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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• 19 Day East Africa Itinerary, incl. Nairobi and Serengeti

  Tanzania's natural beauty shines over 19 days from Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The journey includes 6 major destinations including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Gombe Stream, featuring chimp tracking, Big Five safaris, Mount Makarot hiking, and cultural immersion at Mto wa Mbu.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Nairobi & Il Ngwesi

    Begin in Nairobi and take a 1.5-hour flight to Laikipia to stay at Il Ngwesi, a Maasai-owned eco-lodge. Plan to arrive early since bush walks need good daylight. Remember to pack light long-sleeve clothing. The equatorial sun is strong even during winter months.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Nanyuki & Mt Kenya

    Stay in Nanyuki to explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and hike Mt Kenya's Sirimon Route. This 12km trail requires some preparation. Start with shorter walks to adjust to the altitude. A recent visitor noted: "The views from Sirimon were incredible, but bring proper hiking boots - the volcanic terrain is quite rocky."

    
  • Days 6-9

    Maasai Mara Safari

    Spend four full days in Kenya's best wildlife area. The animals are most active during early morning drives, so set those alarms. You might want to splurge on a hot air balloon safari ($480). It's worth getting up before dawn for those incredible views. Pack neutral colors and don't forget a good zoom lens.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Head to Tanzania through Arusha. The crater floor is packed with wildlife. You'll want full days here to see it all. Mt Makarot offers both easy and challenging hiking trails. The weather changes quickly so pack different layers.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Serengeti National Park

    Two full days in Tanzania's crown jewel. Game drives can stretch to 6 hours or more but you won't mind. Bring binoculars to spot big cats resting far from the roads. The Seronera area offers great wildlife viewing all year round.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Gombe Stream National Park

    Follow in Jane Goodall's footsteps to track chimps. Get in shape before you come. The trails will test you. One visitor put it well: "The hour with the chimps was magical, but the trails are steep and often muddy. Walking poles helped tremendously."

    
  • Days 18-19

    Dar es Salaam

    Relax on Tanzania's coast to end your trip. Take a trip to Bongoyo Island for some snorkeling if you like. Book late flights out. Morning traffic can really slow you down.

    

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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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