8-Day Lake Natron & Great Migration River Crossing Safari
Safari Overview
This 8-day adventure safari combines the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron with the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration river crossing in Northern Serengeti.
Explore flamingo-filled soda lakes, hike to waterfalls, experience Maasai culture, and then witness thousands of wildebeests attempting to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
A perfect safari for travelers seeking both raw adventure and world-class wildlife action.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
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Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
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Meet & greet by Life For Africa representative
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Transfer to your lodge in Arusha
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Safari briefing
🏨 Overnight: Mid-range lodge in Arusha
(Meals: Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Natron
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Early breakfast
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Scenic drive through Maasai villages
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Off-road adventure toward Lake Natron
Destination Highlights:
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Rift Valley escarpment views
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Active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai (Sacred Mountain)
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Vast alkaline lake landscape
🏕️ Overnight: Tented camp near Lake Natron
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 3: Lake Natron Exploration
Morning Activities:
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Guided walk to Ngare Sero Waterfalls
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Optional hike near Oldoinyo Lengai
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Visit to Maasai village
Wildlife & Attractions:
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Thousands of flamingos (seasonal breeding area)
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Unique volcanic terrain
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Stunning sunrise photography
Afternoon relaxation at camp.
🏕️ Overnight: Lake Natron camp
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 4: Lake Natron – Central Serengeti
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Early breakfast
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Drive via remote Loliondo route
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Enter Serengeti National Park
Afternoon:
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Game drive en route to Central Serengeti camp
Wildlife:
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Lions
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Cheetahs
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Giraffes
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Elephants
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Resident wildlife populations
🏕️ Overnight: Mid-range tented camp in Central Serengeti
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 5: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Migration Zone)
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Morning game drive
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Continue north toward Kogatende / Mara River
Afternoon:
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Begin migration tracking
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Visit river crossing points
🏕️ Overnight: Migration camp in Northern Serengeti
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 6: Full Day Migration Safari – Mara River
Full-Day Game Drive
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Early morning departure to riverbanks
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Follow herd movements
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Visit multiple crossing points
Possible Sightings:
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Thousands of wildebeests gathering
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Dramatic river crossings
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Nile crocodiles
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Lions, hyenas & cheetahs
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Elephant herds
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Leopards (occasionally)
🏕️ Overnight: Northern Serengeti
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 7: Northern Serengeti – Another Migration Day
Extra day increases your chance of witnessing dramatic crossing action.
Activities:
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Early sunrise game drive
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Explore Lamai Wedge
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Predator tracking
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Optional hot air balloon safari (extra cost)
🏕️ Overnight: Northern Serengeti
(Meals: Full Board)
Day 8: Northern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
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Early breakfast
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Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
Crater Highlights:
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Big Five (including black rhino)
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Hippo pool
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Dense wildlife concentration
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Flamingos (seasonal)
Afternoon return to Arusha.
Drop-off at hotel or airport.
(Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Key Destinations Included
✔️ Lake Natron
✔️ Ngare Sero Waterfalls
✔️ Serengeti National Park (Central & Northern)
✔️ Mara River Migration Area
✔️ Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Examples (Mid-Range)
Arusha:
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Planet Lodge
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Kibo Palace Hotel
Lake Natron:
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Lake Natron Tented Camp
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Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Central Serengeti:
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Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
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Serengeti Heritage Camp
Northern Serengeti:
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Mara Kati Kati Camp
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Serengeti River Camp
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Baobab Mara Camp
Package Includes
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Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Professional English-speaking guide
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All park & conservation fees
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7 nights accommodation
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All meals as per itinerary
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Drinking water
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Airport transfers
Not Included
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International flights
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Visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Balloon safari (optional)
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Tips & personal expenses
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Alcoholic beverages