Great Migration on the Mara River- 7 days Tanzania


7 Days

Dream trip in the north of Tanzania

Every year between August and October/November, the great migration on the Mara River, in the very north of the Serengeti, offers a unique spectacle.  Thousands of zebras and wildebeests are crowded around the Mra River, they want to get to the other bank and are aware of the dangers posed by the river, the lions and the crocodiles. But the departure must be, watch how thousands of animals dare to jump. A fantastic trip with many highlights.

highlights

Great Migration in the Serengeti
Wildebeest herds at the Mara River
Adventurous game drives
High-quality lodges

inclusive

all transfers and activities according to the itinerary
Safari in a 4×4 Landcruiser off-road vehicle with window seat
Professional, English-speaking guide
Guided safari with experienced, English-speaking driver
All national park and transfer fees
German-language instruction
3 liters of drinking water per safari day
Binoculars during the safari

exclusive

Visa
International flight
Tips

hints

We are happy to book international flights from Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin, Dresden, Vienna or Zurich.
Price per person:
2 participants: 3780 Euro
with 4 participants: 3340 Euro
6 participants: 3096 Euro
Trip starts: daily

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and drive to Arusha

Our driver will be waiting for you at Kilimanjaro airport and take you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on the time of day, you have the opportunity  to explore the  surroundings , enjoy the view of Mount Meru or do some last-minute shopping before the safari into the wilderness.

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park, game drive

In the morning, after breakfast, you set off in a westerly direction. After leaving Arusha, you travel through the hilly countryside, where the first acacia trees, colorfully dressed Maasai and mud huts become visible. After the last turn-off in Makuyuni, we head towards the steeply rising wall of the East African Rift Valley. From a vantage point, you can enjoy the view of Lake Manyara NP and, with luck, spot your first elephants. You will soon reach the entrance gate to the national park. Here your driver will open the photo roof, take care of the formalities and you are right in the middle of the African wilderness. A herd of elephants stands on the right, eating the wild figs with relish. A guinea fowl clucks frantically. Monkeys fight for the best spot in the treetops. Life is everywhere. Pelicans and flamingos can be seen on the drive along the Manyara shore, and the Hippo Pool is not far away. The thick-skinned hippos lie lazily in the water. The day comes to an end to and you set off for your lodge.

Day 3: Manyara – Serengeti National Park

After the first night in a tented lodge, the journey continues towards the Serengeti. You pass the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its varied vegetation, the small hills, extinct volcanoes and the legendary primeval forests give you a first impression of the diversity of Tanzania. Before we reach Nabi Gate, the entrance to the Serengeti, around midday, we see the first wildebeests and zebras and, with a bit of luck, lions and elephants. In the afternoon there is time for a first game drive in the Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti, drive to the Mara River

Today, after a hearty breakfast, we set off early towards the Mara. The first rays of sunshine appear on the horizon and it’s time to break up at the lodge. You set off on a great game drive. The animals are very active in the morning. Lions, hippos, hyenas, antelopes and many 5ung animals are all on the move. As if in a dream, the silhouettes of the acacia trees are silhouetted against the first glowing rays of sunlight. After many photo stops, great game viewing and a long drive, you reach the lodge in the north of the Serengeti.

Day 5: Massai Mara National Park

Today we rise with the sunrise and, after a small snack, set off on an early game drive in the Maasai Mara. At this time of year the animals are particularly active and this is the best opportunity for you to observe and photograph them. Every year from August to November, around 1.2 million wildebeest and 750,000 zebra gather on the banks of the Mara River to embark on an 800 km journey. It is the bravest animals that plunge into the river first, despite the crocodiles lurking there, and the others follow. An incomparable picture when the huge herd plunges into the river. . After returning to the lodge, you will have a hearty brunch and in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to go on another game drive.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro

After breakfast, you will set off for the southern part of the Serengeti. Here, too, you will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos of lions, elephants, the huge herds of wildebeest with the zebras that are always close by and, with luck, you will also see leopards today. You leave Serengeiti through the Nabi Gate and continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 7: Ngorongoro, game drive – drive to Kilimanajro airport (JRO)

Finally, we visit the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania’s flagship and most popular travel destination alongside the Serengeti on the mainland. Around 25,000 large animals live in the crater,  which lies around 600 meters below . The Ngorongoro Crater, whose floor is surrounded by a crater wall, is 20 kilometers in diameter. Access to the crater floor via one of the three roads is only possible with an off-road vehicle. In contrast to the national parks, the Maasai also live in the Ngorongoro with their herds of cattle in the immediate vicinity of the wild East African animal world. The crater is the only place in Tanzania where rhinos are regularly seen. In addition to zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, lions and cheetahs, the large bull elephants are particularly impressive. You then continue to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), where the trip ends or you can join another travel module. We are happy to help you with transfers.

 

 

Accomodation

Arusha Villa Hotel

stay: 1 night

Location: Surrounded by a large and well-kept garden, Arusha Villa Karamu Coffee Estate is located on the western edge of Arusha. The villa is located between Arusha city and Kilimanjaro Airport, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by car. It is the ideal starting point for safaris in the Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Facilities: The property has six luxuriously furnished rooms and two family rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, king-size beds, a seating area and a private balcony or terrace. Enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool, a stroll through the gardens with spectacular views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, or a drink by the fire in the garden or at the bar. Originally, the Arusha Villa was used as a coffee roastery, which can still be seen in the garden by some elements from that time. Free Wi-Fi is available. Restaurant: Look forward to great experiences in Tanzania at the start of the day with a rich breakfast. Complimentary coffee, tea and water are available throughout the day. In the evening, a three-course meal is served on the veranda. Activities: Arusha Villa will give you a more immersive insight into Arusha and Tanzania, the local community and the charity projects they support. Day trips such as a visit to the local market, hikes in the area, canoeing in the Arusha National Park and cycling on the slopes of Kilimanjaro can be arranged locally.

Pembeni Rhotia

stay: 1 night

Location: Pembeni Camp is located in Rhotia on a hill with beautiful views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Accommodation: The 15 tents are built from local materials such as wood, brick and linen. There is a backup generator in case of power outages and WiFi available. Each tent offers breathtaking views from the balcony and 48 square meters of usable space. The room has a closet, a bedside table, a bed with a mosquito net and a luggage rack. Hot water is available at all times. Restaurant: The restaurant offers fresh local ingredients and alcoholic drinks.

Sound Of Silence

stay: 1 night

Location: The luxurious tented resort Sound of Silence welcomes its guests in the Serengeti. Here you can find and enjoy the magic of African sounds and silence. Facilities: The spacious safari tents stand on a slightly raised wooden platform on stilts and are equipped with king-size beds, handmade wooden furniture, mosquito nets, a terrace and a bathroom with running water. Local artwork adds to the stylish African ambiance. Restaurant: In the evening, choose from an à la carte menu prepared by the kitchen using fresh and local products. You can enjoy your food and drinks while enjoying the breathtaking view of the sunset.

Kenzan Mara Tented Camp

stay: 2 nights

Location: Kenzan Mara Camp is nestled in absolute wilderness in the north of the Serengeti National Park. The exclusive luxury camp will be set up during the migration to the Kogatende Campsite. Accommodation: The ten tented rooms offer luxurious accommodation in the middle of the migration crossings. The spacious tents are uniquely designed to provide comfort and relaxation after a long game drive. Leopards are often seen in this area. In terms of landscape, the Lion Kopjes stand out. The camp is also ideal for balloon safaris. The beautifully designed tented camp, fine dining, personalized service, and friendly atmosphere add to your sensational safari adventure. In the evening you can sit comfortably around the campfire and listen to the calls of nature.

Important: The Kenzan Mara Camp can only be booked in the period from 01 July to 31 October. So only during the migration period.

Rhino Lodge

stay: 1 night

Location: Rhino Lodge is located on the crater rim within the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, just a few hundred meters from the Grzimek Memorial Stone. Compared to other accommodation options near the Ngorongoro Crater, the Rhino Lodge is the best place to avoid long journeys and spend as much time as possible on the game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Facilities: Rhino Lodge offers 24 simply furnished rooms with fireplaces. They have a double bed, a private bathroom with hot water and an inviting veranda overlooking the impressive tropical rainforest. Restaurant: The restaurant as well as the lounge offer two fireplaces and a cozy atmosphere with many candles. Good Tanzanian and international cuisine is offered.

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