12 Days Great Migration River crossing Safari and Zanzibar Islands

Best Travel Period: Mid July – October
Route: Arusha – Tarangire – Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – Zanzibar Islands

From the Drama of the Mara River to the Tranquility of Zanzibar

Experience the very best of Tanzania on this unforgettable 12-day journey, combining the thrill of the Great Wildebeest Migration with the serenity of Zanzibar’s tropical beaches. Travel through some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, the vast plains of the Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll encounter the Big Five and countless other wildlife species.

The highlight of the safari is spending three nights in Northern Serengeti, maximizing your chances of witnessing the legendary Mara River crossing, one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Watch thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave crocodile-filled waters as predators lurk nearby, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.

After your safari, take a scenic flight to the spice island of Zanzibar, where you’ll spend three nights unwinding on pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Whether you choose to relax at your beachfront resort, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, explore the historic streets of Stone Town, or discover Zanzibar’s rich culture and spice plantations, this extension offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, and wildlife enthusiasts, this itinerary showcases Tanzania’s spectacular landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic island paradise in one seamless and unforgettable holiday.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Surrounded by lush gardens and views of Mount Meru, Arusha offers the perfect place to relax after your international journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy the hotel facilities or take a short walk around the beautiful grounds before meeting your safari representative for a comprehensive briefing about the exciting adventure ahead.

Accommodation:

Standard: Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Luxury: Arusha Hotel
High-End: Melia Hotel Arusha

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant baobab trees, vast elephant herds, and spectacular landscapes.

Your first game drive introduces you to Tanzania’s incredible wildlife. Tarangire is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of elephants in East Africa, where families can often be seen gathering around the Tarangire River. During the drive, keep an eye out for lions resting beneath acacia trees, graceful giraffes browsing the treetops, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, buffaloes, warthogs, and countless colorful bird species.

A picnic lunch will be enjoyed inside the park before continuing your afternoon safari.

As the golden afternoon light settles across the savannah, drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:

Standard: Siafu Serenity Lodge
Luxury: Manyara Secret Lodge
High-End: Kuro Treetops Lodge.

Meal Plan: FullBoard.

Day 3: Tarangire – Central Serengeti National Park

Following breakfast, begin your scenic journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive passes through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands before descending onto the endless Serengeti plains.

The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “the endless plains,” and as far as the eye can see stretches one of Africa’s greatest wildernesses.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your lodge. Central Serengeti is home to abundant resident wildlife throughout the year, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, giraffes, topis, hartebeests, and large herds of plains game.

As the sun sets across the golden savannah, arrive at your luxury camp where the sounds of the African wilderness surround you.

Accommodation:

Standard: Kumbukumbu Tented Lodge
Luxury: Lahia Tented Lodge
High-End: Four Season Serengeti

Meal Plan: FullBoard.

Day 4: Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti (Mara River Region)

After an early breakfast, continue north toward the remote Kogatende region of Northern Serengeti, the heart of the Great Migration during the dry season.

Along the journey, your guide continually searches for predators following the migrating herds. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains, closely shadowed by lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and occasionally elusive leopards.

Upon reaching the Mara River region, spend the afternoon exploring various crossing points where the migrating herds gather. The anticipation is extraordinary as thousands of animals assemble along the riverbanks, waiting for one courageous wildebeest to make the first move.

Whether or not a crossing occurs, witnessing the enormous herds stretching across the landscape is an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation:

Standard: Sero Tented Lodge
Luxury: Mara Under Canvas Tented Lodge
High-End: Mara River Post.

Meal Plan: FullBoard

Day 5: Full Day Great Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing

Today is dedicated entirely to searching for the famous Mara River crossings.

Leave camp early with a packed breakfast or picnic lunch, allowing maximum flexibility throughout the day. Your experienced guide communicates with other guides while monitoring herd movements to position you at the most promising crossing points.

This is nature at its most dramatic.

Thousands of wildebeests nervously gather along the riverbank. Suddenly, the first animals leap into the rushing waters, triggering a massive stampede behind them. Crocodiles wait beneath the surface while predators patrol nearby, hoping to catch exhausted animals reaching the opposite bank.

Even if a crossing does not happen, the day offers exceptional wildlife viewing with resident lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, elands, buffaloes, topis, and numerous bird species inhabiting this spectacular ecosystem.

As evening approaches, return to camp for dinner beneath Africa’s star-filled skies.

Accommodation:

Standard: Sero Tented Lodge
Luxury: Mara Under Canvas Tented Lodge
High-End: Mara River Post.

Meal Plan: FullBoard

Day 6: Another Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Another full day in Northern Serengeti significantly increases your opportunity to witness a river crossing, as migration behavior is completely unpredictable. Herds may gather at the river for hours, or even days before deciding to cross, making additional time in the area one of the best ways to improve your chances.

Your guide will explore different sections of the Mara River and surrounding plains while searching for fresh wildlife activity.

Besides the migration, Northern Serengeti offers exceptional sightings of elephants, resident lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant plains game in a beautiful, less crowded landscape.

As the day ends, enjoy another unforgettable sunset over the Serengeti.

Accommodation:

Standard: Sero Tented Lodge
Luxury: Mara Under Canvas Tented Lodge
High-End: Mara River Post.

Meal Plan: FullBoard

Day 7: Northern Serengeti – Karatu Town/Craer rim

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Northern Serengeti as you journey south through the park, taking in the last views of the endless plains and searching for wildlife along the way. With luck, you may spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and large herds of zebras and wildebeests.

After a picnic lunch, continue through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the charming town of Karatu, arriving in the late afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge and reflecting on your unforgettable Serengeti adventure.

Accommodation:

Standard: Marera Valley Lodge
Luxury: Neptune Luxury Lodge
High-End: Melia Ngorongoro Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha

Wake early for breakfast before descending 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa. During your game drive, you have an excellent chance of spotting the famous Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, alongside lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, flamingos, jackals, and numerous bird species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool before ascending the crater walls and driving back to Arusha.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will either be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey or to your hotel for an additional overnight stay.

comprehensive briefing about the exciting adventure ahead.

Accommodation:

Standard: Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Luxury: Arusha Hotel
High-End: Melia Hotel Arusha

Meal Plan: FullBoard

Day 9: Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar

After breakfast, enjoy a final transfer to the Arusha Airpor for your scheduled 1hour flight to Zanzibar Island.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your beachfront resort. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool, strolling along the beach, or simply enjoying the warm Indian Ocean breeze after your unforgettable safari adventure.

Accommodation:

Standard: Marafiki Bungalows
Luxury: Nungwi Dreams By Mantis
High-End: Zuri Hotel Zanzibar

Meal Plan: HalfBoard

Day 10: Relaxation & Optional Water Activities

Wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the beach. Today is yours to relax or explore Zanzibar at your own pace.

You may choose to unwind on the pristine beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in a spa treatment. For those seeking adventure, optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, or a traditional dhow sailing cruise at sunset. Zanzibar’s vibrant coral reefs are home to colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine life.

Return to your resort for another peaceful evening by the ocean.

Accommodation:

Standard: Marafiki Bungalows
Luxury: Nungwi Dreams By Mantis
High-End: Zuri Hotel Zanzibar

Meal Plan: HalfBoard

Day 11: Discover the Culture and Beauty of Zanzibar

After breakfast, enjoy another day to experience the island’s rich culture and natural beauty. You may choose from a variety of optional excursions, including a guided Stone Town tour, a spice farm visit, Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys, Prison Island, or a full-day Blue Safari with snorkeling and seafood lunch.

Alternatively, spend another relaxing day soaking up the sun and enjoying the exceptional facilities of your beachfront resort.

As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, celebrate your final evening in paradise with a delicious dinner.

Accommodation:

Standard: Marafiki Bungalows
Luxury: Nungwi Dreams By Mantis
High-End: Zuri Hotel Zanzibar

Meal Plan: HalfBoard

Day 12: Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean before checking out of your resort. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stroll along the beach or some last-minute souvenir shopping.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable Tanzania Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar beach holiday to a close.

Safari Inclusions:

This Safari has been thoughtfully designed to include everything needed for a seamless and comfortable experience:

All Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (boutique hotels, lodges, and tented camps).
All Meals during the safari (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as per itinerary)
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing
Professional English-Speaking Safari Guide/Driver throughout the trip
All Park Entry Fees & Conservation Fees
All Airport Transfers (arrival & departure)
Bottled Drinking Water throughout the safari
Government Taxes & VAT
Medical Expenses or emergency evacuation costs
Domestic Flight to Zanzibar

Safari Exclusions

The following items are not included and should be budgeted for separately:

International & Domestic Flights
Visa Fees for Tanzania
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Optional Activities, including: Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti National Park ($.550/person)
Alcoholic & Soft Drinks (unless specified by the lodge)
Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.)
Tips & Gratuities for guide, driver, and lodge staff (Recommended: $20–$30 per group per day for guide)
Any Additional Accommodation or Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Extra Charges due to Changes in Government Taxes or Park Fees

1. Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience the Serengeti from a completely different perspective with an early morning hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises over the endless plains, you’ll drift silently above herds of wildebeests, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. The peaceful flight offers spectacular panoramic views and incredible photographic opportunities. After landing, enjoy a champagne-style bush breakfast before continuing your safari adventure.

2. Interaction with Maasai Communities

Step beyond the wildlife and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people. Visit a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll be welcomed with songs and dances before learning about their customs, daily life, and centuries-old traditions. Explore their homes, discover their unique way of living alongside wildlife, and browse handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs while supporting local artisans.

3. Community Development Projects

Gain a deeper understanding of Tanzania by visiting community-led development initiatives that create lasting social impact. Depending on your location, you may visit local schools, women’s cooperatives, vocational training centers, healthcare projects, or conservation programs. Meet community members, learn how tourism contributes to improving livelihoods, and see firsthand how your visit supports sustainable development and responsible travel.

4. Night Game Safari

Discover the African wilderness after dark on a thrilling night game drive in one of Tanzania’s designated parks or private concessions. Accompanied by an experienced guide and spotlight, search for elusive nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day, including bush babies, porcupines, genets, civets, aardvarks, owls, and even predators such as lions or leopards beginning their nightly hunt. The sounds and atmosphere of the bush at night create a truly unforgettable safari experience.

All rates quoted are in US Dollars and are per person based on group size:

	Standard Safari	Luxury Safari	High-End Safari
2 – 3 Pax	5,385	8,518	14,236
4 – 5 Pax	4,741	7,874	13,593
6 – 7pax	4,527	7,659	13,378

Child Policy:

Children (When shared a room with Adult) are paid 50% of Adults rate – Children are considered to be 5 to 15 years.
Children (When shared their own room) are paid 75% of Adults rates.
Children under 5 years are free of Charge.

Rooming:

2Pax – 1 Double Room.
3Pax – 2 Rooms – 1 Double & 1 Single.
4Pax – 2 Double Rooms.
5Pax – 2 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.
6Pax – 3 Double Rooms.
7Pax – 3 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.

Different room arrangement is available on Request.

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