This exclusive safari is designed to follow the rhythm of the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti ecosystem, while immersing you in Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Enjoy luxurious stays, world-class guiding, and intimate moments with Africa’s untamed beauty.
DECEMBER – MARCH
The calving: An estimated 400,000 calves are born which can draw a staggering number of predators eager to prey on the vulnerable young.
APRIL
The trek north: Herds move slowly northwards to fresh grazing.
MAY – JUNE
The rut: May is the mating season but still the journey continues, some herds move west towards the Grumeti River, and this is the first point on the route where river crossings can be seen.
JULY – OCTOBER
River crossings: The river crossings usually start in July, but the timing all depends on the rains. Although never guaranteed, crossings can regularly be seen at the Mara and Talek rivers.
NOVEMBER
The trek south: When the rains begin in November, the herds usually cross back to the Serengeti from the Masai Mara and head back towards the now fertile southern Serengeti. By the beginning of December, Ndutu starts seeing the herds return to calve, and the whole process begins again.
Soar above the plains at sunrise with a breathtaking hot air balloon safari, offered in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Ndutu area, and Tarangire. This unforgettable adventure provides a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes and wildlife below—gliding silently over herds of elephants, wildebeest, and giraffes as the morning light paints the savannah in golden hues. The flight concludes with a champagne bush breakfast, making it a truly magical start to your day. Balloon safaris are offered at an additional supplement cost and should be booked in advance due to limited space and high demand.
10 Days / 9 Nights Safari
Game drives with sightings of elephants, baobab trees, and tree-climbing lions.
Witness rhinos, lions, flamingos, and elephants in this UNESCO site.
Explore the vast plains teeming with wildlife, including the Great Migration.
4 lodges over 9 Nights - 10 Days
Simba Signature 9 Nights 10 Days Safari
Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and within sight of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the vibrant safari capital of northern Tanzania. This lively town welcomes travelers with a refreshing highland climate, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. As the main hub for Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, Arusha offers a comfortable and scenic starting point for exploring the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
With Kilimanjaro—the highest peak in Africa—rising on the horizon, Arusha is not only the launchpad for game drives into Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, but also a base for those planning to climb the legendary mountain. Whether you’re here to begin a thrilling safari or to take on Kilimanjaro’s slopes, Arusha sets the stage for an unforgettable East African adventure.
Overnight: Arusha Coffee Lodge or Four Seasons Arusha (subject to preference).(B)
Your journey continues into the heart of Tarangire National Park, a haven for wildlife and one of Tanzania’s most underrated treasures. Known as “The Land of Giants,” Tarangire is famed for its massive baobab trees and large elephant herds that roam freely across the sunbaked savannah. The park’s unique landscape, dotted with acacia woodlands and seasonal swamps, offers a dramatic backdrop for game viewing.
Over the next two days, you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives in search of lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and an impressive array of birdlife. The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, attracts countless animals, especially during the dry season, creating spectacular wildlife sightings. Sunset over the baobabs paints the perfect ending to your safari days, while your lodge offers comfort and tranquility under the African stars.
Activities:
Optional Balloon Safaris
Overnight: Intimate Places & Tented Camps - Tarangire (similar) (B,L,D)
Next, journey to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the Eden of Africa for its extraordinary beauty and dense concentration of wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, formed over two million years ago.
With its steep crater walls and lush floor, the Ngorongoro Crater creates a natural enclosure for an abundance of animals, making it one of the most unique safari experiences on the continent.
Over the course of two days, descend into the crater for full-day game drives across open grasslands, freshwater lakes, and acacia forests.
Keep an eye out for the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra. The scenery is as spectacular as the wildlife, offering postcard-perfect views at every turn.
In the evening, return to your lodge on the crater rim, where cool highland breezes and panoramic vistas complete this magical chapter of your safari.
Overnight: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge or similar. (B,L,D)
Begin your day with a scenic drive to the southern plains of the Serengeti, where endless open savannah stretches as far as the eye can see. From December to March, this region becomes the heart of the Great Migration’s calving season, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. Witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle dotting the landscape, many of them giving birth
on the rich grasslands—an event that also draws a high concentration of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Enroute, enjoy a short stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,”
this steep ravine has yielded fossils and ancient tools that provide key insights into early human evolution. A guided visit to the museum and gorge viewpoint offers a fascinating journey through time.
While in the area, immerse yourself in the culture of Tanzania with a visit to a traditional Maasai Boma. Experience firsthand the customs,
songs, and way of life of the Maasai people, known for their distinctive dress, beadwork, and enduring traditions. This cultural encounter adds a rich human connection to your wildlife-filled safari, creating a well-rounded and unforgettable African adventure.
Activities:
Optional Balloon Safaris:
Overnight: Intimate Places & Tented Camps or similar – South Serengeti (Camp location subject to migration patterns)(B,L,D)
Travel north through the Serengeti to reach the Serengeti’s northern corridor, a region of rolling hills and riverine forests that becomes the dramatic stage for the Great Migration’s river crossings between July and October. This is where thousands of wildebeest and zebras make the perilous journey across the crocodile-infested Mara River, a heart-pounding spectacle of survival and instinct.
Over the next two days, embark on game drives along the riverbanks and surrounding plains, watching for herds gathering and attempting their crossings. Predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles lie in wait, creating scenes of intense natural drama. The northern Serengeti is also less crowded than other parts of the park, offering a more exclusive and intimate safari experience.
With its rich wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the thunder of hooves echoing across the plains, Serengeti North delivers one of the most unforgettable chapters of the Great Migration. Return each evening to your luxury tented camp or lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild under star-filled skies.
Activities:
Overnight: Intimate Places & Tented Camps Seronera or similar – North Serengeti (Camp location subject to migration patterns)(B,L,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the nearest airstrip—either Kogatende or Seronera—depending on your camp location, for your scheduled flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch or access to a day room (subject to your departure schedule), before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight or Extension to Beach Holiday Zanzibar.
Optional: Shopping at Shanga or Cultural Heritage Centre.
Seasonal Note: This itinerary is tailored to follow the movement of the Great Migration. The exact locations of mobile camps in the Serengeti will be adjusted based on real-time migration updates to ensure the best wildlife encounters
Extension to Zanzibar (Optional)
After your unforgettable safari adventure, extend your journey to the paradise island of Zanzibar — where relaxation awaits. Sink your feet into the powdery white-sand beaches, bask in the warm Indian Ocean sun, and let the rhythm of the waves melt your worries away.
Zanzibar is a tropical gem known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich cultural heritage, and exotic spice farms. Explore the narrow winding streets of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and ornate doors that tell stories of centuries past.
Whether you’re looking to unwind at a luxury beach resort, snorkel in coral-rich reefs, or discover the island’s unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences — Zanzibar offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration after your safari..
Experience a fantastic balloon safari over Tanzania National Parks and enjoy a breathtaking scenery of uninterrupted
views as you embark on a magical journey. Once in a lifetime Experience!
Can be booked at the following National parks - Tarangire, Ngorongoro (NDUTU AREA), Serengeti
Costs: USD On Request (includes champagne breakfast) – Best Rates to be provided.
A tourist visa is required for entry. An e-visa can be obtained online in advance by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online with a credit card or bank transfer at http://www.immigration.go.tz.. Processing can take up to 10 days; please allow yourself sufficient time prior to travel. If the e-visa is approved, you will receive a “grant notice” via email. You must present a printed copy of the grant notice to the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in Tanzania.
All the clients must obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania.
The fee is $100 each for USA and Canadian. Rest of the National, visa fees is US $ 50.00 each.
Please check with the Tanzanian Embassy for the requirements based on your
nationality.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania. Be prepared to show your passport and explain your visa status when entering or departing Zanzibar. Additionally, travelers to Zanzibar must complete an online Public Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival. This form is available at: https://healthtravelznz.mohz.go.tz/traveller.
Effective October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory inbound travel insurance prior to their trip. This insurance must be acquired from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, even if travelers already have other travel insurance.
The government will provide a QR code to access the purchase link. The insurance is USD $44 per person and is valid for 92 days. Failure to comply may result in denied entry at immigration checkpoints. Health Information
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Tanzania or Zanzibar, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.
Additionally, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most travelers to Tanzania.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
The CDC warns that travelers to Tanzania may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn.
Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
To protect against mosquitos and other biting insects, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.
Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, ticks, or sand flies, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.
After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply.
Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes or rivers. Some freshwater bodies contain disease-causing parasites or bacteria that may be contracted through contact with infected water.
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty
of fluids.
Some safari lodges and tented camps in remote areas of Tanzania supply electricity through generators or solar power, and shut off electrical power during part of the night in order to conserve energy. If you use a CPAP machine, please be prepared to bring a battery pack (and any necessary cables) to power your equipment when electricity is not available. The battery pack can be charged during the day in preparation for night time use. Please be aware that if you do not have a battery pack, some lodges may assess a fee to run electricity Generators through the night.
The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses worldwide. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you experience diarrhea.
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling.
The electrical current in Tanzania is 220V 50Hz AC. Travelers from the United States need to use a converter.
The time zone of Tanzania is East Africa Time Zone (UTC+03:00).
Tanzania does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.Communications
Tanzania’s country code is +255.
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use. It may be more affordable to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival.
Internet is not reliable in Tanzania, but major cities often have cafes and hotels that
offer WiFi.
Open safari vehicles are available for use exclusively within the Serengeti, subject to a supplementary cost. This option is only applicable for safaris booked on a sole-use basis
Luxury safari vehicles are available for private bookings at an additional supplement cost, ensuring a personalized and exclusive safari experience.
In our hearts beats a deep love for Tanzania, a place we hold in the highest regard. Our mission is to share the warmth and friendly spirit of the Tanzanian communities with every guest who goes on this incredible journey. To achieve this, we've assembled a team of expert hosts, guides, and excursion managers who share our passion for this country. It's our dream and privilege to open its entrances to people from around the world. We eagerly anticipate the day we welcome you to Tanzania, to share the special gift that is this extraordinary land.
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