This 3-day Great Migration safari is designed for travelers who want an intense, focused, and deeply immersive wildlife experience in the northern Serengeti—home to one of nature’s most dramatic events: the Mara River crossings. During certain months of the year (typically July–October), the Great Migration herds gather along the riverbanks, creating scenes of remarkable tension as thousands of wildebeest and zebras prepare to brave the swift currents and lurking crocodiles.
This short but powerful safari gives you maximum time in the northern Serengeti, where you will be based close to the river, ensuring quick access to crossing points and extended game-viewing opportunities. With a professional Wildicon Safaris driver-guide and a strategically located camp, every game drive increases your chances of witnessing this extraordinary wildlife spectacle.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you are welcomed by a Wildicon Safaris representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. This evening is for resting, preparing, and receiving a detailed safari briefing from your guide. You spend the night in Arusha before beginning your journey to the Serengeti.
Overnight in Arusha.
Your adventure begins early as you depart from Arusha toward the Serengeti, traveling through scenic landscapes and ascending into the Ngorongoro Highlands. You pass breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending toward the vast plains of the Serengeti.
As you travel north toward Kogatende, wildlife becomes increasingly abundant. The landscape transforms into sweeping grasslands dotted with kopjes, acacia trees, and river systems that support predators and grazing animals throughout the year.
By early afternoon, you reach the northern Serengeti—home to the most dramatic stage of the Great Migration. Here, the herds gather at the Mara River, building up tension before launching into their powerful river crossings. You spend the rest of the day exploring different riverbanks and nearby plains, observing the movement of the wildebeest and zebras, and positioning yourself at key crossing points.
You arrive at your tented camp in time for dinner, surrounded by the wild sounds of the northern Serengeti.
Dinner and overnight in Northern Serengeti.
Today is dedicated to tracking and witnessing the Great Migration. You begin early, heading directly toward the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest gather during crossing season. Your guide navigates along the riverbanks, watching for herd movement, signs of nervous grouping, and the subtle cues that indicate a crossing may occur.
The experience is raw and unforgettable. When the herds finally surge forward, the plains erupt with the thunder of hooves as thousands of wildebeest leap into the crocodile-filled river. Each crossing is different—some frantic and dramatic, others calm and synchronized—but all deeply moving.
Between potential crossing moments, you explore the surrounding valleys and plains rich with wildlife. Lions patrol the riverbanks, cheetahs stalk the open grasslands, elephants feed in the woodlands, and hippos bask in the river pools. The northern Serengeti is also home to impressive birdlife and iconic landscape features that make every moment scenic.
You enjoy a picnic lunch in a shaded area before continuing your search for crossings or other wildlife highlights throughout the afternoon. As evening approaches, you return to your camp for a warm dinner under the stars.
Dinner and overnight in Northern Serengeti.
You begin the day with one final sunrise game drive along the riverbanks and surrounding plains. Early morning is a prime time to find predators still active after a night of hunting or the herds gathering for another possible river crossing.
After this final exploration, you begin your journey back through the Serengeti, with continued wildlife viewing along the way. You ascend through the Ngorongoro Highlands and travel toward Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Your safari concludes with drop-off at your lodge or direct transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
