14 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari + Zanzibar Escape
Overview
This 14-day Tanzania Great Migration Safari combined with a Zanzibar beach extension is designed for travelers who want the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. It is a journey that begins in the wild savannas of northern Tanzania—home to the world-famous Great Migration—and ends on the turquoise coastline of Zanzibar, where white sand and calm tropical breezes offer the ideal finale to your safari experience.
Your adventure starts in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern circuit. From here, you travel to Tarangire National Park—a magnificent landscape defined by towering baobab trees, golden savannas, and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa. After exploring this diverse ecosystem, you ascend into the cool highlands of Karatu, a peaceful retreat surrounded by farms, rolling hills, and volcanic soil. While in Karatu, you will visit the Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, offering you a glimpse into ancient traditions, living history, and a unique cultural connection.
From the highlands, your journey enters Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides unmatched opportunities to photograph lions, elephants, black rhinos, hyenas, buffalo, hippos, and flamingos all within the natural amphitheater of the crater floor. The dramatic walls rise around you as you witness wildlife interactions in a setting often described as the Garden of Eden.
Your safari then continues into the world-renowned Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds across endless plains. Depending on the season, you will witness immense herds of wildebeest and zebra moving through the savanna in search of fresh grazing—followed closely by lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and countless predators. For three full days, you immerse yourself in the rhythm of this natural wonder, capturing breathtaking scenes of wildlife in motion, dramatic chases, and sunrise moments that paint the horizon with golden light. Whether you visit during the calving season in Ndutu or the dramatic river-crossing season in the north, the Serengeti promises unforgettable encounters.
After days of wildlife action, you leave the Serengeti on a scenic flight to Zanzibar—a tropical island paradise where relaxation begins the moment your feet touch the sand. For four full days, you unwind in Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches known for its crystal-clear water, vibrant sunsets, and soft white sand that remains swimmable all day due to minimal tides. Whether you choose to relax by the ocean, explore Stone Town, go snorkeling, take a sunset dhow cruise, or simply enjoy peaceful beach moments, Zanzibar offers the perfect end to your Tanzania journey.
This 14-day itinerary is crafted to balance adventure and tranquility, wildlife and culture, movement and rest. It is ideal for honeymooners, families, couples, photographers, and anyone seeking an immersive yet comfortable safari experience. From the powerful sights of the Serengeti migration to the soothing shores of Zanzibar, this journey captures the very best of Tanzania—its drama, beauty, warmth, culture, and timeless charm.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our Tanzaniatrail representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. As you settle into your room, the fresh mountain air and tranquil garden views instantly introduce you to the calm rhythm of Tanzania. This evening is for relaxing after your long journey—enjoy a warm dinner, prepare your camera equipment, and meet your guide who will brief you on the upcoming safari. The sounds of nature surround you as you prepare for the wild beauty awaiting you tomorrow.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Today your safari begins with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. The park’s golden plains create beautiful photographic backgrounds as giraffes graze, zebras move in herds, and elephants gather near the Tarangire River. You spend the morning exploring the park, searching for lions resting in the shade and watching birdlife dancing over the wetlands. After your game drive, continue to Karatu, a peaceful highland town. Arrive at your lodge in time to relax, enjoy the cool climate, and unwind after an incredible first day on safari.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation:Â Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Early this morning, you travel to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe tribe, one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer communities. You’ll join them for a hunt, learn how they use traditional bows and arrows, see how they make fire without matches, and experience their deep connection with nature. This encounter provides unique cultural photos and meaningful exchanges. After spending time with the tribe, return to Karatu for a delicious hot lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the gardens, or preparing for tomorrow’s journey to the crater.
Today you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The crater floor is home to a diverse range of animals including elephants, lions, hyenas, flamingos, hippos, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino. As the morning mist rises from the crater rim, your descent offers dramatic views of the vast landscape below. Spend the day exploring the crater’s lakes, open grasslands, and forests, capturing breathtaking photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic open area before continuing your game drive. Afterward, return to Karatu for dinner and a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, drive toward the world-famous Serengeti, traveling through the Ngorongoro highlands before entering the endless plains. The scenery opens widely, and wildlife becomes more abundant as you move deeper into the park. Expect to encounter giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and a variety of predators. Your game drive continues en route to your camp, where you arrive in time to watch the sunset paint the plains gold. Tonight, fall asleep to the distant calls of lions and hyenas echoing across the savanna.
These three full days are dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Depending on the season, you may find the herds in Ndutu during calving, in Central Serengeti grazing, or in the north preparing for or performing dramatic river crossings. Each day begins at sunrise when predators are most active. Your guide will track movement patterns, chase the best light, and position you for incredible photos of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and the massive herds moving across the plains. Enjoy picnic lunches in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive. Evenings at camp are peaceful, with stars filling the Serengeti sky.
After a final sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, transfer to the airstrip for your scenic flight to Zanzibar. As you land on the island, the landscape shifts from golden savannas to turquoise waters and palm trees. You’ll be transferred to Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and swimmable beaches. Settle into your resort and enjoy a relaxed evening by the ocean, listening to the waves and feeling the gentle tropical breeze.
Spend four full days relaxing in paradise. Nungwi offers crystal-clear water, white sand, vibrant sunsets, and a calm ocean perfect for swimming at any time of day. You may choose to unwind at the beach, enjoy a massage, swim, snorkel around Mnemba Island, take a spice tour, visit Stone Town, or go on a romantic sunset dhow cruise. These days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. After an adventurous safari, Zanzibar brings soothing peace, comfort, and the perfect space for reflection.
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning by the ocean before your transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight. As you depart Tanzania, you carry with you unforgettable memories—of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and days of peaceful relaxation on white-sand beaches.
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Domestic Flight
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Domestic Flight
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Great Migration is the largest land-based wildlife migration on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles as they move in a circular path through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. This incredible journey is filled with dramatic scenes of river crossings, predator hunts, calving, and long-distance movement—making it one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles in the world.
The migration is year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to see:
Dec–Mar (Calving Season): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) – Wildebeest give birth; predator action is intense.
Apr–May (Green Season): Central Serengeti – Herds begin moving north.
Jun–July (Grumeti River Crossings): Western Serengeti – Smaller river crossings; good predator sightings.
Aug–Oct (Mara River Crossings): Northern Serengeti – Dramatic river crossings, crocodile attacks.
Nov: Herds return south toward Ndutu.
No. While wildebeest dominate the scene, the migration includes zebras, gazelles, and eland, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and vultures. It's an interconnected drama of prey and predators across the plains.
The migration is continuous and cyclical, with the herds covering 1,800+ km (1,100+ miles) each year. It’s a full-year phenomenon, not just a single event.
Ideally, 6–12 days allow for deep exploration, including time in Serengeti, Ndutu, and/or Ngorongoro Crater. This provides flexibility to track the herds and enjoy other parks along the way.
Yes! The migration can be part of a romantic honeymoon, family safari, or photography tour. It’s perfect for all ages, although kids under 6 may need custom arrangements.
While Kenya's Maasai Mara is part of the migration route, Tanzania hosts 80% of the migration—including calving season and longer durations of the herds' stay. Tanzania offers more diversity and larger wildlife populations over a longer period.
Yes. Popular combinations include:
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara
Zanzibar beach extension
Tanzaniatrail can tailor your trip based on your interests and timing.
Dec–Mar (Ndutu): Warm days, occasional showers, green scenery
Jun–Oct (Serengeti North): Dry season, cooler nights, best for river crossings
April–May: Rainy, but fewer tourists and lush landscapes (great for photographers)
Tanzaniatrail offers expert-guided, mid-range photographic safaris with flexible routing, small group sizes or private tours, and up-to-date tracking of herd movements. We personalize each safari to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time—with comfort and great service.
Contact us directly:
📧 info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz
📱 +255 764 987 596
We’ll help you plan the perfect route, pick the best dates and locations, and ensure you get the most from this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Yes. The Great Migration is one of the world’s most popular wildlife events, and lodges fill up quickly—especially in Ndutu (calving season) and the Northern Serengeti (river crossings). Booking 6–12 months in advance is highly recommended.
Yes. The migration is a year-round circular movement. Even outside the famous seasons, you can still witness massive herds, predator action, and dramatic scenes across the Serengeti.
June to October and December to February are the best months—sunny skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures. Zanzibar is beautiful year-round, but April–May are rainy.
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Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have crystal-clear water and the least tidal movement—perfect for swimming and beach activities. Paje and Jambiani are best for kitesurfing.
Most travelers prefer 3–6 nights, depending on whether they want pure relaxation or a mix of activities.
Yes. There are daily flights from Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar, saving time and avoiding returning to Arusha.
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Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.