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6 Days Mara River Crossing Express
Safari

6 Days Mara River Crossing Express

Our fastest route to witness the Great Migration river crossings — fly into the Northern Serengeti and spend four full days tracking wildebeest herds along the Mara River. Private 4x4 game drives wi...

Duration6 days / 5 nights
CategoryMid-range
USD 2,890 per person

What to Expect

Our fastest route to witness the Great Migration river crossings — fly into the Northern Serengeti and spend four full days tracking wildebeest herds along the Mara River. Private 4x4 game drives with expert guides, comfortable lodges, and a quick stop in Tarangire before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Trip Overview

Duration 6 days / 5 nights
Category Mid-range
From $2,890

Trip Highlights

4 full days of Mara River game drives — maximum crossing-viewing time
Great Migration river crossings — wildebeest & zebra against crocodiles
Northern Serengeti predator tracking — lions, cheetahs, leopards along the river
Light-aircraft fly-in option to skip long driving days
Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof and expert safari guide
Ngorongoro Crater half-day descent — Africa's wildlife amphitheatre
Tarangire afternoon game drive among giant baobabs and elephant herds

Day-by-Day Itinerary

2 Day

Tarangire to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Early departure after breakfast for the scenic drive to the Northern Serengeti. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro highlands and across the vast Serengeti plains, with game drives en route. Arrive at Mara River Camp in the late afternoon.

StayMara River Camp (or similar)
MealsB / L / D
  • Array
3 Day

Full Day Mara River — River Crossings Focus

Today is all about the crossings. After an early breakfast, depart camp with packed snacks and water for a full day along the Mara River. Your guide drives the river corridor between known crossing points, in radio contact with other guides to track herd movements.

StayMara River Camp (or similar)
MealsB / L / D
  • Array
4 Day

Full Day Mara River — Predator Tracking

Another full day on the river, but today's focus shifts to the predators that follow the migration. The Mara River corridor hosts an extraordinary density of large carnivores — lions patrol the riverine woodlands, cheetahs hunt on the open plains, leopards drape themselves over fig trees along the watercourse.

StayMara River Camp (or similar)
MealsB / L / D
  • Array
5 Day

Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning game drive en route as you depart the Northern Serengeti and head south towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the early afternoon. After lunch, descend 610 metres into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera for a half-day game drive.

StayRhino Lodge (or similar)
MealsB / L / D
  • Array
6 Day

Ngorongoro to Arusha to Moshi (Overnight)

Early morning game drive on the crater floor as the first light filters through the mist. After a late breakfast at Rhino Lodge, begin the transfer to Arusha. Continue to Moshi where a comfortable hotel room awaits.

StayHotel in Moshi (or similar)
MealsB / L
  • Array

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Dedicated professional English-speaking safari guide
  • All national park and conservation area entry fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent and vehicle fees
  • Full-board accommodation as per itinerary (3 meals daily)
  • Bottled water and soft drinks in the safari vehicle
  • 1 night hotel in Moshi after safari (B&B)
  • Safari briefing and 24/7 support from our Arusha team
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
  • All government taxes and VAT (18%)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
  • Travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips for guide and camp staff (recommended USD 15–20 per day)
  • Fly-in option to Kogatende (optional, extra cost)
  • Drinks and meals at hotels (before/after safari)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Wildlife Awaits

Ready for Your Safari Adventure?

Book today with just 20% deposit. Our local experts will personalize every detail — from game drives to luxury lodges across Tanzania's most iconic parks.

Free Cancellation up to 24h
20% Deposit to confirm
24/7 Support personal consultant

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). Apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation is strongly recommended. For safari travellers, ensure your policy covers game drives and emergency evacuation from remote areas.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari destinations. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; balance due 45 days before departure. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free rescheduling up to 30 days before departure.

Fly-In Option

We offer a light-aircraft flight from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip in the Northern Serengeti (approx USD 450 per person one way). This saves a full day of driving and is highly recommended for photographers and those with limited time.

Group Size & Privacy

This express safari runs with a maximum of 8 guests to ensure speed and efficiency. Smaller groups mean less time waiting and more time on the river. Private departures with exclusive vehicle and guide are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your safari. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

June to October (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing with animals congregating around water sources. January to March is great for calving season in the Serengeti. The Great Migration crosses the Mara River roughly July to October.
Yes! Most lodges welcome children aged 6 and above. Some luxury camps have minimum age requirements. We offer child-friendly itineraries with shorter drives and educational activities.
Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, brown), a warm jacket for early mornings, sun hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and comfortable walking shoes. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Tanzania is a malaria zone. We strongly recommend antimalarial prophylaxis and consulting your travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure. Mosquito repellent and long sleeves in the evening are also advised.
All our safaris include accommodation, all meals, game drives in 4x4 vehicles, park entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide, airport transfers, and bottled water. International flights and tips are typically excluded.
Absolutely. All our safaris can be tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule. Contact us with your preferences and we will create a bespoke itinerary for you.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Why Book With Us

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours before departure
Secure Booking Pay only 20% deposit to confirm
24/7 Support Personal travel consultant assigned
or contact us directly
+255 783 884 129
+255 783 884 129
info@bushliontours.com

Send an Inquiry

We'll respond within 24 hours with a personalized quote.

Secure your spot with just 20% deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours.

Book Your Adventure

6 Days Mara River Crossing Express

6 Days Mara River Crossing Express

Price Calculator

Price per person $2,890
Number of travelers × 1

Total Price $2,890
Deposit to confirm (20%) $578

Balance due 60 days before departure. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Free Cancellation — Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No questions asked.

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