10 DAY TOUR OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF TANZANIA
QUICK FACTS
Length of trip: 10 days
Locations: Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Zanzibar
Season: June
Price: $$$
DAY 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro
If possible, find a flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport and head over to Arusha before the Safari. Spend a day relaxing at the Onsea House lodge before heading out on safari. For a hotel option in town, try Kibo Palace.
If you stay at Onsea House, you’ll be far from town and can enjoy their famous cuisine on-site. If you’re in Arusha town, check out my favorites Blue Heron for pizza, salads, and coffee or Fig and Olive for Mediterranean cuisine.
DAY 2: Lake Manyara
We got a great deal with Kilidove Tours. They will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and you’ll head out for safari. The first day you can drive through Lake Manyara en route to the Serengeti. While this is one of the smaller parks, we saw an incredible herd of elephants and spent most of our time watching them!
A heard of elephants spotted on the way through Lake Manyara en route to the Serengeti
DAY 3: Serengeti
Drive to the Serengeti for an afternoon of game viewing to spot the big 5. The best time of year to go is during the peak of the great migration, June-August, because the sheer number of animals is a truly unique experience. This is also winter in Tanzania so the temperatures will be more comfortable during the day, but cold at night.
DAY 4: Serengeti
Try to do another game drive in the morning before returning to Arusha. It’s absolutely worth it to do a sunrise drive. If you have more time, spend another full day in the Serengeti to get further into the park.
Sunrise in the Serengeti
DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater
The crater is one of Tanzania’s gems and a must-do on any safari. On one visit, we overnighted in the town a short drive from the crater and on another we camped the edge of the crater. It’s pricier, but if you have the budget, camp on the edge of the crater or stay at one of the luxury lodges inside the park- it’s truly incredible!
Drive back to Arusha and overnight in town.
DAY 6: Fly to Zanzibar
Depart from Kilimanjaro airport to Zanzibar this morning. There are direct flights on Fastjet and Precision Air to save time. Alternative routes might take you through Dar es Salaam where you can book a small flight through Coastal.
It’s about a 15-minute drive to the town. Try to arrange for your hotel to pick you up at the airport or e-mail us for the number of a great taxi driver and spend the afternoon exploring Stone Town.
Arrange for a walking tour or just wander the streets yourself because it’s a small town. Be sure to check out the old fort, museum, and markets. Then head over to Maru Maru, Six Degrees South, for Africa House for sundowners and an incredible view.
Dinner: Emerson Spice tasting menu (reservations needed) or head down to the waterfront for the night market and enjoy some local cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying Zanzibar pizza and chipsi mayai!
Lodging: For a splurge, Emerson Spice is a gorgeous hotel in Stone Town with a famous tasting menu for dinner. If you’re interested in having a pool, look at the Hyatt or Tembo House. On the less expensive side, try Zanzibar Coffee House where you’re welcomed with a coffee of your choice and can enjoy the rooftop terrace.
DAY 7: Zanzibar
Drive up to Nungwi this morning (about 1 hour trip) on the northern part of the island and get ready for some time on the beach.
Book a sunset cruise at your hotel- it’s amazing to be on the water at the end of the day.
Dinner: Langi Langi has a great restaurant right on the water.
Lodging: Z Hotel and the Hideaway are on the expensive side but great hotels. There are also a number of beach bungalows with beautiful beaches for affordable and laid back lodging like Sunset Bungalows.
DAY 8: Zanzibar
Take advantage of some of the amazing activities offered- most hotels have a dive shop to arrange them: scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling at mnemba atoll.
DAY 9: Zanzibar
Spend the day in the gorgeous Indian Ocean or try a day trip to go on a spice tour or visit the tortoises.
DAY 10: travel home
From Zanzibar, you can connect through Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Nairobi to catch international flights home.
Helpful Hints
Packing: Bring comfortable clothes and sneakers for safari. It can get warm during the day and really cold at night so wear layers and bring long pants and a fleece.
If you plan to walk around Stone Town bring conservative clothing- try to cover shoulders and knees.