A Tanzania Vacation Itinerary That’s Out Of This World

When it comes to Tanzania, most people think of a wild African safari! But Tanzania group tours can be so much more. The country is home to an incredible number of wildlife parks and preserves, making safari tours one of the top activities for tourists in Tanzania. But it is also home to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and the hustle and bustle of Arusha – Tanzania’s tourism hub. There’s so much to do and see in this amazing country, so let’s get started!

How Much Time Do I Need In Tanzania?

When it comes to planning your Tanzania vacation itinerary, the first thing you should consider is how long of a trip you are able to take. Depending on what you want to do and see on your tour of Tanzania, a stay of 10 days should be enough time for the average traveler. However, if you want to add a few days at Kilimanjaro, extending your trip to two full weeks may be necessary. Below, we’ve suggested a 10-day itinerary to help you get the planning process started.

Days 1 and 2 – The Serengeti

Few places on earth are as famous for its wildlife as the Serengeti National Park. This huge park spans 12000 square miles and is home to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration and Africa’s big five - lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and African buffalo. Having a guide for this leg of your journey is advisable. Fortunately, it is easy to find a Tanzania group tour that incorporates game drives in the Serengeti! The park’s many activities include:

• Game drives – traverse the endless savannah in search of migrating wildebeest or wildlife such as lions, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos.
• Witness the Great Migration – this annual event involves great herds of wildebeest and other hoofed animals traveling across the Serengeti in search of grassland. One of the highlights to see is the annual Mara River Crossing!
• Hot air balloon safari – for a different perspective of this amazing land, book a hot air balloon safari. This will allow you to observe vast herds of animals below and offers visitors a unique way to see the Great Migration.

The Serengeti Plains are so vast and there is so much to see, that a 2-day tour is needed to get the full experience! If you book a guided tour, you may also be able to reserve a spot at one of the campsites inside the park for a truly exceptional experience.

Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater

From the plains of the Serengeti, our tour of Tanzania moves to the Ngorongoro Crater. This giant crater, an ancient volcanic caldera, is home to thousands of animals – all living within the walls of a natural zoo. The crater features a diversity of landscapes to explore and is especially lush and garden-like during the rainy season. The crater’s 7-mile-wide lake attracts animals and is also home to an impressive array of birds for those who enjoy birdwatching!

Day 4 – Arusha City

Arusha is the capital city of the Arusha region and is most famously known as a gateway city to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. While it is a good base camp for guided Tanzania group tours and guided safari trips, it is also worth exploring in its own right. Here are some of the things to explore in this amazing city:

• Shop Arusha’s markets – packed with local vendors, Arusha’s market stalls are bursting with food, crafts, textiles, and more. You can visit the Central Market, the Maasai Craft Market, or the Kilombero Market to get a feel for the local culture and pick up unique souvenirs from your journey.
• Explore the city’s Cultural Heritage Center – located on the outskirts of town, this facility features a museum, craft shop, jeweler, restaurant, art gallery, and a collection of precious stones that you won’t want to miss!
• Grab some local food – Arusha is home to a vibrant and lively restaurant scene. From restaurants to street vendors to stalls at the market, you will be sure to find a decadent dish to sample.
• Admire local gems – Tanzania is home to the world’s most precious and popular gem. The Tanzanite gemstone has its own museum, which explores the history behind this precious jewel. You can also learn about the mining process and what makes this stone so unique and desirable.
• Enjoy a coffee – coffee is an important business in Tanzania, and Arusha has a robust café scene. Enjoy a cup (or two) during your visit to the city.

Day 5 – Mount Kilimanjaro

If you dream of hiking one of the world’s most iconic mountains, here is your chance! The mountain is located within driving distance from Arusha, and there are plenty of routes up and down that take into account how much time you have to hike as well as your fitness level. Day hikes are possible – you don’t have to spend days summiting the mountain to enjoy its beauty.

What to Pack When Traveling to Mount Kilimanjaro

When preparing to travel to Mount Kilimanjaro, packing thoughtfully is crucial for a safe and comfortable trek. Essential clothing includes:

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating mid-layers like fleece jackets, and waterproof outer layers to protect against the mountain's unpredictable weather.
• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and warm socks are vital for foot comfort and safety.
• A warm hat, gloves, and a buff or neck gaiter are necessary for high-altitude cold.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection guard against intense sunlight.

Key gear includes a reliable daypack, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, and hydration systems like water bottles or a bladder. Don't forget personal items such as a headlamp with extra batteries, a basic first aid kit, personal medications, sunscreen, lip balm, and high-energy snacks. Additionally, pack important documents, travel insurance, and cash for tips. Organizing items in plastic bags can help keep everything dry and accessible, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the climb.

Day 6 – Dar Es Salaam

This city is the commercial hub of Tanzania, as well as the entry point to Zanzibar. Travelers can enjoy exploring the Karikoo markets to shop for exotic souvenirs, take a ferry ride across the bay, visit a local fish market, stroll Coco Beach, or take a tuk-tuk ride through the city with a local guide.

Day 7 and 8 – Zanzibar (Stone Town)

Even though Zanzibar is known for its pristine beaches, it is worth spending the day in Stone Town to explore this spellbinding area. From its tiny, winding cobbled streets filled with exotic markets, to the rich collection of museums and crumbling, atmospheric architecture, Stone Town is a blend of cultures that needs to be explored.

Day 9 and 10 – Zanzibar (Paje)

Last but not least is the incredible beach of Paje, located on Zanzibar’s east coast. This pristine retreat is a favorite for scuba divers and surfers, who begin their aquatic adventures from a stretch of perfect, white sandy beach. Paje is essentially a long beach, bordered by a small village on one side and a collection of beachfront eateries and shops on the other. There’s no better place to relax and recharge after a whirlwind Tanzania vacation itinerary! Enjoy the view of the blue ocean waters and sea turtles nesting in the sand.

An Adventure To Remember

From the sweeping, vast plains of the Serengeti to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, a tour of Tanzania has something for everyone! Whether you want to see big game in the wild, hike the foothills of a majestic mountain, or relax on a beach, Tanzania group tours offer adventurer seekers the chance to do all three. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Tanzania.