Mystery of Wildebeest migration & Zanzibar
Serengeti Migration • Northern Circuit • Zanzibar Beaches
Trip Summary
- •Tarangire National Park
- •Lake Manyara National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote
Safari Overview
Experience the ultimate Tanzania adventure combining the dramatic spectacle of the Serengeti's Great Migration with the paradise relaxation of Zanzibar's pristine beaches. This carefully crafted 10-day journey showcases Tanzania's incredible diversity, from wildlife-rich savannahs to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Begin in Tarangire National Park, home to massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees that create one of Africa's most photogenic landscapes.
Continue through Lake Manyara National Park, where tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos inhabit diverse ecosystems from groundwater forests to alkaline lake shores. The adventure intensifies at Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you'll descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, encountering an extraordinary concentration of wildlife including the rare black rhinoceros. Spend three unforgettable days in the Central Serengeti, witnessing one of nature's greatest spectacles as millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in their eternal search for fresh grazing.
After six days of exhilarating safari adventures, fly to Zanzibar where white-sand beaches, spice-scented breezes, and turquoise waters provide the perfect counterpoint to your wildlife experiences. Spend three days at a luxury beach resort in Nungwi, where you can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, take spice plantation tours, or simply relax under swaying palm trees. This itinerary masterfully balances adventure and relaxation, creating memories that encompass Tanzania's full spectrum of wonders.
Safari Highlights
Great Migration Experience
Witness one of Earth's most spectacular wildlife events as millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the Serengeti plains.
Tarangire's Elephant Giants
Encounter massive elephant herds wandering beneath iconic baobab trees in Tanzania's elephant paradise.
Ngorongoro Crater Wonder
Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera with Africa's highest concentration of wildlife.
Serengeti Big Cats
Three full days in the Serengeti maximizing encounters with lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting the plains.
Zanzibar Beach Paradise
Three days of relaxation on pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Luxury Accommodations
Stay at carefully selected tented camps and beach resorts offering comfort, authenticity, and exceptional service.
Accommodations
Maramboi Tented Lodge
Luxury tented lodge with spectacular Great Rift Valley views overlooking Lake Burunge.
Manyara Lakeview Oasis
Comfortable lodge overlooking Lake Manyara floodplain with swimming pool and panoramic views.
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Sophisticated lodge set among working coffee plantations on the crater's outer slopes.
Acacia Central Camp
Authentic tented camp in the Serengeti's heart offering quintessential safari experiences.
Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
Five-star luxury beach resort with infinity pool, outstanding restaurant, and pristine beachfront.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Tarangire National Park
Your Tanzanian adventure begins with an early morning departure from Arusha after meeting your expert safari guide. The scenic drive to Tarangire National Park takes approximately two hours, passing through colorful local villages and agricultural landscapes. Tarangire is named after the river that flows through it, serving as the lifeblood for wildlife during Tanzania's dry season (June-October). The park is famous for hosting Tanzania's largest elephant population outside the Selous ecosystem, and you'll likely encounter massive herds throughout the day. Ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old, dot the landscape like natural cathedrals, creating one of Africa's most photogenic safari settings. During your afternoon game drive, watch for lions lounging under acacia trees, graceful giraffes browsing on thorny branches, large buffalo herds, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species including the elegant greater kudu. The park hosts over 550 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. As sunset paints the baobabs golden, transfer to Maramboi Tented Lodge, a luxury tented camp offering stunning Rift Valley views. Enjoy sundowner drinks, a delicious dinner, and your first night under canvas with the sounds of African wilderness as your lullaby.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast with views over the Great Rift Valley, embark on a morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Though compact at just 330 square kilometers, this park packs remarkable biodiversity into distinct ecological zones. Ernest Hemingway once called it "the loveliest I had seen in Africa," and you'll understand why as you explore its varied landscapes from dense groundwater forest to open grasslands and the shallow alkaline lake itself. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a unique behavior observed in only a handful of locations worldwide. Watch for these magnificent predators lounging in fig and acacia branches, escaping ground-level insects and heat. The park supports large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and the world's largest concentration of baboons. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos during certain seasons, creating a spectacular pink fringe along the shoreline. Hippos wallow in permanent pools, while blue monkeys swing through forest canopies. After a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, transfer to Manyara Lakeview Oasis for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Today brings one of safari's most anticipated experiences. After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and prepare for your descent into the crater. First, pause at the rim viewpoint where the vista will leave you breathless – literally from the 2,400-meter altitude and figuratively from the stunning beauty. The Ngorongoro Crater formed approximately 2-3 million years ago when a massive volcano, possibly taller than Kilimanjaro, exploded and collapsed inward creating this natural amphitheater spanning 260 square kilometers. The 600-meter descent takes about 30 minutes on a winding, sometimes steep track that delivers you into a lost world ecosystem. The crater floor hosts an estimated 25,000-30,000 large mammals year-round, creating one of Africa's highest wildlife densities. This is your best chance anywhere to see the critically endangered black rhinoceros, with approximately 30 individuals residing within the crater. Watch for massive-tusked elephant bulls, some possessing the largest tusks remaining in East Africa. Lion prides roam the grasslands, while hyena clans patrol their territories. The crater supports approximately 7,000 wildebeest, 6,000 zebras, 4,000 buffaloes, and numerous gazelles and eland. Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake, attracts thousands of flamingos, while Lerai Forest provides refuge for elephants and occasional leopards. Hippos wallow in the permanent Ngoitokitok Springs pools near your picnic lunch spot. After a full morning of extraordinary game viewing, ascend the crater walls and journey to Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, situated among working coffee plantations on the crater's outer slopes. The lodge offers stunning highland views and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for reflection on the day's remarkable experiences.
Day 4: Central Serengeti National Park (Day 1)
The journey to the Serengeti is itself an adventure, traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area's scenic highlands where Maasai pastoralists graze their cattle alongside wildlife. As you descend the western slopes, the landscape transforms into the golden grasslands that have made the Serengeti legendary. The name derives from the Maasai word "Siringet" meaning "endless plains" – an apt description of this 14,750 square kilometer wilderness that represents one of Earth's most intact ecosystems. You'll spend three full days based at Acacia Central Camp in the Seronera region, the Serengeti's heartland where wildlife viewing remains exceptional year-round. While the Great Migration's precise location varies by season (generally northern Serengeti July-October, southern plains December-March, western corridor April-June), the Central Serengeti consistently delivers spectacular wildlife encounters. The Seronera River and surrounding kopjes (granite rock outcrops) attract massive concentrations of animals and predators. The Serengeti boasts Africa's highest concentration of big cats.
Day 5: Central Serengeti National Park (Day 2)
Another full day to explore the Serengeti's incredible biodiversity. Lions are abundant, with the Seronera pride often seen near the river. Leopards favor the kopjes, using rocky vantage points to survey their territory and stash kills in trees. Cheetahs patrol the open plains, using termite mounds as lookout posts. During morning and afternoon game drives each day, your expert guide will track wildlife radio reports and fresh tracks to maximize sightings. Watch for hunting sequences – lions stalking buffalo, cheetahs sprinting after Thomson's gazelles, leopards ambushing impala. Beyond predators, encounter massive herds of resident wildebeest and zebras (even when the migration is elsewhere), graceful giraffes browsing acacia trees, elephant families marching across plains, hippos in river pools, and countless antelope species.
Day 6: Central Serengeti National Park (Day 3)
Your third day in the Serengeti provides more opportunities to explore this vast ecosystem. The Serengeti hosts over 500 bird species from massive ostriches to colorful lilac-breasted rollers and superb starlings. Evenings at camp offer sundowner drinks around the campfire, three-course dinners under starlit skies, and the privilege of sleeping surrounded by the sounds of the African night – distant lion roars, hyena whoops, and nocturnal bird calls.
Day 7: Serengeti to Zanzibar
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, making the most of your last opportunity to witness this extraordinary ecosystem during the magical early morning hours when predators are most active. After breakfast at camp and packing your safari memories, transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your scenic flight to Zanzibar. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Serengeti plains, the crater highlands, and eventually the turquoise Indian Ocean as you approach the Spice Island. Upon landing at Zanzibar Airport, you'll immediately notice the change in atmosphere – from dry savannah to humid tropical air scented with cloves, vanilla, and sea salt. Transfer to Nungwi Dreams by Mantis, a luxury five-star resort on Zanzibar's northern tip. This architectural gem features elegant rooms with ocean views, an infinity pool overlooking the water, world-class dining, and direct beach access. Check in, freshen up, and spend the afternoon however you choose – swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, lounging by the pool with a tropical cocktail, strolling the white-sand beach, or simply relaxing in your luxurious room.
Day 8: Zanzibar Beach Day 1
Your first full day on Zanzibar is yours to design as you wish. Consider taking a half-day spice tour to learn why Zanzibar earned its nickname "Spice Island" – visit plantations growing cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town merits a full morning of exploration. Wander narrow alleyways past elaborately carved Zanzibari doors, visit the former slave market, explore the Sultan's Palace Museum, and shop for spices and handicrafts in bustling markets. Active travelers can arrange snorkeling or diving excursions to vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. Or simply embrace "hakuna matata" and do nothing but relax on the beach.
Day 9: Zanzibar Beach Day 2
Another full day to enjoy Zanzibar's delights. Consider kitesurfing (Zanzibar's steady winds make it excellent for beginners), stand-up paddleboarding, or deep-sea fishing charters. Cultural enthusiasts can visit Jozani Forest to see endangered red colobus monkeys found nowhere else on Earth, or take sunset dhow cruises on traditional wooden sailing vessels. However, there's absolutely no shame in simply relaxing. Spend lazy hours on the beach under palm trees with a good book, swim in the bathtub-warm ocean, indulge in spa treatments at the resort, enjoy leisurely meals featuring fresh seafood, and watch spectacular sunsets paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Day 10: Departure from Zanzibar
After a final breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean, perhaps take one last swim or beach walk before packing your bags filled with memories spanning Tanzania's extraordinary diversity. Your transfer will arrive to take you to Zanzibar Airport for your onward international flight. As you depart, you'll carry with you unforgettable images of elephants beneath baobabs, lions prowling Serengeti plains, millions of migrating wildebeest, and peaceful hours on pristine beaches. This journey showcases Tanzania at its finest – wild, beautiful, and utterly captivating. Until we meet again, safari njema (safe journey)!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration moves in a clockwise pattern through the Serengeti ecosystem. December-March: southern Serengeti (calving season), April-June: western corridor (Grumeti River crossings), July-October: northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Mara River crossings). The Central Serengeti maintains excellent year-round wildlife viewing with resident populations. Contact us to position your safari in the best region for your travel dates.
Is this itinerary suitable for families with children?
Yes! This safari and beach combination works wonderfully for families. The variety keeps kids engaged with wildlife viewing and beach activities. Children should be old enough to sit quietly during game drives (generally 6-8 years minimum). Many lodges offer family tents or interconnecting rooms. The Zanzibar beach days provide perfect relaxation time for everyone after safari adventures.
What's included in the safari price?
Included: all national park fees, 9 nights accommodation, meals as specified, professional English-speaking guide, 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar, airport transfers, unlimited bottled water during safari, and all game drives. Not included: international flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, gratuities, optional Zanzibar activities, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Absolutely! We can adjust this template to your preferences, budget, and travel dates. Options include: adding more Serengeti time, upgrading accommodations, including gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, extending Zanzibar stay, reducing costs with budget-friendly lodges, or timing your visit with specific migration movements. Contact us to discuss your interests and we'll craft a perfectly tailored itinerary.
What should I pack for this safari and beach combination?
For safari: neutral-colored clothing, long sleeves/pants for mosquito protection, fleece for cool mornings, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, camera with zoom lens, and binoculars. For Zanzibar: swimwear, beach cover-ups, sandals, light cotton clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and modest clothing for Stone Town. Pack in soft-sided bags and avoid camouflage patterns (restricted in Tanzania).
Trip Summary
- •Tarangire National Park
- •Lake Manyara National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote