In our final installment of the Wazimba Travel Tanzania series, we’re bringing everything together to help you create the trip that’s right for you. After exploring Tanzania’s wildlife, cultures, hidden gems, and practical considerations, you probably have a good sense of what draws you most to this remarkable country. Now comes the fun part—putting it all together into an adventure that fits your time, interests, and travel style.
As seasoned Tanzania specialists, we understand that planning the perfect East African adventure can feel overwhelming given the country’s incredible diversity. These sample itineraries serve as inspiration, though remember that every Wazimba Travel journey is fully customizable to match your specific preferences, pace, and priorities.
7-Day Tanzania Highlights: The Essential Experience
This carefully paced week delivers Tanzania’s quintessential experiences for time-conscious travelers, combining classic safari with coastal relaxation.
Day 1: Welcome to Arusha Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport with Wazimba’s VIP meet and greet service Transfer to your lodge in the lush coffee highlands outside Arusha Afternoon at leisure to recover from international travel and adjust to East African time Evening cultural orientation and welcome dinner featuring traditional Tanzanian cuisine Overnight at a boutique mountain lodge
Wazimba Travel Tip: After a long international flight, we purposely keep your first day relaxed. The highland location provides cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views while you acclimate.
Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti By Air: Morning flight to the Serengeti (approximately 1 hour) By Road: Early departure for scenic drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro highlands (approximately 6 hours with stops) Welcome by your dedicated Wazimba guide Game drive en route to your tented camp, with wildlife viewing beginning immediately Afternoon game drive in the vast plains, focusing on resident wildlife and migration patterns Sundowner drinks with endless savannah views Dinner and overnight at a classic tented camp
Wazimba Travel Tip: Flying maximizes safari time, while the road journey offers spectacular highland scenery and cultural encounters en route. Our 4WD vehicles are comfortable for longer drives, with frequent stops at viewpoints and local markets.
Days 3-4: Serengeti Immersion Two full days of extraordinary wildlife experiences with your expert guide Flexible schedule allowing for dawn, mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost but unforgettable) Bush picnic lunch in a scenic location, listening for the sounds of the wilderness Evening presentations about Serengeti ecosystems and conservation efforts Dinners under star-filled skies and overnight at your tented camp
Wazimba Travel Tip: We adjust your Serengeti experience based on the season—positioning for Great Migration river crossings from July-October, or focusing on predator interactions during calving season from January-March.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Final morning game drive with bush breakfast By Air: Charter flight to Ngorongoro airstrip (approximately 30 minutes) followed by scenic drive to crater rim By Road: Scenic drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 2 hours) through changing landscapes Afternoon descent into Ngorongoro Crater for your first glimpse of this natural wonder Game drive on the crater floor, searching for the Big Five in this remarkable caldera Ascent to crater rim lodge as the sun sets over the highlands Dinner and overnight at a crater rim lodge
Wazimba Travel Tip: The road route between Serengeti and Ngorongoro passes through traditional Maasai villages and offers stunning highland vistas. Either option allows time for a comprehensive crater floor experience.
Day 6: Ngorongoro to Zanzibar By Air: Early morning flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (approximately 1.5 hours) after road transfer from crater rim By Road and Ferry: Scenic drive to Dar es Salaam (approximately 6 hours) followed by ferry to Zanzibar (2 hours) Arrival at Stone Town and transfer to your beachfront resort Afternoon spice tour through traditional plantations Evening at leisure on pristine white sand beaches Dinner and overnight at a boutique beach resort
Wazimba Travel Tip: The flight option maximizes beach time, while the road-ferry combination offers authentic Tanzanian travel experiences and stunning coastal views. Our vehicles are equipped for comfortable long-distance travel.
Day 7: Zanzibar and Departure Morning exploration of Stone Town’s UNESCO World Heritage sites Traditional dhow sailing excursion with seafood lunch Afternoon relaxation on the beach or optional snorkeling excursion Transfer to Zanzibar airport for your departure flight
7-Day Northern Circuit by Road: The Scenic Route
For travelers who prefer the journey as much as the destination, this road-based itinerary showcases Tanzania’s changing landscapes while maintaining excellent wildlife experiences.
Day 1: Welcome to Arusha Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport with Wazimba’s VIP meet and greet service Transfer to your lodge in the lush coffee highlands outside Arusha Afternoon visit to local coffee plantation with traditional roasting demonstration Evening cultural orientation and welcome dinner Overnight at a boutique mountain lodge
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire Morning departure for Tarangire National Park (approximately 2 hours) Game drive en route to your lodge, famous for massive elephant herds Afternoon game drive focusing on ancient baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations Sundowner drinks overlooking the Tarangire River Dinner and overnight at a safari lodge
Wazimba Travel Tip: Tarangire offers an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife with reliable elephant sightings year-round. The park’s unique landscape of giant baobabs creates iconic African scenery.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara Morning game drive in Tarangire with bush breakfast Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 1.5 hours) Afternoon game drive searching for tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife Evening at leisure at your lodge overlooking the Rift Valley escarpment Dinner and overnight at a lodge with spectacular valley views
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti Early departure for the Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 4 hours) Scenic drive through Ngorongoro highlands with cultural stops en route Enter Serengeti National Park with game drive to your camp Evening game drive focusing on resident wildlife and migration patterns Dinner and overnight at a classic tented camp
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Full day exploring the vast Serengeti plains with your expert guide Morning and afternoon game drives with bush picnic lunch Focus on big cats, migration movements, and diverse ecosystems Optional visit to local research station or conservation project Dinner under the stars and overnight at your tented camp
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Morning game drive with bush breakfast Scenic drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 2 hours) Afternoon descent into Ngorongoro Crater for comprehensive game viewing Late afternoon ascent to crater rim lodge Dinner and overnight at a crater rim lodge
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha Final morning game drive on crater floor Ascent from crater and drive back to Arusha (approximately 3 hours) Lunch at a traditional restaurant with cultural entertainment Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure Use of dayroom facilities if needed for evening flights
Wazimba Travel Tip: This road-based itinerary covers shorter distances daily, allowing for more wildlife viewing time and cultural interactions. Our comfortable 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers ensure smooth travel between destinations.
14-Day Comprehensive Tanzania: The Complete Experience
This two-week journey provides a well-paced exploration of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems and cultural landscapes, balancing iconic highlights with hidden gems.
Days 1-2: Arusha and Cultural Immersion Airport arrival with VIP service and transfer to your highland lodge Full day exploring Arusha’s cultural attractions:
- Coffee plantation tour with traditional roasting ceremony
- Local markets and craft workshops
- Maasai cultural center with traditional dance performances
- Visit to local school or community project supported by Wazimba Travel Overnight at boutique lodge in the coffee highlands
Wazimba Travel Tip: Starting with cultural experiences helps you understand the human context of Tanzania before venturing into wilderness areas. Many guests find these interactions as memorable as wildlife encounters.
Days 3-5: Northern Circuit Safari Morning transfer to Tarangire National Park Three days exploring the northern circuit’s diverse ecosystems:
- Tarangire’s massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
- Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and soda lake flamingos
- Extensive Serengeti game drives focusing on big cats and migration patterns Bush meals in scenic locations throughout the parks Overnight at carefully selected camps positioned for optimal wildlife viewing
Wazimba Travel Tip: Three days allows for unhurried exploration of different park sectors, including less-visited areas where wildlife encounters feel more intimate and exclusive.
Days 6-7: Ngorongoro Highlands Descent into Ngorongoro Crater for comprehensive game viewing Walking safari on the crater rim with Maasai guides (subject to conditions) Visit to Olduvai Gorge archaeological site Cultural interaction with local communities Overnight at crater rim lodge with spectacular views
Wazimba Travel Tip: The highlands offer cooling temperatures and different wildlife than the plains below. Evening fires and traditional storytelling create memorable cultural connections.
Days 8-10: Southern Circuit Adventure Flight to Ruaha National Park via Dar es Salaam Three days exploring Tanzania’s largest national park:
- Game drives through diverse landscapes from wetlands to rocky outcrops
- Exceptional predator viewing in this remote wilderness
- Walking safaris with armed guides
- Evening game drives to spot nocturnal species Overnight at riverside camp with hippos calling nearby
Wazimba Travel Tip: Ruaha offers a completely different Tanzania experience—vast, wild, and uncrowded. The park’s size means each game drive reveals new landscapes and wildlife concentrations.
Days 11-13: Zanzibar Coastal Paradise Flight from Ruaha to Zanzibar Three days of coastal exploration and relaxation:
- Stone Town heritage tour with local historian
- Spice plantation tour with traditional lunch
- Prison Island excursion to see giant tortoises
- Dhow sunset cruise with local captain
- Pure beach relaxation on pristine coastline Overnight at boutique beachfront resort
Wazimba Travel Tip: After wilderness adventures, we balance active cultural exploration with genuine relaxation time. Your Wazimba representative remains available for optional activities based on your energy levels.
Day 14: Departure Morning at leisure on the beach or final Stone Town exploration Lunch at a traditional Swahili restaurant Transfer to Zanzibar airport for departure
Wazimba Travel Enhancement: This itinerary extends beautifully with additional days on Mafia Island for whale shark encounters or Pemba Island for pristine diving.
14-Day Tanzania-Kenya Safari: The Cross-Border Experience
This two-week adventure combines the best of both countries’ safari circuits, following wildlife migration routes that know no borders and experiencing the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Days 1-2: Arrival and Arusha Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport with VIP meet and greet Transfer to coffee highlands lodge outside Arusha Cultural orientation including coffee plantation tour and local market visit Traditional cooking class featuring Tanzanian cuisine Overnight at boutique mountain lodge
Wazimba Travel Tip: Starting in Tanzania’s safari capital allows for proper acclimatization and cultural context before venturing into wilderness areas.
Days 3-4: Tarangire and Lake Manyara Drive to Tarangire National Park for two days of diverse wildlife experiences Focus on massive elephant herds and ancient baobab landscapes Game drives in Lake Manyara searching for tree-climbing lions Bush meals and cultural visits to local communities Overnight at safari lodges positioned for optimal wildlife viewing
Days 5-7: Serengeti National Park Transfer to central Serengeti for three days of comprehensive exploration Game drives across different sectors following seasonal wildlife movements Focus on big cat interactions and migration patterns Bush picnics and sundowner drinks in remote locations Optional hot air balloon safari over endless plains Overnight at mobile or permanent camps positioned for best wildlife access
Wazimba Travel Tip: Three days allows exploration of different Serengeti sectors, from the southern plains during calving season to northern areas during river crossing season.
Day 8: Serengeti to Maasai Mara Morning game drive with bush breakfast Cross the Tanzania-Kenya border at Isebania (approximately 2 hours including border procedures) Enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve Afternoon game drive in the Mara focusing on resident wildlife Welcome dinner at your Kenyan camp Overnight at luxury tented camp in the Mara
Wazimba Travel Tip: Border crossings are seamless with proper documentation. Our guides handle all procedures while you enjoy the changing landscapes between countries.
Days 9-11: Maasai Mara Immersion Three full days exploring Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve Morning and afternoon game drives with different sectors each day Cultural visit to authentic Maasai village with traditional ceremonies Night game drive to spot nocturnal species (where permitted) Bush breakfast beside the Mara River watching for hippos and crocodiles Optional second hot air balloon experience over the Mara plains Overnight at premium tented camps with prime locations
Wazimba Travel Tip: The Mara’s smaller size compared to Serengeti means concentrated wildlife viewing. Different camps offer varying perspectives of this remarkable ecosystem.
Day 12: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha Morning game drive with picnic breakfast Drive to Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley (approximately 4 hours) Afternoon boat safari on the freshwater lake to see hippos and diverse birdlife Walking safari on Crescent Island among grazing wildlife Sundowner drinks overlooking the lake Overnight at lakeside lodge
Day 13: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli Morning visit to Hell’s Gate National Park for walking and cycling safaris Drive to Amboseli National Park (approximately 4 hours) Afternoon game drive with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop Focus on Amboseli’s famous elephant herds Evening relaxation at lodge overlooking Africa’s highest mountain Overnight at lodge with Kilimanjaro views
Wazimba Travel Tip: Amboseli offers unique photography opportunities with elephants silhouetted against Kilimanjaro. Clear mountain views are best at dawn and dusk.
Day 14: Amboseli to Nairobi and Departure Final morning game drive with bush breakfast Drive to Nairobi (approximately 4 hours) or optional flight (1 hour) Lunch at renowned restaurant in Nairobi Optional afternoon visits to:
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage
- Giraffe Centre for close encounters with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes
- Karen Blixen Museum and coffee garden Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure Use of dayroom facilities for evening flights
Wazimba Travel Enhancement: This itinerary can be extended with additional days in either country, coastal time in Kenya’s Diani Beach, or mountain experiences in Kenya’s central highlands.
21-Day Ultimate East African Adventure: Tanzania and Beyond
This comprehensive three-week journey combines Tanzania’s highlights with extensions into Kenya and Rwanda, creating the ultimate regional experience.
Days 1-10: Tanzania Exploration Begin with our 14-day Comprehensive Tanzania experience (condensed to focus on key highlights)
- Northern circuit safari including Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Cultural experiences with local communities
- Southern circuit adventure in Ruaha or Nyerere National Park
Days 11-14: Kenya Extension Cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve Four days exploring the greater Serengeti ecosystem from the Kenyan side:
- Game drives focusing on resident big cats and seasonal migration
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages across the border
- Bush walks and night game drives
- Hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains Flight back to Arusha on Day 14
Wazimba Travel Tip: Combining the Maasai Mara and Serengeti provides unparalleled insight into the ecosystem that supports the Great Migration—seeing both sides offers complete understanding of this natural wonder.
Days 15-18: Rwanda Gorilla Experience Flight from Arusha to Kigali, Rwanda Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience Nature walks focusing on forest ecology and golden monkeys Cultural visits to local communities Return to Arusha on Day 18
Wazimba Travel Tip: While gorilla permits require booking months in advance, this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter creates the perfect crescendo to your East African adventure.
Days 19-21: Zanzibar Finale Flight to Zanzibar for coastal relaxation Three days combining cultural exploration with beach time Stone Town heritage sites and spice tours Traditional dhow sailing and snorkeling excursions Farewell dinner featuring Swahili cuisine Departure on Day 21
Special Events Worth Planning Around
Tanzania’s calendar features remarkable natural events and cultural celebrations that can transform your journey from memorable to extraordinary:
Great Migration River Crossings (July-October) The dramatic Mara River crossings typically occur when herds move from the Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Witnessing thousands of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters creates unforgettable safari moments.
Calving Season (January-March) The southern Serengeti becomes a nursery when over half a million wildebeest give birth within a few weeks, creating incredible predator-prey interactions.
Zanzibar Cultural Festival (July) This vibrant celebration of Swahili culture includes traditional dhow races, music performances, and culinary events offering unparalleled cultural immersion.
Whale Shark Season at Mafia Island (October-February) These gentle ocean giants visit Tanzania’s coast during these months, offering swimming opportunities with the world’s largest fish.
Wazimba Travel Tip: Share any special interests with our team when planning. We often adjust itineraries by just a few days to incorporate seasonal wildlife events or cultural celebrations that align with your travel dates.
Resources for Further Planning
While our Wazimba Travel consultants provide comprehensive planning assistance, these trusted resources offer additional Tanzania inspiration:
Wildlife and Conservation
- Tanzania National Parks Authority (tanzaniaparks.go.tz): Official park information
- Jane Goodall Institute (janegoodall.org): Chimpanzee research and conservation updates
- Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (zanzibartourism.go.tz): Cultural and historical site information
Cultural Insights
- Tanzania Cultural Tourism Programme: Community-based tourism initiatives
- Zanzibar Cultural Centre: Traditional arts and cultural programs
Wazimba Travel Advantage: Our specialists provide nuanced advice based on firsthand experience—from the specific camp locations with the best wildlife viewing to which routes offer optimal photography opportunities. This detailed knowledge transforms good itineraries into exceptional journeys.
The Tanzania That Stays With You
As we conclude our Tanzania travel series, we want to share something we’ve witnessed repeatedly over years of arranging Tanzanian adventures: this country changes people.
Beyond the spectacular wildlife photography and stunning landscapes to share with friends back home, Tanzania offers something deeper—encounters that shift perspectives and touch hearts. It might be watching a elephant matriarch guide her family to water, understanding the profound wisdom in her ancient eyes. Perhaps it’s the moment a Maasai elder shares traditional stories under star-filled skies, connecting you to generations of oral history. Or maybe it’s simply standing on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise, overwhelmed by the raw beauty of our natural world.
Whatever form these moments take, they’re the true treasures of Tanzania—the ones that remain vivid long after photographs fade and souvenirs gather dust. At Wazimba Travel, we don’t just plan safaris; we create space for these transformative experiences to unfold naturally.
Tanzania isn’t merely a destination to check off a bucket list. It’s a place that invites you to return, each visit revealing new layers of understanding and connection. From first-time safari-goers to seasoned Africa enthusiasts, Tanzania continues to surprise, delight, and inspire all who embrace its magic.
We look forward to helping you discover your Tanzania story.
Karibu Tanzania na safari njema—Welcome to Tanzania and safe travels, until this remarkable country calls you back again.
—The Wazimba Travel Team
