12-Day Private Luxury Mara River Crossing Safari & Mafia Island Beach Experience

Overview

Experience the ultimate combination of Tanzania’s spectacular wildlife and tropical coastline on this 12-day private luxury safari and beach holiday. Begin in Arusha before exploring Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Highlands, then continue into the Serengeti for thrilling game drives. Spend two nights in Northern Serengeti, where you will have an excellent opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and, conditions permitting, the dramatic Mara River crossings. After exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, fly to Mafia Island for four relaxing nights of pristine beaches, turquoise waters and peaceful island surroundings. This carefully designed journey combines adventure, comfort, wildlife and relaxation in one unforgettable Tanzanian experience.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide and transferred by road to Arusha. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes surrounding Tanzania’s safari capital, giving you time to relax after your international flight and prepare for the adventure ahead. Upon arrival in Arusha, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or take the opportunity to explore the city. Your safari officially begins with a comfortable overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation: Kili Season Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Kili Season Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Arusha, providing a relaxing base before your safari begins. The hotel combines modern amenities with a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to rest after your journey.

After breakfast, depart Arusha with your private safari guide and drive towards Tarangire National Park. Known for its magnificent baobab trees, diverse landscapes and large elephant populations, Tarangire offers an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. Enjoy a full-day guided game drive, exploring the park’s woodland, grassland and seasonal wetlands while looking for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and numerous bird species. Your guide will select the best areas for wildlife viewing according to seasonal conditions. In the afternoon, continue to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Tarangire area.
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Acacia Farm Lodge is a charming countryside lodge located near the Karatu area. Surrounded by lush gardens and agricultural landscapes, it provides a peaceful and comfortable retreat between safari activities.

After breakfast, leave the Ngorongoro Highlands and continue towards the vast plains of the Serengeti. The journey is combined with a scenic transfer game drive, allowing you to begin experiencing Tanzania’s incredible wildlife even before reaching your camp. As you travel towards Central Serengeti, the landscape gradually changes from the highlands into the expansive savannah plains. Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the route, including zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and potentially predators. Upon arrival in Central Serengeti, check in at your luxury lodge, enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for the exciting days ahead.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Luxury Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Into Wild Africa Luxury Lodge offers an intimate and comfortable safari experience in the Serengeti. The lodge combines modern comforts with a natural setting, allowing guests to relax while remaining close to the wildlife and landscapes of the Serengeti.

After breakfast, begin your journey from Central Serengeti towards Northern Serengeti. Today is both a transfer and an exciting wildlife experience, with game viewing along the route. As you travel north, the scenery changes from the central plains towards the more rugged landscapes surrounding the Mara River region. Your experienced guide will make stops whenever wildlife is spotted, providing opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and predators. Arrive at your migration camp in the Northern Serengeti, settle in and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this spectacular wilderness area.
Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Moyo Migration Camp provides an authentic luxury mobile-camp experience in the Serengeti. Its location is designed to place guests close to the seasonal movements of wildlife, offering an immersive safari experience surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the African wilderness.

Today is dedicated to exploring Northern Serengeti, one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife regions. After breakfast, set out with your private guide for a full-day game drive in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Depending on the seasonal location of the herds and river conditions, you may have the opportunity to witness wildebeest gathering around the Mara River and, potentially, dramatic river crossings. River crossings are a natural event and cannot be guaranteed, but your experienced guide will monitor wildlife movements and position the vehicle in suitable areas. You will also have opportunities to encounter resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and numerous other species.
Accommodation: Moyo Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Moyo Migration Camp offers a comfortable base for exploring Northern Serengeti. Its safari-style setting allows you to remain immersed in the wilderness while enjoying the comforts of a carefully designed luxury camp.

After breakfast, begin your journey southwards from Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti. The day includes a guided transfer game drive, giving you another opportunity to enjoy wildlife sightings along the route. Your guide will select suitable routes depending on current wildlife activity and road conditions. As you move towards Central Serengeti, you will once again experience the changing landscapes of the park, from the northern hills and woodland to the open central plains. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, enjoy dinner and relax after another memorable day in the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Luxury Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Into Wild Africa Luxury Lodge provides a peaceful and comfortable retreat in the Serengeti, combining a natural safari atmosphere with modern comforts. It is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wildlife-rich plains.

After breakfast, depart Central Serengeti and begin your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The transfer is combined with game viewing, giving you the opportunity to enjoy additional wildlife sightings as you leave the Serengeti. Upon reaching the Ngorongoro Crater, descend into the crater for an exciting guided game drive. The crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and many other species. After exploring the crater, ascend to the surrounding highlands and continue to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Description
The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a luxurious lodge set within the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Surrounded by lush vegetation and peaceful natural surroundings, it offers an elegant and relaxing environment after a day of wildlife exploration.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Ngorongoro Highlands and transfer by road to Arusha Airport. From Arusha, board your flight to Dar es Salaam, followed by a connecting flight to Mafia Island. Upon arrival on Mafia Island, you will be transferred to your beach accommodation. The pace of your holiday now changes from safari adventure to tropical relaxation. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the peaceful surroundings, beautiful coastline and warm island atmosphere. Relax on the beach, enjoy the ocean views or simply unwind at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Pole Pole Bungalows
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation Description
Pole Pole is a tranquil boutique-style island retreat offering a peaceful beachfront setting and an intimate atmosphere. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and the Indian Ocean, it provides an ideal environment for relaxing after an exciting safari.

Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of Mafia Island and enjoy breakfast at your accommodation. Today is dedicated entirely to relaxation and enjoying the island at your own pace. Spend time on the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, relax beneath the tropical surroundings or simply enjoy the tranquillity of your accommodation. For guests interested in additional activities, Mafia Island also offers opportunities for marine experiences and excursions, which can be arranged according to availability and preference.
Accommodation: Pole Pole Bungalows
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy another leisurely day on Mafia Island. After breakfast, you are free to choose how you spend your day. Relax on the beach, enjoy the tropical scenery or take part in optional island and marine activities. The island is renowned for its beautiful coastal environment and clear waters, making it a wonderful place to unwind following several days of safari. Return to your accommodation in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner surrounded by the peaceful island atmosphere.
Accommodation: Pole Pole Bungalows
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Your final full day on Mafia Island is dedicated to enjoying the island and making the most of your tropical escape. Spend the morning relaxing by the beach or enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings. You may also choose an optional marine excursion or other island activity, subject to availability and weather conditions. Alternatively, simply enjoy the tranquillity of your accommodation and take time to unwind before your journey home.
Accommodation: Mafia Island Accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments on Mafia Island before transferring by road from your accommodation to Mafia Airport. Board your flight to Dar es Salaam, where your memorable Tanzanian safari and beach holiday comes to an end. Depending on your onward flight arrangements, you may continue with your international journey from Dar es Salaam or make further travel arrangements.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Tour

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