10 Days in East Africa - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Relaxed Tanzania & Kenya Adventure: Culture, Wildlife & Beaches

Animal lovers and sunseekers will enjoy the varied activities and relaxed pace of this Tanzania and Kenya itinerary. In Tanzania, you'll trek Mount Meru, stay at a luxury safari camp in Ngorongoro, search for the Big Five on a sunrise game drive, and visit wildcats at the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary. Then, spend the second half of your trip in Kenya, meeting the endangered residents of Nairobi's Giraffe Centre, lounging at the beach on Lamu Island, cooking Swahili food in a culinary workshop, and snorkeling at Manda Toto.

Kick off your adventure in Arusha, Tanzania, with a hike up Mount Meru for your first chance to see monkeys, giraffes, and other wildlife. Next, you'll journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you'll trek up the dormant volcano crater and overnight at a luxury safari camp. In the morning, set out to encounter the Big Five on a sunrise game drive, then head to a traditional Maasai village to watch warriors train and try your hand at traditional crafts. You'll then return to Arusha and learn about African wildlife conservation at the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary before enjoying dinner with a view of Lake Duluti.

Your driver will transfer you to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi next, where you'll spend time with endangered Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. The following morning, you'll fly to the UNESCO-listed island of Lamu and enjoy a free day to do as you please, perhaps lounging on the beach or indulging in a spa treatment. Then, get acquainted with local flavors in a Swahili cooking class before hitting the bougainvillea-lined streets of the Old Town on a walking tour. Lastly, you'll spend a day snorkeling around Manda Toto, keeping an eye out for turtles, angelfish, and more before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Tanzanian Wildlife & Kenyan Coast: Arusha, Ngorongoro, Nairobi & Mombasa

You'll find a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities on this faster-paced Kenya and Tanzania trip. Perfect for first-time visitors, you'll start with a classic safari adventure in Tanzania before hopping over to Kenya for cultural and coastal fun on the Indian Ocean in Mombasa. Highlights include a handicrafts workshop in Arusha, a hot-air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a visit to a traditional Maasai village, a Swahili cooking class in Mombasa, and snorkeling along the Kenyan coast.

On arrival in Arusha, you'll visit the Shanga & Shanga Foundation to observe artisans at work, try glass blowing or textile weaving in an interactive workshop, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. In the morning, your driver will take you to The Highlands safari camp on the slopes of Olmoti Crater. Here, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the Ngorongoro volcanic caldera and spot herds of elephants and buffalo while soaring above the conservation area in a hot-air balloon ride. You'll also embark on a full-day game drive and have a chance to interact with residents of a traditional Maasai village. 

The second half of your trip takes you to Kenya, starting with Nairobi National Park, where you'll search for lions, zebras, and more. From there, you'll fly to Mombasa, known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters—the perfect setting for a glass-bottom boat tour. Back on dry land, you'll stroll Old Town with a local guide, stopping to sample regional favorites like lentil fritters or viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes) in the Mombasa Market. Cap off your trip with a snorkeling excursion along the coast, followed by a dinner of fresh seafood and Swahili curries before returning to Arusha via Nairobi. Learn more

Itinerary #3: East Africa Wildlife & Culture Tour: Tanzania & Uganda

With a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, and the chance to see flamingoes and the Big Five on a game drive across the Ngorongoro Crater, this intrepid Tanzania and Uganda tour is well-suited to nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Add a splash of arts and culture with a Maasai village experience, a painting class and tour of Entebbe's art galleries, and some souvenir shopping and street food tastings in the local markets.

Kick off your trip stretching your legs and taking a dip in natural pools on a hike to Arusha Waterfall. If you have the energy, you can follow this with a canoe paddle on Lake Duluti. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you'll share a meal with Maasai villagers and join a nature walk to get acquainted with the flora and fauna. No stay in Ngorongoro is complete without a game drive—this is your opportunity to spot lions, flamingoes, and more and then picnic on the crater floor. On your return to Arusha, you'll learn about the country's unique gemstones at the Tanzanite Experience museum.

Next, fly to Uganda, where you'll land in Entebbe and sample rolex (chapati roll filled with eggs, tomatoes, and onions) and other street food while touring Kampala on a boda-boda (bicycle or motorcycle taxi). From there, your driver will transfer you to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for a trek in search of gorillas, followed by dinner around the campfire. Before returning to Arusha, you'll have one more day in Entebbe to tour the art galleries and create a keepsake in a painting class. Finally, you'll shop for jewelry and textiles in Arusha's Maasai Market before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Uganda & Rwanda: Culture, Wildlife & Nature

Go a little farther off the beaten path with this Uganda and Rwanda adventure, which is another excellent option for outdoorsy travelers keen on pairing wildlife encounters with cultural experiences. In Uganda, you'll take a walk in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see white rhinos, make street food with a vendor in Kampala, and trek to the top of Murchison Falls. Then, in Rwanda, you'll go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and meet an artisan in Kigali who'll take you on a tour of the city's street art. 

Your driver will greet you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to Uganda's capital, Kampala. After freshening up at your hotel, you'll head out on a city tour with stops that include the Uganda Museum, where you'll browse the artifacts, and Nakasero Market, where a street vendor will teach you how to make kabalagala (crispy banana pancakes). In the morning, your driver will whisk you to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to see rare white rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where you'll cool off in the swimming pool at your luxury lodge, then embark on an evening game drive.

A sunrise game drive provides the possibility to observe the morning activities of elephants and other Big Five animals. After lunch, you'll cruise to Murchison Falls for a hike—keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles along the river. Before leaving Uganda, you'll spend a day engaging in music and dance with the community at the Entanda Initiative. Then, catch a flight to Rwanda for a boat ride on Lake Burera, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and a street art tour in Kigali. Return to Entebbe for one last wildlife experience: a Mabamba Swamp cruise to search for the shoebill stork. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Tanzania Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Tanzania? Check out these other 10-day Tanzania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.