Overview & Summary
Timed for July through October, this safari positions you in the Northern Serengeti for the world's most dramatic wildlife spectacle: The Mara River crossings. Fly directly into the remote north, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather at the water's edge, crocodiles lurk in the depths, and chaos erupts as the herds plunge across. Spend two full days positioned near the river, waiting for the moment when courage meets the current. Explore the wild Lamai Wedge, a hidden corner with stunning scenery and fewer vehicles. Then journey to the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day among Africa's densest wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. With expert BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guides and prime riverfront positioning, this is the ultimate migration safari.
Full Itinerary
Private transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport & briefing
Your safari 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 views of Mount Meru greet you. 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, sharing insights on the Mara River crossings you will soon witness one of nature's most intense spectacles. A delicious dinner awaits, setting the tone for the extraordinary days ahead.
Dinner and overnight at Tulia Retreat Hotel & Spa
Arusha Airport fly-in, Kogatende airstrip & river scouting
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti. This remote region, part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, is defined by the Mara River a lifeline that draws the Great Migration between July and October. Upon landing, your private BMC safari guide escorts you along the river, scouting for crossing points where thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather. The air is thick with anticipation as herds mill about, waiting for the right moment. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your exploration. Arrive at your comfortable mobile tented camp near the river as the sun sets, with dinner and overnight in the heart of crossing territory.
Dinner and overnight at Baobab Mara Luxury Tented Camp
Wildebeest river crossings, predator action & champagne bush breakfast
Wake before dawn and position yourself along the Mara River, where the day's drama is about to unfold. The Northern Serengeti's riverine forests and rocky banks create natural crossing points that funnel the migration into predictable locations. As morning light spreads across the savannah, thousands of wildebeest gather at the water's edge, their tension palpable. Then it begins the first animals plunge into the churning water, crocodiles surge from the depths, and chaos erupts. Enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush, watching the spectacle unfold from a safe yet thrilling distance. Return to camp in the evening, filled with the raw energy of nature at its most powerful.
Dinner and overnight at Baobab Mara Luxury Tented CampExclusive Lamai Wedge safari, elephant tracking & crossing herds
After breakfast, venture into the Lamai Wedge, a remote and rugged area between the Mara River and the Kenyan border. This region, with its rocky outcrops, rolling hills, and fewer safari vehicles, offers an exclusive experience away from the crowds. 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 here. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by sweeping views before returning to camp for dinner, reflecting on the scale of the migration you are witnessing.
Dinner and overnight at Baobab Mara Luxury Tented CampSerengeti transit game drive, Seronera predator tracking & crater rim sunset
After a final morning game drive along the Mara River, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your scenic journey south through Central Serengeti. This drive is a game drive in itself, passing through the predator rich Seronera Valley, where lions laze on kopjes, leopards hide in acacia branches, and elephants move through the woodlands. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, surrounded by the sounds of the bush. Continue through acacia woodlands and open grasslands, with opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, and the changing landscapes as you ascend toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Arrive at your comfortable lodge perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the late afternoon, where you are welcomed with spectacular views of the caldera below. Settle in, then enjoy a delicious dinner as the sun sets over this ancient volcanic landscape, anticipation building for tomorrow's descent into Africa's Garden of Eden.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
UNESCO caldera floor game drive, Ngoitokitok Springs picnic & rhino tracking
After an early breakfast with spectacular crater views, descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full day 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. The afternoon continues with more exploration across the crater floor. Ascend the crater wall in the late afternoon and drive to your lodge in Karatu reflecting on a day among the densest wildlife on earth.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Maasai-guided rim hike, bird watching & return to Arusha
After breakfast, venture to Olmoti Crater, a hidden gem in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Accompanied by Maasai guides, enjoy a short hike to the rim of this volcanic crater, where you are rewarded with stunning views of the caldera below and the lush highlands stretching to the horizon. The hike is gentle and offers opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. After your walk, begin your scenic drive back to Arusha, stopping at a local art gallery or curio market to browse handmade crafts. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the early afternoon for your departure, carrying memories of thundering river crossings, the majesty of the crater, and the timeless beauty of Tanzania.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Private transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport
- Domestic flights: Arusha to Kogatende, Kogatende to Ngorongoro
- Accommodations as listed
- All meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
- Daily game drives with expert BMC guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Champagne bush breakfast during Mara River crossings
- Park entry fees for Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- Olmoti Crater hike with Maasai guides
- Bottled drinking water
- All government taxes
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance
- Tanzania visa fees
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, spa)
- Tips for guide & lodge staff
- Accommodation before or after safari
Optional Activities
