7-Day North Tanzania Migration Safari from Zanzibar

Fly from Zanzibar to Tarangire or Lake Manyara airstrip (flight time ~1.5 hrs; exact timing depends on carrier). Upon arrival, begin your safari with a game drive in Tarangire National Park, home to large herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and abundant birdlife. Expect to spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly lions or leopards in the drier riverbeds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Drive time from airstrip to camp/lodge: ~30–60 mins.

After an early breakfast, drive ~2 hrs to Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Descend 600 meters into this wildlife-rich caldera known for its dense concentration of animals, including black rhinos, hyenas, elephants, and large lion prides. A picnic lunch will be served on the crater floor, often near hippo pools. Afterward, ascend and drive back ~1 hr to your lodge in Karatu.

Depart Karatu after breakfast and drive ~4–5 hrs through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach Central Serengeti by midday. En route, look out for Maasai bomas and giraffes grazing the highlands. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley, known for year-round wildlife and large cat sightings. Overnight in Central Serengeti.

After breakfast, journey west (~2–3 hrs) toward the Western Corridor, following the Grumeti River. This region sees large migratory herds between May and July and is home to crocodiles, hippos, and impressive birdlife. Enjoy game drives along the riverine landscape, then return to your Central Serengeti lodge by evening.

Early morning departure for North Serengeti (~4–5 hrs), with game drive en route. This area, near the Mara River, hosts thrilling river crossings from July to October. Watch for wildebeest herds, crocodiles, and predators on the prowl. Afternoon game drive in the Lamai or Kogatende region, then return to Central Serengeti for overnight.

Spend the day exploring Northern Serengeti again or break the day with a mix of game drives in Central and North. Expect cheetahs on the plains, elephants in the woodlands, and dramatic vistas. Picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp depending on sightings. Overnight in Central Serengeti.

Enjoy one final morning game drive in Central Serengeti, spotting hyenas, lions, or herds of antelope in the golden morning light. After breakfast or early lunch, transfer to Seronera airstrip for your afternoon flight (~1.5 hrs) back to Zanzibar, arriving in the early evening. Exact flight timing depends on carrier.