7 Days Great Migration River Crossing SafariNorthern Serengeti
Description
This carefully crafted seven-day Tanzania safari takes you through Tarangire, the central and northern Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, followed by cultural tours around Lake Manyara and Arusha. Enjoy diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife and local culture throughout the journey.
You'll spend each day exploring a different highlight of northern Tanzania: the elephant herds of Tarangire, wide-open plains of the Serengeti with its abundant wildlife, a full-day crater safari in Ngorongoro, and cultural interactions near Lake Manyara and Arusha. This balanced itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Tanzania's iconic parks in one week.
Safari Highlights
Game drives through Tarangire's elephant-studded woodlands
Explore the vast plains of the Serengeti in search of big cats, wildebeest and zebras
Full-day wildlife safari inside Ngorongoro Crater
Cultural walk in Mto Wa Mbu and game drive at Lake Manyara
Half-day drive or nature walk in Arusha National Park plus optional hot springs visit
Day-by-Day 7-Day Tanzania Safari
Day 0: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your journey and enjoy a short safari briefing in preparation for your adventure.
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. Known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing along the Tarangire River. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Karatu → Central Serengeti
After an early breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a stop at the crater rim for breathtaking views. Continue into Serengeti National Park, arriving in Central Serengeti (Seronera area) for an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
Day 3: Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti (Mara Region)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Central Serengeti before heading north toward the Mara River region. This area is famous for the Great Migration river crossings (seasonal). Afternoon game drive en route to your camp in Northern Serengeti. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Full Day Northern Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring Northern Serengeti near the Mara River. Track migrating herds and observe predators in action. Picnic lunch inside the park. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the north before driving back toward Central Serengeti with wildlife viewing along the way. Arrive at your lodge or camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu
Depart early morning for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive with picnic lunch on the crater floor. In the afternoon, ascend the crater and continue to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha
After breakfast, visit Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive through its lush groundwater forest and along the scenic soda lake. After lunch, return to Arusha for hotel drop-off or airport transfer depending on your flight schedule.
Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward international flight.
Includes & Excludes
All park entry fees
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
Full board accommodation (6 nights)
All meals during safari
Bottled water during game drives
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time for this 7-day safari is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife congregates around water sources. However, the parks offer excellent year-round viewing. Serengeti wildlife movements peak June–July (river crossings) and January–February (calving season).
Accommodation varies by package level. Standard packages include comfortable lodges or tented camps with en-suite facilities. Luxury upgrades are available featuring premium lodges with swimming pools, fine dining, and exceptional views. All accommodations are strategically located near the parks for optimal wildlife viewing.
Yes, this safari offers excellent opportunities to see all Big Five animals. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly renowned for lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo sightings. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to spot the endangered black rhino. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our experienced guides know the best spots.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green), a warm jacket for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), binoculars, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 5 and above. However, game drives involve long hours in the vehicle. We recommend assessing your child's ability to sit quietly and enjoy wildlife viewing. Special family packages with child-friendly accommodations and flexible itineraries are available upon request.




