5-day Serengeti Migration Safari Tour – River Crossing Season
Overview
Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti
The journey begins with an early morning departure from Arusha, traveling through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands before entering Serengeti National Park via Naabi Hill Gate. Upon arrival in the Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera region, an afternoon game drive introduces you to one of the park’s most wildlife. This area is renowned for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it an ideal point before proceeding northward. Overnight accommodation is at a lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti, following a drive of approximately seven to eight hours.
Accommodation
Day 2: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
After a morning game drive in the Seronera, the journey continues north toward the Lobo area and onward to Wagakuria in the Northern Serengeti. Along the way, the landscape gradually transitions from open plains to rolling hills and riverine vegetation. This shift in terrain marks the approach to the primary migration zones near the Mara River. The focus of the day is to begin tracking the of migration herds. Overnight is spent in the Northern Serengeti after a drive of approximately four to six hours.
Accommodation
Day 3: Full Day in Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
This day is dedicated entirely to game drives around the Mara River, where river crossings are most likely to occur. Visitors may spend extended periods waiting near crossing points, as these events are highly unpredictable and depend on animal behavior and environmental factors. With patience and some luck, one may witness dramatic scenes of wildebeest gathering at the riverbanks, followed by sudden массовые crossings, often accompanied by crocodile attacks and predator ambushes nearby. The day offers some of the most intense and memorable wildlife experiences in Africa. Overnight remains in the Northern Serengeti.
Accommodation
Day 4: Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Area
Following a final morning game drive in the north—providing one last opportunity to witness a river crossing—the safari proceeds back through Central Serengeti and onward to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This journey offers continued wildlife sightings en route, along with increasingly scenic views as you approach the crater highlands. Arrival at the crater rim or nearby Karatu area is typically in the late afternoon, where you will overnight in preparation for the next day’s exploration.
Accommodation
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
The final day begins with an early descent into Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife habitats. Often described as a natural enclosure, the crater supports an extraordinary range of species within a relatively compact area. During the game drive, there is a strong chance of spotting black rhino—one of the continent’s most elusive animals—alongside lions, elephants, buffalo, and flamingos. After a rewarding morning, the safari concludes with an afternoon drive to Arusha, typically lasting four to five hours.