Northern Serengeti river-crossing safari

From $1,732

6-Day Northern Serengeti River Crossing Safari

A migration-focused safari through Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with a full day at the Mara River.

5.0

6-Day Northern Serengeti River Crossing Safari

Experience Tanzania’s Great Migration on this 6-day safari through Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Designed around the river-crossing season, the journey includes a full day exploring Northern Serengeti and the Mara River, where wildebeest and zebra gather in dramatic numbers.

From the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire to the dramatic Mara River and the endless Serengeti, this safari brings together Tanzania’s unforgettable landscapes, diverse wildlife and the extraordinary spectacle of the Great Migration.

Itinerary forNorthern Serengeti Safari
Travel DatesTo be confirmed
Guests2 Adults

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival

The group arrives at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A Betheli Expeditions representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha.

Giraffes near Mount Meru outside Arusha

Settle in, meet your travel team and take time to rest after your flight. Your guide will confirm the following morning’s departure, luggage arrangements and the rhythm of the safari ahead.

Day 1 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Mount Meru Hotel accommodation image 1Luxury
1 / 10
Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2Tarangire National Park

Leave Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a landscape of baobabs, open grassland and elephant herds. Timings and activities are confirmed with your guide.

Elephants gathering at the Tarangire River

Enjoy an unhurried first game drive as you get used to the vehicle and the pace of safari days. Tarangire’s river and ancient baobabs create a beautiful setting for watching wildlife in the afternoon light.

Day 2 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Arumeru River Lodge accommodation image 1Mid-range
1 / 6
Arumeru River Lodge
Day 3Ngorongoro Crater

Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater to explore one of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife habitats.

Ngorongoro Crater landscape

The crater floor brings grassland, woodland and lake edges into one extraordinary day. Your guide follows wildlife movement and road conditions, leaving room for quiet observation as well as classic big-game sightings.

Day 3 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Arumeru River Lodge accommodation image 1Mid-range
1 / 6
Arumeru River Lodge
Day 4Central Serengeti

Continue into the Serengeti, with game viewing along the way as the landscape opens into long horizons and kopjes.

Lion in the Central Serengeti

Arriving in the central plains is part of the experience: every transfer can become a game drive. Keep your camera ready for lions, giraffe, zebra and the smaller moments that make the Serengeti feel alive.

Day 4 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Arumeru River Lodge accommodation image 1Mid-range
1 / 6
Arumeru River Lodge
Day 5Northern Serengeti

Explore Northern Serengeti and the Mara River region, where seasonal migration movements shape the day’s route.

Wildebeest and zebra in Northern Serengeti

Spend time around the northern plains and river country with the flexibility to follow wildlife. From July to October, wildebeest and zebra may gather near the Mara River, but crossings and sightings are always guided by nature rather than a timetable.

Day 5 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Arumeru River Lodge accommodation image 1Mid-range
1 / 6
Arumeru River Lodge
Day 6Northern Serengeti to Arusha

Take a final morning in the north before beginning the return journey to Arusha. Your exact travel arrangement is confirmed with the team.

Northern Tanzania safari landscape

Use the final drive to reflect on the landscapes, wildlife and people you have met along the way. Your team can help with onward travel details and a smooth connection to the next part of your journey.

Day 6 | Accommodation

Options based on your packages:

Property availability and the final room category are confirmed in your trip proposal.
Mount Meru Hotel accommodation image 1Luxury
1 / 10
Mount Meru Hotel
Ngorongoro on safari

Landscapes of Northern Tanzania

The crater’s grasslands, woodland and soda lake create a compact wildlife landscape. Your guide helps shape the day around the best conditions and a respectful pace.

YOUR SAFARI, TAKEN CARE OF

What’s included in your safari

Use this checklist when planning your enquiry. All package details are subject to confirmation in your quote.

01 / PREPARATION

Before your safari

Get ready for the journey ahead.

Arrival and departure transfers

Transfers at the start and end of your trip.

Pre-safari briefing

Review your day-by-day plan and practical arrangements before setting off.

02 / SAFARI DAYS

On safari

The vehicle, guiding and daily essentials.

Park and conservation fees

Entry fees listed in your confirmed proposal.

Professional safari guide

Local guiding throughout the route.

4×4 safari vehicle

A vehicle arranged for the group and itinerary.

Accommodation as confirmed

Lodge or camp nights selected for your package.

Meals as listed

Meal plans confirmed for each overnight stay.

Drinking water

Water provisions for safari days as confirmed.

03 / ONGOING CARE

Support throughout

Care and coordination along the way.

Thoughtful pacing and practical support

Help with the day-to-day details of your journey.

On-trip coordination and support

Help with the day-to-day details of your safari.

Plan your 6-Day Northern Serengeti River Crossing Safari

Share your preferred dates, travel style and priorities. Our local team will shape the route, pace and details around your journey.

Start planning

What our customers say

Real stories from travelers who climbed, explored, and relaxed with Betheli Expeditions.

5.0 Reviews23 verified reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Traveler photo from Viktor's reviewTanzania Safari
Viktor's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
ViktorJanuary 2026 • Friends

“Tanzania is a beautiful and amazing country!”

Every minute of the safari was fantastic and impressive, we left satisfied and are already planning to return. It was professionally organized, congratulations! Sam, our guide, demonstrated exceptional professional expertise, and it was a pleasure to listen to him during the daily tours.

FriendsSafariExpert guide
Traveler photo from Kata's reviewMarangu Route
Kata's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
KataJanuary 2025 • Solo

“Unforgettable Adventure with Betheli Expeditions”

Our guides were incredible — they were experienced, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of every step of the way. The hike itself is beautiful, with lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of the mountain.

Solo travelerKilimanjaroMarangu Route
Traveler photo from Elena P's reviewMount Kilimanjaro
Elena P's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
Elena PJanuary 2025 • Friends

“Beautiful experience on Mount Kilimanjaro”

Unique and indescribable experience as beautiful as , we spent 5 days trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro and our guides and all of them were unique and really good in accompanying us in this adventure! Rating 10, thank you!!!

Friends5-day trekKilimanjaro
Traveler photo from Daniela B's reviewMachame Route
Daniela B's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
Daniela BOctober 2019 • Friends

“Kilimanjaro trekking Machame Route 7 days”

Wonderful trekking and fantastic team. We met serious, kind and specialized people. They attended us on the trek making us feel at home. All of us reached the top of the mountain!!! I highly recommend Betheli expedition

Friends7-day trekMachame Route
Traveler photo from Islastyle6's reviewMount Meru
Islastyle6's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
Islastyle6June 2019 • Friends

“Great trip with wonderful guides, chefs and porters!”

Our trip up Mt. Meru with Richard, Paul, Kennedy and all the guides and porters was excellent. Betheli Expedition staff catered to our every need and request with no complaints and always with a smile on their faces. We were a group of 12 women on our yearly trek together and we truly enjoyed ourselves!

FriendsMount MeruGroup trek
Traveler photo from Ralph T's reviewMount Meru
Ralph T's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
Ralph TMarch 2019 • Couples

“A great trip to the top of Mount Meru”

Betheli organised a fantastic trek up to the top of Mount Meru at short notice. We were supported on the trip by a fantastic team - led by our guide Richard - who provided tasty food, carried everything we could possibly need, kept us going up the tricky climb, and even taught us some Swahili along the way!

CouplesMount MeruSummit trek
Traveler photo from Arpad B's reviewKilimanjaro
Arpad B's TripAdvisor profile picture
5 out of 5 stars 5.0
Arpad BFebruary 2026 • Friends

“Amazing trip with amazing people”

Very well organized, professional, helpful, dedicated team, ready to fulfill each request at any time with experienced and devoted guides.

FriendsProfessional team5-star review

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful answers for the first conversation and the planning that follows.

Start planning
Is airfare included in the package price?

International flights are generally excluded unless clearly stated. Domestic flights may be included depending on your itinerary. Your written quote will specify which flights and transfers are covered.

How difficult is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a challenging high-altitude trek. Standard trekking routes do not require technical mountaineering skills, but long walking days, cold temperatures and summit night demand preparation and determination. Regular hiking and fitness training help, but even very fit climbers can develop altitude sickness. A gradual ascent and enough acclimatisation time are essential.

Will I see the Big Five or the Great Migration?

Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—particularly when combining the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem throughout the year, following rainfall and fresh grazing. We plan around seasonal movements, but exact locations and river crossings remain unpredictable.

Which coast should I choose?

Choose Zanzibar’s north coast—Nungwi or Kendwa—for golden sunsets, lively beach stays and swimming generally less affected by tides. For village experiences and a changing tidal shoreline, consider Matemwe in the northeast or Paje and Jambiani in the southeast. Mafia and Pemba offer quieter escapes close to nature. We will help you find the coast that fits your preferred pace and experience.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors need a visa, while others are exempt or require approval before travelling. Check the official Tanzania Immigration website before booking. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity and one unused visa page.

Can I combine Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar?

Absolutely. Experience the challenge of Kilimanjaro, the wonder of a wildlife safari and the tranquillity of Zanzibar in one personalised itinerary. We arrange the connections, accommodation and activities, with time to rest and appreciate every part of your journey.