12-Day Great Migration Safari & Zanzibar Escape

Overview

The Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar is a 12-day premium journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife landscapes and the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. This itinerary combines exclusive lodges, expert-guided safaris, and seamless domestic flights to ensure comfort and efficiency. Experience the dramatic movement of the Great Migration across the Serengeti ecosystem, explore the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and conclude with refined relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand coastline. Every stage is designed to balance immersive adventure with sophisticated hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a professional representative and transferred to Gran Melia Arusha, set against the backdrop of Mount Meru. The property offers landscaped gardens, wellness facilities, and fine dining. In the evening, your safari guide conducts a detailed orientation covering wildlife patterns, safety protocols, photography guidance, and seasonal migration movements.
Accommodation: Gran Melia Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 :

Fly to Northern Serengeti

Your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar begins with a scheduled flight to Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti. From the air, observe shifting ecosystems from cultivated highlands to vast savannah plains. Upon landing, commence a game drive focused on locating migrating wildebeest herds and resident predators. Depending on season, you may witness pre-crossing congregation near the Mara River.
Accommodation: Serengeti Ark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 :

Northern Serengeti Full-Day Game Drive

This day of your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar is dedicated to tracking wildlife movements along the Mara River corridor. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra gather in dramatic numbers, often pursued by lions, crocodiles, and hyenas. Your guide positions the vehicle strategically for optimal photographic opportunities and behavioral observation. A picnic lunch is served in a designated scenic location within the park.
Accommodation: Serengeti Ark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 :

Balloon Safari & Transfer to Central Serengeti

Enhance your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar with a sunrise hot-air balloon safari. The aerial perspective provides a unique understanding of herd distribution and predator territory. After a bush breakfast, continue with a game drive toward Central Serengeti (Seronera), known for permanent water sources and high concentrations of big cats. Afternoon exploration focuses on kopjes, where lions and leopards often rest.
Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 :

Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Today’s Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar experience continues with an early morning game drive in Seronera Valley, an area rich in cheetah and leopard sightings. After lunch, depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transitioning from open plains to highland forest. En route, engage in a cultural visit with the Maasai community to understand pastoral traditions and conservation coexistence.
Accommodation: Melia Ngorongoro Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 :

Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife habitats. This stage of your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar provides exceptional opportunities to observe black rhino, large bull elephants, buffalo herds, and flamingos along Lake Magadi. The enclosed ecosystem allows for sustained wildlife viewing within a compact geographic area. Late afternoon ascent returns you to the crater rim lodge.
Accommodation: The Retreat at Ngorongoro Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 :

Tarangire National Park

Your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar continues in Tarangire National Park, characterized by ancient baobab trees and large elephant populations. Seasonal river systems attract diverse species including giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and predators. Game drives focus on riverine habitats where wildlife congregates, especially during dry months. Late afternoon return to Arusha for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 :

Flight to Zanzibar Island

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, marking the coastal phase of your Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar journey. On arrival, transfer to Mora Zanzibar Beach Resort. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time for swimming, spa treatments, or beachfront relaxation.
Accommodation: Mora Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 :

Nungwi Beach Relaxation

A full leisure day on Zanzibar’s northern coastline. Optional activities include snorkeling excursions, diving experiences, traditional dhow sailing, or guided village walks. Nungwi offers tidal consistency, making it ideal for swimming throughout the day.
Accommodation: Mora Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 :

Mnemba Atoll Marine Experience

Morning excursion to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve. Snorkel among coral reefs inhabited by tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The protected reef system ensures clear visibility and vibrant marine biodiversity. Afternoon transfer to Madinat Al Bahr for continued beachfront luxury.
Accommodation: Madinat Al Bahr
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 :

Spice Plantation & Stone Town

Explore Zanzibar’s spice heritage through a guided plantation tour highlighting cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla cultivation. Continue to Stone Town for historical exploration of Sultan palaces, the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and former slave trade sites. Evening leisure at the resort.
Accommodation: Madinat Al Bahr
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 :

Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for onward international departure, concluding your Tanzanian safari and island experience.
Meals: Breakfast

Included & Excluded

Airport transfers
Domestic flights (Arusha ↔ Serengeti, Arusha → Zanzibar)
Luxury full-board accommodations
Professional safari guides and 4x4 private vehicle
Serengeti balloon safari
Maasai cultural visit
Zanzibar marine and cultural excursions
All park fees and conservation charges
Bottled water during safari

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Tips and gratuities
Premium beverages unless specified
Optional excursions not listed

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is the best time to experience the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration is a year-round movement across the Serengeti ecosystem. River crossings in Northern Serengeti typically occur between July and October, while calving season in Southern Serengeti takes place from January to March. The itinerary can be adjusted seasonally to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is the Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar suitable for families?

Yes. The itinerary can accommodate families with children, subject to lodge policies and park regulations. Private safari vehicles and flexible scheduling allow adjustments for family comfort and safety.

What wildlife can I expect to see during the safari?

Guests typically encounter the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), along with wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, hippo, crocodile, and diverse bird species. Sightings vary by season but are generally abundant.

How physically demanding is this safari?

Game drives are conducted in 4x4 safari vehicles with minimal walking. The itinerary is suitable for most travelers with average mobility. Balloon safaris and marine excursions require basic physical ability but no advanced fitness.