After a hearty breakfast, you depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. As you enter the park, you’ll immediately notice the iconic baobab trees scattered across the landscape and the wide river valley that acts as a lifeline for wildlife. Tarangire is known for its large elephant populations, but you can also expect to see zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of antelope. Lions and leopards also roam here, often lurking near the river or resting in the shade. You’ll enjoy a full game drive, stopping for lunch inside the park. In the late afternoon, you continue toward Karatu, nestled in the green highlands, where you check in at your lodge and relax in the cool, peaceful environment.

Meals: Full Board

Comfort Accommodation:  Marera Valley Lodge

Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge

Today you visit one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders: the Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast, you drive up to the crater rim and descend the steep wall into this immense, wildlife-filled caldera. The crater floor is a stunning mosaic of grasslands, swamps, lakes, and forest patches. Here, you have excellent chances to see lions, large bull elephants, buffalo, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, and abundant birdlife. With some luck, you may also spot the rare black rhino grazing in the open plains. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic area, often near a hippo pool. The views in every direction are dramatic and rich with photographic potential. In the afternoon, you ascend the crater wall and return to Karatu for a hot shower, dinner, and a restful night.

After breakfast, your adventure continues toward the legendary Serengeti. You pass back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, driving across wide, open spaces where Maasai herders move with their cattle and the horizon seems endless. As you reach the Serengeti gate, the scenery opens into the classic African savanna—rolling plains dotted with acacia trees and rocky kopjes. Your game drive begins as soon as you enter the park. Depending on the season, you may encounter scattered herds of wildebeest and zebra, or thick concentrations of animals on the move. Lions may be lounging on rocks, cheetahs scanning the plains, and elephants strolling between trees. You slowly make your way to your camp, arriving in time for sunset and a warm dinner under the stars.

Your first full day in Serengeti is devoted to following the rhythm of the Great Migration. You depart early to catch the best light and animal activity. In calving season, the southern plains are full of new life and lurking predators; in other months, herds may be crossing rivers or sweeping through central or northern areas. Your guide will position you according to the season and movement. Expect to see wildebeest stretched across the horizon, zebra herds mixing among them, and predators taking advantage of the abundance. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, allowing you to stay out all day. As afternoon light softens, you capture silhouettes, dust trails, and intimate animal moments before returning to camp for dinner and campfire time.

Another full day gives you time to focus more deeply on big cats and specific behaviors. After an early breakfast, you head out in search of lions patrolling their territories, cheetahs perched on termite mounds, and leopards resting in sausage trees or rocky outcrops. The Serengeti is one of the best places on earth to observe and photograph predators, and with time on your side, you can wait for special moments—cubs playing, lions greeting each other, or cheetahs beginning a hunt. Between big sightings, you can capture scenic images of the vast plains, lone acacia trees, and dramatic skies. In the afternoon, you might visit a river valley for hippos, crocodiles, and drinking elephants. You return to camp at sunset, full of stories and images.

On your third full day, you continue exploring different parts of the Serengeti depending on where the migration is most active. If the herds are nearby, you may spend hours among them, watching as they flow around the vehicle like a living river. The sound of thousands of hooves, the dust in the air, and the constant movement create a powerful sensory experience. Your guide may also take you to kopje areas where lions and leopards often hide, or to quieter corners rich in giraffes, topi, eland, and birdlife. This is a day to slow down, observe, and truly feel the rhythm of the ecosystem. In the evening, you enjoy your final Serengeti night, listening to distant roars and the wind in the grass.

After breakfast, you leave the Serengeti and drive toward the remote, otherworldly landscapes of Lake Natron. As you descend into the Rift Valley, the scenery changes dramatically—rocky cliffs, dry plains, and the striking cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai dominate the horizon. You arrive near Lake Natron, where you meet local Maasai communities and gain insight into their culture, cattle-based lifestyle, and strong spiritual connection to the land. A gentle guided walk near the lakeshore or surrounding terrain introduces you to this harsh yet beautiful environment. Flamingos dot the shallow water, and mineral crusts create unique patterns on the surface. This day offers a mix of culture, walking, and landscape photography very different from the lush Serengeti.

This morning, you explore more of the Lake Natron area, one of the most dramatic and photogenic volcanic regions in East Africa. An early start allows you to capture flamingos feeding in the lake’s shallows while the rising sun paints the sky in soft pinks and oranges. Later, you hike through a rocky gorge to reach a refreshing waterfall hidden between steep canyon walls. The contrast of cool water and desert-like surroundings makes this place unique and visually striking. Depending on your pace, you can spend time swimming, relaxing, or taking photos of the cliffs and flowing water. In the afternoon, you may visit Maasai bomas again or explore viewpoints overlooking the lake and Ol Doinyo Lengai. Evening is peaceful and wild.

After breakfast, you say goodbye to the rugged beauty of Lake Natron and drive back toward Arusha. The journey offers final views of the Rift Valley and Maasai homesteads scattered across the landscape. On arrival in Arusha, you head to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. As you descend into Zanzibar, the scenery completely transforms: turquoise water, coral reefs, and palm-fringed beaches welcome you to island life. You’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your beach hotel in Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island. Here, soft white sand and calm, swimmable waters create a perfect setting to begin the beach part of your holiday. Enjoy a relaxed evening and ocean-side dinner.

Your first full day in Nungwi is dedicated to pure relaxation. After days of early safari starts, you can finally wake up to the sound of the ocean and take your time. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sea, then spend your morning swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the beach. Nungwi’s tides are gentle, meaning you can swim almost any time of day. If you’d like to be more active, you can arrange optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, or a visit to a nearby sandbank. In the evening, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset, as traditional dhows sail slowly across the glowing horizon.

Another full day gives you the flexibility to design your own pace. You may choose to stay at the resort, read under a palm tree, or enjoy spa treatments and cocktails by the pool. Alternatively, you can explore more of the island: perhaps a half-day trip to Stone Town to wander through narrow alleys, visit historical sites, and shop for spices and crafts. A spice farm tour is another popular option, where you can see, smell, and taste the cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and other flavors that have defined Zanzibar’s trade history. Return to Nungwi in the afternoon and enjoy another peaceful evening by the water.

Today you can add a special experience to your stay. One popular choice is a snorkeling or diving trip to Mnemba Atoll, known for its clear water, colorful coral, and tropical fish—perfect for underwater photography and marine lovers. Another beautiful option is a sunset dhow cruise, gliding along the coast as the sky shifts through shades of gold, pink, and purple. If you prefer to keep things simple, you can spend the day relaxing at the beach, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood lunches. Nungwi offers a perfect blend of quiet relaxation and gentle adventure. However you spend it, this is your time to unwind and enjoy island life.

This is your last full day in Zanzibar, giving you a final chance to soak up the sun and sea. You might choose to revisit a favorite activity—another snorkel trip, a village walk, or simply a long, slow day enjoying the ocean view. It’s also a good time to buy small souvenirs such as spices, local crafts, or Tanzanite jewelry to remember your journey. As the sun sets on your final evening, take a quiet moment to reflect on your entire trip—from the roar of lions in the Serengeti to the cry of seagulls over the Indian Ocean. It’s a powerful contrast that makes Tanzania so special.

After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll along the beach or a last swim in the warm Indian Ocean. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours to relax at the hotel before checking out. You will then be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your outbound flight. As you depart, you carry with you an unforgettable collection of memories: the Great Migration thundering across the plains, the stillness of Ngorongoro Crater, the volcanic drama of Lake Natron, and the gentle rhythm of Zanzibar’s shores. Your 15 Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari + Zanzibar comes to an end—but the stories and images will stay with you forever.