08 Days River Crossing Safari

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

You will arrive at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) where you will be warmly welcomed by your driver guide. Afterward, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, where you can enjoy dinner and relax overnight. A pre-safari briefing will also be held to prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Arusha – Central Serengeti

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Central Serengeti. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on private game drives throughout the day. The Central Serengeti is famous for its rich concentration of wildlife, especially around the Seronera Valley, known for year-round game viewing and sightings of big cats like lions and leopards. You will enjoy the game drives with a packed lunch, allowing you to maximize your time exploring. In the evening, you will head to your camp or lodge located in the heart of the Serengeti for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Central Serengeti - Southern Serengeti

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise in the heart of the Serengeti. After breakfast, we will begin our game drive, traveling en route from the Central Serengeti to the Southern Serengeti, specifically the Ndutu area. This region is particularly special during this time as it is the calving season — the "motherland" where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth to their young. The lush green pastures provide abundant food, attracting not only large herds of herbivores but also predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The drive covers approximately 80-100 km and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on wildlife sightings along the way. We will enjoy our packed lunch in the bush to maximize time in the wild, and later proceed to your lodge in Ndutu for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Southern Serengeti

Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking wilderness of the southern Serengeti's Ndutu area! After an early breakfast, you'll set off for another exciting day of game drives. During this time of year, the Ndutu plains are lush and green, providing fresh grazing grounds for the massive herds of wildebeest. Many of them remain here, feeding on the rich grasses and continuing to give birth to their young. This period is not only crucial for the survival of the wildebeest calves but also a spectacular sight, as the landscape is dotted with new life. Predators are ever-present, aware that this is a time of abundance, and you may witness dramatic scenes of survival and instinct. The cycle of life plays out vividly here, making the Ndutu area one of the best spots to witness nature at its rawest. You'll carry packed lunch to maximize your time in the bush, continuing to explore different areas throughout the day. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and another overnight stay under the Serengeti skies.

Day 5: Southern Serengeti

Today is another opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible ecosystem of the southern Serengeti. After an early breakfast, you'll embark on yet another thrilling game drive across the Ndutu plains. Spending multiple days in this area allows you to truly appreciate the rhythm of life here. Each day offers something different—perhaps you'll witness a predator stalking its prey, see wildebeest calves taking their first steps, or catch sight of a rare species. The southern Serengeti is teeming with wildlife during this season, and the longer you stay, the better your chances of encountering unique and unforgettable moments. Once again, you'll carry a packed lunch, giving you the freedom to roam deeper into the wilderness without interruption. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day.

Day 6: Southern Serengeti

On the final days in the Ndutu area, the adventure begins with an early morning wake-up, followed by a hearty full breakfast to fuel the day ahead. You'll then set off for a full day of game drives across the sweeping plains of the southern Serengeti, a region renowned for its wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Depending on your preference, you can either enjoy a picnic lunch out in the wild to maximize your exploration or return to your camp for a hot lunch and a bit of relaxation. As the sun sets, you'll gather for dinner and spend one last memorable night under the stars in the heart of the Ndutu wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 7: Southern Serengeti – Karatu

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will head out for our last game drives in the Southern Serengeti, focusing on the Ndutu area, well-known for its abundant wildlife. As we explore, we will enjoy a game drive en route, meaning we'll continue spotting animals along the way while making our journey towards the Crater Highlands. After exiting the Serengeti, we will pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stop at a viewpoint to admire the stunning panoramic view of the Ngorongoro Crater. From there, we will continue driving to Karatu town, located in the highlands. The total distance covered will be approximately 150 km, taking about 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival in Karatu, we will proceed to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

We will start early with a drive from Karatu town to the Ngorongoro area, approximately 30 minutes away. Upon arrival, we will descend into the crater floor for a day of game drives and exploration. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalo, all within the lush caldera of an ancient volcanic crater. This unique ecosystem offers spectacular views and close encounters with some of Africa's most iconic animals. We will enjoy a packed lunch in the field while continuing to explore the crater's diverse landscapes. In the late afternoon, we will ascend from the crater highlands and begin our drive back to Arusha, a journey of approximately 190 km (about 4 to 5 hours). Once in Arusha, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your international flight onward, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure in Tanzania.

End of Itinerary