Tanzania Safari Overview
A 3-week Tanzania safari offers the ultimate African adventure, combining world-famous wildlife destinations, remote wilderness areas, and tropical island relaxation. This extended safari takes you through both northern and southern national parks, giving you the opportunity to see Tanzania’s most iconic animals, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From the rolling plains of the Serengeti to the deep crater of Ngorongoro, the rugged wilderness of Ruaha and Nyerere, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, this itinerary provides a complete Tanzanian experience.
Northern Circuit
The northern circuit includes Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Tarangire is renowned for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, while Lake Manyara offers unique sightings of tree-climbing lions and colorful birdlife. The Serengeti presents vast savannas teeming with predators, wildebeest, and zebra, with opportunities to witness the Great Migration during its seasonal movement. Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheater filled with dense wildlife, including black rhinos and lions, providing an unparalleled safari experience. These parks are easily accessible from Arusha and feature comfortable lodges, tented camps, and experienced guides to ensure an enjoyable journey.
Southern Circuit
The southern circuit includes Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks, offering a more remote and untouched safari experience. Ruaha’s vast wilderness and high predator density make it ideal for travelers seeking solitude and authentic wildlife encounters. Nyerere (Selous) combines river and land safaris, allowing you to see hippos, crocodiles, and large mammals in one of Africa’s largest protected areas. These parks are less visited, which means more intimate game drives, walking safaris, and opportunities to capture unforgettable photographs.
Cultural Aspect
Cultural experiences enrich this safari. Visiting the Hadzabe hunters and Datoga pastoralists near Lake Eyasi gives insight into traditional Tanzanian life. You will learn about hunting techniques, blacksmithing, and daily routines while interacting respectfully with local communities. These encounters add depth to your safari, connecting wildlife experiences with human stories and traditions.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday
The safari concludes in Zanzibar, where history, culture, and beaches provide a perfect contrast to the bush. Explore Stone Town with a knowledgeable guide, discover spice farms, and relax on white sandy beaches. Snorkeling, diving, and sailing trips on traditional dhows offer an active yet relaxing end to your adventure.
A 3-week Tanzania safari balances wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and leisure. It is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience that includes both the famous northern parks and the hidden southern treasures, finished with the tranquility of Zanzibar. Careful planning ensures smooth transfers, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, making this safari a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Tanzania’s natural and cultural wonders.
Table of Contents
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
You land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This small city is the starting point for northern circuit safaris. Use this day to relax, adjust to the time zone, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2–3: Tarangire National Park
Spend two full days in Tarangire. The park is known for huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Early morning drives offer the best chance to see predators. During the dry season, wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River, making it one of the most rewarding parks in northern Tanzania.
Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to Lake Manyara, famous for tree-climbing lions and birdlife along the soda lake. Flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds are common. The Rift Valley escarpment creates a dramatic backdrop. A half-day game drive is usually enough before heading to your lodge near the park or Karatu.
Day 5–7: Serengeti National Park
You spend three days in the Serengeti. The vast plains are home to lions, cheetahs, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra. The exact area to explore depends on the season. Between June and September, the Great Migration is in the northern Serengeti, while from December to March, it is in the south. With three nights, you can enjoy morning and afternoon drives and increase your chances of seeing predators in action.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari. The crater floor is home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos, buffalo, elephants, and lions. Picnic lunch is usually taken at the hippo pool before continuing the game drive. Overnight stay is in Karatu or near the crater rim.
Day 9: Lake Natron
Travel to Lake Natron, a remote and scenic area at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The lake is breeding ground for thousands of flamingos. The journey is long and bumpy but rewarding, with dramatic landscapes and fewer visitors. Sunset at the lake is a highlight.
Day 10: Hadzabe and Datoga Cultural Visit
Meet the Hadzabe hunters and the Datoga blacksmiths near Lake Eyasi. Spend the morning joining the Hadzabe on a traditional hunting walk, followed by a visit to the Datoga people who work with metal tools and jewelry. This cultural day gives you insight into Tanzania’s traditional communities.
Day 11–13: Ruaha National Park
Fly south to Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park. Ruaha is remote and wild, with baobab-studded landscapes, large lion prides, and impressive elephant herds. With three days here, you will enjoy game drives and, depending on your camp, walking safaris or night drives. This park has fewer visitors, so you experience wildlife in solitude.
Day 14–15: Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Continue to Nyerere, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River bring you close to hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The park is also home to lions, wild dogs, and giraffes. Spend two days combining river activities with classic game drives.
Day 16: Mikumi National Park
Travel by road or short flight to Mikumi. The park is often compared to the Serengeti because of its wide open plains. Giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and lions are common sightings. Mikumi is a convenient stop before reaching Dar es Salaam.
Day 17: Dar es Salaam
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling port city. This is a rest day before heading to Zanzibar. Depending on your schedule, you can explore local markets or enjoy fresh seafood along the coast.
Day 18–21: Zanzibar
Fly to Zanzibar for four days of relaxation and cultural exploration. Start in Stone Town with a guided walking tour to learn about the island’s history. Visit spice farms to see cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. Then spend the remaining days on the island’s beaches. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and sailing on a traditional dhow.
Practical Information
Best time: June to October for dry season safaris, December to March for calving season in the Serengeti.
Travel: Combination of road transfers and internal flights.
Health: Malaria protection and travel insurance are recommended.
Packing: Neutral clothing, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a 3-week African safari depends on the country, type of accommodation, and activities. In Tanzania, a three-week safari typically ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 USD per person. Budget options with shared vehicles and mid-range lodges are on the lower end, while luxury camps and private tours are at the higher end. Prices usually include park fees, transport, meals, and guides, but international flights are separate.
Three weeks in Tanzania gives you time to combine the northern and southern safari circuits with Zanzibar. A recommended plan is to spend the first 10 days exploring Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Natron. The next week focuses on Ruaha, Nyerere, and Mikumi for a remote safari experience. The last four days are for relaxation in Zanzibar, with a mix of Stone Town exploration, spice tours, and beach time.
The ideal length of a Tanzania safari depends on your goals. A short safari can be 5 to 7 days, covering two or three parks in the north. For a complete experience that includes the migration, crater, and southern wilderness, 14 to 21 days is recommended. More time allows for slower travel, better wildlife sightings, and visits to cultural sites or Zanzibar.
On average, a safari in Tanzania costs between 300 and 1,200 USD per person per day. Budget safaris use simple lodges or camping with shared vehicles, while luxury safaris use exclusive camps, private guides, and fly-in options. Park fees in Tanzania are significant, which makes it more expensive than some African destinations, but the experience is among the best in Africa with unmatched wildlife diversity and landscapes.
