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 Tanzania Safari Itinerary, incl. Serengeti and Zanzibar

  The wildlife-rich route through Tanzania spans 9 locations, from Arusha to Zanzibar. Wildlife viewing in 5 national parks including Serengeti and Tarangire, cultural exchanges with Hadzabe bushmen at Lake Eyasi, and 5 nights relaxing at Warere Beach Hotel on Zanzibar's coast.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Arusha & Arusha National Park

    Your journey begins in Arusha. After airport pickup, settle in at Arusha Planet Lodge. On day 2, visit Arusha National Park with its diverse landscapes from the swampy Ngurdoto Crater to Mount Meru's slopes. Take a 2-hour forest hike to Tululusia waterfall but pack sturdy shoes for potentially slippery trails. Early mornings offer the best views of Kilimanjaro before clouds appear.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Lake Manyara & South Serengeti

    Start with a morning walk along Lake Manyara's shores at 7 AM to spot flamingos in the soda lake. Look for the unique tree-climbing lions in acacia trees near the lake's western edge. The 4-5 hour drive to South Serengeti is best planned between December-March for wildebeest calving season.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Central Serengeti

    Three full days in the Serengeti's core await you. Start game drives at 6 AM for the best predator sightings. Consider booking a hot air balloon safari ($600) in advance. A recent visitor shared: "Watching lions stalk prey from the balloon was incredible, but bring warm layers as dawn temperatures can drop to 50°F (10°C)."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Ngorongoro Area

    Visit Ngorongoro Crater right when gates open at 6 AM for your best chance to spot rhinos. Plan for early morning viewing before crowds arrive. Bring a warm jacket for the chilly rim. Visit Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe bushmen, one of Africa's last hunter-gatherer tribes.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Tarangire National Park

    Known for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Visit during dry season (June-October) when wildlife gathers near the Tarangire River. The southern area offers more private wildlife viewing. Protect your camera from dust on the park's roads.

    
  • Days 12-17

    Zanzibar Island

    Take a 2-hour flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Split your time between historic Stone Town and beach activities. Tour Stone Town in the morning before it gets hot. Head to northern beaches like Nungwi for the best snorkeling. Book diving trips through PADI centers ahead of time.

  • Days 18-19

    Return via Arusha

    Return to Arusha for your final night. Book afternoon flights from Kilimanjaro Airport to avoid morning traffic.

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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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