Planning Your First Tanzania Wildlife Safari? Here’s My Personal Itinerary to Guide You
If you are planning a wildlife safari in Tanzania for the first time and want to explore the best of Tanzania’s national parks, I’m sharing my personal itinerary based on an unforgettable safari experience, Use it as inspiration and this guide will make it easier to create your perfect wildlife safari itinerary in Tanzania.
This itinerary will help you:
Plan your own safari adventure with confidence
Know what to expect each day
Discover top safari destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire
Get ideas for accommodation options (luxury, mid-range, and budget) Spot the Big Five, witness the Great Migration, and enjoy stunning landscapes
“There are two ways to experience a safari in Tanzania – booking through a tour operator or organizing it yourself. However, about 99% of travelers (myself included) choose to go with a tour operator, and I strongly recommend this option. Professional guides not only handle all the logistics and paperwork, but more importantly, they possess invaluable knowledge about the terrain, wildlife behavior, and local culture that you simply can’t get on your own.
The real challenge comes in selecting the right tour operator. Some helpful resources I’ve used include TripAdvisor, Viator, and SafariBookings to compare options and read authentic reviews from fellow travelers.” and try to book local operator. Contact me to help you find right local tour operator.
Tanzania Safari Itinerary Planning Guide
1. Decide on the Safari Duration
- Typical safari durations: 5, 7, 9, or 10 days.
- Short safaris focus on 1–2 parks; longer ones cover 3–4 major destinations.
- Consider travel time between parks.
2. Choose the Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (June to October): Best for wildlife viewing, especially the Great Migration in Serengeti.
- Wet Season (November to May): Fewer crowds, greener landscapes, excellent birding.
3. Select National Parks and Reserves
- Serengeti National Park: Great Migration, Big Five.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Dense wildlife, scenic crater.
- Tarangire National Park: Elephants, baobabs, birding.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos.
- Ruaha / Selous (southern circuit): Off-the-beaten-path options.
4. Decide on Safari Style
- Luxury Safari: High-end lodges, private guides, gourmet meals.
- Mid-Range Safari: Comfortable lodges, good value.
- Budget Safari: Campsites or budget lodges, shared vehicles.
5. Book with a Reputable Safari Operator
- Look for licensed, experienced operators with good reviews.
- Ensure they include transportation, guide, park fees, and accommodation.
6. Consider Add-Ons or Extensions
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Zanzibar beach extension post-safari.
- Hot air balloon ride in Serengeti.
7. Pack Smart for the Safari
- Neutral-colored clothing, layers, binoculars, insect repellent, travel documents.
- Check visa and vaccination requirements before travel.
8. Finalize Your Travel Logistics
- Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).
- Confirm airport transfers and overnight stays before/after the safari.
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
- After breakfast, meet your safari guide for a briefing before departing for Lake Manyara National Park.
- Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive.
- Spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, hippos, and numerous bird species.
- Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:(you can choose accommodation as your preference)
- Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
- Mid-Range: Kirurumu Tented Lodge
- Budget: Olmasera Tented Camp
Day 2: Full-Day Game Viewing in Lake Manyara
- Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a full-day game drive with packed lunch.
- Explore the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, wildebeests, zebras, baboons, and flamingos by the lake.
- Picnic lunch at scenic spots near the lake.
- Continue the game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 1.
Day 3: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
- Early breakfast, then drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive.
- Spot lions, leopards, buffalos, wildebeests, and gazelles on the crater floor.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
- Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
- Budget: Plantation Lodge
Day 4: Full-Day Game Viewing in Ngorongoro Crater
- Early breakfast followed by a full-day game drive on the crater floor.
- Look out for the Big Five, including the rare black rhino.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots.
- Spot diverse birdlife, including flamingos, storks, and eagles.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 3.
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
- Early breakfast, then a Maasai village visit for cultural experiences.
- Return to the lodge for lunch before driving to Serengeti National Park.
- Arrive in the evening, check in, and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Asilia World Camp
- Budget: Usanja Camp
Day 6 & 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
- Day 6: Early morning game drive to spot nocturnal animals like lions and leopards.
- Return for breakfast, relax, then afternoon game drive.
- Day 7: Full-day exploration of the Serengeti, spotting cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
- Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 5.
Day 8: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
- Morning breakfast, then drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its baobab trees and large elephant herds.
- Afternoon game drive to see lions, zebras, giraffes, and exotic birds.
- Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Chem Chem Lodge
- Mid-Range: Kuro Tarangire Lodge
- Budget: Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge
Day 9: Return to Arusha
- Early breakfast followed by a short game drive.
- Depart for Arusha, with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Tour Inclusions
Professional safari guide 4×4 safari vehicle Full-board accommodation All park entrance fees Drinking water Airport transfers
Tour Exclusions
Tanzania hotel fees (before/after safari) Tips for guides & staff Laundry services Beverages/drinks International flights Visas Personal expenses