• Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
• Dates: July 2027 & 2028 (Start: 4 July | Finish: 14 July)
  (Start: 15 July | Finish: 25 July)
  *Other dates available on request for private/ legacy tours
• Group Size: Small group — 6 to 12 guests
• Meal Basis: Full Board throughout (all meals + local brand drinks with meals)
• Destinations: Tanzania — Arusha | Lake Manyara | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | North Serengeti (Mara River)

ABOUT THIS JOURNEY

There are events in the natural world that surpass all expectation — moments so raw, so elemental, that they lodge in the memory like nothing else. The Great Migration is one of them. And within the Great Migration, the Mara River crossing is its most electric, most dramatic, most unforgettable expression.

Each year, between June and September, more than a million wildebeest — accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle — push northward through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grass. The journey is driven by rain, guided by an ancient instinct older than memory. And at the Mara River, it reaches its crisis point.

The wildebeest are afraid of the river, and with good reason: massive Nile crocodiles patrol its murky waters, waiting. The herds gather in their thousands on the southern bank, massing and milling in a state of nervous tension. Then — suddenly — a single animal takes the plunge. And in an instant, thousands follow. The dust rises. The water churns white. The sound is something you will hear in your sleep for years afterwards.

This 11-day journey is crafted to place you at the Mara River at exactly the right moment. We spend five full days in the Northern Serengeti — a generous window that gives us the best possible chance of witnessing a crossing in full swing. Combined with two full days in the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater and a game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, this is one of the great African safari journeys, built around the most spectacular wildlife event on earth.

UNDERSTANDING THE MIGRATION & THE RIVER CROSSINGS

The Great Migration is a seasonal event driven by rainfall and the movement of grass. It typically brings the vast herds to the Northern Serengeti and the Mara River during a six-to-eight-week window between June and September, with the peak of river crossing activity generally occurring in July and August.

Our strategy is deliberate: we time the departure to coincide with the middle of this window, and we spend five days on the Mara River — the most generous time allocation of any itinerary we offer for this event. This extended stay is critical. Crossings are not predictable to the hour or the day. The wildebeest can mass on the bank for hours — sometimes days — before the right animal takes the decisive step. Patience is everything. Five days gives you time.

When the crossing begins, it can last five minutes or fifty. But if you are there — positioned on the right bank, watching the first brave animal launch itself into the current as the crocodiles close in and thousands stampede into the water behind — it will be among the most thrilling minutes of your life. That is the promise of the North Serengeti in July.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

• The Great Migration river crossings at the Mara River — where more than a million wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters in nature’s most dramatic annual spectacle
• Five full days in the Northern Serengeti — the maximum time on the Mara River of any of our Tanzania itineraries, giving the best possible chance of witnessing multiple crossings
• Daily game drives in the vast Northern Serengeti — lion prides along every river line, leopards in the granite hills, a healthy cheetah population across the open grasslands, and the full cast of African plains game
• Black rhinoceros sightings in the area between the Sand and Bolagonga Rivers — where individuals occasionally wander across from the Masai Mara Game Reserve to the north
• Expert tactical positioning — each morning begins with a drive along the river to read where the herds are massing, and intelligent positioning for the best possible crossing vantage point
• Full-day game drive in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest intact volcanic caldera on earth, with the highest density of large mammals anywhere
• The Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and one of Tanzania’s few remaining populations of black rhinoceros
• Game drive through Lake Manyara National Park — over 400 bird species, tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, Maasai giraffe and abundant plains game
• Scenic two-hour aerial return from the Northern Serengeti to Arusha — sweeping views of the vast Serengeti, meandering rivers and remote wilderness
• Professional, expert English-speaking Tanzanian driver/guide throughout
• Small-group experience — minimum 6 persons for maximum flexibility and personal attention in the field
• Post-tour Zanzibar extension available — the ‘Islands of Spice’ just off the Tanzanian coast for beach and history

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Two game drives daily throughout the safari section. All meals included except where noted.

Day 1  Arrive Arusha, Tanzania 

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha — the safari capital of northern Tanzania, resting at the foot of Mount Meru. Settle in, meet your guide and group, and enjoy your first evening in Tanzania. Full board.

Day 2  En Route to Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara  

After breakfast and a morning briefing, depart Arusha and drive approximately 3.5 hours east across the Maasai Steppe toward Lake Manyara National Park. A game drive through the park reveals its remarkable wealth of wildlife: tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys, Maasai giraffe, impala, zebra, Cape buffalo and over 400 bird species. Picnic lunch in the park before continuing to the Ngorongoro highlands for the evening. Full board.

Day 3  Ngorongoro Crater — Full Day  

A full day on the floor of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s natural wonders. Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, where the highest density of large mammals on earth is concentrated in a breathtaking natural amphitheatre. The Big Five, vast zebra and wildebeest herds, hyena, cheetah and an extraordinary diversity of species await. Lunch served on the crater floor. Full board.

Day 4  Ngorongoro Conservation Area — Full Day  

A second full day exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — a protected area and World Heritage Site of enormous scale and ecological significance. Return to the crater floor for another day of immersive game driving in this extraordinary landscape, with opportunities to encounter all that the crater has to offer at a slower, more contemplative pace. Full board.

Day 5  Fly to the North Serengeti — Mara River  

Transfer to Manyara Airstrip for a scenic flight to Kogotende in the Northern Serengeti — dropping you into the beating heart of the Great Migration. This is the area of the Mara River, where the wildebeest crossings happen. Settle into your tented camp and take your first afternoon game drive along the river, reading the land and the herds and beginning to build the picture of what the next five days will bring. Full board.

Day 6–9  Northern Serengeti — The Mara River Crossings  

Four full days of morning and afternoon game drives in the Northern Serengeti — the most electrifying wildlife landscape on earth during the peak migration window. Each morning begins with a tactical reconnaissance of the river, reading where the herds are massing, identifying which crossings look most imminent and positioning the vehicles for the best vantage point. When a crossing begins — and with four days here, the odds are strongly in our favour — the tension is extraordinary. The wildebeest pile up on the southern bank in their thousands. Crocodiles patrol the water. Then, in an instant, one animal commits and thousands pour over the bank in a roaring, churning torrent of muscle and instinct. On days when a crossing seems unlikely, we range further: the granite kopjes to the south offer excellent leopard country; every river line hosts a resident lion pride; cheetah are frequently encountered on the open grass plains; and the occasional black rhinoceros may be spotted in the area between the Sand and Bolagonga Rivers. Full board throughout.

Day 10  Fly back to Arusha  

After a leisurely final breakfast in the Northern Serengeti, transfer to Kogotende Airstrip for the scenic two-hour flight back to Arusha — sweeping aerial views of the vast plains, the Mara River and the remote Serengeti below. Arrive in Arusha around midday, transfer to your accommodation, freshen up and enjoy lunch. Time to rest before an evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for homebound international flights.

Day 11  Depart Arusha — End of Service  

For those who stayed overnight: transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for homebound international flights. Additional nights in Arusha can be arranged on request. Those continuing to Zanzibar for the ‘Islands of Spice’ extension depart today.

POST-TOUR EXTENSION — “ISLANDS OF SPICE”: ZANZIBAR

The perfect way to complete your Tanzanian journey. After the dust and drama of the Serengeti, the historic Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar offers the most sublime contrast imaginable — powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town with its extraordinary Swahili-Arab heritage and labyrinthine spice-scented streets. Zanzibar is just a short flight from Arusha and is one of the world’s most beautiful island destinations. Ask us about our Zanzibar extension options.

• International flights to and from Tanzania
• Entry visa to Tanzania
• Travel insurance — strongly recommended
• Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
• Laundry services
• All expenses of a personal nature

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Prices are quoted in USD and are based on a minimum of 6 guests travelling together.
• All prices are subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations or unforeseen cost increases.
• All payments must be made by Electronic or Telegraphic Bank Transfer in the currency of the accepted quotation.
• Luggage restriction for light aircraft transfers in Tanzania: 10–15kg per person including hand luggage, in soft hold-all bags only — no hard suitcases or rigid frames.
• Driving within National Parks is permitted between 6am and 6pm only. No night drives are permitted inside the parks.
• National Park fees are valid for 24 hours from time of entry. Entry and exit times must correspond.
• All properties are subject to availability. We reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or superior quality if required.
• The Great Migration is a natural event driven by rainfall and cannot be guaranteed. Our itinerary is timed to maximise the probability of river crossing encounters based on historical patterns.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Visas for Tanzania

Most passport holders require a visa for Tanzania. Visas can be obtained in advance from the Tanzanian High Commission, or for many nationalities on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Please verify the current requirements for your nationality well in advance of travel. It is your responsibility to obtain the correct documentation. We accept no liability for failure to do so.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all travellers. Cover should include trip cancellation due to illness or injury, personal accident and personal liability, loss or damage to baggage, travel and flight delays, and emergency medical evacuation.

Health & Vaccinations

Tanzania is a malaria-risk area. Please consult your physician or travel health clinic before departure for advice on anti-malarial prophylaxis and all recommended vaccinations. Yellow Fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin or onward travel plans — carry your certificate at all times. Keep all prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of your doctor’s prescription.

Climate in July

July falls within Tanzania’s long dry season — one of the best times of year to be on safari. The Northern Serengeti in July is typically dry and clear, with warm days and cool evenings. The vegetation is lower than during the rainy season, making wildlife easier to spot. Mornings and evenings on game drives can be quite cool — a warm layer is essential. The Ngorongoro highlands can be cold, particularly in the mornings and at altitude — bring a warm jacket for crater game drives.

Clothing

Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing in khaki, beige, olive and brown tones is essential for all game drives. Avoid brightly coloured clothing, hats or accessories in the field. A warm fleece or jacket and a light windproof layer are strongly recommended for early morning drives, particularly at Ngorongoro. A wide-brimmed hat, good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential during the day. Comfortable, closed walking shoes are advised throughout. Pack light — respect the luggage restrictions for light aircraft.

Currency

The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted across the safari circuit. Bring US Dollar banknotes in good condition (no cuts, tears or marks) dated 2006 or later. Larger denomination notes (US$50 and US$100) attract better exchange rates. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, with 24-hour ATMs in main towns. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted in remote areas.

Electricity

Tanzania uses 220/240 volts at 50Hz with UK-type 3-pin square plugs. Adaptors are available at major airports. Power supply at remote tented camps is limited — plan your device charging accordingly and bring a portable battery pack for cameras and phones.

One of our experts will be in touch within 24 hours.