Tanzania Safari Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Safari

Planning a Tanzania safari itinerary can feel overwhelming—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Zanzibar, luxury lodges, migration seasons. Tanzania offers Africa’s most iconic safari experiences, and choosing the right itinerary is the key to an unforgettable journey.

In this guide, we break down the best Tanzania safari itineraries, how many days you need, where to go, and how to customize your trip for wildlife, comfort, and budget.

Why Choose Tanzania for Safari?

Tanzania is consistently ranked as one of the best safari destinations in Africa due to its diversity, wildlife density, and protected ecosystems.

Highlights of a Tanzania safari:

Home to the Serengeti National Park and the Great Wildebeest Migration
The world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Massive elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
Remote wilderness safaris in Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), and Katavi
Easy safari + beach combinations with Zanzibar

How Many Days Do You Need for a Tanzania Safari?

Safari Length	Ideal For
3–4 Days	Short safari, first-time visitors
5–7 Days	Classic Northern Circuit safari
8–10 Days	Migration focus or relaxed pace
10–14 Days	Safari + Zanzibar or Southern Circuit

Classic 6-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary (Northern Circuit)

This is the most popular Tanzania safari itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your lodge in Arusha. Relax and prepare for your safari adventure.

Overnight: Arusha (lodge or boutique hotel)

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch.

Overnight: Tarangire / Manyara area lodge

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands to the Serengeti. Game viewing begins immediately as you enter the park.

Overnight: Central Serengeti safari camp or lodge

Day 4: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti plains in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and—seasonally—the Great Migration.

Optional: Hot air balloon safari
Overnight: Serengeti safari camp or lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Drive to Ngorongoro and descend into the crater for one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife experiences. Spot the Big Five in a single day.

Overnight: Karatu or Ngorongoro Highlands

Day 6: Return to Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, return to Arusha for departure or continue to Zanzibar.

Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Itineraries

The migration is seasonal, and your itinerary should match the movement.

Dec–March: Ndutu (calving season)
April–June: Central & Western Serengeti
July–October: Northern Serengeti (river crossings)

A 7–9 day migration safari is ideal to follow the herds properly.

Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Itinerary (10 Days)

Perfect for honeymooners and travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Days 1–7: Northern Circuit safari (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
Days 8–10: Zanzibar beach holiday (Nungwi, Kendwa, or Michamvi)

Southern & Western Tanzania Safari Itineraries

For experienced safari travelers looking for exclusivity:

Ruaha National Park: Big cats, rugged landscapes
Nyerere (Selous): Boat safaris, walking safaris
Katavi National Park: Remote, raw wilderness
Mahale & Gombe: Chimpanzee trekking

Best planned as fly-in safaris of 6–10 days.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari

Season	Experience
June–October	Best wildlife viewing, dry season
December–March	Migration calving season
April–May	Green season, fewer crowds, lower prices

Tanzania Safari Cost Guide

Approximate prices per person (sharing):

Budget safari: $250–350 per day
Mid-range safari: $350–600 per day
Luxury safari: $700–1,500+ per day

Prices depend on accommodation, season, and group size.

Why Book Your Tanzania Safari with SafariBando?

SafariBando is a locally owned and licensed Tanzania safari company, specializing in:

Tailor-made Tanzania safari itineraries
Kilimanjaro trekking & safari combinations
Safari from Zanzibar & Dar es Salaam
Private, mid-range & luxury safaris
Expert local guides and 24/7 support

Start Planning Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Whether you’re dreaming of the Serengeti migration, a family safari, a honeymoon, or a luxury private safari, the right itinerary makes all the difference.

Contact SafariBando today to design your perfect Tanzania safari itinerary—crafted by local experts, just for you.