Safari Planning Guide
10-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
From Tarangire's elephants to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti plains, this route balances exceptional wildlife viewing with a comfortable pace.
Your day-by-day safari
This classic Tanzania safari itinerary can be tailored to the season, your preferred accommodation style and the pace that suits you.
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha
Meet your private guide at the airport, transfer to your lodge and review the journey ahead.
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
Begin with elephant herds, ancient baobabs and a full-day game drive beside the Tarangire River.
Day 3
Lake Manyara
Explore groundwater forest, flamingo-rich shores and the Rift Valley escarpment before continuing to Karatu.
Day 4
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend to the crater floor for exceptional wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants and endangered black rhinos.
Day 5
Central Serengeti
Travel through the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti, with wildlife encounters along the way.
Day 6
Serengeti Game Drives
Spend sunrise and afternoon on safari across the Seronera Valley, known for big cats and year-round wildlife.
Day 7
Follow the Great Migration
Explore the region where seasonal herds are concentrated, planned around your travel month and current wildlife movement.
Day 8
Serengeti at Your Pace
Choose a full-day game drive, a relaxed lodge afternoon or an optional sunrise balloon safari.
Day 9
Serengeti to Arusha
Enjoy a final morning game drive, then fly back to Arusha for a comfortable final night.
Day 10
Departure or Zanzibar
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or extend the adventure with a Zanzibar beach stay.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — 10 days is the sweet spot. It covers Tarangire, Ngorongoro and 3–4 nights in the Serengeti with time to relax and acclimatize.
June to October for the dry season and great game viewing. January to March is excellent for the calving season and fewer vehicles.
Mid-range itineraries start around USD 4,500 per person, premium safaris from USD 7,500 and luxury journeys from USD 12,000 per person sharing.
Yes — a 3 to 5 night Zanzibar beach extension is the most popular add-on, connecting via a short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha.
In Closing
Final Thoughts
Ten days through the Northern Circuit gives you the full sweep of Tanzania — elephants in Tarangire, lions on the crater floor and endless plains in the Serengeti — with the pacing of a true journey rather than a checklist.
