5-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar: The Great Migration
Fly-in Safari to the Great Migration & Ngorongoro
- Approximately 2 hours of flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
On an unforgettable 5-day safari through Tanzania, experience the greatest natural spectacle on Earth: the Great Migration! Flying by bush plane directly from Zanzibar, you'll land in the Northern Serengeti – right in the heart of the migration. Watch as over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
This exclusive fly-in safari is perfect for wildlife photographers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to experience the maximum in a short space of time. After three intensive days in the Serengeti, your safari takes you to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll have excellent chances of seeing the Big Five, including the rare black rhino.
The best time to travel for the river crossings is from July to October, when the herds cross the Mara River.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Flight from Zanzibar to Seronera Airstrip (Serengeti)
- Day 2: Full-day Safari in the Northern Serengeti
- Day 3: Safari & Mara River Crossing in the Northern Serengeti
- Day 4: Central Serengeti and Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Arusha
Budget accommodations
2 people
2.074 € *
4 people
1.584 € *
6 people
1.421 € *
Mid-range accommodations
2 people
2.074 € *
4 people
1.584 € *
6 people
1.421 € *
Luxury accommodations
2 people
2.368 € *
4 people
1.797 € *
6 people
1.607 € *
Indicative costs per person, excluding flights to Tanzania
Our offer includes:
Optional additions:
Not included:
Customer testimonial
“Everything perfect – great trip and great price
Our safari with Safari Tanzania was unforgettable! Thanks to their collaboration with local providers, they offered us a huge selection of accommodations. While other providers were often hard to reach and had limited options, Safari Tanzania put together a tailor-made tour perfectly suited to our budget and preferences. We saw the Big Five and experienced the Great Migration! Our guide was top-notch, and the organization ran smoothly. Absolutely recommended for a personalized and affordable dream vacation!
Philipp Grünewald, a customer from Vienna
Daily Descriptions
Day 1: Flight from Zanzibar to the Northern Serengeti
Karibu to the most thrilling 5-day Tanzania safari there is! Your adventure begins with a spectacular bush plane flight from Zanzibar straight to Seronera Airstrip. Trade the turquoise sea for golden savannah and fly right into the heart of the wilderness in just a few hours!
After landing, your experienced guide will greet you and your first game drive begins right away. The Kogatende and Bologonja regions are the epicentre of the Great Migration. Here the vast herds gather along the Mara River, preparing for the legendary crossing. Watch the wildebeest assemble on the Nyamalumbwa plains and at the Sand River.
Day 2: Safari in the Northern Serengeti
A full day in wilderness paradise! The Northern Serengeti lies between the Central Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara – a remote region that draws fewer visitors and rewards you with all the more intense wildlife viewing.
After an early start, you'll explore this breathtaking landscape on extended game drives. The Great Migration is the largest mammal migration in the world, with the herds covering over 800 kilometres in search of fresh grass and water. More than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. Anyone who makes it to this remote region is rewarded with unforgettable moments!
Day 3: The Mara River Crossing
The highlight of your 5-day safari in Tanzania! Today is all about the legendary Mara River crossing. Spend the entire day tracking the herds as they gather along the riverbanks.
The Serengeti is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the Big Five: elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. Add to that cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, antelope and waterbuck. The annual migration of two million wildebeest is Africa's greatest natural spectacle. With a little luck, you'll witness the herds crossing the great river today – a moment that will take your breath away!
Day 4: Central Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater
Early in the morning, you'll set off for the Central Serengeti. Between late July and mid-October, the migration moves through this region on its way to the Mara River and back. Your guides know the best spots for watching large lion prides – often right among the zebras and wildebeest that travel with the herds.
After one last game drive in the Serengeti, your journey continues to the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive itself is an experience in its own right: the landscape shifts dramatically from the endless plains to the green slopes of the crater rim. In the evening you'll reach the edge of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in your first breathtaking view down into the caldera. The anticipation for tomorrow is building!
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Departure
The crowning finale of your 5-day Tanzania safari! After breakfast, you'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater begins, the largest intact, unflooded volcanic caldera in the world. Covering around 260 square kilometres, the crater is home to some 25,000 large mammals.
It's like stepping into Noah's Ark! The crater has the highest lion density in the world and is one of the few places where you can see the rare black rhino. Its steep walls form a natural barrier – interestingly, there are no giraffes here, as they can't manage the slopes. After this unforgettable safari, your guide will take you to the airport in Arusha.
Customer testimonial
“Top-organized safari with fantastic memories
Safari Tanzania, as an intermediary, enabled us to have highly individualized planning and saved us the effort of comparing dozens of providers online. They adapted everything to our wishes, connected us with the ideal local team, and offered flexible, prompt support – a relaxed highlight full of lasting memories.
Many safari organizers pushed for a personal call, only to offer a package tour in the end. Safari Tanzania sent us an offer after the first email, which we then minimally adjusted and swapped out one accommodation. This saved my girlfriend and me a lot of effort. Thank you very much!
Michael Simann, a customer from Frankfurt
Discover other tours
All prices listed are former prices for short and price-optimized trips. Current prices may be higher due to the respective season and inflation. Our terms and conditions apply.
Discover other 5-day safaris here.
passionate tour guide in Tanzania for 6 years
It fills me with pride to show guests the beauty of Tanzania and give them unforgettable moments. I love it when my guests see a lion in the wild for the first time or marvel at the savanna at sunset. It is important to me that my guests feel safe and well looked after – and return home with many beautiful stories.
My profession is not just a job for me, but something I'm passionate about."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for the Great Migration?
The river crossings at the Mara River typically take place from July to October. The calving season in the Southern Serengeti runs from January to March.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?
The bush plane flight takes around 2–3 hours depending on the route, with possible stopovers.
What are the baggage regulations?
For fly-in safaris the rule is: a maximum of 15–20 kg per person in a soft-sided bag – no hard-shell suitcases permitted.
What are the baggage regulations?
Yes! The combination of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent chances of seeing all of the Big Five, especially the black rhino in the crater.
Where does the safari end?
The tour ends at the airport in Arusha – perfect for onward flights or an add-on trip to Kilimanjaro.
Is the migration guaranteed?
The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon that follows the rains. Experienced guides know where the herds are, but exact predictions aren't possible.
Who is this safari suitable for?
Ideal for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, couples, families and solo travellers looking for an intensive safari experience in a short space of time.
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