Spending 10 days in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience, blending incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches. During my trip, I discovered that Tanzania offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for any traveler. Whether you’re here for one of the best safaris in Tanzania or to soak up the sun on Zanzibar’s beaches, this East African country has it all.

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It’s home to some of the most famous national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Most travelers visit Tanzania for its safaris, with the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area being top places to visit. Others head to Zanzibar for its pristine beaches and historic Stone Town. My ten days in Tanzania were packed with adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable memories.

10-Day Tanzania Itinerary

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit starts in Arusha. If you have time, make it a point to visit Mount Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to see, but I had a friend who recently climbed Kili, and her story was amazing in itself. 

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park was my first stop. Known for its tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants and vast flocks of flamingos, this park offers a unique safari experience. Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake, but during the wet season, the lake covers about two-thirds of this area. The lush greenery and wildlife perfectly introduced Tanzania’s natural beauty.

If you are into birdwatching, you will be in paradise. You can find 400 species of birds here. To be honest, it is full of amazing wildlife and birds – birdwatcher or not – anywhere you go. Keep your camera handy at all times!

As you are driving to the Lake, you will notice many coffee fields all around. This is where arabica coffee beans are produced, as they require a high elevation for production. 

Day 2-4: Serengeti National Park

Next, we headed to the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras. You can expect to see elephants, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, and a lot more wildlife. If you are lucky you will see a leopard sleeping in a tree. I saw that twice. 

We spent two full days exploring areas of the Serengeti. I have been on a safari in South Africa, and this is quite a different experience as you will see more vast landscapes and more animals. The number of cheetahs and lions I saw here was uncanny! One herd had 15 lionesses and cubs!

One of the best experiences that I recommend is staying in a tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti. What an amazing experience. Waking up to the sounds of the wild and witnessing the Big Five in their natural habitat was nothing short of amazing. Just make sure you bring a flashlight as it gets dark at night. With no fences, you never know what will wander near your tent! I promise that I never felt unsafe, and I was by myself.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The last stop of our safari took us to the Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient volcanic caldera filled with wildlife. Formed millions of years ago, this unique ecosystem is home to a dense population of animals, including elephants, lions, and black rhinos amongst any other species of wildlife. You may get to see the iconic Secretary Bird which is very cool! 

The views from the crater rim were absolutely stunning, and descending into the crater felt like I was entering a whole different world. Make sure you choose a lodge that sits on the rim so you can really experience the vastness and views.

Day 6: Back to Arusha; Flight to Dar es Salaam

After an exhilarating safari, return to Arusha and board a flight to Dar es Salaam for the evening. Rest for one night before taking the short flight to Zanzibar for three days of relaxation.

Day 7-9: Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical island known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and history. Exploring Stone Town was a highlight, with its narrow alleys, bustling markets, and historic buildings. The island’s culture is a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. I highly recommend taking a day tour to explore Stone Town, take a spice tour and visit Prison Island.

Honestly, I spent one-day exploring the town and the other two days lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm Indian Ocean waters and birdwatching. The island’s east side houses the best beaches, accommodations, and diving. You will probably get a chance to see the Colobus Monkeys, which are only found on this island.

Day 10: Back to Dar es Salaam

Depending when your flight is leaving, catch a few more hours relaxing on the beach before flying back to Dar es Salaam. Depending on what your plans are next, you may choose to extend your stay by visiting Nyerere National Park in the southern part of Tanzania for a different safari experience.

Travel Tips

Here are some practical tips for making the most of your 10 days in Tanzania:

• Packing: Bring comfortable clothing for safaris, including neutral colors to blend in with the environment. Don’t forget a good pair of binoculars. Download your free Tanzania Safari Packing List to ensure you have all your essentials.
• Health: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and malaria medications for visiting the national parks. 
• Always drink bottled water.
• Visas: Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. IVisa can provide you with the requirements you need before visiting. 
• Currency: The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and lodges, but it’s good to have some cash for tips and small purchases.

Is 10 days in Tanzania enough?

Yes, 10 days in Tanzania is enough to experience both a thrilling safari and the relaxing beaches of Zanzibar. It allows for a balanced itinerary that includes wildlife adventures and beach fun.

Do I need to book with a tour company or can I self-drive?

You do have the option to self-drive, but I highly recommend taking a tour guide. You do not want to worry about watching where you are driving and what might be on the road. Trust me, there is so much going on that you just want to take it all in and enjoy the views. I work with a well respected tour company in Tanzania, so feel free to reach out to me if you want assistance with booking your safari in Tanzania.

What is the best month to visit Tanzania?

The best months to visit Tanzania are during the dry season, from June to October. This is when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This is also the best time for viewing the Great Migration. 

However, I visited in February and I had amazing weather and no rain. Though I didn’t see the full extent of the migration, I saw large herds of wildebeests and zebras. The benefit in going outside of June to October is that there are less tourists. Travelling in February I landed great deals on my safari.

Is Tanzania safe to visit?

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice. Stick to reputable tour operators and accommodations.

Is 6 days enough for a safari in Tanzania?

Yes, 6 days is more than enough to experience the highlights of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

10 days in Tanzania will be an incredible journey through some of the world’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife habitats. From the thrill of spotting the Big Five in the Serengeti to the tranquility of Zanzibar’s beaches, Tanzania offers a diverse and enriching travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, Tanzania is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to go back as it was one of the best vacations of my life.

Written by: Melanie Seneviratne, The World Travel Girl