Mara-Fluss-Überquerung, Tansania Safari Reisen

The Great Migration in Tanzania – Through the northern national parks to Zanzibar

Summary

Country
Tanzania
Tour type
Safari tours
Duration
14 Days
Participants
2–6 people (guaranteed from 2 participants)
Max. altitude
2.000 m
Best travel season
June–March
Price from
3.790 €
Single Supplement
590 € (hotels only)

Highlights

  • Experience the Great Migration at the Mara River up close
  • Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s Garden of Eden
  • Overnighting in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness
  • Flamingos at the sacred volcano at Lake Natron
  • Elephants among ancient baobabs in Tarangire
  • Dream beaches and Stone Town on Zanzibar

When hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the vast plains of the Serengeti, the wild soul of Africa awakens – and that is exactly where this journey takes you, from Tanzania’s untamed nature to the magic of Zanzibar.
At mysterious Lake Natron, pink flamingos dance over the reddish, shimmering water, while the mighty Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God” of the Maasai, watches over the landscape. The journey continues into the legendary Serengeti, where life pulses in its purest form. Endless herds move across the golden savannah, big cats prowl silently through the tall grass – a spectacle full of power and movement. In the north the Mara River roars, where from July to mid-September, during the Great Migration, countless animals cross the raging currents – an unforgettable moment of wild intensity. In the central Serengeti, lions rest on striking kopjes, while gazelles, elephants and giraffes move peacefully across the plains. But Tanzania is more than wilderness. Along the way you meet the Maasai, whose culture and deep connection with nature shape the soul of the country. In the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera on earth, an animal paradise unfolds in a small space. Tarangire National Park, with its mighty baobabs and elephant herds, forms the worthy conclusion of this safari in the heart of Africa.

To round things off, Zanzibar awaits you – white beaches, turquoise-blue sea and the enchanting scent of spices. Whether bathing, strolling through Stone Town or watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean – here your Tanzania trip finds its harmonious, unforgettable conclusion.

Route map

Detailed itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, briefing and welcome dinner – transfer approx. 50 km / 1 hour

    After landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. The drive to Arusha alone gives you a first taste of Africa – green hills, fragrant vegetation and perhaps a glimpse of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro or majestic Mount Meru. By the roadside, laughing children wave, their cheerful faces reflecting the spirit of Tanzania – open, warm-hearted and full of joy. At the hotel you can arrive in peace, enjoy the tropical garden and round off the evening with a shared dinner with your guide. Overnight at the Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (D).

  • Day 2: Drive to Lake Natron – volcanic landscapes and dancing flamingos (approx. 250 km / approx. 4 hours of driving)

    After breakfast we set off on our safari adventure. The route leads through the pristine heartland of the Maasai. Wide plains, volcanic cones and traditional villages shape the landscape. In the afternoon we reach mysterious Lake Natron. The shimmering water, often in reddish tones, is a habitat for thousands of flamingos that drift across the sky in elegant formations. The sight, set against the backdrop of the sacred Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God”, is magical. In the evening the sunset turns the savannah golden, while the calls of the birds bid farewell to the day. Overnight at the Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

    Maasai in seinen traditionellen Kleidern mit Blick auf Lake Natron und Olndoinyo Lengai - Safari in Tansania
  • Day 3: Drive to the northern Serengeti – setting off into the vast wilderness (approx. 270 km / approx. 6 hours)

    Today the realm of the Serengeti opens up before us. The drive leads through wide, wild landscapes in which we repeatedly encounter zebras, giraffes and antelopes. The vegetation up to the northern gate is overwhelming. The combination of euphorbias, aloes, myrrh trees and thorn plants creates a fascinating, almost sculptural landscape that feels quite different from the green savannah of the Serengeti. Again and again we meet Maasai moving through the land with their herds – proud guardians of a centuries-old tradition, closely connected to this rugged, pristine nature. With every hour the endless savannah comes closer, until we finally reach the northern Serengeti – a region that, thanks to its remoteness, has preserved a particular sense of the untouched. In the Bush Camp we sleep in the middle of the wilderness, surrounded by the voices of Africa – the rustling of the wind, the calls of nocturnal birds and the distant roar of lions. Overnight at the Tanzania Bush Camp or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  • Day 4: Safari in the northern Serengeti at the Mara River – experiencing the Great Migration

    A full day is dedicated to the wild beauty of the northern Serengeti. We follow the tracks of the Great Migration and reach the Mara River, where every year between July and September the spectacular Mara crossing takes place. Millions of wildebeest and zebras throw themselves into the raging waters here – one of the largest and most dramatic animal movements on earth. With a little luck, we experience this natural wonder up close, as the herds thunder across the river, while crocodiles lurk in the water and birds of prey circle in the sky. But even outside the Great Migration, this region offers a unique spectacle. Elephants move leisurely through the landscape, lions lie in the tall grass and a leopard may be resting in the trees. Here we feel the wilderness in its purest form – untamed, powerful and of breathtaking beauty. Overnight at the Tanzania Bush Camp or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

    Mara-Fluss-Überquerung, Tansania Safari Reisen
  • Day 5: Drive to the central Serengeti – into the realm of big cats and savannahs (approx. 120 km / 3 to 4 hours)

    Today we have the chance to set off on an early game drive before sunrise. When the first light touches the plains, life returns to the savannah – lions and hyenas head back from the hunt, antelopes graze in the golden morning light, and the air is filled with the sound of the wilderness. After breakfast we continue our drive towards the central Serengeti. The landscape changes: gentle hills, wide expanses of grass and striking kopjes that rise like islands out of the sea of grass. Here lions rest in the shade of the rocks, and with a little luck we spot a cheetah silently crossing the plain. The central Serengeti is known for its high density of wildlife – nowhere else does the African wildlife appear so varied and so close. In the evening we enjoy the silence of the wilderness at camp. Overnight at Embalakai Camp or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

    Männliche Löwen in der Serengeti - die Endlose Plane
  • Day 6: Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater – safari in Africa's Garden of Eden (approx. 150 km / 4 hours)


    In the morning we continue on to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, part of a vast volcano whose caldera – the collapsed crater basin – is considered the largest intact caldera on earth. From above, an unforgettable view opens up into the huge, green basin, which feels like a self-contained world of its own. Inside, an incredible diversity of wildlife awaits us. Large elephant bulls with mighty tusks, rare black rhinos, huge herds of zebras and wildebeest, as well as buffalo, gazelles, jackals and often prides of lions all shape the scene. In the marshes and at the soda lake, flamingos, hippos and numerous water birds gather. Only giraffes, impalas and topis are missing here, since they find no suitable living conditions on the steep crater slopes. The Ngorongoro Crater is a paradise in a small space, an African Noah’s Ark with no equal. Overnight at the Karatu Bougainvillea Safari Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

    Büffel im Ngorongoro Krater in Tansania
  • Day 7: Safari in Tarangire National Park – elephants, baobabs and drive back to Arusha (approx. 160 km / 3 to 4 hours)

    Tarangire National Park surprises visitors with a landscape full of ancient baobabs and a river that attracts thousands of animals in the dry season. Huge elephant herds gather here, often in impressive numbers, accompanied by zebras, buffalo and gazelles. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 500 species living here. Big cats are often not far away, and the interplay of ancient trees and wild life is incomparable. After the safari we drive back to Arusha.
    Overnight at the Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

    Elefanten Herde in der Taranagire National Park - Pirschfahrten in Tansania
  • Day 8: Flight to Zanzibar – transfer to the hotel

    Today you leave the savannah landscape behind and fly to Zanzibar in about 1 hour. With a little luck, a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro and majestic Mount Meru, towering above the clouds, opens up from the plane. As you approach the island, a picture of white sand, turquoise-blue water and coconut palms spreads out before you. After the transfer to the hotel you enjoy the first hours on the beach and let yourselves be embraced by the warmth of the ocean. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  • Day 9: Relaxation & individual activities

    These days belong entirely to you. You relax on the white beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or explore the colourful underwater world while snorkelling and diving. If you would like to experience culture, you can visit historic Stone Town with its Arab-influenced alleys, or take a spice tour that fills the air with the scent of cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. Zanzibar combines relaxation and experience in a paradise-like setting. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

    Baden und entspannen auf Sansibar - Tansania Reisen mit Safari
  • Day 10: Relaxing on the beach

    The day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  • Day 11: Free time on Zanzibar

    Time at your leisure. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  • Day 12: Relaxation & individual activities

    Another free day for relaxation. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  • Day 13: Last day on the beach

    Enjoy the sun and the sea one more time. On request, activities can be booked locally; otherwise there is time for relaxation and individual activities. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel Sea View Room or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  • Day 14: Free time until transfer to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ)

    On the last day there may still be time for a walk on the beach before you are taken to the airport. You say goodbye to Zanzibar, but the memories of the endless savannahs, the wildlife paradises of Tanzania and the exotic island will accompany you on your journey home (B).

    We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

    Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

Dates & prices

This tour can be booked privately for you or your group on any date, and also with a German-speaking guide, for an additional fee.

StatusDatePriceLanguageInfo
Bookable 01.10. – 14.10.2026 4.090 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 24.10. – 06.11.2026 3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN Inquire
Bookable 07.11. – 20.11.2026 3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN Inquire
Bookable 28.11. – 11.12.2026 3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN Inquire
Bookable 26.06. – 09.07.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 03.07. – 16.07.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 10.07. – 23.07.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 24.07. – 06.08.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 30.07. – 12.08.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 06.08. – 19.08.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 14.08. – 27.08.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 19.08. – 01.09.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 27.08. – 09.09.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 04.09. – 17.09.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable 18.09. – 01.10.2027 3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE Inquire
Bookable01.10. – 14.10.2026
4.090 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable24.10. – 06.11.2026
3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN
Bookable07.11. – 20.11.2026
3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN
Bookable28.11. – 11.12.2026
3.990 €
EZZ 590 €
EN EN
Bookable26.06. – 09.07.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable03.07. – 16.07.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable10.07. – 23.07.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable24.07. – 06.08.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable30.07. – 12.08.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable06.08. – 19.08.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable14.08. – 27.08.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable19.08. – 01.09.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable27.08. – 09.09.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable04.09. – 17.09.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE
Bookable18.09. – 01.10.2027
3.790 €
EZZ 590 €
DE DE

Services included

  • Transfer to and from the airport
  • All transfers within Tanzania
  • Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (incl. 20 kg free baggage)
  • Accommodation and breakfast in Arusha and on Zanzibar
  • Hotel overnight stays incl. 3 meals during the safari tour
  • Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle (guaranteed window seat)
  • Professional, English-speaking safari guide
  • Mineral water on safari
  • All national park fees
  • Welcome dinner
  • Insolvency insurance certificate under German travel law

Services not included

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks except water
  • Excursions on Zanzibar
  • Visa fees (US$ 50)
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance

Notes

Accommodation & comfort on the mountain

The accommodation on the mountain (huts or tented camps) is simple. Electricity, hot water, mobile reception or Wi-Fi are not reliably available everywhere. Sanitary facilities meet local standards.

Schedule & flexibility

The indicated walking times are guideline values and may vary depending on weather, fitness and group pace. The itinerary may also be adapted for official or safety-related reasons.

Safaris & beach days on Zanzibar

Safaris in Tanzania are nature experiences. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and driving times may vary depending on road and weather conditions.
The beach days on Zanzibar are planned as free time for relaxation. Excursions and activities are generally optional and depend on weather, tides and local conditions.

Note on domestic flights in Tanzania

As part of our duty to inform, we point out that Tanzanian airlines are currently listed on the so-called “Black List” of the European Union. The background to this are the audit and safety standards of the responsible national aviation authority, which do not meet EU requirements in every respect. This classification does not, however, refer to specific safety deficiencies of individual airlines.
We do not use Tanzanian airlines for international flights. For domestic flights we exclusively select carefully vetted airlines with international safety certification (IATA/ISSA). The flights are operated regularly and in accordance with applicable safety standards. Weather-related delays or flight cancellations are nevertheless possible.

Mobility note

Due to the trekking stages, the altitude and partly uneven trails, this trip is generally not suitable for persons with restricted mobility. We are happy to advise individually whether participation is possible in your specific case.

What our guests say about geoDiscovery Tours

Read what our guests share about their experiences on this and other tours.

Vollkommen begeistert von unserer Reise nach Tansania

Vollkommen begeistert von unserer Reise nach Tansania

Tour: The Great Migration in Tanzania – Through the northern national parks to ZanzibarTravel season: 04.-21.01.2026Traveller: Sandra & Dirk

Das individuelle Reiseprogramm, die ausgewählten Lodges und Hotels und die Begleitung durch die persönlichen Guides waren perfekt. Auf der Trekkingtour wurden wir bestens durch Nestory betreut und durch die Crew…

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Hervorragende Akklimatisation an die Höhe des Kili

Hervorragende Akklimatisation an die Höhe des Kili

Kurzum die Reise war ein absolutes Highlight auch verglichen mit den vielen Reisen aus der jüngeren Vergangenheit. Sowohl die intensiven Körpererfahrungen in der Höhe, die sehr unterschiedlichen Landschaftsformen, die Tierwelt…

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Important travel information

🏥 Health & Vaccinations

When entering the Tanzanian mainland and Zanzibar directly from Germany/Switzerland or Austria, no compulsory vaccinations are required, in particular no yellow fever vaccination. This also applies when entering in transit via a yellow fever endemic area, as long as the airport is not left during the stopover and the stay is less than 12 hours. However, you should have vaccination protection against tetanus, hepatitis A, diphtheria and polio. Vaccinations against hepatitis B and typhoid are recommended for long stays.

We recommend that you consult your family doctor in good time. You can find further information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

📝 Visa & Entry

To enter Tanzania you need a visa, which can be applied for online at
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. Processing usually takes about 3 weeks. Alternatively, a Visa on Arrival is still possible at a price of 50 US dollars.

Since 1 October 2024, all travellers to Zanzibar must additionally take out a state-mandated travel insurance via the official website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz („Visit Zanzibar“) and present the QR code received upon entry.
Children up to 16 years of age may also enter with a children’s passport or children’s ID featuring a photo.

🌤️ Best Travel Time & Climate

For trekking tours on Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, the months up to mid-March as well as from mid-June are particularly suitable due to the dry seasons. During these periods, conditions are generally stable and easy to plan for. We strongly advise against travelling in April and May because of the heavy rainfall.

We recommend safari journeys in Tanzania above all from June to the end of March, as conditions for wildlife viewing are excellent during this time. The months of April and May are only suitable to a limited extent due to the rainy season.

🛡️ Insurance

Travel health insurance including rescue and recovery costs is a prerequisite for participation in our journeys. Taking out trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended, especially given possible flight costs as well as unforeseeable events such as weather-related or health reasons.
We recommend insurance policies from ERGO Reiseversicherung (www.reiseversicherung.de) for travellers resident in Germany and Austria. We ask travellers from other countries to take out insurance through a provider in their home country.
The choice of insurance provider is the responsibility of the traveller.