Tanzania is a large country, about the size of California, Nevada, and Arizona combined. How long to spend will depend on whether you're on a quick beach getaway or a safari that ticks off the blockbuster wildlife venues, or whether you want a fuller immersion in Tanzania's broader diversity. Read on for recommended itineraries for visits from 4 days to 4 weeks.
It might seem impossible, but five days is enough time to embark on safari adventures in multiple national parks in Africa. The country to do it is Tanzania, where you'll marvel at lions and leopards on the Serengeti, see grazing giraffes at Lake Manyara, and spot a rhino or two at the Ngorongoro Crater. Other five-day itineraries include a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, cultural exchanges with local tribespeople, and an unforgettable hike up iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
With five days to dedicate to a Tanzania safari, you can embark on a classic tour featuring Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. Or, opt for an off-the-beaten-path trip that includes a guided hike in the Udzungwa Mountains, numerous game drives in Ruaha National Park, and an insightful visit to the Isimila Stone Age Site. Another option, ideal for those eager to focus solely on wildlife, is a trip to southern Tanzania's Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks.
With one week to dedicate to a Tanzania safari, you can embark on a fast-paced highlights tour that hops between Ngorongoro, Tarangire National Park, and Serengeti National Park. Or, if you prefer to take the less-trodden path and include cultural experiences, opt for a trip featuring Morogoro, Iringa, and Ruaha National Park. Another option, crafted for those seeking a trip that focuses solely on wildlife, is to use Dar es Salaam as a kickoff point to explore southern Tanzania's national parks.
Even in as few as seven days you can cover the major highlights of Tanzania. That includes embarking on safari adventures in two or even three of this country's national parks. Or mix an active vacation with beach time on tours of the Serengeti and time spent lazing on Zanzibar's white sand beaches. And if you're really feeling adventurous, test your fortitude on a six-day hike up the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ten days is enough time to enjoy the best of Tanzania and then some. You can go on safaris in multiple national parks (including the Serengeti), kick back on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, and even hike up Mount Kilimanjaro. Or pack twice the fun in a single itinerary by combining Tanzania with a visit to Kenya's star attractions like the Maasai Mara National Reserve and cultural excursions with tribal warriors.
Ten days in Tanzania is an excellent amount of time to seek out the Big Five in three or four national parks. Serengeti and Tarangire are perfect destinations for first-time visitors seeking a highlights trip, while the southern region of Morogoro suits those looking to get off the trodden trail. If you're looking to add a second country into the mix, Kenya's Nairobi and Maji Moto offer cultural immersion, whereas neighboring Uganda caters to active explorers eager to hike in search of mountain gorillas.
If you've got 10 days in East Africa, you can visit two countries. Wildlife lovers can spot the Big Five on game drives in Tanzania, go snorkeling along the Kenyan coast, and try gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a Maasai village visit, a Kigali street art tour, and gallery hopping in Entebbe. Foodies can learn to cook Swahili dishes in Mombasa and sample street eats in Kampala, while those who prefer a leisurely pace will enjoy lounging at the beach on Lamu Island.
Tanzania is one of Africa's most popular safari destinations with its abundance of natural parks and unspoiled wilderness. And with two whole weeks, you can not only experience unforgettable wildlife excursions, like witnessing the Great Migration, but you can also embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures. If that's not enough, there will be time left to hop the border and visit Kenya and Uganda.
