18-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Vacation: Wildebeest Migration
From $3,134 USD* / Big Five Encounters / 18 days
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with this comprehensive 18-day holiday, perfectly blending the raw thrill of an African safari with the idyllic relaxation of a tropical beach escape. This extensive itinerary offers an unparalleled deep dive into Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, with a dedicated focus on tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration across the vast Serengeti ecosystem. After an immersive 14-day safari covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the remote wilderness of Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi, you will transfer to the spice island of Zanzibar. There, four days of sun, sand, and cultural discovery provide the perfect finale to an extraordinary adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your journey begins with a welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and a transfer to your lodge in Arusha.
The day is yours to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Arusha Lodge
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
Enjoy a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch in the park.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp near Tarangire
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Journey to the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley.
Embark on a game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, baboons, and flamingos.
In the afternoon, drive to your lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a breathtaking morning game drive in this world heritage site.
After a picnic lunch, ascend and begin your drive to the endless plains of the Serengeti.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Central Serengeti & Wildebeest Migration
Dedicate this day to exploring the Central Serengeti and tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Your guide will lead you to areas of high wildlife activity.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
Venture into the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, focusing on the Grumeti River area.
This region is known for its massive crocodiles and is a key staging ground for the migration (typically May-July).
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Western Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Travel to the Northern Serengeti, the iconic region of the Mara River.
Spend the day in this area, famous for the migration’s dramatic river crossings (highly seasonal, typically July-October).
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Remote Western Serengeti
Explore the more remote and less-visited areas of the Western Serengeti.
This day offers a sense of solitude and untouched wilderness, with excellent opportunities for predator sightings.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Western Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Serengeti to Lake Natron
Depart the Serengeti and journey towards the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron.
This remote soda lake, set against the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, offers a stark and beautiful contrast to the savannah.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Lake Natron
Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Exploration of Lake Natron
Spend the day exploring Lake Natron. Activities may include a walk to a scenic waterfall or visiting the flamingo breeding grounds (seasonal).
Experience the unique, otherworldly beauty of this region.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Lake Natron
Meals: Full Board
Day 11: Lake Natron to Lake Eyasi
After breakfast, depart for Lake Eyasi, a seasonal salt lake located south of the Ngorongoro Crater.
This area is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Lake Eyasi
Meals: Full Board
Day 12: Cultural Experience at Lake Eyasi
Embark on an early morning hunting excursion with the Hadzabe Bushmen, one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa.
Later, visit a Datoga blacksmith community to learn about their traditional crafts and way of life.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Lake Eyasi
Meals: Full Board
Day 13: Lake Eyasi to Karatu
Enjoy a leisurely morning at Lake Eyasi before driving to the agricultural town of Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
The afternoon is free to relax or explore the local coffee plantations.
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Full Board
Day 14: Karatu to Arusha & Flight to Zanzibar
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha.
You will be transferred to Arusha Airport (ARK) for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your beach resort.
Overnight: Beach Resort in Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
A full day to unwind and enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Beach Resort in Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Another day to relax. You may choose to simply enjoy the resort or book an optional water sports activity.
Overnight: Beach Resort in Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17: Zanzibar Spice Tour & Stone Town
Embark on a guided Spice Tour, exploring plantations to see, smell, and taste various spices.
Afterwards, take a historical tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its winding alleys and bustling bazaars.
Overnight: Beach Resort in Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18: Departure from Zanzibar
Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort. Depending on your flight time, you may have some last moments to relax by the beach.
You will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 18-day journey.
Safari Section: All park fees, accommodation, professional guide, private 4×4 vehicle, all meals as stated, bottled water, cultural visits.
Zanzibar Section: Return flight from Arusha to Zanzibar, airport transfers, 4 nights beach accommodation, Spice Tour & Stone Town tour, breakfast only in Zanzibar.
International flights.
Tanzania Visa fee.
Travel insurance.
Tips and gratuities.
Lunches and dinners in Zanzibar.
Personal expenses and optional activities.
We book the domestic flight from Arusha (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) for you, and it is included in the package price. You will be assisted with the transfer to the airport and met upon arrival in Zanzibar.
In Zanzibar, only breakfast is included at your hotel. This allows you the freedom to explore different restaurants and culinary experiences on the island for lunch and dinner at your own pace and preference.
Absolutely. We can tailor the Zanzibar portion of your trip. Whether you prefer the northern beaches of Nungwi, the eastern beaches of Paje, or a more secluded lodge, we can adjust the accommodation and location to suit your desires.
While it is a substantial trip, it is an excellent choice for first-timers who want a truly comprehensive and complete experience. It eliminates the need to choose between a deep safari and a beach holiday, offering the ultimate Tanzania experience in one seamless journey.
The primary advantage is completeness. You experience the full depth of the Northern Circuit, including remote cultural and wilderness areas, without feeling rushed. The transition to Zanzibar then provides a perfect period of relaxation and cultural contrast, ensuring you return home both exhilarated and rejuvenated.
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