Signature
The Great Migration
Serengeti · Grumeti · Mara River
From $3,200 per person
View the The Great MigrationSignature · Northern Circuit
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · North & Central Serengeti
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Tier
- Signature
- From
- $5,301 pp
Overview
Eight days. Three ecosystems. One unforgettable migration.
This signature journey takes you through Tanzania's most storied landscapes — from the golden plains of Tarangire, into the crater floor of Ngorongoro, and deep into the Serengeti's Mara River, where the great herds cross in one of nature's last true spectacles.
Each night is spent in a hand-picked lodge chosen for its location, comfort, and character — never a compromise on either wilderness or rest.
On safari with Yera
- Tarangire's Elephant Herds & Baobabs
- Big Five
- Wildebeest Mara River Crossing
- Other Wild Animals in Game Drive
- Flora and Fauna
- Intercontinental Meals
- Best and Luxury Accommodation
At a glance: the route
◆ THE ROUTE
| Day | Where | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport → Arusha | Mount Meru Hotel |
| 2 | Arusha → Tarangire | Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater | Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge |
| 4 | Central Serengeti via NCA | Baobab Lodge |
| 5 | Serengeti → Northern Serengeti | Kirurumu Lodge |
| 6 | Mara River — Full Day | Kirurumu Lodge |
| 7 | N. Serengeti → Central Serengeti | Embalakai Lodge |
| 8 | Seronera → Zanzibar or Arusha | Departure |
Day by day
The Itinerary
-
Day 1
Airport → Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide meets you for the transfer into Arusha. Rest of the day at leisure to settle in ahead of tomorrow's departure into the bush.
What you'll see: Mt. Meru views, Arusha town, Coffee farms nearby
Optional: Cultural coffee farm tour
≈ 56 km ≈ 1 hr driveWhere you stay
Mount Meru Hotel
A comfortable base in Arusha for your arrival night, set in green gardens at the foot of Mount Meru — the ideal place to rest before heading into the bush.
- Meals: Half Board
- Swimming pool
- En-suite rooms
- Restaurant & bar
- Free WiFi
- Airport transfer point
-
Day 2
Arusha → Tarangire
Depart Arusha after breakfast toward Tarangire National Park, with a roughly 2–3 hour afternoon game drive through the park before continuing to the lodge in time for dinner.
What you'll see: Elephant herds, Ancient baobab trees, Tarangire River wildlife
Optional: Guided walking safari
≈ 118 km ≈ 2.5–3 hrs driveWhere you stay
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Set within a working coffee plantation on the rim above the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering cool mountain air and easy access to the crater floor.
- Meals: Full Board
- Coffee plantation tours
- Fireplace lounge
- En-suite cottages
- Full board dining
- Hot water bottles for cold nights
-
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for a 5–6 hour game drive across the crater floor, returning to the lodge on the rim by evening (7–8 hours door to door).
What you'll see: Black rhino, Tree-climbing lions, Flamingo lake, Hippo pools
Distance: ~104 km round trip (lodge to crater floor and back)
Optional: Maasai village visit
Where you stay
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Set within a working coffee plantation on the rim above the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering cool mountain air and easy access to the crater floor.
- Meals: Full Board
- Coffee plantation tours
- Fireplace lounge
- En-suite cottages
- Full board dining
- Hot water bottles for cold nights
-
Day 4
Central Serengeti via NCA
Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Oldupai Gorge viewpoint en route into the Serengeti's central Seronera region, game viewing throughout the drive.
What you'll see: Big cats on the plains, Giraffe, Resident lion prides
Optional: Olduvai Gorge Museum stop
≈ 145 km ≈ 3.5–4 hrs driveWhere you stay
Baobab Lodge
Perched on a rocky kopje in Central Serengeti among ancient baobab trees, with sweeping views across the plains where resident prides are often spotted.
- Meals: Full Board
- Infinity pool
- En-suite tented rooms
- Sundowner deck
- Full board dining
- Laundry service
-
Day 5
Serengeti → Northern Serengeti
Game drive north through the Serengeti toward the Mara River region, tracking the migration's position as the herds move toward the crossing points.
What you'll see: Migrating wildebeest columns, Zebra herds, Topi and hartebeest
Distance: ~160 km, ~4 hr drive with game viewing en route
Optional: Bush breakfast
Where you stay
Kirurumu Lodge
A tented camp positioned in Northern Serengeti close to the Mara River, designed for early access to the crossing points during migration season.
- Meals: Full Board
- En-suite safari tents
- Private verandas
- Bush dinners on request
- Full board dining
- Charging points in-room
-
Day 6
Mara River — Full Day
A full 7–8 hour day (dawn to dusk) positioned at the Mara River's known crossing points, watching for the herds to gather and cross — with a packed lunch to allow maximum time at the river.
What you'll see: Mara River crossings, Nile crocodiles, Predators stalking the herd
Distance: ~40–60 km of local game driving (no fixed route)
Optional: Sundowner at the river
Where you stay
Kirurumu Lodge
A tented camp positioned in Northern Serengeti close to the Mara River, designed for early access to the crossing points during migration season.
- Meals: Full Board
- En-suite safari tents
- Private verandas
- Bush dinners on request
- Full board dining
- Charging points in-room
-
Day 7
N. Serengeti → Central Serengeti
A final 2–3 hour game drive in the north before driving south back into Central Serengeti, arriving at the lodge in time for a relaxed evening.
What you'll see: Leopard in riverine trees, Cheetah on the plains, Serengeti sunset
Optional: Hot air balloon safari
≈ 160 km ≈ 4 hrs driveWhere you stay
Embalakai Lodge
A relaxed lodge in Central Serengeti, ideal for a final night of game viewing before departure, with wide verandas overlooking the plains.
- Meals: Full Board
- Swimming pool
- En-suite rooms
- Sundowner deck
- Full board dining
- Free WiFi in main area
-
Day 8
Seronera → Zanzibar or Arusha
One last 1–2 hour early-morning game drive before transferring to the Seronera airstrip for your onward scheduled flight to Zanzibar or back to Arusha.
What you'll see: Sunrise over the plains, Final game viewing, Seronera airstrip
Flight: Flight to Arusha (~45 min) or flight to Zanzibar (~1h 45m)
Optional: Extra night in Zanzibar
Where you stay
Departure
- Meals: Breakfast
Included
Price and what is included
Your investment
From $5,301 per person
Depends on number of people.
What determines the price
Pricing on this journey starts from $5,301 per person and varies based on three factors.
Group Size
Smaller private groups carry a higher per-person rate than joining a shared departure; larger groups reduce the per-person cost of vehicles and guiding.
Season
High season (July–September, Mara crossing) and peak holiday periods carry premium lodge rates; green season travel offers significant savings with equally rewarding game viewing.
Lodge Tier
This is our Signature tier. Bespoke (fully custom, higher-end properties) and Classic (comfortable, value-focused) tiers are also available on this same route.
Included
- Vehicle & Fuel: Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, unlimited mileage within itinerary, fuel included for all game drives and transfers.
- Professional Guide: Your driver-guide is a career safari professional, fluent in English and Swahili, with many also speaking French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese — let us know your preferred language when booking and we'll match you accordingly.
- Park Fees: All national park and conservation area entry fees for the full 8-day route.
- Accommodation: 7 nights at hand-picked Signature-tier lodges as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals as Specified: Half Board on Day 1, Full Board Days 2–7, breakfast on Day 8.
- Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers between airport and first/last lodge.
- Government Taxes: All applicable Tanzania VAT and government levies are included in your quoted price — no hidden fees on arrival.
Not included
- International Flights
- Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal Purchases
- Alcoholic Beverages
Your game-drive vehicle
- Fridge / cooler box
- Phone charger (USB & plug)
- Onboard WiFi
- Two-way radio communication with base & other vehicles
Every kitchen, professionally run
Every lodge on this journey employs professional kitchen teams experienced in preparing a full range of dietary needs — without compromising on quality or variety. Simply let us know your dietary preferences when booking, and we'll confirm with each property in advance.
Documents and preparation
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with two blank visa pages.
Visa
Most nationalities can apply for a Tanzania e-Visa online prior to arrival, or on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Required only if arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Travel Insurance
We recommend comprehensive cover including medical evacuation for all safari travel.
Options
Options for this safari
Tier
Classic
This journey
Signature
From $5,301 pp
Camps: Mount Meru Hotel, Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, Baobab Lodge, Kirurumu Lodge and Embalakai Lodge
Tier
Bespoke
Your safari doesn't have to end here
Add on days before you fly home — each extension is built into your itinerary, not a separate booking.
- Extend with Zanzibar
- Extend with the Coast
- Extend into East Africa
Best time
Best time for a Mara River crossing safari
Best
July – September
The Mara River crossings typically occur now, as the wildebeest migration moves north into the Mara region. High season, with premium lodge rates.
Possible
Green season
Significant savings with equally rewarding game viewing.
Choose another route
May – June
The Grumeti crossing in the Western Serengeti is smaller and less predictable, with fewer crocodiles. It is not the crossing featured in this itinerary.
What our clients say
Told by the travelers who were there
Tripadvisor
“We spent two full nights near the Mara River and saw a crossing on our second morning — the guide positioned the vehicle perfectly, ahead of the other operators' trucks. Every lodge on this route was a genuine step up from what we expected at this price.”
“Ngorongoro Crater on day three was the highlight for us, but honestly the Serengeti nights near the Mara were what we still talk about. Booking and communication from the Yera team was clear at every step, no surprises on arrival.”
Tripadvisor
“Lodges were consistently comfortable, food was better than we expected for a safari itinerary this length.”
Why travel with Yera
What sets this journey apart
Local Expertise, 20+ Years
Every route on this itinerary is shaped by two decades guiding across Tanzania's Northern Circuit.
Flexible Rebooking
Plans change — we work with you to adjust dates and lodges without unnecessary loss.
24/7 On-Ground Support
A direct line to our Arusha team throughout your journey, not a call center.
FAQ
Quick answers
When is the best time to see the Mara River crossing?
The Mara River crossings typically occur between July and September, when the wildebeest migration moves north through the Serengeti into the Mara region in search of fresh grazing. This 8-day itinerary is timed to place you at the river for two full nights during peak crossing season.
Is the Mara River crossing guaranteed?
No safari operator can guarantee an exact crossing on a given day — the herds move on their own timeline. However, spending two full nights near the Mara River, as this itinerary does, significantly increases your chances of witnessing a crossing compared to a single-night stop.
How many days should I spend at the Mara River for the best chance of seeing a crossing?
We recommend a minimum of two full days at the Mara River. This itinerary includes one full day dedicated entirely to the river, plus additional game drive time in Northern Serengeti either side of it.
What's the difference between the Mara River and Grumeti River crossings?
The Grumeti crossing (May–June, Western Serengeti) is smaller and less predictable but has fewer crocodiles. The Mara River crossing (July–September) is the larger, more dramatic event most associated with the Great Migration, and is the one featured in this itinerary.
Where do I stay near the Mara River during the crossing?
This itinerary places you at Kirurumu Lodge in Northern Serengeti for two nights, positioned for early access to the river crossing points.
Can I combine the Mara River crossing with Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar?
Yes — this 8-day itinerary already combines Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central and Northern Serengeti (including the Mara River), with an optional onward flight to Zanzibar on Day 8.
How much does a Mara River crossing safari cost?
This 8-day Northern Circuit safari, including two nights at the Mara River, starts from $5,301 per person, varying by group size, season, and lodge tier.
Is the Mara River crossing safe to watch — are there crocodiles?
Yes, crocodiles are present at known crossing points, which is part of what makes the event so dramatic. Viewing is done from a safe distance in the vehicle or from designated viewpoints with your guide.
Planning
How it works
-
01
Describe your dream
Tell us your dates, your group and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours with a first itinerary and price.
-
02
Confirm
We adjust the camps, pace and budget until it fits you. A deposit then secures your dates and rooms.
-
03
Start packing
You receive your final itinerary, packing list and travel documents. Your guide is waiting when you land.
Plan your safari
Begin planning your Northern Circuit journey
Tell us your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a full quote and the camps you choose. No payment is needed to ask.
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