Mara River Crossing

6 Days. Luxury safari to watch the wildebeest cross Mara River (Serengeti).

The Serengeti- Mara -Ngorongoro Ecosystem relies on the annual migration of about 1.6 million animals ( wildebeests and zebra ), to sustain its integrity and keep it healthy. The wildebeest is what is known as a ‘ keystone species’ as it shapes the envionment in which it lives, with their consumption of over 1.7 million of grasses each year, they open up large tracts of pasture for other animal species, and deposit 3,500 ton of dug in the ecosystem each day enriching the grassland.

The Mara River is the setting for the migration's biggest drama. In August, september and october herds mass on the bank waiting for the first lone animal to take the plunge.
The world famous migration is a circle of life which, in simple terms, means that there is no start or end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pasture.
This itinerary is timed so that you can watch the migration crossing the Mara river. The Mara River is the only source of water in the Serengeti which can sustain the Great migration in the dry season, and if the river dries up as a result of dams and deforestation upstream, it will be a huge disaster, even though they are 1.35 million strong

Day 1: Arusha

Depart after leisurely breakfast for Lake Manyara National Park, after hot lunch at the hotel. We enter the Lake Manyara NP area in pursuit of the magnificent birdlife and herd animals that Lake
Manyara has to offer. From a flash of pink flamingoes on the horizon to bull elephants at close range - this park showcases a superb variety of mammal life and birdlife alike. Dinner and overnight stay at luxury lodge.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park > Ngorongoro Crater

After early morning breakfast we drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area as we enter the Crater for a game viewing extravaganza. This ancient caldera is home to exotic residents, from the rhinoceros to the (pumba) the warthog. Return to the lodge for late hot lunch and enjoy a dramatic African sunset. Dinner and overnight at a luxury lodge.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater > Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Aftert breakfast we transfer to Manyara airstrip before boarding our flight to Kogatende Serengeti. Meet your guide at Kogatende airstrip and transfer to the luxury tented camp for lunch. The camp is located in the path of the Great Migration, and the Serengeti is where the abundance of wildlife is awe-inspiring. We take an afternoon game drive before returning to the luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

An early morning game drive is on the menu today after an early continental breakfast. With picnic luncboxes we enjoy as much as we can the beauty of Serengeti. After the picnic lunch we continue to explore the surrounding prime wildlife areas before returning to the luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Serengeti is an excellent opportunity to indulge in the experience of a Hot Air Balloon Safari, followed by a full champagne breakfast. This is often an adventure highlight for many safari go-ers – this is an option. Or we do a morning game drive and go back for hot lunch at the luxury tented camp and relax. Dinner and over nightstay at the camp.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park > Arusha

Depart after leisurely breakfast, game drive en route: explore the Serengeti before continuing on to the airstrip for flight to Arusha aiport. Meet and greet and then transfer to the lodge where we will enjoy our final lunch in this marvelous country where the tour will conclude.