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The 9 days serengeti mara river safari is the ultimate wildlife experience for travelers seeking an unforgettable journey through Northern Tanzania. This safari takes you deep into Serengeti National Park, where the world-famous Great Migration crosses the Mara River. Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra navigate the river while crocodiles and predators wait a dramatic and once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
With the 9 days serengeti mara river safari, you have ample time to explore multiple wildlife regions, track the migration, and enjoy relaxed game drives without rushing. It is perfect for photographers, luxury travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
The 9 days serengeti mara river safari is carefully structured to give you maximum opportunities to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings. Unlike shorter itineraries, this safari allows strategic positioning in Northern Serengeti, where crossings are most frequent during the migration season (July–October).
Travelers choosing this safari enjoy:
Extended time in Northern Serengeti
Expert migration-tracking guides
Premium safari vehicles with open-roof viewing
Flexibility to follow wildlife movements
This itinerary combines adventure, comfort, and high-probability wildlife encounters.
During your 9 days serengeti mara river safari, you will witness one of nature’s most dramatic events. Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras gather along the riverbanks. Crocodiles wait beneath the surface while lions, cheetahs, and hyenas patrol the surrounding plains.
Every crossing is unique, creating thrilling moments for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The extended duration of the 9 days serengeti mara river safari ensures you are positioned to capture the action.
The 9 days serengeti mara river safari features handpicked tented camps and lodges near prime wildlife areas. Accommodation is designed to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities:
Luxury tented camps with comfortable beds and full-board meals
Mid-range lodges with easy access to game drive routes
Seasonal migration camps close to Mara River
Staying near key migration zones ensures early departures and late afternoon positioning for the best crossings.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide who will assist with transfer to your hotel in Arusha. You will meet your guide for a full briefing about your 9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari, including itinerary details, safety tips, and what to expect during your adventure. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge, enjoying dinner, and preparing for the exciting safari ahead. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge.
Meals: None
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately 140 km from Arusha (2–3 hours drive). Tarangire is renowned for its enormous elephant population and iconic baobab trees. Upon arrival, begin your game drive where you can spot elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. The park’s diverse landscape and Tarangire River make it an important wildlife refuge, especially during the dry season. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your safari. Late afternoon, transfer to Migombani Public Campsite, near Lake Manyara, for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the campsite before departing to Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the scenic highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the heart of Serengeti, arriving at the Seronera area, Central Serengeti, known for its rich wildlife and the Seronera River. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti where you may spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Overnight at Kenzan Tented Camp – Seronera or similar campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day early with breakfast and a morning game drive in Central Serengeti. Observe resident wildlife, including prides of lions, cheetahs hunting in the open plains, and herds of wildebeest and zebra. After lunch, travel north towards Kogatende in Northern Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration if it is the season. The landscape gradually changes from rolling plains to hills and kopjes, offering dramatic scenery. Arrive at the Mara River region in the late afternoon, where you may witness the first signs of wildebeest preparing to cross the river. Dinner and overnight at Kenzan Tented Camp – Mara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the full day in Northern Serengeti focused on the Mara River crossings, one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in the world. Observe thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempting to cross crocodile-infested waters while predators lie in wait. The river crossings are highly seasonal, usually from July to September. Picnic lunch is provided during the game drive. Take your time photographing and enjoying this natural drama. Return to your camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue your safari exploring the Northern Serengeti plains, following the migration herds if they have moved westward. You will see beautiful woodlands, granite kopjes, and rolling hills filled with wildlife. Picnic lunch is served during the day. Afternoon game drive continues in Western Serengeti, a quieter region with fewer tourists and excellent wildlife sightings including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. Overnight at a Western Serengeti Tented Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Central Serengeti before heading south towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for lunch and short game drives en route, spotting wildlife like hyenas, wild dogs, and big cats. Arrive at Ngorongoro Embalakai Camp or similar campsite for dinner and overnight. This arrangement reduces the long driving hours for a more comfortable safari experience while ensuring maximum wildlife viewing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full-day game drive. The crater is home to dense wildlife populations, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Other species such as zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos, and hyenas are also abundant. Picnic lunch is served on the crater floor. Late afternoon, ascend to the rim for sunset photographs over the crater before returning to your campsite for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at camp and depart Ngorongoro for Arusha (approx. 4–5 hours). Depending on your flight schedule, you can be dropped at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Reflect on your incredible 9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari filled with wildlife spectacles, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
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Best time for 9 days serengeti mara river safari and river crossings.
Green season for 9 days serengeti mara river safari, some rain.
Great wildlife viewing during 9 days serengeti mara river safari.
9 days serengeti mara river safari is possible all year.
The best time for the 9 Days Serengeti Mara River Safari is between July and October when the Great Migration reaches the Mara River in Northern Serengeti National Park. Early booking (at least 6–9 months in advance) is highly recommended due to high demand.
River crossings cannot be guaranteed because wildlife movements depend on rainfall and natural patterns. However, the 9 Days Serengeti Mara River Safari is strategically designed with extended time in Northern Serengeti to significantly increase your chances.
The safari includes carefully selected tented camps or luxury lodges located near prime migration corridors. Accommodation options range from mid-range comfort to high-end luxury, all offering full-board meals and en-suite facilities.
Yes, the 9 Days Serengeti Mara River Safari is suitable for families, honeymooners, photographers, and senior travelers. The itinerary can be customized with relaxed game drives and private safari vehicles for added comfort.
In addition to wildebeest and zebra, you may see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and large Nile crocodiles. Visits to Ngorongoro Crater also provide opportunities to spot rhinos and other iconic African wildlife.
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