Tanzania, with its vast savannas, dramatic landscapes, and rich wildlife, offers one of the most quintessential safari experiences in Africa.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are some sample itineraries to help you plan the perfect classical safari in Tanzania.
For a shorter yet impactful adventure, the 5-day itinerary covers the highlights of the Northern Circuit, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
This option is perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of Tanzania.
The 7-day itinerary allows for a more in-depth exploration, adding a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, bird watching, and lush, green landscape.
You’ll also have more time to enjoy multiple game drives in the Serengeti, increasing your chances of witnessing the Great Migration and other remarkable wildlife encounters.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the Tanzanian safari experience, the 10-day itinerary includes all the destinations of the shorter trips, plus a cultural excursion to Lake Eyasi.
Here, you can spend time with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, learning about their traditional lifestyles and ancient customs.
This extended journey also provides additional days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offering a leisurely pace to soak in the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of these iconic parks.
No matter the duration of your trip, each itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and culture, ensuring a memorable and enriching safari experience.
5-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Tarangire National Park
Morning: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2 hours).
Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Look for other wildlife such as lions, leopards, giraffes, and various bird species. Check in your hotel and rest. Go out for a late afternoon safari to see the animals at dusk.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a lodge or tented camp within or near Tarangire National Park.
Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning: After an early breakfast, participate in a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park.
Afternoon: Transit to Ngorongoro Crater while watching the beautiful scenery of the Rift Valley. Take time to stop at a tribal village if you are interested.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a lodge or tented camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 3: Early Morning in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
Morning: Early morning game drive in the Serengeti, then depart for Ngorongoro Crater with a packed lunch. Descend into the crater for a game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a chance to see black rhinos.
Afternoon: Ascend the crater walls and make your way to the Serengeti. Game drive on your way to your camp.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, with a picnic lunch in the bush.
Day 5: Fly from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha
Morning: Depending on your departure time, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or continue your journey in Tanzania or to Zanzibar.
7-Day Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for rest and acclimatization.
Optional visit to Arusha National Park if time permits.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Early morning departure to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2-hour drive).
Enjoy a full day game drive in the park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp within the park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Morning game drive in Tarangire.
Depart for Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp near the park.
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 4-5 hours).
Afternoon game drive en route to your accommodation.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp in the central Serengeti.
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Full day game drive in the Serengeti, exploring the vast plains and searching for the Big Five.
Optional hot air balloon safari at dawn for a unique perspective (additional cost).
Overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning game drive in Serengeti.
Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for an afternoon game drive (approx. 3-4 hours).
Explore the crater floor, home to a dense population of wildlife including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Overnight at a lodge on the crater rim.
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha and Departure
Morning visit to a Maasai village or a guided nature walk in the highlands.
Drive back to Arusha (approx. 3-4 hours).
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
10-Day Comprehensive Northern Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for rest and acclimatization.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Early morning departure to Tarangire National Park.
Full day game drive, focusing on elephant herds, baobab trees, and predators.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp within the park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Eyasi
Morning game drive in Tarangire.
Transfer to Lake Eyasi with a beautiful drive through the Rift Valley.
Explore the region around Lake Eyasi.
Visit the Datoga tribe to learn about tribal customs and blacksmithing.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp near the lake.
Day 4: Lake Eyasi to Ngorongoro Highlands
Visit the Hdzabe bushmen for a morning hunt to learn about this tribe.
Continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands for an overnight stay at a lodge or farm house.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive.
Picnic lunch on the crater floor.
Overnight at a lodge on the crater rim.
Day 6: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
Drive to the Serengeti National Park, entering via Naabi Hill Gate.
Game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
Overnight in central Serengeti.
Day 7: Central Serengeti
Full day game drive exploring the central Serengeti.
Overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
Day 8: Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Morning game drive in central Serengeti.
Transfer to the northern Serengeti, known for the Mara River and potential wildebeest crossings (seasonal).
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp in the northern Serengeti.
Day 9: Northern Serengeti
Full day game drive focusing on the Great Migration (seasonal) and other wildlife.
Hot air balloon ride to capture unbelievable views of the Great Migration from above (optional).
Overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
Day 10: Serengeti to Arusha and Departure
Morning game drive in northern Serengeti.
Fly from Serengeti to Arusha (optional, additional cost) or drive back (approx. 6-7 hours).
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Conclusion
Tanzania offers an unforgettable safari experience, rich in wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.
Each itinerary—whether a concise 5-day trip, a detailed 7-day adventure, or an immersive 10-day journey—provides a unique glimpse into the diverse and vibrant ecosystems of Northern Tanzania.
By incorporating a visit to Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
From the iconic landscapes of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the hidden gems of Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi, Tanzania promises an adventure that is both enriching and exhilarating.
Pack your bags and prepare for a journey that will leave you with lasting memories of breathtaking wildlife, awe-inspiring scenery, and fascinating cultural encounters!
Comments