• Mara-riverr-crossing

The Mara River Crossing


8 Days from $3,680$3,450

All about the The Mara River Crossing.

The Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration: Discover the Ultimate Safari Experience.

The Mara River Crossing is the crown jewel of the Serengeti Migration, a wildlife spectacle like no other. Every year, this dramatic event draws travelers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most thrilling shows.

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the awe-inspiring Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration, you’re in for a journey that blends raw adventure, breathtaking beauty, and unforgettable moments. At Calabash Adventures, we’ll take you to the heart of this natural wonder.


Why is the Serengeti Migration and Mara River Crossing Special?

The Serengeti Migration is more than a simple wildlife movement; it’s the ultimate survival story. Imagine this:

  • A lion pride stealthily stalking a herd of zebras.
  • A cheetah’s lightning-fast chase after a Thomson's gazelle.
  • A leopard drags its prey up an acacia tree for a meal.

But the real drama unfolds at the Mara River Crossing. Picture tens of thousands of wildebeests leaping into crocodile-infested waters, battling powerful currents and predators. It’s an unforgettable mix of chaos and beauty, a highlight of the Serengeti Migration that leaves every visitor in awe.

The Serengeti’s abundance of wildlife also includes majestic elephants, herds of buffalo, colorful birdlife, and of course, Africa’s top predators. Every moment spent in this incredible ecosystem is a chance to witness nature at its most raw and unfiltered.


The Journey of the Great Serengeti Migration

The Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration is part of an epic journey that spans over 1,800 miles, involving around 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and countless gazelles, elands, and impalas. This migration follows a predictable clockwise pattern, driven by the search for fresh grazing lands.

The migration starts in the southern Serengeti plains, where the calving season takes place, and moves north toward the Mara River, crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, the herds face predators, harsh conditions, and life-threatening river crossings, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife events on the planet.


When and Where to See the Mara River Crossing?

Timing is everything when it comes to witnessing the Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration. While the migration is a year-round event, the river crossings are the ultimate highlight:

  • Grumeti River Crossing: Occurs in the Serengeti from May to July.
  • Mara River Crossing: Peaks between July and September when the herds move north into Kenya’s Masai Mara and return southward later in the year.

The crossings are unpredictable, adding to the excitement and suspense. Watching thousands of wildebeests gather at the riverbanks, nervously bracing for the plunge, is a sight you’ll never forget.

Beyond the crossings, the Serengeti offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year:

  • January to March: Witness the calving season in the southern Serengeti, where thousands of young wildebeests are born.
  • April to June: Watch the herds migrate through the central Serengeti as the rains end and the plains come alive with activity.
  • October to December: See the herds return to the Serengeti, completing their epic journey.

What Makes the Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration Unforgettable?

The Mara River Crossing is more than just a wildlife event—it’s a window into the circle of life. It showcases the interconnectedness of species and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Here’s what you’ll experience:

  • The thunder of thousands of wildebeests’ hooves as they charge across the plains.
  • The stealth and cunning of predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, ready to strike.
  • Crocodiles lurking beneath the surface of the Mara River, waiting for an opportune moment.
  • Spectacular birdlife, from vultures circling overhead to kingfishers darting across the water.

Even when the herds aren’t crossing rivers, the sheer number of animals on the plains and the vibrant landscapes make every day in the Serengeti an unforgettable adventure.


Why Choose Calabash Adventures for Your Serengeti Migration Safari?

At Calabash Adventures, we’ve spent over 20 years perfecting the art of creating exceptional safari experiences. When you travel with us, you’re not just visiting the Serengeti—you’re immersing yourself in its wonders.

Here’s why we’re the best choice for your Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration safari:

  • Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides know the migration patterns inside and out, ensuring you’re always at the right place at the right time.
  • Tailored Itineraries: We craft personalized itineraries that align with your interests, whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or first-time traveler.
  • Prime Locations: Stay in lodges and mobile camps that put you right in the heart of the migration action.
  • Seamless Planning: From flights to permits, we handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

Whether you’re looking to witness a dramatic river crossing, see predators in action, or simply soak in the beauty of the Serengeti, we’ll create a safari experience that exceeds your expectations.


Be Part of the World’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacle

The Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration is more than a trip—it’s an emotional, awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the wild. Watching the migration is like stepping into a live nature documentary, filled with drama, beauty, and wonder.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s greatest wildlife event. Whether it’s the thunderous charge of wildebeests, the swift chase of a predator, or the serene beauty of the Serengeti plains, every moment will leave you inspired.

Contact us today to start planning your safari to the Mara River Crossing Serengeti Migration. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1
Arrive Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 2
Depart to Tarangire for Game drive
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Day 4
Journey to Serengeti National Park.
Day 5-7
Follow the Migration In Mara river - The Crossing
Day 8
Kogatende - Mara River - Arusha
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Arrive Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport

Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Arusha town for overnight at the hotel. Today you can either go shopping for visiting Arusha Central Market or Souvenir shops-Maasai Market.

A1 Hotel and Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Depart to Tarangire for Game drive

After breakfast, depart by road with your guide to your Tarangire National Park. Enjoy an exciting game drive in the park with your knowledgeable and experienced guide who will share with you information about the wildlife you spot in the park. At lunchtime, you will have a rest under an acacia tree where you eat your packed lunch. Later in the afternoon, you will continue with your game viewing activities until evening when you drive to your campsite for dinner and overnight.

The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts with 500 bird species recorded in the park. Other wildlife found in the park includes large herds of thousands of wildebeests, zebra and Cape buffalo that can be seen in dry season from June to November. Thousands of wild animals from the surrounding areas move to the park due to availability of water from the Tarangire River. Common resident animals in the park include giraffe, impala, dik-dik, Grants gazelle, banded mongoose, velvet monkey and olive monkey. Predators in the park include African wild dog, caracal, cheetah, lion, leopard and honey badger.

Ngorongoro Farm House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Early morning after breakfast descent in the crater. The home of more than 270,000 wild animals. Ngorongoro with game drive en-route. Besides the stunning scenery of the main attraction of this area is the variety of flora and fauna found a remarkably compact area all around the year
Ngorongoro is the best place to see the black rhinoceros, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles. The crater also has the densest known population of lions and it’s the place you can find the black-maned lion. Spectacular scenery in this largest caldera in Africa wherein the work animal lives in the crater.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Journey to Serengeti National Park.

After breakfast, you will depart from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti via Ngorongoro. You will start your game drive once you arrive at the Serengeti gate. Game drive in the park until sunset when you drive to your lodge for overnight.

Kisura Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5-7
Follow the Migration In Mara river - The Crossing

Kogatende is the unsung gateway to the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. The wildebeest herds, trailed by zebra and gazelle, cross over to the Kenyan side of the Mara, tending to move back to the Serengeti around October. “But the river crossing sightings aren’t as good in October,”
The Great Migration,” 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelle follow a circular migratory route throughout the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems, fraught with a series of river passages whose raging currents and predatory beasts lurking in the shallows make the venture more than just a simple swim.

Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8
Kogatende - Mara River - Arusha

Sunrise game drives in around Mara River, later fly from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha where we will meet you and transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home.

Hotel of your Choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
People     Green Season (1st April To 31st May) Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb)
2 Pax
Per person
Closed
US$ 3,430.12
US$ $3,900.71
4 Pax
Per person
Closed
US$ 2,928.65
US$ 3,057.35
6 Pax
Per person
Closed
US$ 2,761.49
US$ 2,871.57

The Calabash team would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization build the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We can organize custom safaris for professional photographers, honeymoon couples and families. Simply ask us! need help? click here

YES! Calabash Adventures has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Our trips are well suited for children. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Please outline your particular family’s interests, so that we can incorporate them. You and your family will have a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of cultural diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another.

Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. Please scroll the website for a description of the different types of accommodation available or click here.

Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. In general, we keep our groups small (minimum 1 to 7 people, and occasionally up to an absolute maximum of 25). We feel strongly that the small size allows a more intimate connection with the African wilderness.

Pack lightweight, washable clothes, plus a sweater for early morning game drives; a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly advised as well. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Modest length shorts for women are perfectly acceptable, but women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in rural villages and towns since clothes that are too revealing can cause offense especially in Zanzibar and in Muslim dominated areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear (but not nudity) is acceptable.

Safari dress is basically comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don`t mind getting dusty. We have included several web links to guide you in your preparation.

You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of food available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style, so you can choose what you like. The food is generally prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. If you choose a camping safari, fresh meat and produce are prepared to the highest sanitary standards by our team’s expert chefs. Indeed, most returning guests rave about our camp food! Request for local food is certainly welcome. Your guide and chef will generally purchase all the food before the safari starts, so get your orders in on time!

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advance notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you will definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible.

We provide two liters of bottled water per day for each client, and you can purchase more bottled water at all the lodges and camps or before the Safari. Overall, we recommend you consume only bottled water.

For medical Travel tip, it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your departure. The minimum requirements for entry into Tanzania are proof of a yellow fever vaccination and an anti-malarial medication. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of North American and European guests.

Calabash Adventures is responsible for sending a rescue vehicle(s) within 4 to 5 hours (depending on your location) upon receiving notification of a vehicle breakdown. The vehicle shall be replaced and compensation awarded by way of additional time allotment (extra half day or full day), or a refund of up to 30% of a full day tour deducted from the total daily tour cost.

If necessary, an emergency evacuation can be arranged by “flying doctors” (included in the trip package, on your request), or a simple transfer to nearby Hotel or lodge for accommodation and catering services.

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