Epic Tanzania Safari Highlights: Best of the National Parks - 14 Days

Highlights

• See Big Five animals on safari in Tanzania's most dazzling national parks
• Glide over the vast plains of the Serengeti on a hot-air balloon ride
• Spot hippos, crocs, and exotic birds on a riverboat tour in Nyerere
• Explore the archaeological site of Ngorongoro, the "Cradle of Humankind"

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Vibrant Dar es Salaam, Afternoon at Leisure

Welcome to Tanzania! This gem of East Africa offers many natural wonders, including UNESCO-listed national parks, geological marvels like the Ngorongoro Crater, and rich culture and history. You'll experience all of it on safari adventures and cultural tours from one end of the nation to the other, starting with your arrival in Dar es Salaam.

Lying on the east coast, this port city is an ideal spot to begin any adventure in Tanzania. This is due to its proximity to the southern safari route—a region of highlands and savannas dotted with national parks and reserves, all within a day's drive of one another. At the airport, your driver will be waiting at the terminal for the transfer to your city hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and adjust to the time difference. When you get hungry, do like the locals and head to a food stall for ugali (a dense maize porridge) or nyama choma (grilled goat meat).

Day 2: Self-Guided Tour of Dar es Salaam, Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Rise and shine! Your first tour in Tanzania is a leisurely self-guided walk around Dar es Salaam. For fun in the sun, head to Coco Beach. It's a great place to mingle with locals, sample street food, enjoy live music, and revel in waterfront nightlife. For more local flavor, browse the city's markets, like the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, which sells artisanal wood carvings and sculptures. The National Museum is another highlight, showcasing the history and development of Tanzania. 

After lunch (head to a beach bar for fresh seafood), you'll meet your driver and venture inland on a 3.5-hour drive to Mikumi National Park. The drive is long but scenic, as along the way, you'll pass sprawling savanna grasslands where elephants and giraffes roam free. The route also offers glimpses into rural Tanzanian life while showcasing the natural splendor of the southern highlands.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Mikumi. This protected area covers 1,250 square miles (3,230 sq km) of riverine, grassland, and forest habitats. These are home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including zebras and wildebeests, as well as predators like lions and leopards. Upon arrival, check into Camp Bastian Mikumi, a comfortable family-run lodge located just outside the park's gates.

Day 3: Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Mikumi National Park

You've got a full day of safari fun in store as you set off at dawn in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for the first of two game drives. The early hour allows you to capitalize on the fact the animals are more active during these cooler hours. While not as famous as some other national parks in the country, Mikumi is home to the legendary Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos). You'll likely spot some (if not all) of these majestic creatures enjoying their morning drink at watering holes. 

Return to the lodge for lunch, then leave on an afternoon game drive. As you explore the savanna and follow the Mkata River and other waterways, you'll see plenty of animals up close, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, antelope, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, buffalo and others. A little while after sunset, you'll return to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyerere National Park, Afternoon at Leisure

Say goodbye to Mikumi as you meet your driver for the ride south to Nyerere National Park. Another of Tanzania's massive protected areas (it covers 11,917 sq mi/ 30,893 sq km), the park is filled with various habitats, ecosystems, and waterways. The most prominent is the mighty Rufiji River, the largest river in the country and the park's lifeblood.

The scenic journey to Nyerere will take around six hours, and you'll undoubtedly be tired when you arrive. Lucky for you, your accommodation is the luxurious Selous River Camp right on the river. There are many amenities to enjoy, including an infinity pool. After checking in, feel free to relax on the expansive terrace, drink in hand as you enjoy the river views, and let the calls of fish eagles and the distant roar of lions lull you into a sense of perfect tranquillity.

Day 5: Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari, Riverbank Picnic Lunch

The highlights of this park are the animals you'll see in and around its riverine ecosystems. This morning, you'll board a boat for a full-day river safari. As you motor at a leisurely pace down the Rufiji, you'll observe various wildlife in their natural habitats, particularly aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles.

You'll also find over 400 colorful bird species here, including waterbirds like kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and more. After a morning cruising the river, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbanks, followed by more wildlife viewing until the end of the day. Dinner will be served back at the lodge amid river views.

Day 6: Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Nyerere National Park

Make the most of your time in Nyerere with a double bill of game drives. The first is a morning safari that starts around 6:15 am, just as the first light of day breaks. At this time, many of the most iconic animals, like elephants and giraffes, are just beginning their day, while certain predators, like lions, are returning after their nightly hunt. The drive will last until around 10 am and will likely take you to watering holes and rivers like the Rufiji. 

After returning to the lodge for lunch, you'll set out for a 3.5-hour game drive later in the afternoon. These safaris typically start around 3:30 pm, when the animals are making the most of the last few daylight hours. And though big cats like lions are more lethargic at this time, it also means you can get closer without spooking them. The drive concludes with another spectacular African sunset over the plains and rivers.

Day 7: Fly to Serengeti National Park, Balloon Safari & Game Drive

Transfer to the airstrip after breakfast and leave the southern highlands on a scenic four-hour flight to Serengeti National Park. Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. This is due in no small part to the Great Migration, which sees millions of wildebeests and zebras cross vast savannas and rivers each year from June to November. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your luxury tent at Kati Kati Tented Camp, which sits amid the savanna in the heart of the park.

This luxury safari camp is the ideal base for exploring the Serengeti's iconic plains. In fact, the adventure begins right after check-in when you transfer to another take-off site—this time for a hot-air balloon ride. Hop in the basket and ascend over the plains to see great herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope grazing on the open plain below. After about an hour of gliding through the air, you'll touch down and celebrate your flight with a champagne toast—a long-standing balloonist tradition—under the shade of an acacia tree.

Afterward, transfer to a safari vehicle for a game drive to catch the park's denizens in the last light of the afternoon. Expect to spot predators like cheetahs and lions, who become more active as the day cools and they prepare for their nocturnal hunts.

Day 8: Serengeti Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Ngorongoro

This is the moment every wildlife and wilderness lover dreams of—a dawn safari across the great Serengeti plains. You'll leave just at the break of day, as mornings are the best time to see the animals at their most active. Here, you'll likely spot grazing giraffes, zebras, and perhaps even lions as they hunt wildebeest and gazelles. Other animals you're likely to glimpse include elephants and buffalo, with leopards and rhinos being a less common sight.

There will be a break for lunch either on the road or back at camp. After eating, you'll depart the Serengeti in a private vehicle for the three-hour drive south to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses a vast expanse of diverse landscapes, including grasslands, woodlands, forests, and the most famous landmark of all: the Ngorongoro Crater. This geological marvel is one of the largest intact volcano calderas in the world (about 12 mi/ 19 km in diameter).

The crater is the perfect wildlife habitat, as its steep walls enclose a self-contained ecosystem teeming with animals, earning it the nickname "Africa's Eden." It's a great place to spot rhinos, as anti-poaching protocols mean they abound in this area. As for humans, Ngorongoro is inhabited by the Maasai people, seminomadic pastoralists who have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Arrive at the luxury Karatu Tented Lodge, where you'll enjoy views of Lake Manyara and a spacious swimming pool to unwind in and take in the views over a sundowner.

Day 9: Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari & Olduvai Gorge

It's another early start as you hit the road on a full day of safaris and other adventures in and around Ngorongoro. First, you'll visit Olduvai Gorge. Known as "The Cradle of Humankind," this vast ravine—about 30 miles long (48 km) and 300 feet (91 m) deep—is home to paleoanthropological sites that have been crucial in furthering our understanding of human evolution. Archaeological discoveries here, including fossilized bones and stone tools, reveal some of the earliest signs of human development.

After marveling at the origins of humankind, it's time for a full-day safari in Ngorongoro. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this region teems with bull elephants, buffalo, rhinos, wildebeests, and the highest concentration of lions on the continent. Ngorongoro is also unique in that over 40,000 Maasai tribespeople live here, and their livestock grazes right alongside the endemic wildlife. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your safari lodge. 

Day 10: Maasai Cultural Tour, Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Trade the safari adventures for an enlightening journey into the heart of Maasai culture in Ngorongoro. This private guided tour is a deep dive into the rich heritage of the Maasai people, who are the ancestral residents of these lands. It begins in the morning with a transfer to a traditional Maasai village, where you'll receive a warm welcome expressed through spirited songs and dances.

Meet elders and young Maasai women and warriors as you tour the village, see their pastoral way of life, and learn a bit about their hunting techniques—activities that have defined their culture for centuries. The wisdom of the elders unfolds in their storytelling, offering a profound understanding of their history and beliefs. Sharing a meal with the locals isn't just about savoring traditional cuisine; it's a moment of true cultural exchange.

Later in the afternoon, you'll proceed south to Tarangire National Park. This 1,000-square-mile (2,600 sq km) protected area may only be the sixth-largest national park in the country, but there's no shortage of incredible wildlife. It's one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations, as there are almost 500 avian species on record. When you arrive, you'll head to the Manyara Safari Lodge, perched on an escarpment with prime views of the Great Rift Valley.

Day 11: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you'll head out on morning and afternoon game drives. Elephants are the main attraction in Tarangire, with up to 3,000 roaming the park. Other common animals include giraffes, the Thompson's gazelle, greater and lesser kudus, elands, leopards, and cheetahs.

Some remarkable and rare denizens of the park are the dwarf mongoose, oryx, and gerenuk (also called the "giraffe gazelle")—but sightings are quite rare. Because Tarangire is a quiet, often overlooked park, there are fewer crowds to witness the spectacle of its migrating residents, and you'll experience a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere. The last safari of the day continues through sunset, after which you'll return to the lodge.

Day 12: Transfer to Arusha, Visit the Shanga Foundation Community Project

This morning, it's a relatively quick two-hour transfer from Tarangire National Park to Arusha. This city is located in the middle of coffee country, at the base of the 14,980-foot (4,566 m) Meru volcano, with views of mighty Kilimanjaro in the distance. Tanzania is the third-largest coffee producer in Africa, with robusta and arabica beans comprising its largest export crop. After checking into your hotel, feel free to hit a local café for a cup of fresh brew.

The coffee theme continues later with a visit to a truly heartwarming community-works project. The Shanga Foundation is a place where creativity meets purpose, empowering people with disabilities by providing training and employment opportunities in the creation of beautiful, handcrafted items. The foundation is located at a former plantation amid aromatic coffee trees, and during a tour, you'll visit the workshops and meet the local artisans.

These talented individuals create a range of products, from Swahili beaded jewelry to woven textiles, blown glass, and paper crafts. The tour isn't only an opportunity to witness the creation of these beautiful items but also to understand the skill and artistry involved. In addition to observing, you can participate in interactive sessions to learn weaving techniques and other skills. Feel free to pick up some souvenirs at the on-site shop—each purchase directly supports the artisans and the foundation's work.

Day 13: Arusha National Park Game Drive, Transfer to Dar es Salaam

Adjacent to the city of Arusha is the national park of the same name. Located in the foothills of Mount Meru, this 212--square-mile (552 sq km) protected area is a great spot for one last safari game drive in Africa. The scenery is gorgeous, featuring dazzling landmarks like alkali lakes teeming with flamingoes and pelicans. The area is also home to Ngurdoto, a dormant volcanic crater as vast and verdant as Ngorongoro.

This morning's game drive lasts about 3-4 hours and will take you to some of the park's best animal habitats. As you go, you'll spot myriad wildlife, including graceful giraffes, agile zebras, exotic birds, and rare and interesting species like the blue monkey. Be sure to snap plenty of photos because, after this experience, you'll transfer back to Dar es Salaam by vehicle and prepare for your journey home.

Day 14: Depart Dar es Salaam

Your epic two-week safari adventure draws to a close this morning. Just know that Africa will always be waiting should you decide to return for another great adventure. For now, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Dar es Salaam's airport in time to catch your flight home. Kwaheri! 

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