjoying one last chance to witness crossings or simply soak in the landscape, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your journey south toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The scenic drive takes you through changing landscapes, from the riverine forests of the North to open grasslands and acacia woodlands.
Your guide shares stories of the land as you ascend into cooler, greener highlands dotted with traditional Maasai homesteads. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your comfortable lodge perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the late afternoon, where you are welcomed with breathtaking views of the caldera below. Settle in, then enjoy a delicious dinner as the sun sets over this ancient volcanic landscape.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
600-Meter Caldera Floor Game Drive, Big Five Safari & Ngoitokitok Springs Picnic
After an early breakfast with spectacular crater views, descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a final game drive. This natural wonder, formed over two million years ago, teems with over 25,000 animals—lions stalk zebras on open grasslands, elephants graze near hippo pools, and the endangered black rhino browses peacefully in the distance.
Explore Lake Magadi's shimmering flamingos and the lush Gorigor Swamp before enjoying a picnic lunch at scenic Ngoitokitok Springs, watching hippos surface just meters away. After lunch, ascend the crater wall and begin your scenic drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon for flexible drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport, carrying memories of the Mara River's drama and the timeless beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha hotel
- Domestic scheduled flight: Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip
- Comfortable accommodations (1 night Arusha, 3 nights Northern Serengeti, 1 night Ngorongoro Rim)
- All meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Daily game drives with expert BMC guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Champagne bush breakfast during Mara River crossings
- All park entry fees and conservation levies
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- Bottled drinking water throughout
- All government taxes
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tanzania visa fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, spa)
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after safari
Optional Activities
