9-Day Tanzania Great Migration Mara River Crossings Guide

A 9-day Great Migration safari focused on the Mara River crossings typically runs from July to October. The classic northern Tanzania route starts and ends in Arusha, routing through Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and multiple dedicated days in the northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Wagakuria) to watch herds face crocodile-infested waters.

Imagine thousands of wildebeests and zebras mixed together, all groaning and braying in their own special sounds, kicking up dust and watching out for each other against the predators that are circling them. This can be impressive (believe us, it is!) but when you add a river to that equation, you have a truly unique sight! This is the annual Mara River crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration in northern Serengeti, which takes place only from late July to early October.

This trail leads you to the place of this apotheosis of nature where, with a bit of luck, you may observe herds risking their life in a river full with crocs. Crocs? Indeed those terrible buggers. And no, this is not for the weak hearted! Oh and did we mention it also passes past the elephant crowded Tarangire and the magnificent Ngorongoro crater on the way back?