Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

Destination

Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro NCA → Manyara NP

Duration

09 Days

Overview

Few sights in the animal kingdom illustrate life’s bloody struggle in a more visceral way than the great migration. This perpetual movement of animals between Tanzania and Kenya, following the best seasonal grazing in the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, reaches the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in mid- to late July. Breathtaking numbers of weary wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impala, and eland face this watery challenge during the world’s largest animal migration—a life-and-death lottery. For those that make it, greener pastures await … as do the big cats.

It’s harrowing to witness seemingly endless numbers of weary wildebeests lining up on the banks of the Mara River before taking their chances against hungry crocodiles and currents. About 10,000 animals die in the river every year, but their plight is essential to the ecosystem, providing food for the crocs, vultures, and fish, as well as nutrients for the river.

Tour Itinerary

Day 2: Arusha - Tarangire National Park

From Arusha, we proceed to Tarangire National Park for our game drive. One of the largest national park in Tanzania located in Manyara region, this place is characterized by the large herds of elephants, tree climbing lions, and the fascinating baobab trees also called the Tree of Life for its almost mythical powers that some cultures attach to it. This park is especially known for Tarangire river which flows all year round and the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we will set off on a full day game drive in the wilderness following the Great Migration trails. Our experienced driver tour guide will provide you with interesting facts about this highly renowned event, which makes Tanzania the top safari destination in Africa. Serengeti, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to around 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle, which join in the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Listen to the exotic sounds of over six million hooves pounding the open plains. This is just like you imagined Africa to be!

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

We will proceed for a full day game drive viewing the great migration at Mara area. Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area. The key feature is the Mara River and there is a great chance to see the herds cross the Mara River to the north on one day and back south a few days later. Please note that it can be very difficult to witness crossing and is sometimes a matter of luck. A herd can be seen next to river and only decide to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park (North Mara)

After breakfast, we will drive to Serengeti north viewing the great migration at Mara area. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Please take note that finding a crossing is very challenging and is sometimes a matter of luck. There are instances where herds can be seen next to the river but then only decides to cross a couple of days later. This area is a stunning region with kopjes, woodland, riverine vegetation and open plains, similar to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve.