10-Day Tanzania Itinerary

This 10‑day Tanzania itinerary mixes big‑five safari with white‑sand Zanzibar beaches. It assumes you’re a first-timer and want a balanced trip:

Days 1–6: Northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, maybe Tarangire or Manyara)
Days 7–10: Zanzibar for beach + Stone Town

Exact details will vary by tour operator, but this gives you a clear structure.

Overview: Route & Flow

Day 1: Arrive Arusha / Kilimanjaro – rest & prep
Day 2: Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3–4: Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6: Ngorongoro → Arusha / flight to Zanzibar
Day 7–9: Zanzibar (beach + optional Stone Town)
Day 10: Zanzibar → fly home (via Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro)

You can shift 1–2 days between safari and Zanzibar based on your interests and budget.

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha / Kilimanjaro

Fly into Kilimanjaro International (JRO) or Arusha.
Meet your safari operator / transfer to Arusha or nearby lodge.
Relax after the flight, brief with your guide, check gear.

Evening:

Early dinner, sleep well – safaris start early.

Day 2 – Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park

Option A: Tarangire National Park

Famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees.
Great in dry season (animals gather around the river).

Option B: Lake Manyara National Park

Smaller park, known for birdlife and sometimes tree-climbing lions.
Scenic lake and forested areas.

You’ll typically:

Drive from Arusha in the morning
Game drive through the day
Overnight near the park or in Karatu (gateway town).

Day 3–4 – Serengeti National Park

Drive or fly into the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous park.

Day 3:
- Travel to Serengeti with game drive en route.
- Afternoon game drive, sunset over the plains.
Day 4:
- Full day of game drives (morning and afternoon).

What you might see:

Lions, leopards, cheetahs
Wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, buffalo
The Great Migration (location depends on month; check with your operator)

Accommodation:

Tented camps (luxury or basic)
Lodges inside or on the edge of the park

Day 5 – Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater Area

Morning game drive in the Serengeti.
After lunch, drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Optional stop at a Maasai village (ask about ethical options).
Overnight at a lodge on or near the rim of Ngorongoro Crater or in Karatu.

Evening views from crater rim lodges can be spectacular (higher budget).

Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Fly to Zanzibar

Morning:

Early descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a half‑day game drive.
Very high density of animals in a small area; chance to see:
- Lions, hyena, buffalo
- Rhino (if lucky), lots of antelopes, hippos, birds

Afternoon:

Drive back to Arusha / Kilimanjaro.
Catch an afternoon or evening flight to Zanzibar (ZNZ).

Night:

Arrive in Zanzibar, transfer to your beach hotel (e.g., Nungwi, Kendwa in the north; Paje/Jambiani on east coast).

Day 7–9 – Zanzibar Beach & Stone Town

You have 3 full days in Zanzibar. A suggested split:

Day 7 – Beach Day

After early wildlife days, start with a relaxing beach day.
Swim, snorkel, or just rest.
North (Nungwi/Kendwa): great sunsets, lively.
East (Paje/Jambiani): more laid-back, kite‑surfing.

Day 8 – Stone Town & Culture

Take a day trip or an overnight into Stone Town:
- Explore narrow alleys, markets, old doors
- Visit the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, House of Wonders (as available)
Consider a Spice Tour or Prison Island (Changuu) boat trip.

You can:

Stay one night in Stone Town, then return to the beach, or
Do it as a day trip and sleep all nights at the beach.

Day 9 – More Beach / Activities

Choose one:

Snorkeling or diving at Mnemba Atoll (north/east)
Dhow sunset cruise
Another Spice Tour or village visit
Relax at the resort before your journey home

Day 10 – Zanzibar → Home

Transfer to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ).
Fly out via Dar es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), Nairobi, etc., depending on your flight.

If you have a late flight, you may:

Spend extra time in Stone Town for last-minute souvenirs and food.

Budget & Practical Notes (Very Rough)

Per person, excluding international flights:

Moderate safari + mid‑range Zanzibar (10 days):
- Could easily be in the US$2,000–4,000+ range, depending on:
  - Lodge level
  - Month (high vs low season)
  - Group vs private safari
Budget backpacker versions (joining group tours, cheaper lodges, cheaper Zanzibar stays) can be lower; luxury can be far higher.