Tanzania - Crossroads of the Great Migration
Crossing the Mara River
In this author's trip we take you to live in first person one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the crossing of the Mara River.
A phenomenon that takes place mainly in July and August. In these months, the great migration is in the north of the Serengeti and in Kenya. The Mara River, which borders the two countries, is the scene of one of the most tense wild moments: foxes and zebras cross the river dodging crocodiles.
We will make a circular route where we will get to know the remote area of Lake Natron with the Massai village, the exciting Serengeti National Park (north and center), Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Be part of this special time of the year with our groups of limited places. Do you join?
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Up to 14 travelers
Adventure in good company
Share the trip with other people who, like you, are eager to discover Africa. Our groups are small (maximum 14 people) to guarantee a pleasant atmosphere, a balanced pace and a closer experience.
Live the experience in a group
All the itinerary, hotels and services are planned and validated by our team so you only have to worry about enjoying the safari.
How does it work?
- Check the calendar and choose one of the departures already scheduled.
- Fill in your details and confirm the reservation.
- Pay the deposit to secure your place.
- You already have the trip confirmed and it only remains to prepare for the adventure.
Complete freedom
Your tailor-made trip
A trip just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt every detail to what you truly want to experience.
Experience Africa at your own pace
With the Private Trip option, you can customize the itinerary, pace, accommodations, and dates to create a unique, flexible, and completely tailor-made experience.
How does it work?
- Fill out the form with your ideas, dates, and preferences.
- Your trip is confirmed, and all that's left is to prepare for the adventure.
- We customize the itinerary (activities, hotels, and pace) according to your preferences.
- We confirm and book everything you need to start your safari.
Your detailed safari itinerary
Arriving in Tanzania
Pick up at Kilimanjaro Airport by a Watatu Travel representative (between 7 and 9 in the morning) and transfer to the accommodation (1h 30 approx). At noon, we will have lunch in a local community where moms will cook us traditional food such as pilau rice, various types of soup, fresh vegetables, assorted fruits and also grilled meat. In this way we have direct contact with the local people and thus we get to know the rest of the group.
En route to Lake Natron
We will begin our adventure by leaving Arusha behind and heading towards one of the places that has left the biggest impression on us: Lake Natron (approx. 6-7 hours). To reach it, we will traverse volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and areas teeming with wildlife such as giraffes, wildebeest, and antelopes. As we progress, the scenery will become wilder, until Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Maasai, appears on the horizon. Upon arrival, we will drop off our luggage at the lodge, and our Maasai guide will lead us to the 'secret rock'. There, facing the lake and surrounded by animals, we will witness a spectacular sunset.
Day of activities at Lake Natron: Maasai culture
With our Maasai guide we will explore the area to see the largest colony of flamingos in Africa. Among mass stories from past centuries, we will discover the waterfalls of the area and the fauna that inhabits it: giraffes, lynxes and zebras are common suspects. In the afternoon, we will do the activity “Jewels of the Massai Land”: a workshop taught by Masai women where we will learn their ancestral jewelry techniques. With their help, we will create our own jewel — a memory for a lifetime. Afterwards, we will return to the lodge to relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and marvel again with another unforgettable sunset
On the way north of the Serengeti
This day will be hard to forget. Very early we will leave Lake Natron behind and head to the Serengeti National Park (approx. 5 h). After crossing the remote lands of Loliondo, we will arrive at Klein's Gate and finally enter the park for our first safari. Once inside the Serengeti, we will head to the Kogatende area, where the Mara River is located. There we will try to witness the river crossing, in which thousands of wildebeest, zebras and impalas cross during the great migration, while crocodiles and lions wait to feast. We will sleep in the Kogatende area and prepare for the next day's safari.
Full day safari in the north to see the great crossing again
Unlike other trips today we will not move from Kogatende! We will dedicate the whole day of safari, near the river, to be able to have the opportunity to see the great crossing again. It is a show of such magnitude that it is worth devoting an entire day to it. We travel through different areas of the river waiting for the big moment. There are no words to describe what you will experience this day: it is a wild, visceral moment, where life and death converge at the same point.
Full day safari in the center of the Serengeti
Today we will dedicate the whole day to the “Best Safari in the World”. During the day, we will leave behind Kogatende and discover the great variety of birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit the park: nyus, zebras and different species of antelope. With the help of our guides, we will learn how to track the most famous cats on the planet: lions, cheetahs and leopards. An incredible day that we will divide into two outings: one from 6 to 12 in the morning and another from 4 to 6 in the afternoon, the times when the animals are most active. Between both departures, we will rest and dine at our lodge in Seronera.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
After several intense days, today we'll begin with a more relaxed pace. We'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our lodge, and at midday, we'll take part in the "Farmers' Land" activity. In Mto Wa Mbu, we'll have the opportunity to explore the local banana plantations and enjoy a local lunch. We'll sample the region's cuisine and understand the importance of this crop for the farmers and the local economy. In the afternoon, we'll continue to the final stop of this exciting journey: Tarangire National Park. We'll go on an afternoon safari, amidst baobab trees and elephants, and then head to our lodge located in the heart of the park.
Banana plantations in Mto Wa Mbu and safari in Tarangire
After several intense days, today we'll start our day in a more relaxed way. We'll have a leisurely breakfast at our lodge, and at midday, we'll take part in the 'Land of Farmers' activity. In Mto Wa Mbu, we'll have the opportunity to visit the local banana plantations and enjoy a local lunch. We'll taste the region's cuisine and understand the importance of this crop for the farmers and the local economy. In the afternoon, we'll head to the final stop of this exciting journey: Tarangire National Park. We'll go on an afternoon safari, amidst baobabs and elephants, and then proceed to our lodge located in the heart of the park.
Safari in Tarangire and transfer to the airport
Now yes, the adventure comes to an end. A journey that, surely, like us, will mark you forever. Before leaving, we will do one last safari, taking advantage of the fact that we are in the heart of the park. A last farewell to the African savannah, which can give us everything: from lion families to giraffes or elephants. Once we have left the park, we will head towards Kilimanjaro Airport.
The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest and most important parks in Africa, with an area of approximately 30,000 km2. It has a wide variety of ecosystems, from endless plains to hills and scattered forests, which makes it a very diverse habitat to host a lot of wildlife. It is famous for being the scene of the great annual migration, where millions of nyus and zebras roam the Serengeti in search of fresh pastures and rains.
This ancient volcanic crater is home to a large concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos and giraffes, as well as a spectacular landscape of meadows, lakes and forests. Without a doubt, one of the essentials to visit while making a safari in Tanzania.
Ndutu is located just south of the Serengeti and becomes a vibrant scene during the Great Migration, especially during the first months of the year, where thousands of herbivores have their young and feed on green, fresh pastures.
Tarangire is one of the most important National Parks in northern Tanzania, known for its large elephant population and diverse fauna. The park is characterized by its centuries-old baobabs, seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River, which attracts a wide variety of animals during the dry season as it is of perennial water (there is always water).
The safari tents par excellence and with all the comforts. The thatched roofs and large mesh windows offer the perfect opportunity to connect with the sights and sounds of nature.
Locally owned and family run accommodation located in the heart of Arusha. It was the first B&B in the city and is an excellent accommodation to rest with gardens to stroll through.
This classic, eco-friendly tent camp is located in the heart of the Serengeti and offers some of the best panoramic views in the park. Each tent is fully equipped with African decorations and styles.
Kon Tiki Tented Camp is a glamping camp located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, combining the authenticity of an African safari with the comfort of modern accommodation. It offers an immersive experience in the middle of nature without sacrificing comfort.
It offers an authentic experience in direct contact with nature, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and wildlife such as giraffes, zebras and numerous birds.
Included
All activities and excursions mentioned in the detailed itinerary, including entrance fees and permits to all national parks
Activities
24 hour support from our local team at the destination as well as our customer service team in Spain
Service around the clock
International flights and entry visa to the country. Click here to read more about what is not included
What is not included
No mandatory treatment. However, we recommend that you visit your nearest international vaccination center to receive professional advice on malaria prophylaxis and other recommendations.
Malaria
We recommend purchasing travel insurance from IATI Seguros, with over €1,000,000 in medical coverage and the option to include cancellation coverage. Get a 5% discount here. Read more here
Insurances Travel (medical and cancellation)
Cancel your trip free of charge up to 70 days before the departure date. Read more here
Terms and Conditions
Currently there is no mandatory vaccine to enter Tanzania, unless at some point in the last 6 months before entering Tanzania you have been in a yellow fever endemic country (in Tanzania there is none). Even so, we recommend that you visit the nearest tropical medicine center so that specialists can advise you on the recommendations to take into account.
Vaccines
You need a visa to enter Tanzania. The easiest way is to process it at the airport, it costs $50 and is paid in cash. Alternatively, you can process it online at least 10 days before your trip.
Visas
Arrival airport must be Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
International flights
Mountain Refuge Accommodation and Hotel in Moshi
Lodges
All meals included
Meals
Pick up and drop off at the airport at the specified times
Transport
Not Included
Activities
All activities and excursions mentioned in the detailed itinerary, including entrance fees and permits to all national parks
Service around the clock
24 hour support from our local team at the destination as well as our customer service team in Spain
What is not included
International flights and entry visa to the country. Click here to read more about what is not included
Malaria
No mandatory treatment. However, we recommend that you visit your nearest international vaccination center to receive professional advice on malaria prophylaxis and other recommendations.
Insurances Travel (medical and cancellation)
We recommend purchasing travel insurance from IATI Seguros, with over €1,000,000 in medical coverage and the option to include cancellation coverage. Get a 5% discount here. Read more here
Terms and Conditions
Cancel your trip free of charge up to 70 days before the departure date. Read more here
Vaccines
Currently there is no mandatory vaccine to enter Tanzania, unless at some point in the last 6 months before entering Tanzania you have been in a yellow fever endemic country (in Tanzania there is none). Even so, we recommend that you visit the nearest tropical medicine center so that specialists can advise you on the recommendations to take into account.
Visas
You need a visa to enter Tanzania. The easiest way is to process it at the airport, it costs $50 and is paid in cash. Alternatively, you can process it online at least 10 days before your trip.
International flights
Arrival airport must be Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Lodges
Mountain Refuge Accommodation and Hotel in Moshi
Meals
All meals included
Transport
Pick up and drop off at the airport at the specified times
Additional information
Activities
All activities and excursions mentioned in the detailed itinerary, including entrance fees and permits to all national parks
Service around the clock
24 hour support from our local team at the destination as well as our customer service team in Spain
What is not included
International flights and entry visa to the country. Click here to read more about what is not included
Malaria
No mandatory treatment. However, we recommend that you visit your nearest international vaccination center to receive professional advice on malaria prophylaxis and other recommendations.
Insurances Travel (medical and cancellation)
We recommend purchasing travel insurance from IATI Seguros, with over €1,000,000 in medical coverage and the option to include cancellation coverage. Get a 5% discount here. Read more here
Terms and Conditions
Cancel your trip free of charge up to 70 days before the departure date. Read more here
Vaccines
Currently there is no mandatory vaccine to enter Tanzania, unless at some point in the last 6 months before entering Tanzania you have been in a yellow fever endemic country (in Tanzania there is none). Even so, we recommend that you visit the nearest tropical medicine center so that specialists can advise you on the recommendations to take into account.
Visas
You need a visa to enter Tanzania. The easiest way is to process it at the airport, it costs $50 and is paid in cash. Alternatively, you can process it online at least 10 days before your trip.
International flights
Arrival airport must be Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Lodges
Mountain Refuge Accommodation and Hotel in Moshi
Meals
All meals included
Transport
Pick up and drop off at the airport at the specified times
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