Luxury Wildebeest Migration and Zanzibar Beach Safari July – October
Tour Overview
This 12-day itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife adventures and beachside relaxation. From the rich wildlife experiences in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park, including the Great Migration, to the serene beaches and cultural heritage of Zanzibar, this journey promises diverse and enriching experiences.
Day |
Itinerary |
Lodge | Camp | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Arusha |
|
|
2 |
Tarangire |
|
|
3 |
Tarangire |
|
|
4 |
Ngorongoro |
|
|
5 |
Ngorongoro |
|
|
6 |
Serengeti |
|
|
7 |
Serengeti |
|
|
8 |
Serengeti |
|
|
9 |
Serengeti |
|
|
10 - 11 |
Zanzibar |
|
|
12 |
Zanzibar |
No Accommodation |
Itinerary Highlights
Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference.
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Transfer to your luxury hotel in Arusha. Accommodation: The African Tulip Activities: Rest and relax after your flight, explore the beautiful lodge surroundings, and prepare for your safari adventure.
We depart today for the two-hour drive to Tarangire, Tanzania’s 1,100-square-mile park known especially for its high concentration of elephants and for the many baobab trees dotting the savanna. The park’s namesake Tarangire River acts as a migration hub for thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and Cape buffaloes, and we may see these and other animals on the day’s first game drive. We arrive at our lodge, located within the park itself.
After lunch and some time at leisure, late afternoon we enjoy another game drive in the park, where we try to spot the aforementioned animals as well as giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, and of course, elephants. Accommodations: Tarangire Sopa Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore this gem of a park slightly off the beaten path on both morning and afternoon game drives. Tanzania’s sixth-largest National Park, Tarangire is surpassed only by famed Serengeti National Park in wildlife diversity. Along with the abundant game, we’re sure to see some of Tarangire’s 550 species of birds, as well as the many termite mounds scattered amid the grass-and swampland here.
These distinct mounds – which look like sandcastles and reach up to 20 feet tall – are often recolonized by clever dwarf mongoose after the termites have left. We enjoy all meals today at our lodge, where we also have time to take advantage of the pool, grounds and comfortable public areas. Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we depart by coach for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, wildlife haven and homeland of the semi-nomadic Maasai people. We arrive in time for lunch at our safari lodge uniquely set on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, which blends in so well with the landscape that is invisible from the crater floor.
We have the afternoon at leisure here, giving us time to familiarize ourselves with the lodge’s rock-built passages, timbered decks, and unmatched sense of place. The views over the Ngorongoro Crater (the world’s largest intact volcanic crater) are endless and breathtaking. Tonight we dine at our lodge, as we will throughout our stay here. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we set out on an unforgettable Crater tour as we descend to the floor of magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site and, at 100 square miles, the world’s largest intact and perfectly formed volcanic caldera. The unique biosphere here has remained for eons; towering walls encircle the crater’s floor which represents Africa in microcosm: grassland, swamps, lakes, forests, and some 25,000 mammals, including elephant, black-rhinoceros, lion, hippo, and zebra.
Because Ngorongoro has abundant food and water year-round, the animals here do not migrate as they do between Masai Mara and the Serengeti. And because they live within the confines of the steep-walled caldera, Ngorongoro’s animals are less shy and more approachable than those at other reserves. Through our explorations we may also see semi-nomadic Maasai tribesmen as they engage in their age-old practice of grazing their cattle alongside the wild animals. This afternoon is at leisure to relax at our rustic lodge on the crater’s rim. Activities: Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Serengeti: Scenic drive to Central Serengeti (approx. 4 hours), with game viewing en route. Activities: Afternoon game drive. Expect: Iconic African landscapes, large predator populations, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Activities: Full-day game drive in the Central Serengeti. Expect: High wildlife concentration, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Possibility of witnessing part of the wildebeest migration. Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Drive to Northern Serengeti: Morning drive to Northern Serengeti (approx. 4-5 hours), with game viewing en route. Activities: Afternoon game drive. Expect: River crossings of the wildebeest migration, crocodiles, and spectacular landscapes. Accommodation: Mara Mara Tented Lodge
Activities: Full-day game drive focused on witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. Expect: Dramatic scenes of wildebeest crossing the Mara River, predators in action. Accommodation: Mara Mara Tented Tented Lodge
Breakfast Drive to Kogatende Airstrip for scheduled flight Arriving Zanzibar, Meet on arrival at Zanzibar airport and transfer to Breezes Beach Club & Spa Lunch at Breezes Beach Club & Spa Afternoon at leisure and unwind at the resort. Dinner and overnight at Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Morning Tour: Visit a spice plantation to learn about Zanzibar’s spice trade. Afternoon Tour: Explore the historical Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expect Rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and historical sites. Lunch on own arrangement Dinner and overnight at Breezes Beach Club & Spa
After breakfast Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for scheduled flight to Dar Es Salaam On arrival will be on day room at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel followed by early dinner at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel Later on transfer to DAR Airport for onward flight.
- All park entry fees and government taxes.
- Full board accommodation as specified.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
- Services of a professional English/Spanish/French-speaking guide/driver.
- Bottled water during game drives.
- International flights.
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) not mentioned.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Optional activities and excursions.
Book This Tour
- All park entry fees
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as specified
- All game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Drinking water while on safari
- Government taxes and levies
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips and gratuities for the guide/driver and camp staff
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, additional drinks)
- Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit)
