13-Day Great Migration Tanzania & Zanzibar Beach Safari

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your private safari driver-guide will be there to welcome you with a warm smile. You’ll receive a short briefing about your upcoming journey before being transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. On the way, you’ll catch your first glimpses of Mount Meru and the surrounding lush landscapes. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the town of Arusha with your guide, visiting the vibrant Maasai market, a local coffee shop, or the Cultural Heritage Centre. Tonight, you’ll rest and recover from your flight at Arusha Planet Lodge—a tranquil mid-range property with beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and views of the surrounding hills. Dinner is served at the lodge’s restaurant.

After breakfast, you’ll begin your first full safari day with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. The park is famous for its towering baobab trees and large herds of elephants, especially in the dry season between July and October. You’ll carry packed lunchboxes and spend the day on game drives across diverse landscapes—open savannahs, river valleys, and seasonal swamps. Keep an eye out for lions lounging in the shade, leopards resting in acacia trees, giraffes stretching their necks to nibble leaves, and hundreds of bird species including lilac-breasted rollers and hornbills. After a fulfilling game drive, you’ll drive to Karatu, a charming highland town near Ngorongoro, and check in at Marera Valley Lodge. Here you can enjoy a warm shower, a hearty dinner, and a cozy evening

Today, your adventure continues with a breathtaking drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Maasai lands, volcanic hills, and lush green farmlands. Entering Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, you’ll stop for a scenic viewpoint where the endless savannah stretches as far as the eye can see. The Central Serengeti is renowned for its year-round predator population and dramatic landscapes dotted with granite kopjes—favorite resting places for lions. During your game drive, expect to encounter elephants, wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, and possibly cheetahs. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and continue wildlife viewing until late afternoon before arriving at Serengeti Classic View Camp. This authentic tented camp offers comfort and immersion in nature, with canvas walls, cozy beds, and the sounds of the bush surrounding you. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars.

After an early breakfast, you’ll journey deeper into the Serengeti, heading north to the Mara River region, near the border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This area is the best place to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration during the dry season months of July through early October. As thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, dramatic scenes of survival unfold. You may witness a crossing if the timing is right—or spot predators like crocodiles, lions, and cheetahs nearby. Your guide will strategically position you for the best viewing opportunities. After a thrilling day, you’ll overnight at Heritage Mara Camp, a semi-permanent tented camp located near the migration paths. All meals are included, and the wilderness atmosphere is unforgettable.

This morning, you’ll head out for another game drive around the Mara River, maximizing your chances of seeing a river crossing or witnessing predator-prey interactions. The Northern Serengeti is also less crowded, offering peaceful game drives and beautiful landscapes. Later in the day, you’ll drive back toward the Central Serengeti, continuing your game drive along the way. Wildlife is abundant throughout the Serengeti, and no two drives are the same. You’ll arrive back at Serengeti Classic View Camp in time for dinner and your final night in the Serengeti wilderness.

After breakfast, you’ll exit the Serengeti and drive toward the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, descending into the caldera for a half-day game drive. The crater floor is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife—over 30,000 animals live within its walls year-round. This is one of the few places in Africa where you might spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) in a single day. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo-filled lake before continuing your exploration. Afterward, you’ll ascend the crater walls and return to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to relax or take a brief cultural walk through Karatu’s local market or a nearby coffee plantation. Later, you’ll be transferred to Arusha Airport for your short domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar. You’ll check in at Tembo House Hotel, a historic beachfront property with traditional Swahili architecture and a charming atmosphere. Dinner will be served at the hotel as you unwind after your safari.

After breakfast, a local guide will take you on a walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll stroll through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors, mosques, churches, spice shops, and markets. Learn about Zanzibar’s Arab, Swahili, and colonial heritage, and visit sites like the Old Slave Market, the House of Wonders, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the northeastern coast of Zanzibar for your beach stay. You’ll check in at Villa Kiva Hotel, a boutique beachfront resort in Matemwe. Dinner is served overlooking the ocean.

This day is dedicated to leisure. Spend your time lounging on the soft white-sand beach, swimming in the turquoise Indian Ocean, or enjoying a cocktail by the pool. Matemwe is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Optional activities like spice tours, village visits, or reef excursions can be arranged on request. Breakfast and dinner are included at the hotel.

Enjoy another relaxing day on the island. Whether you choose to relax with a beachside massage, take a kayak out, or simply enjoy the sea breeze and views, the day is yours. You may also opt for an excursion to Mnemba Atoll, a famous marine conservation area for snorkeling and dolphin spotting. Return to the hotel in time for dinner and another peaceful night.

Continue your coastal escape with more rest and recreation. You may wish to take a spice tour to learn about Zanzibar’s clove and vanilla production, visit Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys, or take a traditional dhow boat for a sunset cruise. Villa Kiva offers an ideal base to explore or just do nothing at all. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Today is your final full day in paradise. Relax and reflect on your incredible safari adventure, read a book under a palm tree, or enjoy a final swim in the warm Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect end to an unforgettable journey. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll check out and be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your international departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop in Stone Town for souvenir shopping or a final cup of spiced coffee before bidding farewell to Tanzania. This marks the end of your magical safari and beach holiday.