10 Days in Tanzania: 6 Best Itineraries in 2024 for First-Timers

By Cindy | Updated Oct. 25, 2023

Are you dreaming of a 10-day adventure in Tanzania? Tanzania is a captivating East African nation that promises a diverse blend of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. In the span of 10 days, you would have the opportunity to explore this mesmerizing country — from its world-renowned national parks to its historical coastal towns and idyllic islands.

In this article, we've crafted five exceptional 10-day Tanzanian itineraries, each tailored to different interests and preferences, ensuring that you have the best chance of finding a starting point for of your dream trip.

1. The Classic 10-Day Tanzania Family Safari with Serengeti

Family safariFamily safari

If you travel with your family and harbor a longing to encounter the Big Five, look no further—this meticulously crafted itinerary is designed just for you. It unfolds as the ultimate way for families to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.

Spanning 9 or 10 days, this journey takes you through the must-see safari destinations in the north, including the enchanting Tarangire National Park, the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the iconic Serengeti National Park.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Tanzania 9day tour map
Day Highlights
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha
Arush Arrival
Day 2-3
Tarangire National Park
Bush walking and night safari
Day 4-5
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk
Day 6-9
Serengeti National Park
Enjoy unlimited Safaris in Serengeti
Day 10
Depart
Arusha depart

Apart from the exciting game drives, our plan includes lots of fun things to do. We've carefully chosen a mix of activities to make sure your trip is extra special.

  • Bush Dinner: Revel in the magic of a bush dinner as the sun sets and nature's symphony serenades you beneath the African sky.
  • Thrilling Night Safari: Embrace the allure of the nocturnal world on a thrilling night safari, where wildlife encounters await under the starlit expanse.
  • Ngorongoro Crater Walk: Explore the Ngorongoro crater on foot, discovering a wealth of wildlife amidst breathtaking panoramic vistas.
  • Maasai Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people, gaining insights into their traditions and way of life.
  • Fly-in Safari over the Serengeti: Soar above the Serengeti on a fly-in safari, where stunning vistas and a profound connection with nature await.

See the detailed itinerary and quotation. We are happy to customize your itinerary to cater to your interests, adjust the schedule, and plan special themed events for birthdays, anniversaries, or children's entertainment.

2. 10-Day Tanzania Wildlife and Beach Combo

Serengeti National Park Safari

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania, where the untamed wilderness of its national parks and the pristine shores of Zanzibar come together to create the perfect 10-day adventure.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, this itinerary offers the best of both worlds, providing a comprehensive experience that allows you to witness the Big Five in their natural habitats and relax on some of Africa's most stunning beaches.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Arusha Arusha
Day 2 Transfer to Karatu, Lake Manyara game drives Karatu
Day 3 Transfer to Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park
Day 4 Serengeti game drive Serengeti National Park
Day 5 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Ngorongoro
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater and on to Tarangire Tarangire National Park
Day 7 Tarangire game drive Tarangire National Park
Days 8–9 Transfer to Zanzibar, optional activities Zanzibar beaches
Day 10 Depart  

From the vibrant city of Arusha to the captivating Serengeti National Park, the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park, and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, this journey covers the most renowned destinations in Tanzania.

For families, this adventure offers the chance to introduce your children to the wonders of the natural world while enjoying quality time together. Couples, on the other hand, could embrace the romance of starlit dinners and stunning sunsets on Zanzibar's beaches. Both could partake in optional activities, from hot-air balloon safaris to spice tours in Zanzibar.

Contact one of our experienced travel consultants to personalize a trip based on your requirements and interests.

3. 10-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Serengeti National Park Safari

If you're looking for an in-depth safari experience, then this tour is tailor-made for you. This 10-day all-inclusive adventure, guided by our local experts, immerses you in a comprehensive wildlife safari across Tanzania's iconic Northern Circuit.

It's a journey that not only brings you close to the captivating wildlife but also delves deep into the region's rich natural environment, history, and vibrant local culture.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Arusha Arusha
Day 2 Transfer to Tarangire Tarangire National Park
Day 3 Transfer to Lake Manyara Lake Manyara
Days 4–6 Transfer to Serengeti National Park, game drives Serengeti National Park
Day 7 Serengeti to Karatu Karatu
Day 8 Ngorongoro Crater – Ngare Nanyuki Ngare Nanyuki
Day 9 Ngare Nanyuki Ngare Nanyuki
Day 10 Depart  

This remarkable itinerary takes you on a journey through a variety of Tanzanian destinations, each with its own unique charm.

  • Tarangire National Park, with its dense elephant populations, offers thrilling game drives.
  • Lake Manyara, famous for its birdlife, provides a serene and scenic backdrop.
  • Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you would witness the Great Migration and encounter Africa's Big Five.
  • Ngorongoro Crater, often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" is home to an array of wildlife.
  • Finally, the Ngare Nanyuki region offers a captivating blend of culture and nature.

Whether you're traveling with kids or your partner, our experienced team can customize this itinerary to ensure that your Tanzania adventure is precisely as you've envisioned.

4. 10-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking and Wildlife Safari

Mount Kilimanjaro

The 10-day adventure in Tanzania combines the thrill of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro and an unforgettable wildlife safari. This extraordinary itinerary is ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts who are ready to take on the challenge of trekking Africa's highest peak and then explore the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife in the surrounding national parks.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Arusha, transfer to Moshi Moshi
Day 2 Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 3 Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 4 Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 5 Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 6 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha Arusha
Day 7 Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara National Park
Day 8 Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park
Day 9 Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater
Day 10 Ngorongoro – Arusha  

This adventurous itinerary covers a range of remarkable destinations, from the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro to the stunning natural wonders of Lake Manyara National Park, the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, and the unique landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater.

Highlights include trekking to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, witnessing the Great Migration, and exploring the rich biodiversity of Ngorongoro.

Optional activities, such as hot-air balloon safaris, make the journey even more special. Contact us to customize a tour to match your unique preferences.

5. 10-Day Ultimate Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti

ZanzibarZanzibar

This 10-day tour encapsulates the very essence of Tanzania. It is a perfect blend of awe-inspiring mountain treks, thrilling wildlife safaris, and relaxing beach getaways. This journey is tailored for those seeking a diverse and unforgettable experience in Tanzania.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Arusha, transfer to Moshi Moshi
Day 2 Day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro Moshi
Day 3 Moshi to Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park
Days 4–5 Serengeti National Park game drives Serengeti National Park
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater game drive, transfer to Arusha Arusha
Days 7–9 Arusha to Zanzibar, optional activities Zanzibar beaches
Day 10 Zanzibar to Arusha, depart  

A major highlight of this itinerary is ascending the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The thrill of this awe-inspiring mountain trek, culminating in the Uhuru Peak summit, is an unforgettable experience.

Moreover, Serengeti National Park offers thrilling wildlife safaris and the chance to witness the Great Migration, one of nature's most astounding spectacles.

To add to the adventure, descending into Ngorongoro Crater provides an exceptional opportunity to encounter the Big Five and marvel at the diverse wildlife of this unique ecosystem.

These highlights, combined with optional beach activities in Zanzibar, create a fantastic adventure for families and couples looking to experience the best of Tanzania's diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Our tour can be customized to match your unique interests and preferences.

6. 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Tanzania safari

Our 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari is the ultimate journey for those seeking to experience the magic of both Kenya and Tanzania in a single trip. These two East African gems are renowned for offering the most captivating multi-destination tours in Africa, and our 10-day safari seamlessly combines the best of both worlds.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with our travel specialist:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 2 Full day at Maasai Mara National Reserve Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 3 Drive from Maasai Mara via Isebania border to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Serengeti National Park
Days 4–5 Serengeti National Park game drives Serengeti National Park
Day 6 Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7 Full-day game drives at Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater
Day 8 Transfer via Isebania border to Amboseli National Park, Kenya Amboseli National Park
Day 9 Full-day game drives at Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park
Day 10 Amboseli National Park to Nairobi, departure  

This exceptional itinerary traverses some of East Africa's most iconic national parks and wildlife havens. It begins with the iconic Maasai Mara, known for its incredible wildlife, followed by the boundless plains of the Serengeti, where you can witness the Great Migration.

Descending into Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique experience within the caldera's diverse ecosystem.

Finally, Amboseli National Park, with its picturesque backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, provides the perfect finale to this safari.

You and your loved ones could share romantic moments under the African sky, from watching the Great Migration to taking in the mesmerizing views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

With our private tour, you could smoothly cross the borders between these two incredible countries, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey. Contact our experienced travel consultants to help you turn your dream tour into a reality.

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