12 Days Serengeti Migration and Zanzibar

Your journey begins at your arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located north east of Arusha. As you arrive at the airport, a representative meets you holding a sign that will guide you to your driver. This treat will be a quiet drive to your first hotel in Arusha, which is Mount Meru Hotel. This hotel boasts tasteful decor and provides a stunning view of Mount Meru’s 4,566-meter silhouette. In case your flight lands earlier than scheduled, rest assured, your day will unfold seamlessly as your hotel room will be ready. You’ll be able to relax in the hotel’s beautiful gardens, sip on beverages at the bar, and watch the world go by, all while resting and adjusting to Tanzania’s pleasant 1,400-meter altitude. This is a perfect beginning for your migration and beach trip.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Partake in a light breakfast at Mount Meru Hotel, which includes seasonal fruits as well as Tanzanian coffee, then head out for a drive with your private guide. You will be taken to Lake Manyara National Park in a couple of hours. It's a 130km journey, you will be riding for 2 hours. Lake Manyara National Park, which has over 330 kilometers of land, near the Great Rift Valley, and you can enjoy a full-day safari through the lush forests and grasslands. Observe the rare to see tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, myriad hippos, and over 450 bird species, including flamingos, around the alkaline lake. (Pre-booked) Optional night game drives unveil concealed semi-diurnal animal secrets. Enjoy your meal surrounded by peaceful nature as you partake in evening dinner, which incorporates traditional dishes. Arrive at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, located on a Cliffside, where each room has its private bathrooms that overlook the lake.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up in Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, breakfast will be served, then prepare for a scenic drive to central Serengeti in the company of your expert guide. The journey will take around 4 to 5 hours, covering 200 kilometers. Visit Olduvai Gorge on the way, make a great 30-minute stop at the archaeology museum where you can learn a bit about human evolution, or visit a vibrant Maasai village to witness their colorful traditions. Arriving in Seronera, you will go on an afternoon game drive within 14,763 square kilometers of wilderness, seeking lions, leopards, and elephants amidst the Acacia tree-lined plains. Check in at Acacia Luxury Camp, which boasts en-suite tented rooms with sweeping views of the plains. An evening game drive will increase your wildlife count, followed by dinner under the stars in the bush amid the sounds of the night.

Accommodation: Acacia Luxury Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Savor a relaxed breakfast at Acacia Luxury Camp before heading out for a morning game drive in central Serengeti, searching for big cats—lions on kopjes and leopards in trees. Following lunch, set out on a 2-3 hour (100 kilometers) drive north to Kogatende, where game viewing will expose zebras, gazelles, and impalas. This area, close to the Mara River, the centre migration which happens from July to October. Arrive at Acacia Tented Camp, which features en-suite tents and is situated close to the river. This mid-range camp is ideally located so that guests can enjoy relaxing by the campfire while sipping drinks and watching stunning sunsets over the plains.

Accommodation: Acacia Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast served at Acacia Tented Camp, enjoy a full day game drive in the Kogatende region, concentrating on the Mara River area - the epicenter of The Great Migration from July to October. Witness the astounding sight of more than 2 million wildebeest and 1 million zebra crossing the river, battling Nile crocodiles and pride of lions – a dramatic circle-of-life moment. Hippos relax, leopards hunt, and over 400 bird species, like the fish eagle, scrutinize the river from above. Your guide will these you the best vantage points while you enjoy a packed picnic lunch by the river. Return to camp for dinner while reminiscing about the highlights of the day with the fierce stars and moon as your witnesses.

Accommodation: Acacia Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast and early departure from Acacia Tented Camp, head out for a morning game drive in northern Serengeti with a packed lunch to maximize wildlife sighting—elephants, cheetahs, or even migration herds. The drive to Ngorongoro Crater Rim is around 300 kilometers and takes approximately 6-8 hours, well worth the time because it is filled with wildlife ranging from spectacular views. Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, which sits at 2,200 meters with unrivaled views of the caldera and its ensconced fires, every room coming equipped with its bathroom. Enjoy a breathtaking array of wildlife and stunning scenery all in one day. Finally, enjoy dinner while relaxing in the dining room of the lodge, where you can look out at the cool, midland breezes rushing through the Serengeti, paired with delightful, freshly cooked food.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, drop 2,000 feet (610 meters) into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari. This caldera, which spans 304 square kilometers, is the world’s largest one that has not been flooded or broken into. It is the home for over 20,000 mammals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, and rare black rhinos found near swamps, while leopards are spotted at the rim. Herds of wildebeests and zebras graze on lush grass alongside flamingos that can be seen on Lake Magadi. As your guide tells you its volcanic history, enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. After dinner, retreat to the lodge while enjoying unrivaled views of animal concentrations and panoramic vistas of this natural paradise.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, drop 2,000 feet (610 meters) into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari. This caldera, which spans 304 square kilometers, is the world’s largest one that has not been flooded or broken into. It is the home for over 20,000 mammals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, and rare black rhinos found near swamps, while leopards are spotted at the rim. Herds of wildebeests and zebras graze on lush grass alongside flamingos that can be seen on Lake Magadi. As your guide tells you its volcanic history, enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. After dinner, retreat to the lodge while enjoying unrivaled views of animal concentrations and panoramic vistas of this natural paradise.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Savor a relaxed breakfast while taking in the refreshing ocean air at Z Hotel, then decide on your ideal day with optional activities,—snorkeling in the coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll, swimming with dolphins, or a spice tour where you will explore Zanzibar’s aromatic plantations. The tranquil beaches of Nungwi are perfect for relaxation, with crystal-clear water meeting white sand. Walk along the beach and watch dhows sailing or sip a drink at the hotel’s beachfront bar. Experience a respite from the safari's energy at sheer bliss. Grab a cocktail at the beachfront bar or the hotel’s bar. Delight in the calm atmosphere only to contrast with the intensity of the safari. Head back to your suite with an ocean view and enjoy a sumptuous sleep as you mentally prep for breakfast that promises delicious coastal meals.

Accommodation: Z Hotel (Ocean View Suite) Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Following breakfast at Z Hotel, treasure your day in Nungwi with any of the following options: the coast’s kayaking, a village tour that allows you to mingle with the Swahili locals, or enjoy a sunset dhow cruise where you can view the Indian Ocean and its horizon. The allure of the soft sands stretches and the warm sea makes a retreat, so go laze on the beach. You could also spend your time by the hotel pool, relaxing while palm trees sway and fresh juice is served to you. Your individual pace, combined with the hotel’s organized activities, sets a customized tempo. In the evening, the gentle sea breeze brings calm to the day while relaxing on the suite’s balcony, and the day’s safari excitement balances beautifully with Zanzibar’s soothing ambiance.

Accommodation: Z Hotel (Ocean View Suite)

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Savor the Breakfast at Z Hotel. Take part in optional activities like a morning swim, beach yoga, or anything else of your choosing before a drive to Stone Town (60km) for the heart of Zanzibar's history. Jafferji House is a boutique hotel located in a refurbished Swahili mansion with extravagantly decorated rooms and panoramic views from the rooftop, so don’t forget to snap a few pictures after checking in. Wander the maze-like streets of Stone Town with your guide and marvel at the magnificent sites like The House Of Wonders and The Old Fort, alongside spice markets that showcase the rich history of the town as it’s mingled with the Arab, Indian, and African culture. Enjoy great local street food like Zanzibari pizza before heading back to your room for some relaxation, This day should leave you feeling culturally fulfilled and relaxed at the same time, which is a great balance to cap off the day.

Accommodation: Jafferji House

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Have breakfast one last time at Jafferji House, starting your day on the rooftop with stunning views of Stone Town’s minarets. Afterwards, partake in last-minute activities such as the Freddie Mercury tour (who happened to be born here) or go shopping at Darajani Market. At noon, a short 15-minute drive will get you to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight to JRO or further destinations. Return home remembering the thunderous herds of the Serengeti, the rich wildlife of Ngorongoro, and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. All three destinations combined for a personalized safari and beach holiday crafted for unforgettable moments, leaving you inspired by Tanzania’s true wonders.

Accommodation: None (departure day)

Meal Plan: Breakfast