14-Day Tanzania Mara River Crossing Safari & Zanzibar Escape
About This Safari
Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles as you follow the Great Migration through Northern Tanzania. From the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron to the legendary Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti, every day brings extraordinary wildlife encounters led by expert local guides. Explore the endless plains of the Serengeti, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, and conclude your journey on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Combining world-class game viewing, luxury accommodation, authentic cultural experiences, and time to unwind by the Indian Ocean, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
Why Choose This Safari
✓ Private safari with your own experienced local guide
✓ Witness the legendary Mara River crossings during the Great Migration season
✓ Explore Lake Natron, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti & the Ngorongoro Crater
✓ Luxury lodges, premium tented camps, and a relaxing Zanzibar beach escape
✓ Carefully designed to maximise wildlife encounters while avoiding the crowds whenever possible
✓ The perfect combination of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, authentic culture, and Indian Ocean relaxation
Safari at a Glance
Destinations: Arusha • Lake Natron • Northern Serengeti • Central Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater • Zanzibar (Nungwi)
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Safari Type: Private Great Migration Safari & Beach Escape
Travel Style: Great Migration, Wildlife, Photography & Zanzibar Relaxation
Accommodation: Luxury lodges, premium tented camps & beachfront resort
Guide: Professional English-speaking private safari guide
Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, honeymooners, families, and travellers seeking the ultimate Great Migration experience
What’s Included
✓ Meet & greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport with all airport transfers
✓ Private 4×4 luxury safari vehicle with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat
✓ Professional English-speaking private safari guide throughout your journey
✓ Luxury lodges, premium tented camps, and beachfront accommodation in Zanzibar
✓ Meals as specified in the itinerary
✓ Domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
✓ Unlimited game drives throughout the safari
✓ National park, conservation, and crater service fees
✓ Bottled drinking water, tea, and coffee during game drives
✓ Government taxes and levies
Optional Add-ons
✓ Sunrise hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti
✓ Additional nights in the Northern Serengeti to maximise Mara River crossing opportunities
✓ Private Maasai cultural experience and guided village visit
✓ Zanzibar snorkelling, diving, dhow cruises, and spice farm tours
✓ Luxury accommodation upgrades throughout the safari
✓ Private charter flights and personalised safari extensions
Not Included
✗ International flights
✗ Tanzania visa fees
✗ Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
✗ Alcoholic beverages, premium drinks, and meals not specified in the itinerary
✗ Hot-air balloon safari and other optional experiences
✗ Personal expenses, laundry services, and gratuities
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Mara River Crossing Season Planner
The Great Migration normally reaches the Northern Serengeti between July and October. River crossings are natural and unpredictable, but travelling during this period gives you the strongest opportunity to witness the herds gathering around the Mara River.
JULY – EARLY AUGUST
The Herds Arrive in the North
Large herds begin reaching the Northern Serengeti as the dry season develops. Early river crossings may occur, while predators gather along the migration routes and around the Mara River.
MID-AUGUST – SEPTEMBER
Peak Mara River Crossing Season
This is generally the strongest period for a Northern Serengeti migration safari. Vast herds remain around the Mara River, with repeated movements between Tanzania and Kenya creating opportunities for dramatic crossings.
OCTOBER – EARLY NOVEMBER
Late Crossings & Southward Movement
Some herds may still remain in the Northern Serengeti and continue crossing the river. As seasonal rains approach, the migration gradually begins moving south through the Serengeti.
YOUR GREAT MIGRATION ADVENTURE AWAITS
Stand at the Edge of the Great Migration
Follow the vast herds into Northern Serengeti and experience the anticipation surrounding the legendary Mara River crossings. From the remote landscapes of Lake Natron and the wildlife-rich Serengeti plains to the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar’s tropical shores, this journey brings together extraordinary wildlife, expert guiding, and unforgettable African landscapes.
Follow the herds. Witness the crossing. Remember Tanzania forever.
PLAN YOUR MARA RIVER SAFARIKEEP EXPLORING AFRICA
Discover Your Next African Journey
Every safari opens the door to another extraordinary experience. Explore more carefully designed journeys created by our local experts for unforgettable wildlife encounters and meaningful family adventures.
TANZANIA’S ICONIC WILDLIFE
Big Five Safari Adventures
Search for lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos across Tanzania’s legendary national parks with experienced local guides who understand the land and its wildlife.
Explore Big Five SafarisADVENTURES FOR EVERY GENERATION
Family Safari Experiences
Share remarkable wildlife encounters, welcoming lodges, and carefully paced adventures designed to create lasting memories for children, parents, and grandparents travelling together.
Explore Family Safaris-
Included
All accommodations (as per selected tier)All ground transportationAll meals during safariAll park entrance and conservation feesDomestic flightsSafari in private 4x4 vehicle with English-speaking guide -
Not Included
International flightsSafety equipment (first aid)Summit certificateTips & personal expensesTravel insuranceVisa for Tanzania
Tour Plan
Day 1 — Welcome to Tanzania
Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your private Lille Bille Safari guide will greet you and transfer you to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's legendary northern safari circuit. Settle into your lodge, unwind after your journey, and enjoy a relaxed safari briefing as you prepare for the unforgettable adventure that awaits.
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Leave Arusha behind and journey into Tarangire National Park, a landscape of ancient baobab trees, sweeping savannah, and Africa's largest elephant herds. Spend the day exploring this remarkable wilderness in search of lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and countless other wildlife before continuing to the cool, green highlands of Karatu, where your lodge awaits.
Day 3 – Into the Rift Valley
Lake Natron
Leave the fertile highlands behind as you journey into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Surrounded by volcanic scenery and the striking beauty of Lake Natron, this remote region offers one of Tanzania's most extraordinary settings. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the Rift Valley, where the silence, vast landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets create the perfect introduction to the wild north.
Day 4 – Northern Serengeti
Journey North
Travel through some of Tanzania's most spectacular landscapes as you make your way into the remote Northern Serengeti. Along the journey, wildlife sightings become increasingly frequent before arriving in one of Africa's most exclusive safari regions. Settle into your luxury camp, perfectly positioned for the unforgettable Mara River crossings that await.
Day 5 - Mara River Crossing
Mara River Crossing
Explore the Northern Serengeti in search of the migrating herds gathering along the Mara River. Your guide will follow the movement of the wildlife and position you for the best possible viewing as wildebeest and zebras face the river’s powerful currents and watchful predators. Every crossing unfolds in its own time, making each moment entirely unique.
Days 6 - Northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti
Spend another unforgettable day exploring the Northern Serengeti, where every game drive offers new wildlife encounters and the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration in motion. Beyond the famous river crossings, discover predators, vast open plains, and the remarkable diversity that makes this one of Africa's finest safari destinations.
Day 7 - Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
Continue your safari through the legendary plains of the Central Serengeti, where every drive reveals a new chapter of Africa's wildlife story. From prowling big cats to graceful antelope and vast open landscapes, enjoy one final day immersed in one of the world's most celebrated safari destinations before returning to camp for a memorable evening beneath the African sky.
Day 8 - Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
After a final morning in the Serengeti, travel to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Descend to the crater floor for an unforgettable game drive, where elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and countless other species thrive within this remarkable natural wonder. Later, continue to the peaceful Marera Valley for a relaxing evening.
Day 9 - Zanzibar
Fly to Zanzibar
Return to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to the white-sand beaches of Nungwi, where crystal-clear waters and swaying palms welcome you to the perfect conclusion of your Tanzanian adventure. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the Indian Ocean.
Day 10 - Island Escape
Nungwi Beach
Enjoy three leisurely days on Zanzibar's northern coast. Whether you choose to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, sail aboard a traditional dhow, experience a sunset cruise, enjoy a fishing excursion, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax beside the turquoise Indian Ocean, these days are yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 13 - Stone Town
Stone Town
Discover the rich history of Stone Town on a guided walking tour through its winding streets, vibrant markets, and historic landmarks. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, settle into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Zanzibar.
Day 14 -Departure
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight home. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of the Great Migration, Tanzania's extraordinary wildlife, and the tranquil beauty of Zanzibar's tropical shores.