Tanzania had been on my bucket list for years and it did not disappoint. From watching elephants in Tarangire to witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, here is my 9-day Tanzania itinerary.
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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
I flew Ethiopian Airlines Business class for only $8 using my travel hacking skills. You can read a more detailed review of my flight here.
After landing at JRO, I got my visa on arrival, which turned out to be the right call because I’d heard there can be some issues with the online visa process. It was $100 USD for U.S. citizens and $50 for other countries. Make sure to double check if they offer visa on arrival for your country.
My private tour company picked me up at the airport and took me straight to Kibo Palace Hotel. The rooms were spacious and the food was great, but I did have a small issue with the shower. It was cold and the bathtub was not draining very well. I recommend Four Points by Sheraton Arusha instead. They have excellent food and amenities.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Our first full day took us to Tarangire National Park, and I can’t recommend it enough. The landscape here is distinct from other parks and it’s the place to see elephants.
That night, I stayed at Heart and Soul Lodge, which ended up being my favorite accommodation of the entire trip. The grounds are stunning, there’s a pool for cooling off, and the food was top-notch.
Day 3: Into the Central Serengeti
We set out early for the Central Serengeti, arriving just in time for lunch. After eating, we spent around six hours on a game drive, spotting all kinds of wildlife before heading to Moyo Tented Camp for the night. Falling asleep to the sounds of water buffalo was something I’ll never forget.
Day 4–5: Northern Serengeti & The Great Migration
The next morning started with another Central Serengeti game drive before we continued to the Northern Serengeti, where I spent two nights at Heritage Mara Camp. It’s a mobile camp, so accommodations are simpler, but I loved my time here. They even had live performances after dinner.
Day 5 was my favorite of the entire trip. We spent 11 hours out on safari, following wildebeest herds and eventually witnessing three river crossings during the Great Migration and one crocodile attack. This was the bucket list day of my dreams.
Day 6: Back to Central Serengeti
We returned to the Central Serengeti, making a stop at the Hippo Pool, where you’re actually allowed to get out of your vehicle. There are picnic tables for lunch, and it’s amazing to be that close to so many hippos.
The rest of the day was spent on another game drive before heading back to Moyo Tented Camp for one more night under the stars.
Day 7: A Broken Down Ride & a Maasai Visit
I started the day with a morning game drive and then began the journey toward Ngorongoro Crater. Unfortunately, my car broke down en route. Since it happened right outside a Maasai village, so I made the most of it!
What was supposed to be a quick tourist stop turned into a few hours spent learning about Maasai culture. I finally arrived late that night at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The next morning’s Ngorongoro Crater game drive was magical. I saw huge flocks of flamingos and even a pride of lions snacking on a zebra. Sadly, no rhino sightings, but that just gives me a reason to go back.
Afterward, I returned to Four Points Arusha for a much-needed night of comfort. The shower felt amazing after days of tented camps! I treated myself to room service and a leisurely breakfast, which was excellent and included in the stay.
Day 9: Souvenir Shopping & Farewell
Before my flight home, I stopped by a local artist market just a few blocks from Four Points. It was the perfect place to pick up artwork and handicrafts as my final souvenir.
Possible Adjustments to this Tanzania Itinerary
If you are going during the Great Migration, it is imperative that you add a couple days in the Northern Serengeti to your Tanzania itinerary. You cannot miss the massive river crossings. Two nights in the Central Serengeti and two nights in the Northern Serengeti would be the minimum amount I would suggest. I would add more days on here if I wanted a longer safari. You could also stay an additional night at Heart and Soul Lodge and spend the extra day at Lake Manyara. Another option would be to add on some relaxing beach days in Zanzibar to end your safari. Make sure you check out my Ultimate Safari Packing List and my guide on How to Book a Solo Safari.
Safari Packing List
- Binoculars (you will use these more than you expect)
- Safari Hat
- Supergoop Face Sunscreen
- Canon R50
- Pump Duster for Camera
- Canon RF 100-500mm lens
- Ben’s Deet Wipes are effective and don’t count as a liquid in your luggage
- Neck Gaiter for dust
- Wet Wipes for hands and face
- Travelan to prevent GI issues