10 Days Mara River Crossing | 2025 & 2026
- Best Time To Go : January – March and July - December
- Holiday Length : 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Price guide : $5,420.00
- Holiday type : Discovery, Wildlife
Safari Overview
This 10-day migration safari is designed for couples who crave wild, shared moments — the rush of river crossings, the hush of dawns on the plains, and long evenings under a sky full of starlight. Begin in Arusha and travel across Tarangire’s baobab-dotted horizons, the surreal shoreline of Lake Natron, and the dramatic northern plains of Kogatende — the staging ground for the Mara River crossings. Continue south into the Seronera heartland to meet the Serengeti’s resident big cats, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater’s astonishing amphitheatre before returning to Arusha.
We’ve paced the journey for intimate adventure: days of expansive game drives balanced with quiet lodge time for two. Expect wildlife spectacles, private photographic moments, and handcrafted stays chosen for atmosphere and comfort. Total distance (approx.): 1,535 km · Total driving time (approx.): 50 hours
(Includes inter-lodge transfers and estimated game-drive allowances.) ,Curated by Sana Wild Experience for UK adventure couples — where romance meets the raw theatre of Tanzania’s wild.
DAY 1: Arrival – Arusha (JRO → Arusha | 55 km, 1 hr)
Your Tanzania adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your private guide will meet you and transfer you to Villa Maua, a peaceful retreat beneath Mt Meru. Settle in, enjoy a soft stroll around the gardens if time allows, and share your first dinner together in Tanzania — an introduction to the rhythm of your trip.
Accommodation: Villa Maua
DAY 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park (Arusha → Tarangire | 120 km, 2–2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its sweeping baobabs and large elephant herds. Spend the day on game drives through river valleys and open plains — look for elephants, giraffe, buffalo and the predators that follow. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and sunset over the savannah.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
DAY 3: Tarangire → Lake Natron (Rift Valley) (Tarangire → Lake Natron | 190 km, ~4.5–5 hrs — rugged gravel sections)
Today you travel the Great Rift escarpment toward the surreal shores of Lake Natron and the silhouette of Oldonyo Lengai. The road is adventurous and rewarding: volcanic scenery, Maasai settlements, and wide views. In the afternoon enjoy a guided walk to a secluded waterfall or a peaceful shoreline stroll (season permitting), then a quiet night at the lodge.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Safari Lodge
DAY 4: Lake Natron → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) (Lake Natron → Kogatende | 250 km, ~6–7 hrs)
Rise early to see the flamingo-streaked shallows (seasonal). After breakfast embark on a long scenic drive to Kogatende in the northern Serengeti, entering the migration’s staging area via Wasso/Loliondo. Game viewing begins as you approach the park; arrive at camp in time for dinner and a sunset walk.
Accommodation: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
DAY 5 & 6: Full Day – Kogatende (Northern Serengeti) (Kogatende game drives | ~120–150 km, ~6–7 hrs)
Today is for the migration: long, flexible game drives as your guide positions you near the Mara River where herds gather. Expect dramatic scenes — herds massing, wildebeest probing the current, and crocodiles lurking in the shallows. Even if a crossing doesn’t happen instantly, the riverbanks are alive with tension and life.
Accommodation: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
DAY 7 & 8: Kogatende → Central Serengeti (Seronera) (Kogatende → Seronera | 150 km, ~3.5–4.5 hrs including game drives en-route)
Drive south into the Serengeti’s core — the Seronera Valley. The landscape changes: kopjes rise from the plains and resident predators become more predictable. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on arrival and the golden-hour magic the Serengeti is known for. Day 8 Explore the Big Cat capital with morning and afternoon drives. Watch leopards doze in trees, see cheetahs palette the plains, and find lions lounging on kopjes. The Seronera system provides endless photographic and intimate wildlife moments for couples seeking both thrill and wonder.
Accommodation: Nyikani Camp Serengeti
DAY 9: Seronera → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu (Seronera → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu | 145 km + 40 km inside crater + 30 km to Karatu = ~215 km, ~9 hrs total including crater game drive)
Depart early for the Ngorongoro highlands. Descend to the crater floor for a full game drive: an amphitheatre thriving with wildlife — black rhino, elephant, large lion prides, and sweeping herds. After your crater picnic, ascend and transfer to Karatu for a gentle evening among coffee farms.
Accommodation: Endoro Lodge
DAY 10: Karatu → Arusha → Departure (JRO) (Karatu → Arusha → JRO | 160 km, ~3.5 hrs)
After breakfast enjoy a final highland drive back to Arusha. Optional stops for coffee tasting or local crafts can be arranged depending on your flight schedule. Your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight or help connect a Zanzibar extension.
Our Guests Satisfaction
Thank you very much for being part of our family by traveling with us.
Sana Wild Experience would like to share your experience with us in Africa.
Please don’t hesitate to write about your experience with us in Google reviews or Trip Advisor
Includes and excludes
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of the tour price.
- Respective accommodation or similar throughout as indicated
- All meals during the Safari
- Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Covid 19 test Certificate
- Flying doctor
- Transport with photographic roof hatch land cruiser driven by professional guide
- Unlimited drinking water during the Safari
- All national park entry fees
- Visit Maasai village
- Government Taxes
- All airport transfers
- Programs as stipulated
What is Excluded in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of the tour price.
- Tourist visas
- Travel Insurance
- International flights to Kilimanjaro and any other flights(local flights can arranged)
- Personal shopping and memorabilia
- Drinks and refreshments
- Tip to your driver guide
- Tip to porters
- Cost to anything not mentioned at the list of included
