9 Days Wonders of the World Wildebeest Migration Crossing the Mara River
The wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River in Tanzania is indeed a spectacular sight to behold. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles, undertake their epic journey across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This migration is often dubbed as one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World” due to its breathtaking scale and natural beauty.
During the migration, the herds face numerous obstacles, with one of the most dramatic being the crossing of the Mara River. This river crossing is fraught with danger as the wildebeest plunge into the swirling waters, navigating through strong currents and evading hungry crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. It’s a scene of chaos and drama, but also one of incredible resilience and survival instincts.
Witnessing the wildebeest migration and the Mara River crossing is a bucket list experience for many wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. It’s a reminder of the raw power of nature and the awe-inspiring spectacle that unfolds in the wilderness of East Africa.
Day 1 Airport Pick-Up – Drop Off At Hotel
Day 2 Moshi – Londorosi Gate & Starting Point – Mti Mkubwa
Day 3 From Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
Day 4 From Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Day 5 From Shira 2 Camp To Moir Hut Camp Via Lava Tower
Day 6 From Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Day 7 From Buffalo Camp To Third Cave Camp
Day 8 From Third Cave Camp To School Hut
Day 9 Ascent To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Mweka Camp
Day 10 Descent From Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate – Moshi
Day 11 Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Here’s a sample itinerary for a 9-day trip to witness the wildebeest migration and Mara River crossing in Tanzania:
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
- Transfer to your hotel or lodge in Arusha.
- Rest and relax after your journey.
- Overnight in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
- Early morning breakfast at your accommodation.
- Depart for Serengeti National Park, either by flight or by road.
- Arrive in the Serengeti and embark on your first game drive.
- Witness the wildebeest migration and explore the vast plains of the Serengeti.
- Lunch at a designated picnic spot.
- Continue with game drives in the afternoon.
- Check-in at your lodge or tented camp inside the park.
- Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti.
Day 3-7: Serengeti National Park
- Spend the next five days exploring different regions of the Serengeti to witness various stages of the migration.
- Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives when wildlife activity is at its peak.
- Experience a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (optional activity).
- Take guided walks and cultural visits to Maasai villages (optional).
- Relax at your accommodation and enjoy the stunning views of the savannah.
- Meals and overnight stays at your lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park to Arusha.
- After breakfast, depart from the Serengeti and head back to Arusha or Moshi.
- Enjoy a leisurely drive with stops for lunch and sightseeing along the way.
- Arrive in Arusha or Moshi in the late afternoon.
- Check-in at your hotel or lodge.
- Spend the evening exploring the town, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing at your accommodation.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 9: Departure
- Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel or lodge.
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure flight.
- Bid farewell to Tanzania, carrying unforgettable memories of the wildebeest migration and the Mara River crossing.
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, relaxation, and cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable journey to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events. Customize it according to your preferences and interests and consult with Mash Trekkers for booking and logistics.
Depending on the level of luxury, and specific client preferences, here’s a breakdown of typical inclusions and exclusions from us:
Inclusions:
Accommodation: Lodging in comfortable safari lodges, tented camps, or luxury tented camps within or near the national parks. Accommodations usually include meals and amenities such as hot showers, electricity, and comfortable bedding.
Transportation: All ground transportation during the safari, including airport transfers, game drives in safari vehicles (usually 4×4 Land Cruisers or similar), and transfers between accommodations.
Professional Guide: Services of a professional safari guide/driver who is knowledgeable about the wildlife, ecosystems, and local culture. Guides often speak English and may speak other languages upon request.
Meals: Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are typically prepared by camp chefs and served at designated dining areas or as picnic lunches during game drives.
Park Fees: Entrance fees and conservation fees for national parks and reserves visited during the safari.
Activities: Game drives in national parks and reserves, including opportunities to witness the wildebeest migration, Mara River crossings, and other wildlife sightings. Optional activities such as guided walks, cultural visits, and hot air balloon safaris may be available at additional cost.
Drinking Water: Bottled water is usually provided during game drives and at accommodations to ensure hydration throughout the safari.
Exclusions:
International Flights: Airfare to and from Tanzania is typically not included in the safari package.
Visa Fees: Fees for Tanzanian visas, if applicable, are not included.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including medical evacuation and trip cancellation insurance, is usually not included but highly recommended.
Optional Activities: Activities such as hot air balloon safaris, guided walks, cultural visits, and additional excursions may incur extra charges.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are often not included in the safari package but may be available for purchase at lodges and camps.
Tips and Gratuities: Tips for safari guides, camp staff, and other service providers are at the discretion of the travelers and are not typically included in the package price.
Personal Expenses: Expenses for souvenirs, laundry, additional snacks, and any other personal items are not included.
It’s essential to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of any safari itinerary before booking to ensure that it meets your expectations and needs. Additionally, inquire with the tour operator about any optional activities or upgrades available during the safari.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport— Transfer to your hotel in Arusha Town.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll receive a visa on the immigration division within the airport a course of that may take you a couple of minutes. As you emerge to the arrivals corridor you will be met by your driver guide who will welcome you and drive you to your hotel in Arusha. Overnight at River Trees country inn. Breakfast included.
Day 1. Arusha – Tarangire National Park.
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel to start your safari to the Tarangire National Park you will have time to stop at Arusha Culture center for you to spend time here before heading to Tarangire National Park for morning and afternoon game drive. The Park is roughly the size of Luxembourg and covers an area of about 2,600 km². Bush Savannah, seasonal swamps and giant baobab trees make up the landscape of this nature reserve and the park is probably one of the best places in East Africa to see elephants. After an extensive game drive, you will leave the park in the afternoon and drive to Pamoja Africa lodge for your overnight stay with all meals included.
Day 2. Pamoja Africa lodge – Center Serengeti National Park.
After breakfast you will travel from the Tarangire Area to the lush highlands where crops such as wheat, corn and coffee are grown. Travelling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you might stop for a breath-taking view over the Ngorongoro Crater before you continue to the Serengeti National Park. Through the high and open roof of the safari vehicle you will be able to enjoy the diversified habitats and landscapes of the park. Overnight stay at Embalakai Tented Camp for dinner and overnight, all meals included.
Day 3. Centre Serengeti – Northern Serengeti Kogatende Area.
After breakfast, we will drive across the plains of Togoro and through the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes (small hills) as we make our way into the park’s northern reaches. Upon arriving in the Kogatende region, you’ll go out in search of both the Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River and the famous Big Five. Dinner and overnight will be at Mara Acacia Migration Camp.
Day 4 & 5. Full day game drive in northern Serengeti at Kogatende area.
After breakfast, you will start your game drive around the Kogatende area, searching around the kopjes looking for carnivores and the large migration groups that will be preparing to cross the Mara River into Kenya. From here will eventually meet the Mara River itself the home to large numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Dinner and overnight will be at Mara Acacia migration camp
Day 6. Northern Serengeti- Center Serengeti.
After breakfast, we get right on the road to Center Serengeti National Park. Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot many animals as far as the eye can see. Dinner and overnight will be at Embalakai Tented Camp.
Day 7. Serengeti National Park — Tloma lodge for dinner and overnight
Rise and shine! After breakfast at day break your drive guide takes you back to morning game drive in centre Serengeti with picnic lunch, in the afternoon you will keep driving to Ngorongoro Tloma Mountain lodge located outside of Ngorongoro Conservation area for your dinner and overnight.
Day 8. Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive
After breakfast at day break your drive will takes you back down into the crater from Serengeti National Park. Inside the world’s biggest caldera, you will see a diversity of wildlife ranging from black rhinos, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, lions and leopards, to elephants and mountain reed bucks in the forests on the slopes. After an extensive game drive and a picnic lunch you will leave the crater in the afternoon, we will travel to lake Manyara secret lodge for your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9. From Lake Manyara secret Lodge – Mto wa Mbu cultural program
Breakfast is enjoyed at the lodge before you head off to the multi-cultural town of Mto wa Mbu. Here you will be met by a local guide who will give you a short briefing on the upcoming tour – exploring the village and its surroundings on foot. During your experience you will witness traditional wood carvers as well as local artists at work. After a traditional African lunch, you will have the chance to visit local school at the village meet the students and teachers. In the afternoon your driver will drive you back to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight back home.
These vary depending on the level of luxury and specific client preferences. Here’s a breakdown of typical inclusions and exclusions:
Inclusions:
Accommodation: Lodging in comfortable safari lodges, tented camps, or luxury tented camps within or near the national parks. Accommodations usually include meals and amenities such as hot showers, electricity, and comfortable bedding.
Transportation: All ground transportation during the safari, including airport transfers, game drives in safari vehicles (usually 4×4 Land Cruisers or similar), and transfers between accommodations.
Professional Guide: Services of a professional safari guide/driver who is knowledgeable about the wildlife, ecosystems, and local culture. Guides often speak English and may speak other languages upon request.
Meals: Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are typically prepared by camp chefs and served at designated dining areas or as picnic lunches during game drives.
Park Fees: Entrance fees and conservation fees for national parks and reserves visited during the safari.
Activities: Game drives in national parks and reserves, including opportunities to witness the wildebeest migration, Mara River crossings, and other wildlife sightings. Optional activities such as guided walks, cultural visits, and hot air balloon safaris may be available at additional cost.
Drinking Water: Bottled water is usually provided during game drives and at accommodations to ensure hydration throughout the safari.
Exclusions:
International Flights: Airfare to and from Tanzania is typically not included in the safari package.
Visa Fees: Fees for Tanzanian visas, if applicable, are not included.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including medical evacuation and trip cancellation insurance, is usually not included but highly recommended.
Optional Activities: Activities such as hot air balloon safaris, guided walks, cultural visits, and additional excursions may incur extra charges.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are often not included in the safari package but may be available for purchase at lodges and camps.
Tips and Gratuities: Tips for safari guides, camp staff, and other service providers are at the discretion of the travelers and are not typically included in the package price.
Personal Expenses: Expenses for souvenirs, laundry, additional snacks, and any other personal items are not included.
It’s essential to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of any safari itinerary before booking to ensure that it meets your expectations and needs. However, you can inquire with Mash Trekkers about any optional activities or upgrades available during the safari.
- +255 659470977
- info@mashtrekers.com
- Call +255 746479684
