7 Days in Tanzania: 5 Best Itinerary Ideas for First-Timers

Tanzania, a country of astonishing diversity and natural beauty, is a dream destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. With just 7 days, you could experience the highlights of what this East African gem has to offer. Here are the top five itineraries for an unforgettable week in Tanzania.

Itinerary #1: 7-Day Classic Migration Safari in Tanzania

Experience the timeless allure of the wild savanna with our Classic Safari Adventure. This 7-day itinerary unveils the most famous national parks in Tanzania, guided by experts who would make this journey an indelible memory.

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

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and settle into your accommodation.
Days 2–3: Explore the captivating Tarangire National Park.
Days 4–5: Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Day 6: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for unparalleled wildlife encounters.
Day 7: Conclude your adventure at Lake Manyara before returning to Arusha.

This route takes you to Tarangire National Park, famed for its majestic baobab trees and abundant elephant population. In the Serengeti, witness the Great Migration as millions of wildebeest and zebra embark on their annual journey. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique opportunity to observe the big five in a natural enclosure, and Lake Manyara is home to tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.

Driven in your private 4x4 by your professional safari guide, this private 7-day Tanzania safari offers you the flexibility to travel at your own pace, exactly the way you like it.

Our tours are tailored to cater to your interests and preferences, ensuring a personalized and ideal safari adventure. For example, if you're seeking a touch of romance, consider our option to indulge in a hot-air balloon safari above the breathtaking landscape of the Serengeti.

Global Highlights tip: June and July are the best months to visit Serengeti National Park to witness the wildebeest migration. If you visit Serengeti National Park in mid-to-late August, you probably won't see many of the migratory animals as they will have already migrated north to Kenya.

Itinerary #2: 7-Day Serengeti and Zanzibar Getaway

Zanzibar

Embark on a mesmerizing 7-day journey through Tanzania, combining the awe-inspiring Serengeti with the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. This itinerary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers, offering the best of both worlds.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip customized by our travel specialist:

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and transfer to your accommodation.
Days 2–4: Explore the iconic Serengeti National Park.
Days 5–6: Fly to Zanzibar and bask in the island's beauty.
Day 7: Conclude your adventure with relaxation on Zanzibar's beaches before departing.

During the initial phase of this remarkable journey, you would embark on a 3-day exploration of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, where iconic African wildlife roams freely.

Following your Serengeti adventure, a short flight would whisk you away to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, where you could unwind for 2 days on the island's pristine beaches.

Interested in this tour? Feel free to get in touch with us for further details or to discuss any customizations to better suit your preferences and requirements.

Itinerary #3: The Southern Circuit Safari Adventure

Most visitors travel to what is known as the Northern Circuit, as in itinerary #1 above.

If you're the kind of traveler who craves uncharted wildlife experiences, then the Southern Circuit Adventure in Tanzania is tailor-made for you. Set forth on a journey that delves into the lesser-explored realms of this remarkable country.

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

Day 1: Collection from Dar es Salaam and transfer to Mikumi National Park for a safari.
Day 2: Explore Mikumi National Park for the whole day.
Day 3: Transfer to Ruaha National Park, via Iringa town.
Days 4–6: Have a 3-day safari in Ruaha National Park. Optional activities include walking safaris and night game drives.
Day 7: Take the long drive back to Dar es Salaam or fly back to Dar es Salaam (at an extra flight cost).

This 7-day southern Tanzania safari package would take you to Mikumi National Park and the largest park in Tanzania, Ruaha National Park.

Your adventure begins in Mikumi National Park, where the sprawling plains come alive with a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic elephants and formidable buffaloes to iconic lions, zebras, and graceful giraffes. Bird enthusiasts would also find delight in Mikumi's avian treasures, with over 400 bird species waiting to be discovered.

The journey then leads you to Ruaha National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and regal big cats. For those seeking an even deeper connection with the wilderness, optional activities like walking safaris and night game drives are available, although it's advisable to plan and book well in advance to ensure permit processing.

This is just a sample package that you could pick and book, but you could also get in touch with us if you need a completely tailor-made safari tour that takes you to some or all of the best southern Tanzania wildlife areas.

Itinerary #4: 7-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Adventure

Have you dreamed of conquering the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro? This unforgettable 7-day Kilimanjaro hike would make your dream come true.

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

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania, transfer to Kilimanjaro, and hike to Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to the summit and descend to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha

This 7-day itinerary to climb Mount Kilimanjaro goes along the Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route. It is one of the best ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as it is optimal for acclimatization and offers unparalleled vistas and the beauty of diverse ecosystems.

You will have two shorter days of trekking prior to your summit ascent in order to optimize your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Throughout the trek, you would go through stunning terrain and climb in five different climatic zones, from the lush rainforests at lower altitudes to the breathtaking, harsh, and starkly beautiful arctic zone near the summit.

You would have a chance to enjoy exceptional camping experiences like no other. Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals, and more!

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through other routes is also possible. Please get in touch with us and let's discuss your wishes for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Of course, you could combine this program with some other great adventures, including a safari, beach stays, and more.

Itinerary #5: 7-Day Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari

If you're seeking to explore both Kenya and Tanzania within the span of a long week, this safari is the perfect choice for you. The itinerary covers the most incredible highlights of both countries, ensuring you would witness the stunning diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures that East Africa has to offer.

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip tailored for you by our travel specialist:

Day 1: Nairobi (Kenya) — Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 2: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 3: Cross the border and transfer to Serengeti National Park.
Day 4: A full-day Serengeti game drive
Day 5: Transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater and a game drive
Day 6: A full-day Ngorongoro game drive and drive to Karatu
Day 7: A half-day Lake Manyara game drive and departure

This unforgettable trip begins with some time in Kenya's capital before proceeding to the popular Maasai Mara National Reserve, then to Tanzania's Serengeti and Lake Manyara national parks as well as Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The highlights of this journey include witnessing the Big Five, experiencing the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), and encountering the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Let us tailor-make your trip today and create unforgettable memories that would last a lifetime.