12 Day | Mara River Crossing Migration Safari & Cultural Activities | Ngotea Distinctive Safaris

12 Day | Mara River Crossing Migration Safari & Cultural Activities

  • Witness the Great Migration river crossing in Northern Serengeti (Days 5–6)
  • Game drives in Central Serengeti’s wildlife-rich plains (Day 4)
  • Cultural visits: Tengeru Market, local lunch, and waterfall in Arusha (Day 3)
  • Interactive Maasai Village experience in Ngorongoro Highlands (Day 7)
  • Visit to a Coffee Plantation & local Hospital in Karatu (Day 8)
  • Optional Mountain Biking adventure in Arusha countryside (Day 9)
  • Optional Arusha City Tour and Cultural Heritage Shopping (Day 10)

Overview

This 12-day adventure is a masterfully curated blend of wildlife spectacle and immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania. Witness one of nature’s greatest shows — the Mara River Wildebeest Migration crossing — in the Northern Serengeti. Journey through iconic safari destinations like the Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Highlands. Then, dive into authentic Tanzanian life with enriching cultural activities, including visiting a traditional Maasai village, a coffee plantation tour, and a vibrant local market experience. This itinerary perfectly balances luxury, adventure, and cultural connection.

Itinerary

Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Ngotea Distinctive Safaris representative will greet you. Transfer to Moivaro Lodge in Arusha, nestled in a tranquil garden setting, to relax after your journey. Enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Meru and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is a light day with time to relax at the lodge, enjoy the gardens, or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a full safari briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities:
Morning: Visit Tengeru Market – engage with local traders and artisans
Midday: Local lunch at Daniel’s home – enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal
Afternoon: Visit nearby waterfalls – short hike and photo opportunities

Accommodation: Thorn Tree Camp | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Take a morning flight to Central Serengeti. Upon arrival, embark on your first thrilling game drive. Central Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and more.

Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a scenic game drive en route as you travel north to the Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. This remote and less-crowded part of the park offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the Great Migration at its peak.
Midday: Arrive at Untamed Migration Camp, a seasonal tented camp strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing. Check in and settle into your Double and Twin Rooms.
Lunch: At the camp
Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for your first game drive in the Northern Serengeti. The landscape here is dotted with open plains and riverine woodland, perfect for spotting large herds of wildebeest and zebra as they gather at the Mara River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles lurking near crossing points and big cats waiting for prey.
Evening: Return to camp, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Destination: Northern Serengeti
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodation: Untamed Migration Camp

Early Morning Game Drive: Depart before sunrise for a thrilling game drive along the Mara River, the heart of the migration action. This is the best time to witness dramatic river crossings — wildebeest and zebras leaping into crocodile-filled waters in a desperate bid for survival.
Breakfast: Bush breakfast or back at camp, depending on your morning drive timing
Late Morning to Midday: Leisure time at the camp – relax, enjoy the views, or take a short nature walk (if permitted).
Lunch: At the camp
Afternoon Game Drive: Head out again to track wildlife movement. Aside from the migration, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards.
Evening: Share stories of the day’s sightings over dinner and soak in the magical ambiance of the savannah at dusk.
Destination: Northern Serengeti
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodation: Untamed Migration Camp

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands. En route, stop by a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs, dances, and lifestyle. Arrive in Karatu and settle into your lodge.

Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities:

  • Morning: Coffee plantation tour – see the full process from bean to cup
  • Afternoon: Visit a local hospital to learn about community health initiatives
    Afterward, return to Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activity: Take a guided mountain biking tour through the scenic countryside surrounding Arusha. Evening at leisure with dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Olerai Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activity: Morning Arusha City Tour – visit museums and local sites
Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs and crafts at the Cultural Heritage Centre.

Accommodation: Olerai Lodge | Double & Twin Rooms
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Relax and reflect on your incredible safari at the peaceful Olerai Lodge. Enjoy your final evening with a special farewell dinner.

Accommodation: No accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your transfer to Arusha Airport. End of services.

Map

From $5399
/ Adult
From $4049
/ Child
  • All activities, unless indicated as optional
  • All accommodations
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Park fees
  • Taxes / VAT
  • Private transport in 4x4 safari-converted Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Limited drinking water during game drives
  • Hot-Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips (Tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • International flights
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
12 Day | Mara River Crossing Migration Safari & Cultural Activities

✨ Optional Extension: Zanzibar Beach Holiday Available

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