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The Crossing of the Mara River

2027 Departure

The Crossing of the Mara River

A Miguu Signature Luxe Safari

Dates
28 August – 7 September 2027
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Per person
US$8,450
Group
4 guests in 1 vehicle

Journey from Arusha to witness one of nature's most powerful events: the Great Migration's crossing of the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope complete an 800km march from Ndutu to the Mara, where they face their greatest survival test — leaping into crocodile-filled waters while lions, cheetahs, and hyenas watch from the banks. Wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Arusha • Tarangire • Eyasi • Ngorongoro • Central & Northern Serengeti

Day by day

Day 1
Into Africa: Arusha the Safari Gateway
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer 40–45 minutes to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, a restored century-old farmhouse at the foothills of Mount Meru. A long-standing Miguu favourite.
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge — 2 nights, Half Board
Day 2
Discovering Colorful Arusha
A relaxing day at your own pace: local markets, the Cultural Heritage Centre, the Maasai Market, or the pool and spa at Ngare Sero. Optional visit to the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 3
From Arusha to Tarangire, "Elephants Paradise", Through the Maasai Lands
Beautiful drive (~3 hrs) to Tarangire National Park for a game drive among baobab-dotted plains and Tanzania's largest elephant population.
Katikati Tented Lodge, Tarangire — 1 night, Full Board
Day 4
Tarangire Morning Drive – Karatu
A half-day game drive and bush picnic in Tarangire, then the drive (~3 hrs) to Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Maasailand Coffee Lodge, Karatu — 2 nights, Full Board
Day 5
Speaking with Clicks – Meeting the Hadza and Datoga Tribes
Drive (~1.5hrs) to meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe and the Datoga blacksmiths, before returning to the lodge for a late lunch.
Maasailand Coffee Lodge, Karatu — Full Board
Day 6
Africa's Lost Eden - Ngorongoro Crater Then into the Serengeti’s Heart
A 40-minute drive to Ngorongoro and a stunning 1 hour drive to the crater floor followed by a 3–4 hour game drive — Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has Africa's highest density of predators, with a chance of spotting black rhinos — followed by a picnic lunch and the scenic drive on to Central Serengeti.
KubuKubu Tented Lodge, Central Serengeti — 2 nights, Full Board
Day 7
Exploring Central Serengeti and Tracking Rhinos with Rangers
An exclusive Black Rhino Tracking excursion in the Moru Kopjes, then a full day across the golden plains for lions, cheetahs, and elephants — including a stop at "Pride Rock" the Lion King's famous setting.
KubuKubu Tented Lodge, Central Serengeti — Full Board
Day 8
Extended Game Drive to Kogatende, North Serengeti
A 5–6 hour extended safari drive north (~170km) through less-travelled Serengeti, watching for elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lions and cheetahs along the way. Expect to see tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they prepare to cross the Mara River.
Mara Mara Tented Lodge, Northern Serengeti — 3 nights, Full Board
Days 9–10
Two Days of Game Drives Plus the Crossing of the Mara River
Full days of morning and afternoon game drives focused on the iconic Mara River Crossings, amid high concentrations of lions, crocodiles, hyenas, vultures, hippos, and herbivores. Prepare to be amazed, but be patient. Wildlife is fickle.
Mara Mara Tented Lodge, Northern Serengeti — Full Board
Day 11
Departure – Fly Kogatende to Arusha to JRO
A short flight to Arusha, then lunch and browsing for arts and crafts at the Cultural Heritage Centre before the drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. You may decide to spend an optional night in Arusha before flying home.

Your camps

Ngare Sero Mountain LodgeKatikati Tented LodgeMaasailand Coffee LodgeKubuKubu Tented LodgeMara Mara Tented Lodge

What's included

  • All accommodations as listed above
  • Domestic flights as indicated above
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Airport transfers
  • Safari drives in a 4x4 vehicle
  • Meals as per itinerary (Full Board or Bed & Breakfast)
  • Park fees and taxes
  • Great photography, IG moments and Joy!
  • eVisa fees ($50/person)
  • Optional activities (see below)
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal shopping expenses
  • International flights

Optional add-ons

What to expect

Payment terms

10% upon confirmation; 10% 60 days after confirmation; 40% 90 days before the safari; 40% 30 days before the safari. Bank details are provided on confirmation.

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