Tanzania: 15-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arusha National Park
    1 hour 17 minutes (38.5 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to this stunning national park, which offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and a chance to see wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and baboons. You can also go on a walking safari with a ranger or hike to the waterfall.

  • Day 2-4: Serengeti National Park
    5 hours 49 minutes (203 miles) from Arusha National Park

    Spend the next three days exploring the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, where you can spot the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. You can take game drives or hot air balloon rides and stay in lodges or tents.

  • Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
    3 hours 24 minutes (120 miles) from Serengeti National Park

    Visit the world’s largest unbroken caldera, which is home to over 25,000 large animals such as hippos, zebras, and cheetahs. You can take a guided tour and learn about the conservation efforts in the area.

  • Day 6-8: Zanzibar
    3 hours 40 minutes (76 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Travel to the island of Zanzibar, where you can relax on stunning beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and explore the old town of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Arabian and African architecture. You can also visit spice farms and enjoy water sports.

  • Day 9-10: Tarangire National Park
    3 hours 21 minutes (90 miles) from Zanzibar International Airport via ferry and 2-hour drive

    Discover the varied landscapes and wildlife of Tarangire National Park, which includes savannah, woodlands, and swamps. You can see elephants, lions, and rare birds, and take a guided walking safari or night game drive.

  • Day 11-12: Lake Manyara
    2 hours 24 minutes (69 miles) from Tarangire National Park

    Head to this scenic lake, which is known for its pink flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and baboons. You can go on a canoe safari, bike tour, or hike through the forest.

  • Day 13-15: Kilimanjaro National Park
    1 hour 7 minutes (24 miles) from Arusha National Park

    End your trip with a visit to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. You can take a guided trek up the mountain or go on a day hike through the rainforest. You can also visit waterfalls, hot springs, and villages along the way.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Ride (1-2 hours, $599 per person)
  • Stone Town Walking Tour (2-3 hours, $20 per person)
  • Tarangire Lake Walking Safari (3-4 hours, $30 per person)
  • Canoe Safari on Lake Manyara (2-3 hours, $35 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $6844

Transportation

Transportation in Tanzania can include domestic flights, safari vehicles, and ferries. Consider using a tour operator who can arrange all transfers and provide knowledgeable guides. Costs can range from $200 to $1000 per person depending on the itinerary and season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Usambara Mountains for hiking or a cultural tour of the Maasai villages. If you have less time, shorten your visit to Zanzibar or skip the visit to Lake Manyara. Remember to bring warm clothing for the mountain hikes and insect repellent for the safari.

Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is located in the city of Arusha and is the main airport for northern Tanzania. It is served by several international airlines such as KLM and Turkish Airlines. The airport is 46 miles (74km) from Mount Kilimanjaro and about 1 hour 20 minutes by car.

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