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Wildebeest crossing a river in single file, one close in the foreground, dense green on the bank behind

Tanzania Safari

14-Day Great Migration Northern Serengeti & Zanzibar

From the crater you travel via the central Serengeti into the northern Serengeti, with two full days on the Mara River. From Kogatende Airstrip you fly to Zanzibar, followed by five full days on the island.

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5.0 from 45 reviews on Tripadvisor · local operator in Arusha

Duration
14 days
Stops
Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Zanzibar
Price
from 3,711 USDper personfor 6 people
Category
ClassicPremiumExclusive
Trip type
privately guided

The trip at a glance

DayStopProgramme
Day 1Arusha ArrivalArrival at the airport, transfer to your accommodation in Arusha
Day 2Arusha → KaratuDrive from Arusha to Karatu near the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 3NgorongoroFull-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4Karatu → Central SerengetiDrive to the central Serengeti, first game drive
Day 5Central Serengeti → Northern SerengetiOnward journey to the northern Serengeti
Day 6Northern SerengetiFull-day game drive on the Mara River
Day 7Northern SerengetiSecond day on the Mara River, game drives along the banks
Day 8Northern Serengeti → ZanzibarFlight from Kogatende Airstrip to Zanzibar, transfer to the hotel on the beach
Day 9ZanzibarFirst beach day on Zanzibar
Day 10ZanzibarDay at your leisure
Day 11ZanzibarBeach day at your leisure
Day 12ZanzibarFree day at the beach
Day 13ZanzibarFree day at the beach on Zanzibar
Day 14Zanzibar Return flightTransfer to Zanzibar airport, journey home
Change of locationDay in the same place

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arusha

    Your trip begins with your arrival at the airport, where your guide meets you. He takes you to your accommodation in Arusha, and the same vehicle stays with you for the whole trip. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in at your own pace and recover from the journey.

  2. Day 2

    Arusha → Karatu

    After breakfast you drive with your guide from Arusha to Karatu. Along the way you see the green landscape and mountains of the Great Rift Valley. Karatu lies near the Ngorongoro Crater and is the starting point for your descent into the crater the next morning.

  3. Day 3

    Ngorongoro

    Early in the morning you descend with your guide into the Ngorongoro Crater and spend the whole day on a game drive on the crater floor. Between grassland, swamps and patches of woodland you can observe lions, elephants, buffalo and hippos, while flamingos gather on the alkaline lake depending on the water level. You are also very likely to see the endangered black rhino here.

  4. Day 4

    Karatu → Central Serengeti

    After breakfast you continue to the central Serengeti, and the drive there is already the first game drive. Around Seronera, river valleys, acacia landscapes and striking rock formations alternate; a great deal of game is at home here all year round. With a bit of luck you will see lions, giraffes, zebra or a cheetah as early as today.

  5. Day 5

    Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti

    Today you continue to the northern Serengeti. The north is hillier and more characterised by bush than the centre, and between July and October the great herds of wildebeest and zebra move here. From your accommodation in this region you explore the Mara River over the next two days.

  6. Day 6

    Northern Serengeti

    You spend the whole day with your guide on the Mara River. Between July and October the river crossings of the wildebeest and zebra take centre stage here, and with a bit of luck you will see the herds venturing into the water. Hippos and Nile crocodiles also live in the river.

  7. Day 7

    Northern Serengeti

    A second day on the Mara River gives you another chance of a river crossing, as the herds cross when they choose. Your guide drives to various spots along the bank and keeps a lookout for the animals. The density of wildlife is also high away from the river; with a bit of luck you will see lions or a leopard.

  8. Day 8

    Northern Serengeti → Zanzibar

    After breakfast your guide takes you to Kogatende Airstrip, where you say goodbye to the Serengeti. From there you fly to Zanzibar. The team picks you up at Zanzibar airport and takes you to your hotel on the beach; the rest of the day is yours by the Indian Ocean.

  9. Day 9

    Zanzibar

    Your first full day on Zanzibar belongs entirely to the beach. You can swim in the Indian Ocean, lie under the palm trees and rest after the safari days. If you like, take a first walk along the shore.

  10. Day 10

    Zanzibar

    This day on Zanzibar is at your leisure: swim, lie on the beach or rest. An excursion on the water, such as snorkelling or diving around the Mnemba Island reserve or a trip on a traditional dhow, is not part of the programme; if you wish, the team can book it for you at extra cost.

  11. Day 11

    Zanzibar

    The day is yours to spend on the beach. You can book an optional trip to Stone Town through narrow alleys and across the markets of the historic old town.

  12. Day 12

    Zanzibar

    This island day is also at your leisure. A spice tour to gardens where vanilla and cinnamon grow can be booked separately. The island's cuisine, with fresh fish, spicy curries and tropical fruit, goes well with it.

  13. Day 13

    Zanzibar

    The last full day on the island is yours to spend as you wish. You can lie on the beach, swim or snorkel and let the trip wind down in peace. An excursion you have not had time for so far can also still be fitted in.

  14. Day 14

    Zanzibar

    Today your trip comes to an end. Depending on your departure time, you still have some time on the beach before your transfer takes you to Zanzibar airport. From there you begin your journey home.

Route map: 14-Day Great Migration Northern Serengeti & Zanzibar Enlarge map

Accommodation and price

2 people4 people6 people
4,880 USD4,003 USD3,711 USD

per person, Classic category

Prices are per person in USD, rounded up, based on the Classic category. Larger groups pay less per person. Every trip is possible in all three categories: Classic, Premium and Exclusive. On request, you will receive a proposal tailored to your wishes and your preferred category. Dates, route and accommodation determine the final price.

Accommodation categories

  • Classic: Tented camps and simple lodges
  • Premium: Lodges and tented camps with private bathroom
  • Exclusive: Luxury lodges and private camps

Regions with overnight stays

Services

What is included

Included
  • Private transfers from and to the airport in Tanzania
  • Costs for accommodation and overnight stays
  • Full board plus meals en route on safari, breakfast on Zanzibar
  • Safaris with a private, English-speaking driver/guide
  • High-quality vehicles, maintained before every safari, spare tyre on board
  • Domestic flights from and to Zanzibar
  • Game drives set out in the itinerary
  • All national park entry and concession fees
  • Two pairs of binoculars per vehicle (on loan)
  • 24/7 service
  • Flying Doctor for emergencies

Not included

Before you travel: Read the articles on the visa for Tanzania, vaccinations for Tanzania and safety in Tanzania.

Frequently asked questions

Can I adjust the number of days?

Yes. The duration, parks and sections of this sample itinerary can be adjusted. You can add, shorten or swap days, such as more time on the Mara River or more beach days on Zanzibar. The team in Arusha will organise the adjustments. Month by month, the guide Great Migration in the Serengeti traces the path of the herds, with calving in the south and river crossings in the north, so you can place your extra days in the right spot.

Can I switch accommodation?

Yes. You choose between the accommodation categories Classic, Premium and Exclusive and can swap individual accommodation, from the lodge in the Serengeti to the hotel on the beach in Zanzibar. The team in Arusha will organise the changes.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, the trip is suitable for families with children. As a private safari you help determine the pace and length of the driving days, which the team in Arusha plans to suit your children’s ages. You can find more on the family safari page.

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Your trip

Starting point: 14-Day Great Migration Northern Serengeti & Zanzibar. Everything can be adapted, and an extra day is always possible.

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