Itinerary #1: Tanzania Safari Highlights: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti
Featuring three impressive conservation areas and numerous game drives, this classic highlights safari is perfect for first-time travelers seeking a thorough introduction to Tanzania's wildlife. Throughout, you'll have the chance to spot elephants, black rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and more incredible safari animals. Plus, with a cultural experience in Arusha, a hike around Ngorongoro Crater, and a hot-air balloon ride all on the itinerary, you'll leave feeling well-introduced to northern Tanzania's people and landscapes.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Arusha, Shanga Foundation Community Handicrafts Project | Arusha |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Tarangire National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Safari & Wildlife Activities | Ngorongoro |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari with Picnic Lunch | Ngorongoro |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 6 | Dawn Balloon Safari, Evening Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Arusha, Depart |
Your Tanzania safari begins in Arusha, and besides being an excellent hub for exploring northern Tanzania, it's also the perfect place to delve into the country's handicraft culture. Next, transfer to Tarangire National Park, where, after a quick refresh at the stunning Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara, you'll embark on your first game drive. Continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area afterward and check into the lavish Karatu Tented Lodge. With two nights based here, you'll have plenty of time to conquer a hike around Ngorongoro Crater and spot elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and more on a full-day safari.
The next leg of your journey brings you to Serengeti National Park, and thanks to your accommodation's prime location within the park's sprawling savanna, you'll soon be heading out on a game drive. Be sure to enjoy a rejuvenating night at Kati Kati Tented Camp though, as the following morning begins with an incredible hot-air balloon ride over the plains. Relax at your lodge that afternoon, which ensures you're well-rested for an evening game drive in search of black rhinos and leopards. Then, wake early to enjoy your final moments in the park before returning to Arusha for your connecting flight. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Tanzania Safari: Morogoro, Iringa & Ruaha
Leave the trodden path and experience the pristine beauty of Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park on this journey through Tanzania's more remote wildlife hotspots. Between numerous game drives and guided hikes, you'll have the chance to spot rare primates, lions, African wild dogs, cheeky monkeys, and more. Additionally, having Dar es Salaam as the starting and ending makes the safari a perfect add-on to any African trip.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Free Afternoon to Relax & Explore | Dar es Salaam |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Morogoro, Half-Day Udzungwa Mountains National Park Tour | Morogoro |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Guided Udzungwa Nature & Waterfall Hike | Morogoro |
| Day 4 | Half-Day Udzungwa Rare Primate Safari & Hike, Transfer to Iringa | Iringa |
| Day 5 | Iringa Culture Tour, Visit Ismila Stone Age Site, Transfer to Ruaha | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 6 | Ruaha Dawn Game Drive, Fly to Dar es Salaam | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 7 | Self-Guided City Tour of Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, celebrate the start of your weeklong safari with a decadent seafood dinner. Then, fueled up and ready for the wilderness, transfer inland to the lesser-visited Morogoro region for a two-night stay. Your base here is the welcoming Camp Bastian Mikumi, and thanks to its excellent location, you'll soon be swept up by a guide for a memorable driving tour of nearby Udzungwa Mountains National Park. You'll also return to the park two additional times, the first to trek to Sanje Falls and the second to hike in search of colobus monkeys and mangabeys.
Next, transfer to Iringa, where you'll have the evening free to wander the town independently. Spend the following morning delving into ancient history at the Isimila Stone Age Site, which makes your two-hour transfer to Ruaha National Park a welcome break. More relaxation is in store on your arrival, since your accommodation, Ruaha River Lodge, has an excellent veranda to spot safari animals. Yet, nothing beats seeing these incredible animals from a 4WD vehicle, so before wrapping up your trip, dedicate your final morning to zipping around the savanna in search of the Big Five. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi & Nyerere National Parks
This relaxed exploration of southern Tanzania focuses primarily on time in the wilderness, making it a perfect fit for wildlife-loving travelers. After spending a day in Dar es Salaam, the rest of the adventure is dedicated to spotting lions, elephants, hippos, crocs, and more in Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks. In addition, nights spent tucked in luxury safari lodges ensure that even when you're not out and about, it's easy to watch wildlife while enjoying fine amenities.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Relax & Explore the City | Dar es Salaam |
| Day 2 | Self-Guided Tour of Dar es Salaam, Transfer to Mikumi National Park | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 3 | Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives, Mikumi National Park | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Nyerere National Park, Afternoon at Leisure | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari, Riverbank Picnic Lunch | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 6 | Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Nyerere National Park | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Your weeklong safari begins in the buzzing city of Dar es Salaam, where you'll quickly shrug off jet lag while roaming the city and lazing on Coco Beach. Then, settle in for a scenic transfer to Mikumi National Park, and upon arrival at Camp Bastian Mikumi, take the evening to enjoy the safari lodge's inviting amenities. This ensures you're well-rested for the following day’s doday'sgame drive—one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon. Throughout these, you’ll have the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and more.
Your next destination is Nyerere National Park, and while the drive there takes five hours, you'll find your luxurious accommodation, Selous River Camp, the perfect spot to unwind on arrival. In addition, on your doorstep awaits Rufiji River, and you'll spend the following day cruising along it in search of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Then, with one more full day in Nyerere National Park, you'll have plenty of time to seek out land-based animals on morning and afternoon game drives. Afterward, a charter flight back to Dar es Salaam wraps up your adventure. Learn more
More Great 1-Week Tanzania Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Tanzania? Check out these other one-week Tanzania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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