Overview
This 5-day safari takes you to three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Your journey begins in Arusha with a complimentary first-night hotel stay before setting off on an unforgettable safari adventure. After exploring the Northern Circuit, you’ll conclude your trip with a domestic flight from the Northern Serengeti to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations near Lake Manyara, offering a convenient and budget-friendly base with easy access to game drives, Ngorongoro Crater excursions, scenic picnic lunches overlooking hippo pools, and other exclusive safari experiences.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
- Private tour: This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized: You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
- Not for solo travelers: Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
- Minimum age of 18 years: The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a guide who will help with transportation. You’ll then be driven to Arusha, which is a city in northern Tanzania, often used as a gateway for safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other national parks. The hotel you will stay in is Venus Premier Hotel, which is likely a comfortable and convenient accommodation option in Arusha. After a day of travel, you’ll relax and spend the night at this hotel before continuing your journey the next day.
Main Destination:
Arusha (City)
Accommodation:
Venus Premier Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)
Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be picked up at 8 AM and driven straight to Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Once inside the park, you'll enjoy a full-day game drive, where you'll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close and explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Packed lunches will be provided, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful break in nature. At 5 PM, you'll exit the park and head back to Hhando Coffee Lodge for a delicious dinner. After an exciting day, you'll unwind with a restful overnight stay at the lodge, surrounded by lush coffee plantations.
Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park
Accommodation:
Hhando Coffee Lodge
Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you'll depart at 7 AM with packed lunches for the drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a full-day game drive in this unique caldera, known for its impressive population of black rhinos and large prides of lions. The crater is home to a rich diversity of animals, making it a photographer's paradise. You'll stop for lunch by the Ngoitoktok Hippo Pool, where you can relax and watch the hippos and other wildlife. In the late afternoon, around 5 PM, you'll head back to Hhando Coffee Lodge for a delicious dinner. You'll unwind in the serene atmosphere of the lodge, surrounded by lush coffee plantations, and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.
Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation:
Hhando Coffee Lodge
Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After an early breakfast, you'll depart from the lodge at 6 AM with packed lunches for a direct drive to Northern Serengeti. The journey will take you through the iconic Naabi Gate, entering the Serengeti National Park from the south. As you travel through the Central Serengeti, you’ll pass through the Seronera area, known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in the Northern Serengeti by late afternoon, you'll have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of migrating wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, a truly spectacular natural event. After a day filled with unforgettable moments, you'll head to Mara Heritage Tented Camp by sunset for a delicious dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, where you can reflect on the incredible wildlife experiences of the day.
Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
Heritage Mara Camp
Mid-range tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you'll depart with packed lunches for a thrilling full-day safari at the Mara River, one of the most dramatic spots in the Serengeti. Here, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hundreds of migrating wildebeest and zebras bravely crossing the river, often facing the peril of crocodiles lurking in the waters. The intense drama unfolds as some animals are hunted, their remains later scavenged by vultures, hyenas, and jackals. The area of Kogatende in the Northern Serengeti is also home to huge prides of lions, as well as other big cats like leopards and cheetahs, adding to the excitement of your safari. You'll enjoy a break for lunch in this wild setting, and as the day draws to a close, return to Mara Heritage Tented Camp for a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible wildlife experiences.
Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
Heritage Mara Camp
Mid-range tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After an early breakfast, you'll head out for a morning game drive from 6 AM to 9 AM, capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Northern Serengeti as the day begins. The early hours are ideal for spotting predators and other animals in action. Afterward, you'll return to the lodge and prepare for your departure. At 9 AM, you'll head to Kogatende Airstrip for your flight connection. You’ll be dropped off in time to catch your 10 AM flight from North Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar via Arusha. You'll enjoy the scenic flight as you pass over the beautiful Tanzanian landscapes. You'll arrive at Zanzibar Airport at 2 PM, ready to explore the island's tropical beauty, beaches, and rich culture.
Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
FAQs
The 6-Day Great Migration Fly Mara River to Zanzibar Island safari includes accommodation, full-board meals during the safari, private or shared 4×4 game drives, park entrance fees, bottled drinking water, airport and hotel transfers, a professional English-speaking safari guide, and a domestic flight from the Northern Serengeti to Zanzibar Island.
The highlight of the 6-Day Great Migration Fly Mara River to Zanzibar Island is the opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Northern Serengeti, including the famous Mara River crossings when conditions are favorable. The safari also combines Tanzania’s top wildlife experiences with a relaxing flight to Zanzibar.
The 6-Day Great Migration Fly Mara River to Zanzibar Island includes visits to Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park—especially the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River—and the Ngorongoro Crater before ending with a domestic flight to Zanzibar Island.
The best time for the 6-Day Great Migration Fly Mara River to Zanzibar Island is generally from July to October, when the Great Migration is often found in the Northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings are most likely to occur. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the year.
Pack lightweight neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cool mornings, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra memory cards, travel documents, and any personal medications.
Yes. The 6-Day Great Migration Fly Mara River to Zanzibar Island is an excellent choice for couples, honeymooners, families, and solo travelers who want to combine an unforgettable safari experience with the opportunity to continue their holiday on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
