Great Migration Adventure (Mara River Crossing)
Jema Safaris: 7 Day Great Migration Adventure
Short on time but big on adventure? This 7-day safari is tailor-made for travelers eager to experience the very best of northern Tanzania in just one incredible week. Designed to combine breathtaking wildlife, world-famous landscapes, and flexible comfort, this journey offers two price levels—Comfort and Classic—to match your style.
Your adventure takes you to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. As you descend into this ancient volcanic basin, you’ll encounter an astonishing variety of wildlife, from large elephant herds to endangered black rhinos, all set against dramatic crater walls and lush grasslands.
From there, you’ll venture into the vast open plains of the Serengeti National Park, home to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle—the annual Great Migration. Depending on the time of year, you may witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebra on the move, pursued by predators like lion, leopard, and cheetah. Even outside migration season, the Serengeti is teeming with life and offers unforgettable game-viewing experiences.
To complete your journey, you’ll also pass through Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic gem famous for its tree-climbing lions, flocks of flamingos, and acacia-dotted woodlands. With six nights and a seamless route, this safari is ideal for travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s most celebrated parks without compromising on depth or quality.
Seasonal Availability:
5 January – 31 March 1 June – 31 October 1 – 31 December
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Locations: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
Start/End Point: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Itinerary Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a warm Jema Safaris welcome awaits you. Our professional guide will greet you with a refreshing cool towel and escort you to your private vehicle for a scenic 90-minute transfer to the peaceful outskirts of Arusha. As you leave the airport behind, the landscape opens to reveal rolling hills, vibrant local markets, and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Meru in the distance. Your overnight stay is at the serene Arusha Planet Lodge, where you can relax by the pool, sip a chilled drink on the terrace, or indulge in a restorative massage. Enjoy a fusion of international and Tanzanian cuisine at dinner before retreating to your elegant room for a restful night’s sleep in preparation for your safari journey.
Today, after breakfast, your journey begins with a drive to the lush ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way, pass banana farms, Maasai herders, and the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu. As you enter the park, watch for baboons in fig trees, flamingos shimmering across the alkaline lake, and elephants wandering among the forests.
A picnic lunch awaits in a shady spot with panoramic lake views. Later, ascend the Rift Valley escarpment into the cooler highlands of Karatu, where green hills and coffee fields welcome you to your next stay. Spend the evening at The Castle at Ngorongoro Lodge – Karatu, where a warm fire, hearty local fare, and peaceful gardens set the tone for a restful night.
Rise early and head out for a full-day expedition into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden. As you reach the rim, the morning mist reveals a dramatic view of this vast, ancient caldera—home to over 25,000 wild animals.
Descend into the crater and explore its forests, swamps, and grasslands, searching for black rhino, lions, hyenas, and hippos. With luck, you may witness a predator stalking prey or elephants cooling off near the lake. After an incredible day, return to The Castle at Ngorongoro Lodge – Karatu, where a warm shower, a cozy fireplace, and chef-prepared dinner await your stories from the crater.
This morning, depart by road to the Manyara airstrip for your flight to the Serengeti. From above, gaze at the changing landscape—rivers winding through golden plains, scattered acacia trees, and perhaps even wildebeest herds moving below.
On arrival, your guide will take you to Serengeti Pure luxury Camp, a semi-mobile tented camp positioned near the Great Migration’s path. Over the next three days, enjoy immersive morning and evening game drives, led by seasoned guides who’ll help you track big cats, massive elephant herds, and river crossings (depending on season).
Midday is yours to relax: read on your veranda, chat with your guide over coffee, or simply gaze out at the plains. Evenings at camp feature fireside drinks, starlit skies, and gourmet meals shared with fellow adventurers.
Want something extra? Add a hot air balloon safari for a breathtaking sunrise over the Serengeti—a once-in-a-lifetime view of the wild from above.
After your final breakfast in the bush, it's time to bid farewell to the Serengeti. Your flight back to Kilimanjaro Airport offers one last look at the savannah below. Depending on the routing, the plane may make a few short stops before arriving by midday.
Back at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be assisted with check-in for your international flight home. As you take off, you’ll carry with you the scent of acacia trees, the rhythm of the wild, and memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
Rates :All Safaris
Starts From
/Person sharing
- All accommodations (safari lodges, tented camps & Zanzibar hotel)
- All park fees and crater service fees
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
- All park fees, game drives, and crater fees
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar)