# 7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania

> This 7-day Great Migration river crossing safari is a mid-range Tanzania road itinerary from Arusha through Tarangire, the Northern Serengeti, the Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, priced from US$2,140 per person. Timed for the July-to-October season, it places travellers near the Mara River when wildebeest crossings are most likely.

- **Type:** trip
- **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//safaris/7-day-great-migration-river-crossing-safari-in-tanzania
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-23

## 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, Serengeti National Park, Arusha City, 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

The 7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari is a mid-range Tanzania road itinerary from Arusha through Tarangire, the Northern Serengeti, the Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, priced from US$2,140 per person. Timed for the July-to-October season, it suits wildlife travellers hoping to witness wildebeest crossings on the Mara River.

## Which Destinations Does This Safari Visit?

- Arusha (Day 1): arrival and overnight before the safari begins.
- Tarangire National Park (Day 2): baobab country with large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests and rich birdlife.
- Northern Serengeti (Days 3–4): two nights in the key river-crossing region, following herd movement around the Mara River — the same river system that flows through Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve . Resident wildlife includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles and hippos.
- Central Serengeti (Day 5): year-round wildlife and excellent predator sightings.
- Ngorongoro Crater (Day 6): a Big Five game drive inside the spectacular volcanic caldera; see the Ngorongoro Crater park guide for more detail.
- Mto wa Mbu and Arusha (Day 7): an authentic cultural village visit before the return to Arusha or an onward connection.

## Who Is This Safari For?

This route suits travellers whose priority is being in the right region during the peak crossing season. River crossings are never guaranteed — they depend on herd movement, weather and natural conditions — but two nights in the Northern Serengeti give a strong opportunity. It works well for photographers, couples and small groups comfortable with a full seven-day road circuit at mid-range level, and it can end with a [Zanzibar beach extension](/safaris/8-day-luxury-tanzania-safari-zanzibar-beach-holiday) such as the [9-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday](/safaris/9-day-tanzania-safari-zanzibar-beach-holiday).

## What Is Included?

The price covers all transfers by pop-up-roof safari Land Cruiser, a professional English-speaking safari guide, all national park entry fees and meals on a full-board basis, with drinking water and in-vehicle Wi-Fi provided throughout; the complete list of inclusions appears further down this page. Group sizes from 1 to 100 travellers can be arranged. Migration-focused alternatives include the [4-day luxury Kenya safari with Masai Mara flights](/safaris/4-days-luxury-kenya-safari-flight-masai-mara), the [3-day Maasai Mara safari adventure](/safaris/3-day-maasai-mara-safari-adventure), the [5-day mid-range Kenya safari](/safaris/5-day-midrange-kenya-safari) and the cross-border [10-day Kenya and Tanzania flying safari](/safaris/10-days-two-nations-safari-kenyatanzania-flying-ultra-luxury).

## 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.
