About This Journey
The 12 Day Great Migration and Zanzibar Journey 2026-2027 combines one of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences with a relaxing tropical holiday on Zanzibar Island.
The safari focuses on the Serengeti ecosystem, giving travelers several days to search for wildebeest and zebra herds as they move through different parts of the ecosystem throughout the year.
Depending on the travel month, the safari route can be adjusted toward the most suitable migration area, including the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region during the calving season, the western corridor during seasonal movement, or northern Serengeti during periods when herds may approach the Mara River.
The safari also includes Ngorongoro Crater, famous for its dramatic scenery and concentrated wildlife populations.
After the safari, fly to Zanzibar Island for white sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and optional cultural or marine activities.
What Makes This Trip Special
Search for the Great Wildebeest Migration
Spend several days exploring Serengeti National Park
Follow seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements
Look for lions, leopards and cheetahs
Experience predator and prey interactions
Visit different Serengeti habitats
Explore Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
Opportunities to see members of the African Big Five
Professional safari driver guide
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
Fly from northern Tanzania to Zanzibar
Relax on Zanzibar's tropical beaches
Swim in the Indian Ocean
Optional Stone Town and spice tours
Optional snorkeling and diving
A Look at the Journey
Itinerary
Your 12 Day Great Migration and Zanzibar Journey 2026-2027 begins with pickup from your hotel in Arusha.
Meet your professional safari driver guide and begin the journey toward Serengeti National Park.
Travel through northern Tanzania and the Ngorongoro highlands before descending toward the vast Serengeti ecosystem.
Enter the national park and begin wildlife viewing while traveling toward your accommodation.
Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and other wildlife.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, begin a full day exploring the Serengeti in search of the Great Migration.
Your guide will select the most suitable wildlife areas based on the season, recent herd movements and local conditions.
The migration consists mainly of large numbers of wildebeest accompanied by zebras and gazelles moving through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas are also frequently associated with areas where prey is concentrated.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during your safari before continuing the afternoon game drive.
Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Spend another full day exploring the Serengeti.
Having several days available gives your guide greater flexibility to follow wildlife movements and explore different habitats.
Depending on the season, you may travel through open plains, river valleys, woodland or rocky kopjes.
Search for wildebeest and zebra herds as well as predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
Other wildlife may include elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, gazelles and numerous bird species.
Return to your camp or lodge in the evening.
Today is dedicated to exploring the most suitable Great Migration area for your travel period.
The exact location depends on natural herd movements and seasonal rainfall.
Possible migration zones may include:
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region
Central Serengeti
Western Corridor
Northern Serengeti
Areas close to major migration river systems
Your guide will focus on current wildlife conditions rather than following a fixed daily route.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue game viewing through the afternoon.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, enjoy another game drive while gradually leaving the Serengeti.
Continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This transfer provides additional opportunities for wildlife viewing as the scenery changes from the Serengeti plains to the volcanic highlands.
Reach the crater rim area and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape when weather conditions allow.
Continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After an early breakfast, travel toward Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend approximately 600 meters from the crater rim onto the crater floor.
Explore grasslands, wetlands, woodland and freshwater areas while searching for wildlife.
Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, hyenas, jackals and different antelope species.
Ngorongoro is also one of Tanzania's northern safari areas where visitors may have an opportunity to see the black rhino, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater.
Later, ascend back to the crater rim and continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, leave Karatu and travel toward Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Board your flight to Zanzibar Island.
Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your beach hotel.
Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing beside the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy your first full day relaxing on Zanzibar's tropical coastline.
Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, walking along the beach or enjoying the facilities at your hotel.
Optional activities may include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or a sunset cruise.
Return to your hotel for overnight.
Enjoy another day on Zanzibar Island.
You may remain at your beach hotel or choose an optional cultural excursion.
Popular options include:
Stone Town walking tour
Spice farm tour
Prison Island excursion
Local market visit
Historical sites
Zanzibar food experience
Return to your beach hotel for overnight.
Spend a full day enjoying Zanzibar's beaches and Indian Ocean activities.
Optional experiences may include:
Mnemba snorkeling
Scuba diving
Safari Blue
Traditional dhow cruise
Kayaking
Sunset sailing
Responsible dolphin excursions
Beach relaxation
Return to your hotel in the evening.
Enjoy a free day in Zanzibar.
Relax beside the ocean, swim, enjoy the hotel facilities or explore nearby beaches at your own pace.
This day provides time to rest after your Great Migration safari.
Optional excursions can also be arranged if you prefer additional activities.
Enjoy your final evening beside the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have additional time to relax before departure.
Your driver will collect you at the agreed time and transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Your 12 Day Great Migration and Zanzibar Journey 2026-2027 ends with memories of Tanzania's Great Migration, spectacular wildlife and tropical Indian Ocean beaches.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Safari Inclusions
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari driver guide
- Serengeti National Park fees
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fees
- Great Migration safari game drives
- Safari lodge or tented camp accommodation
- Seasonal migration camp where applicable
- Meals during safari according to itinerary
- Drinking water during safari
- Safari transfers
- Government taxes
- Zanzibar Inclusions
- Domestic flight to Zanzibar where included in confirmed package
- Zanzibar Airport pickup
- Zanzibar hotel transfer
- Zanzibar beach accommodation
- Breakfast at Zanzibar hotel
- Zanzibar departure airport transfer
- General Inclusions
- Airport pickup where included
- Accommodation according to the itinerary
- Transportation between listed destinations
- Professional local support
- Government taxes
- Services listed in the confirmed itinerary
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Zanzibar optional excursions
- Zanzibar lunches and dinners unless stated
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks unless included by accommodation
- Tips for safari driver guide
- Tips for hotel staff
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Additional accommodation
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Services not listed under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Migration is the continuous movement of large numbers of wildebeest, zebras and other grazing animals through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of water and fresh grazing.
No. The animals move naturally according to rainfall, grazing conditions and water availability, so an exact location or wildlife event cannot be guaranteed.
The best safari area depends on your travel month and current herd movements. The itinerary can be adjusted toward suitable parts of the Serengeti ecosystem.
This itinerary includes approximately seven days covering safari, transfers and the flight to Zanzibar, with several dedicated Serengeti wildlife days.
Yes. Multiple days are dedicated to Serengeti wildlife and Great Migration game drives.
Yes. The itinerary includes a game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro provide opportunities to see members of the African Big Five, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
No. River crossings are natural wildlife events and their timing cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. The final section of the itinerary includes a Zanzibar beach holiday.
The domestic flight can be included according to the final confirmed package.
Yes. Additional Zanzibar nights can normally be added.
Optional Zanzibar excursions are generally not included unless specifically added to your confirmed itinerary.
Yes. Safari accommodation can normally be customized from midrange to luxury options.
Yes. The extended Serengeti section provides additional time for wildlife viewing and photography.
Yes. The itinerary can normally be adapted according to children's ages, accommodation preferences and travel requirements.
