# 7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania

> Experience a 7-day Great Migration river crossing safari in Tanzania with Tarangire, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mto wa Mbu cultural village experience.

- **Type:** trip
- **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//safaris/7-day-great-migration-river-crossing-safari-in-tanzania
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-04

## Key facts
- **Duration Days:** 7
- **Price From U S D:** 2140
- **Trip Type:** Safari
- **Budget Level:** mid-range
- **Best Months:** All year round
- **Countries:** Tanzania
- **Destinations:** Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha City, Serengeti National Park, Central Serengeti , Tarangire National Park
- **Inclusions:** All transfers by safari pop-up roof Land Cruiser, All listed activities, Professional English-speaking safari guide, Meals as per itinerary, All national park entry fees, Government taxes and VAT, Drinking water throughout the safari, Non-alcoholic beverages in safari vehicle, Wi-Fi in safari vehicle, Charging ports in vehicle, RF radio communication system, First aid kit, Cooler box, Fire extinguisher, Safari gift pack for every guest, 24/7 emergency contact support, Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance
- **Exclusions:** International flights, Visa and travel documentation fees, Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.), Tips and gratuities (suggested $10+ per person per day), Activities or meals not specified in the itinerary

## Details

experience one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife events in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti. Best enjoyed from July to October, this itinerary follows the seasonal movement of wildebeests and zebras around the [Mara River](/safaris/4-days-luxury-kenya-safari-flight-masai-mara), where river crossings may occur depending on herd movement, weather, and natural conditions.

With Imara Africa Safaris, the journey begins in Arusha before continuing to [Tarangire National Park](/tanzania/tarangire-national-park), a beautiful wilderness known for giant baobab trees, large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and rich birdlife. From Tarangire, the safari continues to Northern Serengeti, the key region for [Mara River migration crossings](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve) during the peak season.

You will spend two nights in Northern Serengeti, giving you time to follow migration movement and explore the Mara River area with your professional English-speaking [safari guide](/safaris/10-days-two-nations-safari-kenyatanzania-flying-ultra-luxury). The region is also home to resident wildlife, including [lions, leopards, cheetahs](/safaris/5-day-midrange-kenya-safari), elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and many plains animals. While [river crossings](/safaris/3-day-maasai-mara-safari-adventure) are never guaranteed, this route gives travelers a strong opportunity to be in the right region during the best travel period.

The safari then continues to Central Serengeti, known for year-round wildlife and excellent predator sightings, before visiting the spectacular [Ngorongoro Crater](/tanzania/ngorongoro-crater-park) for a Big Five safari experience. The journey ends with an authentic Mto wa Mbu cultural village visit before returning to Arusha or connecting onward to [Zanzibar for a beach extension](/safaris/8-day-luxury-tanzania-safari-zanzibar-beach-holiday).


Related: [Zanzibar for a beach extension](/safaris/9-day-tanzania-safari-zanzibar-beach-holiday).


Related: [Ngorongoro Crater](/tanzania/ngorongoro-crater).

## Frequently asked questions

### When is the best time for a Great Migration river crossing safari in Northern Serengeti?
The best time is usually July to October, when wildebeest and zebra herds are often in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti near the Mara River. Crossings are natural events influenced by rain, grazing, herd movement and predator pressure, so they can never be guaranteed.

### Are Mara River crossings guaranteed on this 7-day safari?
No, river crossings are never guaranteed because the herds move according to weather and grazing conditions. This itinerary gives you two nights in Northern Serengeti during peak season, placing you in the right region with a strong chance of seeing migration activity.

### What wildlife can I see besides the Great Migration?
You can see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and rich birdlife in Tarangire, plus lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos and crocodiles in the Serengeti. Ngorongoro Crater offers a strong chance of Big Five sightings, including black rhino, though sightings are never guaranteed.

### How much does a 7-day Great Migration safari in Tanzania cost?
The cost depends on travel dates, accommodation level, group size and whether you fly or drive between safari areas. Migration-season safaris in Northern Serengeti are usually more expensive than standard Serengeti trips because July to October is peak demand and the region is remote.

### What is included in this 7-day Tanzania migration safari?
A typical Imara Africa Safaris package includes private 4x4 safari transport, a professional English-speaking guide, park and conservation fees, accommodation, meals on safari and scheduled game drives. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks and optional Zanzibar extensions are usually excluded unless stated in your quote.

### Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes, the itinerary can be suitable for families, especially with a private vehicle and child-friendly lodges or tented camps. Long game-drive days and early starts are common, so it works best for children who are comfortable spending several hours in a safari vehicle.

### Can I add Zanzibar after the safari?
Yes, this itinerary can end in Arusha or connect onwards to Zanzibar for a beach extension. Many travellers add three to five nights in Zanzibar after the Serengeti and Ngorongoro to relax after the safari.

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Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.
