3-Week Tanzania Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Tanzania tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaTanzania travel expert at TourRadar

• 19 Days in Tanzania, incl. Kilimanjaro Trek and Serengeti Safari

  A 19-day Tanzanian expedition combines 6 days on Kilimanjaro's Machame Route, 5 days viewing wildlife in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and 4 days in Zanzibar's Stone Town and beaches. A scenic flight connects Arusha to Zanzibar.

  

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  • Days 1-7

    Kilimanjaro Trek (Machame Route)

    Begin in Moshi with gear checks and briefings. The 6-day Machame trek starts in rainforest before moving up to moorland and alpine desert. "Kilimanjaro was incredibly challenging, but it feels like a great accomplishment," shared one traveler. Bring quality rain gear since the lower slopes get very muddy. Your summit push begins around midnight on Day 6. You'll reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise before heading back down. Back in Moshi treat yourself to a massage at the women's cooperative.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Arusha & Lake Manyara

    Head to Arusha the safari gateway city. Lake Manyara National Park offers sightings of tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds. Take an afternoon game drive through the lush forest where birds are plentiful. Watch the lake edges at dusk when hippos come out to graze.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Serengeti & Ngorongoro

    Spend three full days exploring the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater. If possible visit during the wildebeest migration from July to October in the northern Serengeti. "Safari was very spectacular, saw lots of animals from really up close" one traveler noted. Consider taking a hot air balloon safari for unique aerial views. The rim camps at Ngorongoro get cold at night so pack warm clothing.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Cultural Experiences & Arusha

    Experience a traditional Maasai village and learn about community programs like the Clean Cookstove Project. Return to Arusha for a rest day to organize photos and prepare for Zanzibar.

    
  • Days 15-19

    Zanzibar Island

    Fly to Stone Town for spice tours and cultural walks. Then relax at the beach resorts with options for snorkeling and diving. "Zanzibar was good to wind down and relax" according to one reviewer. Book water activities ahead during peak season. The tour ends in Stone Town so schedule departure flights after 2:30 PM.

    

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• 18 Day Tanzania Itinerary, incl. Kilimanjaro Trek and Serengeti Safari

  The 18-day Tanzanian odyssey covers 7 destinations, featuring 8 days summiting Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route, 5 days safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, plus 3 days in Zanzibar staying at Tembo Hotel and Rasmichamvi Beach Resort.

  

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  • Days 1-9

    Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

    Your Tanzania adventure begins with the Kilimanjaro climb on the scenic Lemosho Route. Start in Moshi and consider arriving a day early to adjust to the altitude. One climber shared: "Our guide Victor's judgment was crucial - he skillfully encouraged me to keep going slowly when I needed it most on the way to Uhuru Peak." The route takes you through forest to moorland on the western approach with a gradual climb. You'll need plenty of layers since temperatures swing from hot in the forest to freezing at the summit. The final push to the top starts around midnight and takes 6-8 hours of steep climbing in darkness and cold. Make sure to pack hand warmers and a reliable headlamp with extra batteries.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Cultural Experience & Tarangire

    Take time to recover at the Osiligilai Maasai Lodge near Arusha where you can learn about Maasai culture while enjoying comfortable amenities. Next up is Tarangire National Park which is famous for its large elephant herds and towering baobab trees. Plan your visit during dry season (June-October) when wildlife gathers near the Tarangire River.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Ngorongoro & Serengeti

    Get to Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning to spot black rhinos before they hide in the thickets around 10am. Your next stop is the Serengeti with a visit to Olduvai Gorge. A recent visitor noted: "Our guide Edward had incredible knowledge and even showed us some of the few rhinoceros left in the wild. He taught us so much about the animals and ecosystem." Plan for two full days in the Serengeti to see plenty of wildlife. Check migration patterns before booking since the wildebeest move throughout the year. You'll see the most active wildlife and get the best photos during early morning and late afternoon game drives.

    
  • Day 15

    Lake Manyara

    Lake Manyara is special for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. Visit in late afternoon when animals come out from the groundwater forest. The drive from Moshi takes about 4 hours through small villages and Maasai territory.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Zanzibar

    Finish your trip in Zanzibar starting with Stone Town before relaxing on the beaches. Take a morning spice tour to avoid peak heat. Beaches are nicest in the morning and late afternoon when the sun isn't too strong. The Rasmichamvi area offers a good mix of local culture and scenic beaches.

    

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• 18 Days in Tanzania Safari & Beach, incl. Serengeti and Zanzibar

  An 18-day wildlife tour showcases 6 iconic destinations: Arusha National Park's Colobus monkeys, Tarangire's elephant herds, Serengeti's vast migration, Ngorongoro's diverse wildlife, and Zanzibar's beaches. Three days in Serengeti and 6 days in tropical Zanzibar complete the adventure.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Arusha & Surroundings

    Start your Tanzania journey in Arusha, the safari hub. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evening to avoid peak heat. The drive to your hotel takes about 45 minutes. Spend day 2 getting settled and exploring the Maasai Market for local crafts. On day 3 head to Arusha National Park for your first wildlife experience. Get there by 7 AM to see the rare Colobus monkeys at their most active. For day 4 you can take the Mount Meru waterfall hike. Just remember to wear good shoes since the trails get slippery during rainy weather.

    
  • Day 5

    Tarangire National Park

    Take the 2.5-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire. The park is known for its elephant populations and massive baobab trees. Visit between July and October when wildlife gathers near the Tarangire River. The dry season brings lots of dust so protect your camera equipment.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Serengeti National Park

    The drive to the Serengeti takes 5-6 hours but offers beautiful views. Give yourself three full days here to see the wildlife. For the best migration viewing go December to March in the southern area during calving or June to July in the western corridor to see river crossings. A sunrise balloon ride costs $690 but gives you an incredible view of the plains.

    
  • Day 9

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Get to the crater early before the 9 AM crowds arrive. Be ready for a bumpy descent. Take motion sickness medication if needed. Morning temperatures at the rim can drop to 50°F/10°C so bring warm clothing layers.

    
  • Days 10-18

    Zanzibar

    Take a 2-hour flight to Zanzibar. Start with a few days in Stone Town before moving to the beach areas. The northern beaches offer great snorkeling at high tide. Choose the east coast for kitesurfing or the calmer western shores for swimming.

    

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