8 Days wildebeest Migration River Crossing
OVERVIEW
Our 8 days Wildebeest migration river crossing safari is designed to offer you an opportunity to witness the spectacular wildebeest river crossing at Mara River which is filled with much anticipation and anxiety as the wildebeest faceoff with the fierce Nile crocodiles as they try to cross the river and also predators waiting on them at the banks.
The wildebeest migration river crossing begin in July as the herds move north and pass through the Lobo and the Wagakuria area en-route to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. The wildebeest herds then spread out over the northern Serengeti national park and Masai Mara Game Reserve in August and September, some of the wildebeest remain behind in the area and weather changes may sometimes bring them back into the area from Mara. In October, the herds move south towards the central Serengeti National park via the Lobo area of the park.
DURATION: 8 DAYS
PLACES TO VISIT: SERENGETI, NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
HIGHLIGHTS OF 8 DAYS WILDEBEEST MIGRATION RIVER CROSSING
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire national park
Day 2: Serengeti national park (Seronera)
Day 3: Serengeti national park
Day 4: Serengeti national park (Kogatende)
Day 5: Serengeti national park (North Mara)
Day 6: Serengeti national park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 7: Ngorongoro crater floor
Day 8: Arusha
DETAILED ITINERARY OF 8 DAYS WILDEBEEST MIGRATION RIVER CROSSING
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will be picked from your hotel by your safari guide – representative of Petnah Africa Tours and Travel, he will give a short briefing about the safari and transfer to Tarangire national park. Arrive in time for lunch which you will have after check-in, in the afternoon you will for game drive.
Tarangire national park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania located in the Manyara region, the park is a home to large herds of elephants and tree climbing lions among other wildlife species. The landscape of the park is dominated by the fascinating Baobab trees also called the Tree of Life for its almost mythical powers that some cultures in Tanzania attach to it.
During the game drive you will see a variety of animals including bush elephants, Lions, hippos, leopards, cheetahs, African buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, African wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, warthogs, jackals among others.
These animals are easily seen around the Tarangire River which flows through the park and is the only source of water for the wildlife most especially during the dry season. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Day 2: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
After breakfast, you will be picked from lodge and proceed to the Central part of Serengeti – The Seronera Area, this area is known for hosting a healthy stock of resident wildlife particularly the “Big Five” that is lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Seronera Luxury camp
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, set off on a full day game drive in the wilderness of Serengeti national park following the Great Migration Trails, during the drives our guide will provide you with interesting facts about the wildebeest migration and Serengeti national park as well.
Serengeti national park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a home to around 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles which join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
After breakfast, we go for a full day game drive in the Kogatende region of Serengeti national park for a full day game drive viewing the great migration in the Mara Area. The resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally in high in the Wagakuria area and the key feature is the Mara River where you will have great chance to see the herds as they cross the Mara River to the north and back south a few days later.
Please Note: it can be difficult to witness the Mara river crossing and sometimes it is a matter of luck, a herd can be seen next to the river and only decide to cross a couple of days later.
The Kogatende area is a stunning region with Kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains which are similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 5: Serengeti National Park (North Mara)
After breakfast, you will head to the Serengeti North for viewing of the Great Migration at the Mara Area, the key area to visit is the Mara River. It is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River North on one day and then back south a few days later.
Note: witnessing the river crossing is very challenging and sometimes it is a matter of luck, there are instances where the herds can be seen next to the river but then only decides to cross a couple of days later.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Migration Camp
Day 6: Serengeti National Park– Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast you will head to park for another game drive in the Serengeti plains, after lunch in the afternoon you will depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a visit at Olduvai Gorge Museum – a famous archaeological location in East Africa, at Laetoli located 45 kilometers outh of Olduvai Gorge, you will find hominin footprints preserved in volcanic rock that dates back 3.6 million years ago and they represent some of the earliest signs of mankind in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
After breakfast, you will descend to the crater floor for a game drive, Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is an extensive highland area along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley and is a home to the World – renowned Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world.
During the game drive on the crater floor, you will spot a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, cape buffaloes, elands, warthogs among others. You will also visit Lake Magadi where you will see large population of pink flamingoes.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 8: Arusha
After breakfast, you will checkout of your lodge and set off on a journey back to Arusha for drop off at the airport for your onward flight.
End of 8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing Safari
INCLUSIONS
Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
EXCLUSIONS
International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks
