What You Need to Know: The 12-day Great Migration honeymoon costs from US$6,325 per person at mid-range level for the calving version (January to March) and US$6,685 for the river-crossing version (July to October), for two travelers; at luxury level, from US$10,710 and US$11,650. Both include airport transfers, a night in Arusha, a private safari with your own Mweka-trained driver-guide, three nights with the herds, all park fees, the crater fee, the flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and the beach nights in north Zanzibar.
Who Is the Great Migration Honeymoon For?
It is for couples who want the most dramatic wildlife Tanzania has, and can set their wedding trip by the season. The herds move all year, so the route changes with your month: around Ndutu on the southern plains from January to March, when hundreds of thousands of calves are born, or in the northern Serengeti from July to October, when the herds cross the Mara River. Either way you spend three nights close to them, then fly from the Serengeti straight to Zanzibar instead of driving back to Arusha.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| You can travel from January to March or July to October | Your dates are in April to June or November: the 10-day honeymoon safari and Zanzibar |
| The migration herds are your dream | You have a week: the 7-day honeymoon safari and Zanzibar |
| You'd like a long beach stay after the safari | You want the most exclusive lodges: the 14-day luxury honeymoon |
Calving or River Crossings: Which Migration Honeymoon?
The two versions share the first four days; then they go to where the herds are in your month:
| Calving version | River-crossing version | |
|---|---|---|
| Months | January to March (peak in February) | July to October (usually busiest in August and September) |
| Where the herds are | Short-grass plains around Ndutu | Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River |
| What you see | Newborn calves, and lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunting | Herds plunging into the river, crocodiles waiting |
| Nights with the herds | 3 at Ndutu | 1 in the central Serengeti, 3 near the Mara River |
| Beach nights | 5 | 4 |
| Mid-range, per person | US$6,325 | US$6,685 |
| Luxury, per person | US$10,710 | US$11,650 |
Crossings and births are never guaranteed, which is why both versions give you three nights with the herds. See the Great Migration by month.
12-Day Great Migration Honeymoon Itinerary, Day by Day
Days 1 to 4 are the same in both versions; the herds decide the rest. Day by day:
-
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro, a night in Arusha
Airport pickup and the drive to a garden lodge in Arusha.
Airport pickupArushaDinner, depending on your arrival -
Day 2: Tarangire
About two hours to Tarangire for elephants, baobabs and the river herds, with the night at a tented lodge.
ElephantsTarangireBreakfast, lunch box, dinner -
Day 3: Up to the crater rim
A morning in Tarangire, then up to your lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim for sunset.
Crater viewTarangire, crater rimBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater, then toward the herds
The crater floor at first light, then west: in the calving version down to Ndutu, about two hours, for an evening with the herds; in the crossing version across the Serengeti to the central plains for the night.
Crater game driveNgorongoro, Ndutu or SerengetiBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Calving: Ndutu. Crossings: north to the Mara River
Calving version: a full day with the herds on the short grass, out at dawn when most calves are born. Crossing version: a full game-drive day north through the Lobo hills to your camp near the Mara River.
MigrationNdutu or northern SerengetiBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner -
Day 6: With the herds
A full day following the herds and the predators around them, with a picnic so you can stay as long as you like.
MigrationNdutu or Mara RiverBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner -
Day 7: Calving: fly to Zanzibar. Crossings: a last day at the river
Calving version: a last morning drive, then a scheduled flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and the transfer to your beach hotel. Crossing version: another day at the river, waiting with the herds for a crossing.
Flight or riverNdutu, Zanzibar or Mara RiverBreakfast, lunch; dinner on the river day -
Day 8: Crossings: fly to Zanzibar. Calving: beach day
Crossing version: the flight from the northern Serengeti to Zanzibar and the transfer to your hotel. Calving version: your first full day on the beach.
Flight or beachZanzibarBreakfast -
Day 9: Beach days in north Zanzibar
Days 9 to 11 are yours: the beach, the pool, a sunset dhow cruise (US$105 per person) or a Stone Town afternoon, which we can book.
BeachNorth ZanzibarBreakfast -
Day 10: Beach day
Another slow day by the sea; the sunsets on the north coast are over the water.
BeachNorth ZanzibarBreakfast -
Day 11: Beach day
A last full day on the island.
BeachNorth ZanzibarBreakfast -
Day 12: Departure from Zanzibar
The transfer to Zanzibar's airport for your flight home.
TransferZanzibarBreakfast
Where You Stay on the Great Migration Honeymoon
Night by night at each level; the seasonal camps near the herds fill first, so we confirm them as soon as you book:
| Nights | Area | Mid-range (or similar) | Luxury (or similar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha | Forest Hill Lodge, Samora River Lodge, The Safari House | Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Gran Meliá Arusha |
| 1 | Tarangire | Burunge Tented Lodge, Baobab Tented Camp, Tarangire Katikati Camp | Elephant Springs by Karibu Camps, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge |
| 1 | Ngorongoro Crater rim | Ang'ata Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Safari Lodge | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Lion's Paw |
| 3 (calving) | Ndutu | Ndutu Wildland Camp, Ang'ata Camp Ndutu | Malaika Ndutu Luxury Camp, Masek Tented Lodge |
| 1 (crossings) | Central Serengeti | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Manya Luxury Camp, Mawe Tented Camp | Four Seasons Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Nyota Luxury Tented Camp |
| 3 (crossings) | Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River | Olmorijo Camp, Nyikani Migration Camp | Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp, Serengeti Ark Safari Lodge |
| 5 (calving) or 4 (crossings) | Kendwa or Nungwi, north Zanzibar | Kendwa Rocks, Nungwi Turaco Resort | Gold Zanzibar Resort |
Before you arrive, each lodge on the migration route is told you are on honeymoon, and many mark it with something, from a decorated tent to a special dinner, as they see fit.
How Much Does the Great Migration Honeymoon Cost?
Per person and for the two of you, for each version:
Calving version, January to March
Three nights at Ndutu and five on the beach:
| Level | Per person (2 travelers) | For the two of you | Per person, two couples together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range lodges and hotels | US$6,325 | US$12,650 | US$5,855 |
| Luxury lodges and hotels | US$10,710 | US$21,420 | US$10,235 |
River-crossing version, July to October
Four nights in the Serengeti, three of them near the Mara River, and four on the beach:
| Level | Per person (2 travelers) | For the two of you | Per person, two couples together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range lodges and hotels | US$6,685 | US$13,370 | US$6,155 |
| Luxury lodges and hotels | US$11,650 | US$23,300 | US$11,115 |
Park fees on the 12-Day Great Migration Honeymoon
Every park fee is in the price (Ndutu lies in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area); the 2026 rates for reference:
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Concession fee (nights inside the parks and on the crater rim) | Per person per night, by season |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 12-Day Great Migration Honeymoon Includes
Your honeymoon price covers:
- Airport pickup at Kilimanjaro and drop-off at Zanzibar airport, and the transfer to your beach hotel
- A night in Arusha, five or six safari nights and four or five beach nights, with meals as listed
- A private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, charging points and a fridge, and your own Mweka-trained driver-guide
- All park, conservation and concession fees, and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- The scheduled flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Drinking water on safari
Not included in the 12-Day Great Migration Honeymoon price
Not in the price:
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks, except where a lodge includes them, and personal items
- Optional extras such as a sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti with a bush breakfast (US$490 per person), a private bush dinner (priced by the lodge) or a sunset dhow cruise (US$105 per person)
Small planes allow about 15 kg of luggage each in a soft bag; we can keep the rest for you in Arusha.
How to Book the Great Migration Honeymoon
Send your wedding date, travel month and lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com; for February and August, book as early as you can. You get a written itinerary and price naming each place you sleep. Paying a 30% deposit secures the trip; the remainder is due on arrival, through Pesapal (card or mobile money) or a bank transfer in US dollars, and our booking terms set out what happens if you cancel.
Common Questions About the Great Migration Honeymoon
Short answers to the questions our guests ask us most often:
When is the best time for a Great Migration honeymoon?
January to March for the calving at Ndutu, with the peak usually in February, or July to October for the Mara River crossings, usually busiest in August and September.
How much is a 12-day migration honeymoon?
From US$6,325 per person at mid-range level for the calving version and US$6,685 for the crossing version, for two travelers; luxury from US$10,710.
Is a river crossing guaranteed?
No. The herds can wait for hours and turn back, which is why the trip gives you three nights near the river.
Why fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
It saves a long drive back to Arusha and gets you to the beach by the afternoon.
Is Zanzibar good in February and August?
Yes: both fall in Zanzibar's dry seasons. See the best time for a Tanzania honeymoon.
Should You Book the 12-Day Great Migration Honeymoon?
Book it if the migration is your dream and you can travel from January to March or from July to October: three nights with the herds, the crater, Tarangire and a long beach stay, from US$6,325 per person. Outside those months, the 10-day honeymoon safari and Zanzibar is the better fit.
See all our Tanzania honeymoon safaris.