12 Days Great Migration to Victoria Falls Safari
Witness Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacle and End at the World’s Largest Waterfall
There are few travel experiences that compare to witnessing the Great Migration across the plains of the Serengeti and ending your journey at the breathtaking Victoria Falls. This 12-day safari combines two of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders into one unforgettable adventure. From tracking millions of wildebeest and zebras across Tanzania’s legendary national parks to standing before the thunderous curtain of water known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), this itinerary offers the perfect balance of wildlife, landscapes, culture, and relaxation.
Designed for travelers seeking a premium East African safari followed by one of Southern Africa’s greatest highlights, this journey begins in Tanzania and concludes in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (or Zambia), creating a seamless combination of world-famous destinations.
Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, planning a family holiday, or fulfilling a lifelong safari dream, this itinerary promises remarkable wildlife encounters, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable memories.
Safari Highlights
- Experience the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
- Explore the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
- Discover the giant elephant herds of Tarangire National Park.
- Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
- Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.
- Luxury safari lodges and tented camps.
- Daily game drives with experienced professional guides.
Best Time for This Safari
The itinerary can be adapted throughout the year depending on where the Great Migration is located.
December – March
Experience the calving season in Southern Serengeti and Ndutu.
April – June
Watch the migration move through Central and Western Serengeti.
July – October
Witness dramatic river crossings in Northern Serengeti.
November
See the herds returning south through Central Serengeti.
Detailed 12-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival, your safari guide welcomes you and transfers you to your lodge in Arusha. Spend the afternoon relaxing after your international flight while enjoying views of Mount Meru. A safari briefing prepares you for the exciting adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Arusha
Day 2 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for enormous baobab trees and one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
Game drives reveal elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. During the dry season, the Tarangire River attracts thousands of animals.
After a full afternoon safari, continue to your lodge near the park.
Accommodation: Karatu or Tarangire Area
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater
Depart early for one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
Descending over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll spend the day exploring its rich wildlife ecosystem. The crater offers one of the best opportunities to spot the endangered black rhinoceros while also hosting lions, elephants, hippos, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and flamingos.
Following an incredible day, continue toward the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Serengeti National Park
Days 4–6 – Great Migration Safari in Serengeti National Park
Spend three unforgettable days following the Great Migration.
Depending on the season, your guide will position you in the best region of Serengeti for wildlife viewing.
You may witness:
- Thousands of wildebeest stretching to the horizon.
- Dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- Lions hunting migration herds.
- Cheetahs chasing gazelles.
- Leopards resting in acacia trees.
- Massive crocodiles during river crossings.
- Elephant families and large buffalo herds.
Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing opportunities while allowing time to relax at camp during the hottest hours.
As darkness falls, enjoy dinner beneath Africa’s star-filled skies while listening to the sounds of the wilderness.
Accommodation: Luxury tented safari camp
Day 7 – Morning Safari and Flight to Arusha
Enjoy one final sunrise game drive before flying back to Arusha.
After arriving, relax at your lodge or explore local markets depending on flight schedules.
This provides a comfortable transition before your journey to Southern Africa.
Accommodation: Arusha
Day 8 – Fly to Victoria Falls
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing beside the pool or exploring the charming town.
As evening approaches, enjoy a memorable sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species are frequently seen.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls
Day 9 – Guided Tour of Victoria Falls
After breakfast, enjoy a professionally guided walking tour of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The immense waterfall stretches nearly two kilometers across and plunges over 100 meters into the gorge below.
Rainbows frequently form above the mist while countless viewing points offer spectacular photography opportunities.
Optional activities include:
- Helicopter flight (“Flight of Angels”)
- Microlight flight
- Bungee jumping
- Gorge swing
- Zip lining
Spend the afternoon exploring local craft markets or relaxing at your hotel.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls
Day 10 – Chobe National Park Day Trip (Optional)
Today offers an optional full-day excursion into neighboring Botswana.
Chobe National Park is renowned for its enormous elephant population, river cruises, and outstanding wildlife viewing.
Morning game drives and afternoon boat safaris provide excellent chances to observe elephants swimming across the Chobe River alongside lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and countless bird species.
Return to Victoria Falls in the evening.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls
Day 11 – Leisure Day in Victoria Falls
Enjoy a relaxed day at your own pace.
Popular activities include visiting local cafés, exploring museums, shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, enjoying spa treatments, or participating in optional adventure activities.
Many travelers choose another sunset cruise or helicopter flight to experience Victoria Falls from a different perspective.
A farewell dinner marks the final evening of your African adventure.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls
Day 12 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward flight.
Your safari concludes with unforgettable memories of witnessing two of Africa’s greatest natural wonders—the Great Migration and the majestic Victoria Falls.
Wildlife You May Encounter
During this safari, you may see:
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Black Rhinoceros
- Hippopotamus
- Nile Crocodile
- Giraffe
- Hyena
- Jackal
- Warthog
- Hundreds of bird species
Accommodation Options
This itinerary can be customized to suit every travel style.
Mid-range
Comfortable lodges and tented camps with private facilities.
Luxury
Elegant safari lodges featuring gourmet dining, exceptional service, and prime wildlife locations.
Ultra-Luxury
Exclusive safari camps with personalized service, premium game-viewing experiences, and luxury accommodations overlooking the Serengeti and the Zambezi River.
What’s Included
- Airport transfers
- Private safari vehicle with professional guide
- Park entrance fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fees
- Domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha
- Flight from Tanzania to Victoria Falls (if booked as part of the package)
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Zambezi River sunset cruise
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Why Combine the Great Migration with Victoria Falls?
This itinerary offers two bucket-list destinations in one seamless holiday. The Serengeti delivers one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles, while Victoria Falls provides dramatic scenery, adventure, and relaxation along the mighty Zambezi River. The combination creates an ideal balance of thrilling safari experiences and scenic exploration, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding multi-country journeys.
Whether you are witnessing a river crossing in the Serengeti or feeling the mist rising from Victoria Falls, every day brings a new and unforgettable chapter to your African adventure.