Itinerary #1: Tanzania Safari & Island Adventure: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar
This ultimate 10-day tour of Tanzania features Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the premium beach destination of Zanzibar. Multi-night stays in premium safari lodges make this trip perfect for travelers seeking an immersive yet comfortable wildlife experience, and as an added bonus, stops in tucked-away communities add an introduction to the country's culture. After a week of safari adventures, a relaxed stay on Zanzibar ensures you return home sun-kissed and rejuvenated by the Tanzanian island's charm.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Arusha, Visit the Shanga Foundation Handicrafts Project | Arusha |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Tarangire National Park |
| Day 3 | Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Visit, Transfer to Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari with Picnic Lunch | Ngorongoro |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Days 6-7 | Serengeti Safari Activities | Serengeti National Park |
| Days 8-9 | Fly to Zanzibar, Free Time & Beach Activities | Zanzibar Beach |
| Day 10 | Zanzibar Spice Tour, Fly to Kilimanjaro, Depart |
Welcome to Tanzania! Your safari adventure begins with a culturally rich day in Arusha, followed by a morning transfer to Tarangire National Park. This protected area is home to an abundance of safari animals, and thanks to the Tarangire Safari Lodge's excellent location, you'll soon be seeking them out on a game drive. Next, continue to Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll check into the lavish Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara for a two-night stay. Spend the first evening enjoying your accommodation's amenities, which will ensure you're rested up for the following day's 4WD safari.
From Ngorongoro, your trip continues to Serengeti National Park, and after dropping your bags at a luxury camp, you'll join an expert guide for a game drive. However, one game drive in Serengeti is far from enough, which is why you'll spend the following two days zipping through the savanna in a 4WD. Afterward, bid farewell to the plains and catch a flight to Zanzibar. This dreamy archipelago is your base for the last three nights, and with an open schedule and everything from beach clubs to fishing excursions on offer, before you know it, it'll be time to catch your departing flight to Kilimanjaro. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Tanzania Safari Highlights: Best of the National Parks
Hop between four national parks and the impressive Ngorongoro Crater on this fast-paced safari itinerary. Throughout, you'll embark on numerous game drives in search of elephants, hippos, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more. When you're not out admiring majestic animals, spot them from your primely located safari lodges and during scenic drives. In addition, delve into local culture through a visit to a traditional Maasai village and ponder archaeological discoveries in Olduvai Gorge.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Transfer to Mikumi National Park | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 2 | Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Mikumi National Park | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Nyerere National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari, Riverbank Picnic Lunch | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 5 | Fly to Serengeti National Park, Evening Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 6 | Dawn Game Drive, Transfer to Olduvai Gorge & Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari | Ngorongoro |
| Day 8 | Maasai Cultural Tour, Transfer to Tarangire National Park | Tarangire National Park |
| Day 9 | Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Tarangire National Park | Tarangire National Park |
| Day 10 | Fly to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
From the southern hub of Dar es Salaam, your 10-day safari begins with a private transfer to Camp Bastian Mikumi—a luxury lodge on the edge of Mikumi National Park. Take advantage of the lodge's amenities that evening, as the following day keeps you busy with memorable dawn and evening game drives. Afterward, continue to Nyerere National Park, where another fantastic game drive awaits, followed by a full-day Rufiji River boat safari. Next, catch a flight to Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania, and check into the Kati Kati Tented Camp for an overnight stay.
Your time in Serengeti is all about the remarkable animals found here, including elephants, giraffes, leopards, and lions—which you'll spot throughout game drives. Yet, there's more Tanzania to explore, so soon, you're off to Ngorongoro Crater. Split two days here between thrilling 4WD rides across expansive plains and a delightful visit to a traditional village to meet the Maasai people. Then, set your sights on Tarangire National Park, where you'll embark on a couple more game drives and laze at your lovely accommodation, the Manyara Safari Lodge, before catching a flight back to Dar es Salaam. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Wild Wonders of Southern Tanzania: Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari Adventures
Perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience amid lesser-trodden landscapes, this southern Tanzania safari hits all the marks. Discover the Big Five and rare primates in Udzungwa National Park, take a jungle cruise down the Ruaha River, and encounter crocodiles and wildebeests in Mikumi National Park. Plus, with Dar es Salaam serving as your convenient starting and ending destination, and private transfers and cozy lodges to look forward to, the only thing on your to-do list is to enjoy your spectacular surroundings.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Optional Activities | Dar es Salaam |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Morogoro, Udzungwa National Park Half-Day 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 Isimila Stone Age Site, Transfer to Ruaha | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 6 | Ruaha Morning & Evening Game Drives | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 7 | Ruaha Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Iringa | Iringa |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Mikumi National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 9 | Mikumi Dawn & Evening Game Drives | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam, enjoy a leisurely start to your adventure with a lazy afternoon basking on Coco Beach, followed by a decadent seafood dinner. Then, transfer to the Morogoro region, where a two-night stay at the comfortable Tan-Swiss Lodge awaits. From here, you'll have easy access to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and through multiple guided tours, you'll uncover its unspoiled wilderness and population of rare monkeys. Next, shift your attention to Tanzania's long history during an overnight stay in Iringa, in which you'll visit a former German fort and explore the Isimila Stone Age Site.
The next leg of your journey brings you to Ruaha River Lodge, a lovely safari camp tucked within Ruaha National Park. With two full days here, you'll find plenty of time to watch plentiful wildlife from the lodge's idyllic veranda and during numerous morning, afternoon, and night game drives. Afterward, a return to Iringa marks the beginning of your journey back east, followed by a transfer to Mikumi National Park. Here, you'll squeeze in a 4WD safari through the grasslands of the Mkata Floodplain and an additional two game drives before transferring back to Dar es Salaam. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Kenya & Tanzania Safari Adventure
This compact East African adventure is ideal for travelers seeking immersive cultural and wildlife experiences. Starting in Kenya, you'll learn about local handcrafts in Nairobi, overnight at a traditional Maasai camp, and seek out the Big Five within Masai Mara Reserve. Then, in Tanzania, pause for an activity-filled day in Lake Victoria and embark on numerous game drives within Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya), Optional Activities | Nairobi |
| Day 2 | Conservation & Culture Tour of Nairobi | Nairobi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp | Maji Moto |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Masai Mara Reserve, Afternoon Game Drive | Masai Mara |
| Day 5 | Masai Mara Game Drives, Optional Balloon Safari | Masai Mara |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Lake Victoria (Tanzania), Optional Activities | Lake Victoria |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 8 | Game Drives in Serengeti National Park | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Afternoon Game Drive | Ngorongoro |
| Day 10 | Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Nairobi, Depart |
Your African safari kicks off in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where you'll check into the Wildebeest Eco Camp and unwind. Spend the next day admiring young elephants and giraffes at sanctuaries and learning about traditional handicrafts, then transfer to Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp. Upon arrival, venture to a Maasai widow village to have a look around before joining local tribespeople for a trek to a bush campsite. Afterward, continue to Masai Mara Reserve and dedicate two days to thrilling 4WD game drives in search of the famous Big Five animals.
Midway through your adventure, it's time to bid farewell to Kenya and set your sights on the Tanzanian side of Lake Victoria. Here, you'll have the choice to tick off an activity or two of your choice—think fishing, canoeing, and biking—before continuing to Serengeti National Park. With two days in this quintessential safari destination, you'll have plenty of time to embark on game drives and relax at your tented bush camp. Then, wake early for a transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you'll spend your final days seeking out all sorts of iconic East African wildlife. Learn more
Itinerary #5: Ultimate Tanzania Wildlife & Uganda Gorilla Safari
Immerse yourself in the pristine habitats of elephants, lions, mountain gorillas, and more on this wildlife-focused tour of Tanzania and Uganda. Perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a fast-paced and diverse trip, you'll hop between four national parks, two welcoming cities, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Notable highlights include a trek through the dense bamboo forest, an optional hot-air balloon ride over Serengeti National Park, and stays in safari lodges hand-picked for their scenic locations.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Arusha (Tanzania), Visit the Shanga Foundation | Arusha |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Game Drive | Tarangire National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 4 | Serengeti Game Drives, Optional Balloon Safari | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Ngorongoro |
| Day 6 | Fly to Entebbe (Uganda), Afternoon at Leisure | Entebbe |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Kibale National Park, Free Afternoon | Kibale National Park |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 9 | Full-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Entebbe, Depart |
After arriving in Arusha and taking a day to learn about local culture and handicrafts at the Shanga Foundation, you'll meet your driver and hit the road to Tarangire National Park. An overnight here introduces you to Tanzania's remarkable bird and animal life, yet there are plenty more adventures ahead, so early the following morning you'll continue to Serengeti National Park. Check into the lovely Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp and spend the following two days embarking on game drives and lazing on your camp's veranda before charting a course for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
During your time in Ngorongoro, choose between a hike to the crater rim or a visit to the vast Olduvai Gorge, then pack your bags in anticipation of a flight to Uganda. Your first destination here is Entebbe, located on the north end of Lake Victoria, where you'll pause for a self-guided tour before continuing to Kibale National Park. This tropical region is home to all sorts of monkeys and chimpanzees, which you'll spot from the luxury Turaco Tree Tops Lodge. Lastly, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spend your final full day trekking in search of rare mountain gorillas. 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.
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