Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you have 5, 7, or 10 days to explore, Tanzania offers a rich mix of adventure—from Serengeti safaris and Ngorongoro Crater to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches. This guide highlights sample itineraries for each trip length, helping you make the most of your time with expertly crafted routes based on years of local experience.
Tanzania Itineraries – 5, 7, and 10-Day Trip Ideas
Planning a trip to Tanzania but not sure how to structure your time? Whether you have 5, 7, or 10 days to explore, there’s a perfect itinerary waiting for you. From thrilling safaris and majestic mountain treks to white-sand beaches and cultural experiences, Tanzania offers unforgettable journeys for every traveler. Below are suggested itineraries designed for various interests and durations.
🗓️ 5-Day Tanzania Itinerary Ideas
1. Classic Northern Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha + overnight at lodge
- Day 2: Drive to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro; afternoon game drive
- Day 3: Full-day game drive in Serengeti
- Day 4: Morning drive to Ngorongoro Crater; descend for crater tour
- Day 5: Return to Arusha and departure
2. Short Kilimanjaro Trek – Marangu Route (4 Days on Mountain)
- Ideal for hikers who want a taste of Kilimanjaro without summiting
- Includes Mandara Hut overnight and forest/moorland exploration
- Best from January–March or June–October
3. Beach Getaway – Zanzibar Relaxation
- Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar + transfer to beach resort
- Day 2–4: Snorkeling, spice tour, Stone Town visit, relaxation
- Day 5: Departure from Zanzibar
🗓️ 7-Day Tanzania Itinerary Ideas
1. Northern Safari Circuit – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park – game drive
- Day 3: Lake Manyara OR Cultural tour at Mto wa Mbu
- Day 4–5: Serengeti – full safari immersion
- Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater tour
- Day 7: Return to Arusha + departure
2. Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (7 Days)
- Popular and scenic route with high summit success
- Includes 5–6 trekking days and 1 day for arrival/prep
- Camping route with support crew and full board
3. Safari & Zanzibar Combo
- Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara or Tarangire
- Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater safari
- Day 3: Flight to Zanzibar
- Day 4–6: Beach time, snorkeling, or Stone Town
- Day 7: Departure from Zanzibar
🗓️ 10-Day Tanzania Itinerary Ideas
1. Full Northern Circuit Safari – Wildlife Extravaganza
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Arusha National Park or city tour
- Day 3–4: Tarangire National Park
- Day 5: Lake Manyara or cultural walk
- Day 6–8: Serengeti game drives + Great Migration (seasonal)
- Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater tour
- Day 10: Return to Arusha and departure
2. Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar
- Day 1: Arrival and trek prep in Moshi
- Day 2–6: Kilimanjaro hike (Marangu or Machame route)
- Day 7: Flight to Zanzibar
- Day 8–9: Beach relaxation and cultural tour
- Day 10: Departure from Zanzibar
3. South Tanzania Safari – Ruaha & Nyerere
- Less crowded and more remote than northern parks
- Includes walking safaris, boat safaris, and fly-in lodges
- Ideal for return travelers or those seeking wilderness experiences
Tips for Planning Your Tanzania Itinerary
- Combine parks with beach or cultural elements for a balanced trip
- Consider travel time between destinations—Tanzania is vast
- Book domestic flights in advance, especially during peak season
- Choose the right season for wildlife, climbing, or beach weather
- Private safaris offer more flexibility; group tours are cost-effective
Whether you have just a few days or a full two weeks, Tanzania offers rich and rewarding travel experiences. From safari circuits to island escapes, mountain adventures to cultural connections, these sample itineraries are just the start. Customize your journey with a trusted tour operator and make your dream Tanzania trip a reality.
