This exceptional ten day Tanzania safari and beach holiday is designed for travelers seeking a luxurious, intimate, and deeply immersive experience that blends the world renowned calving season of the Southern Serengeti with the soothing, palm fringed beaches of Zanzibar. Crafted by Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions, this itinerary captures the extraordinary drama of the Great Migration’s calving period, a unique natural spectacle where over 8,000 newborn wildebeest calves take their first steps each day across the vast Ndutu plains. This season draws high predator activity, making the region one of the most thrilling wildlife arenas on the African continent. From the iconic Ngorongoro Crater filled with thousands of animals to the rolling savannahs of the central Serengeti filled with lions, cheetahs, elephants, and endless herds of wildlife, every day promises unmatched photographic moments and authentic contact with nature.
Your adventure begins in Arusha, a charming safari gateway town surrounded by lush vegetation, coffee farms, and the towering silhouette of Mount Meru. Here, you settle into comfortable lodge accommodations and prepare for the wilderness ahead. The journey then takes you to Tarangire National Park, a magnificent wilderness famed for its ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, seasonal marshes, and diverse birdlife. As you travel from the Tarangire ecosystem to the UNESCO listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the landscape transforms dramatically into highland forests, escarpment viewpoints, and volcanic formations. You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eden of Africa, where you can spot rhinos, lions, buffalos, zebras, flamingos, and countless other species in a relatively small but wildlife dense environment.
Continuing deeper into the great northern circuit, the journey takes you into Ndutu within the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. This region is the heartbeat of the Great Migration from December to March, especially during the calving season, when the grassy plains turn into a cradle of life. The nutrient rich soils create perfect grazing conditions for wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. You spend two nights here, fully absorbing the ancient rhythm of birth, survival, and dramatic wildlife interactions. After Ndutu, you proceed to the Central Serengeti, a year round wildlife haven known for its big cats, endless savannah grasslands, kopjes surrounded by lions, and extraordinary sunrise views.
Your safari then transitions into the final phase of relaxation as you take a domestic flight to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar Island. Crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, spice farms, traditional Swahili architecture, lively markets, and serene boutique beach resorts create an unforgettable ending to this remarkable expedition. Whether you prefer sunset dhow cruises, dolphin tours, Stone Town cultural explorations, snorkeling in marine reserves, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Zanzibar offers the perfect luxury beach retreat after days filled with wildlife and adventure.
This exclusive itinerary is crafted to ensure comfort, romance, photography opportunities, cultural immersion, and high quality game viewing during one of Africa’s most special wildlife seasons. With premium lodges, seamless travel arrangements, knowledgeable safari guides, and diverse landscapes, this journey delivers the best of Tanzania from wilderness to the warm Indian Ocean coast.
