Northern Tanzania Crossing Season
Northern Tanzania Crossing Season
Overview
Witness Tanzania’s famous river crossings at the legendary Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Between July and October, the herds will gather at the steep riverbanks, waiting for the perfect moment to cross, while the strong current and dangerous Nile crocodiles are a hurdle that they must overcome to reach fresh grazing grounds! An unbelievable spectacle for any safari goer!
Trip Highlights
- Witness the majestic sight of large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and big cats roaming free against the backdrop of the steep Rift Valley Wall
- Descend into an intact volcanic caldera that's a natural sanctuary for a stunning array of wildlife, including prides of lions, elephants with huge tusks, hippos, and rare black rhinoceros.
- Immerse yourself in the world-famous Serengeti, home to a diverse range of resident game such as cheetahs, leopards, and lions
- See the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, with Nile crocodiles and predators like cheetahs, leopards, and lions waiting to pounce.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the massive elephant herds and legendary baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
- Get up close to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes in Manyara National Park, located along the Rift Valley.
- Experience Tanzania's most famous national park, Serengeti, with its year-round game viewing and the chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural sanctuary for wildlife and home to lions, elephants, hippos, and if you're lucky, the elusive black rhinoceros.
Information
Trip Info
Serengeti National Park
Witness the Great Migration and iconic African wildlife in vast savanna plains.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descend into the world’s largest unbroken caldera for epic wildlife viewing.
Lake Manyara National Park
See flamingos and tree-climbing lions on a scenic safari drive.
Dry Season in Tanzania – June to October
During this time, the weather is generally dry, with little to no rainfall (between 15mm – 36mm per month). The average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it a popular time for wildlife safaris and visits. The dry season is also ideal for witnessing the Great Migration, as herds of wildebeest and other animals migrate across the plains.
Wet Season in Tanzania – November to May
The peak of rainfall is typically in March (178mm / 7”), April (368mm / 14.5”), and May (211mm / 8.3”). The wet season is characterized by intermittent showers and occasional heavy downpours. Average temperatures during this time range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). The landscapes become lush and green, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for birdwatching. However, it’s important to note that some roads and trails may become impassable due to muddy conditions.
Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Tanzania
As one of the best game viewing countries on the continent, Tanzania offers year-round opportunities for seeing some of Africa’s most impressive animals.
For the Great Serengeti Migration: head to Southeastern Serengeti from December through April, Western Serengeti and Grumeti from May through July, and Northern Serengeti from July through November.
For other wildlife in Tanzania, December through January is equally great for Lake Mantra and Ngorongoro, while July through November is excellent for Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha, Mahale, Gombe, Katavi.
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Lake Manyara National Park
- Tanzania
Meet & Greet in Arusha with your professional driver/guide. Drive to Manyara National Park – located directly along the Rift Valley. The park is squeezed in between the steep sloping Rift Valley Wall and the shallow, alkaline soda lake. The dry season from June to October is best for viewing large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras and cats; while the wet season, from November to May, is ideal to spot birds. Proceed to your accommodation.
- Rift Valley Photographic Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater
- Tanzania
Departure with picnic-lunch to Ngorongoro Crater for game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is an intact volcanic caldera and a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Expect to encounter prides of lions, elephants with huge tusks due to the rich volcanic soil, plain game, hippos, birds and many more. With a little luck you might spot the highly endangered black rhinoceros. Proceed to your overnight stay.
- Marera Valley
Serengeti National Park – Central
- Tanzania
Road journey to Serengeti National Park with picnic-lunch. Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Game viewing is fantastic throughout the year with resident game including buffalos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, leopards, lions, servals, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras and many more!
- Baobab Serengeti Camp
Serengeti National Park – Northern
- Tanzania
Between July and October, thousands of wildebeest will gather at the legendary Mara River in Northern Serengeti – always waiting for the perfect moment to cross in order to reach fresh grazing grounds. The crossing of Mara is much more challenging than the crossing of Grumeti (between May and June) due to the steep river banks and strong streams.
The herds will gather on the river bank, undecided about what to do. Once the first begins to cross, the rest will follow almost blindly. Nile crocodiles, predators including cheetahs, leopards and lions are ready to pounce as the migration crosses their territory. The herds will spread over the northern grasslands and will cross back and forth between Serengeti and Masai Mara. What a spectacle!
- Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp
Flight back to Arusha
- Tanzania
In the morning we’ll have a short transfer to Kogatende Airstrip for a scheduled flight back to JRO.
- Rift Valley Photographic Lodge
Northern Tanzania Classic Safari
Gallery
The Beauty of Africa
Gallery
Itinerary
Trip Details
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- AMREF Flying Doctor Service
- Meals as per your chosen meal plan
- Park entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Travel in a suitably modified Vehicle and fuel
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses (laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
Prices
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2 pax based on a double room $5,190/person
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4 pax based on 2 double rooms $4,645/person
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6 pax based on 3 double rooms $4,460/person
Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.
Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.
For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Inquire About This Tour
All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences.
Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.
For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
