7 days · Tanzania · Photographic safari
Mara River Crossing Photography Safari
From July to October the migration reaches the far north of the Serengeti, and the herds must cross the Mara River again and again. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra plunging down the banks, crocodiles waiting in the water: it is the most dramatic wildlife spectacle in Africa. This safari is built to give you the time and the positioning to photograph it well.
Enquire about this safariDuration
7 days / 6 nights
Route
Arusha · Northern Serengeti · Mara River
Best time
July to October
Ideal for
Photographers of every level
Patience at the riverbank
Crossings cannot be predicted. Herds gather at the bank, hesitate, turn back and return, sometimes for hours, and then the first animal jumps and the rest follow. The northern Serengeti is quieter than the Kenyan side of the river, and staying close to the Mara means you can reach a crossing point quickly and wait for it with the engine off. Your guide reads the herd, chooses a position that keeps the sun behind you and is happy to sit as long as it takes. Expect to work with fast shutter speeds for the splash and spray, and with a wider lens to show the scale of the herds. Between crossings there are lions, cheetah and hippos in the river pools. You travel in a vehicle with no more than three guests, each with a window and roof hatch.
Itinerary
Day by day
A sample route. Crossing points change from day to day, so we plan each morning around the herds.
Day 1 · Arrive in Arusha
Met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to a garden lodge outside Arusha for a briefing on your gear and the days ahead.
Day 2 · Fly to the northern Serengeti
A light-aircraft flight to the Kogatende airstrip, close to the Mara River, with an afternoon game drive to camp.
Days 3–5 · On the Mara River
Long days near the river, moving between crossing points as the herds gather. Packed breakfasts and lunches mean you never have to leave a promising position.
Day 6 · The Lamai Wedge
Cross to the quiet Lamai area north of the river for lions, open plains and herds without other vehicles, with a last evening at the river.
Day 7 · Departure
A final morning drive, then a flight back to Arusha for your onward connection.
Extend your journey
Add the central Serengeti for big cats, the Ngorongoro Crater, or a few nights on Zanzibar.
Included
— Private photographic vehicle, maximum three guests
— A window and roof hatch for every guest
— Bean bags, camera mounts and in-vehicle charging
— Professional guide experienced with photographers
— Flexible early-start and late-return game drives
— All park and conservation fees
— Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
— Return light-aircraft flights to the northern Serengeti
— Airport transfers and 24/7 support
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Travel insurance (required)
— Camera equipment and lens hire
— Optional balloon safari
— Tips for guides and camp staff
— Premium drinks and personal items
Join us at the river
Tell us what you shoot with, what you most want to photograph and when you can travel. We will match you with the right guide, season and camps.
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