Mara River Crossing Safari: Northern Serengeti
From July to October, the Great Migration reaches Northern Serengeti and the Mara River, home to the most famous image of the migration: thousands of wildebeest and zebra plunging across crocodile-filled waters. August is peak migration atmosphere and the most popular month for first-time visitors and photographers, September brings a high chance of dramatic action as the herds' exact location shifts constantly, and October sees numbers begin to thin as some herds start moving south, with excellent viewing and fewer crowds.
A Mara crossing can never be guaranteed. It is controlled entirely by rainfall, grass, water levels and the herds' own instincts, our guides search based on tracks, radio reports and the position of other vehicles, giving you the best realistic chance of witnessing this moment.
Trip highlights
- Thousands of wildebeest and zebra at the Mara River, with Nile crocodiles waiting below
- Northern Serengeti and the Kogatende area, lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants
- 5 real itinerary options, from a fast 4-day Mara focus to a 6-day extended migration circuit
What's included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle (Land Cruiser) with pop-up roof, large windows and comfortable seats
- USB and Type-C charging, fridge, binoculars and safari radio on board
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Fuel, all game drives and vehicle running costs
- National park entrance fees and Serengeti / Ndutu conservation or concession fees
- Ngorongoro Crater fees where applicable
- Safari accommodation and meals per the accommodation plan
- Drinking water, driver/guide services and mandatory government and tourism charges
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Hot-air balloon safari and other optional activities
- Extra nights before or after the safari, and flights not specifically listed in your quotation
Day by day
Day 1
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire
Day 2
Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro
Day 3
Day 3: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
Day 4
Day 4: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti / Kogatende
Day 5
Day 5: Northern Serengeti to Arusha (a Kogatende Airstrip drop-off can be arranged instead, depending on flight schedule)
Common questions
Yes. Every itinerary here can be extended with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar or a Ngorongoro Crater add-on. Tell us your dates and interests and we will adapt one of the options below or build a custom route.
No, and we would not trust an operator who claims otherwise. A wildebeest birth, a predator kill or a river crossing are wild, natural events controlled by rainfall, grass, water levels and animal behaviour, not by any company's schedule. We follow the migration, we do not make promises on behalf of nature. What we do guarantee is an experienced guide who reads the conditions, tracks and other vehicles' reports to give you the best realistic chance.
August is generally considered the peak migration atmosphere and the most popular month for first-timers and photographers, though September often brings dramatic action too as herds move constantly along the river. No month can guarantee a crossing on any specific day.
If time is very limited, the Mara River Focus Safari (4 days) concentrates entirely on the north. For a balanced classic itinerary, the 5-Day Classic Mara River Safari is one of our most popular. For more searching time, the 6-Day Extended Mara River Migration adds an extra full day at the river.