12-Day Tanzania Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arusha National Park
    1-hour drive (18.2 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Start your adventure with a scenic drive to Arusha National Park. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of Mount Meru and an abundance of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and baboons. Take a guided hike through the lush rainforest and enjoy a picnic lunch by the Momella Lakes. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the park's resident flamingos.

  • Day 2: Tarangire National Park
    2-hour drive (71.1 miles) from Arusha National Park

    Head to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and birdlife. Take a thrilling game drive and get up close with the park's wildlife, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. End the day with a sunset drinks at Tarangire Treetops, a luxury lodge with stunning views of the national park.

  • Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
    2-hour drive (63.2 miles) from Tarangire National Park

    Spend the day exploring Lake Manyara National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife and stunning landscapes, including the alkaline Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Take a game drive and see if you can spot the famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. End the day with a cultural experience at Mto wa Mbu village, known for its delicious local food and crafts.

  • Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
    2-hour drive (45.1 miles) from Lake Manyara National Park

    Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Tanzania to see the famous Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). Take a game drive in the crater and enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views. End the day with a visit to the Maasai village, where you can learn about the tribe's culture and traditions.

  • Day 5: Serengeti National Park
    3-hour drive (89.6 miles) from Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    Embark on a safari adventure at Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous parks in Africa. This vast park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Take a game drive and witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras travel across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures.

  • Day 6: Serengeti National Park

    Continue your safari adventure in Serengeti National Park and take a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the park. Watch the sunrise over the savannah and see the park's wildlife from above. End the day with a guided walking safari and learn about the park's flora and fauna up close.

  • Day 7: Zanzibar
    2-hour flight (254 miles) from Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar International Airport

    Travel to Zanzibar, an idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania. Enjoy the island's stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history. Take a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town and explore the city's winding alleys, bustling markets, and historic landmarks. End the day with a sunset dhow cruise and enjoy a seafood dinner under the stars.

  • Day 8: Zanzibar

    Spend the day at leisure on Zanzibar and visit some of the island's top attractions, including Jozani Forest, where you can see the red colobus monkeys, and Prison Island, known for its giant tortoises. End the day with a relaxing spa treatment and unwind in the island's tropical paradise.

  • Day 9: Kilimanjaro
    2-hour flight (93.5 miles) from Zanzibar International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Travel to Kilimanjaro, home to Africa's highest peak and one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Take a guided hike to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and marvel at the mountain's majestic beauty. Spend the night at a lodge with stunning views of the mountain and enjoy a traditional dinner around the campfire.

  • Day 10: Mount Kilimanjaro

    Embark on a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and witness the breathtaking views from the top of Africa. This experience is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is an unforgettable adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

  • Day 11: Arusha
    2-hour drive (78.5 miles) from Mount Kilimanjaro to Arusha

    Travel back to Arusha and spend your last day in Tanzania at leisure. Visit Arusha's vibrant markets and museums, or relax at a local café and enjoy the city's bustling atmosphere. End the day with a farewell dinner and say goodbye to Tanzania in style.

  • Day 12: Departure
    15-minute drive (3.9 miles) from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Depart Tanzania with memories to last a lifetime and start planning your next adventure in Africa.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Arusha National Park Entrance Fee (4-6 hours): $59
  • Tarangire National Park Entrance Fee (4-6 hours): $59
  • Lake Manyara National Park Entrance Fee (4-6 hours): $53
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area Entrance Fee (7-9 hours): $70
  • Serengeti National Park Entrance Fee (8-10 hours): $70
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride in Serengeti National Park (1 hour): $539
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour (3-4 hours): $29
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance Fee (2-5 days): $100-$1,000+
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1,019-$1,915+

Transportation

During your trip to Tanzania, transportation will be provided via 4x4 safari vehicles, domestic flights, and private transfers. Travel costs will vary depending on the length of the trip and the number of destinations visited. Estimated transit time and fares have been included in the itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the remote Selous Game Reserve or the stunning Usambara Mountains. For a shorter trip, cut out a few days in Zanzibar or skip the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Airports

The main airport in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located in the city of Arusha. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is the gateway to the island of Zanzibar. Both airports offer domestic and international flights with major airlines, including Air Tanzania, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. The distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha city center is approximately 18.2 miles, while the distance from Zanzibar International Airport to Stone Town is approximately 4.8 miles.

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