Great Tanzania Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

A short stay in Tanzania can last less than a week and revolve around a handful of national parks in the country’s northern circuit. If you're wondering how long to stay in Tanzania, almost all itineraries include Serengeti and Ngorongoro, while a few add Lake Manyara to the mix. More comprehensive tours that last a week or slightly more often include at least one beach destination, with Zanzibar being the most popular.

However, to truly get under the skin of the country, we recommend that you go for a trip that is at least ten days long and incorporate destinations like Selous to your itinerary along with the African Great Lakes, which includes Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh-water lake in the world. Around the lakes live members of different ethnic groups, including the Maasai. Alternatively, you can cut down on chasing wildlife and climb Mount Kilimanjaro instead. If scrambling up a cliff is not your forte, go for a hiking trip in the nearby Mount Meru instead.

Tick the Big Five off your bucket list during a one-week Tanzania tour and combine wildlife reserves along Tanzania’s northern circuit with a beach destination during your stay. Enjoy game drives in the sprawling savanna of Serengeti and drive down to Ngorongoro’s crater floor for an ultimate safari experience. Lake Manyara is a great destination for birdwatching while those interested in human evolution can head out to the Olduvai Gorge. Spend the final few moments of your trip relaxing on Zanzibar’s sun-soaked beaches or opt for one on the mainland, like Pangani. Figure out all that you can do in Tanzania with our one-week trips in Tanzania.

For more trip ideas, go through our recommended one-week tours to Tanzania.

Short trips to Tanzania last around a week or less than that, but a ten-day tour is ideal for relaxed traveling. Explore the busy markets of Dar es Salaam and head out to the nearby Pugu Hills to do some birdwatching. Hikers will find themselves at home amid the soaring cliffs and verdant greenery of the Udzungwa Mountains. At the same time, travelers with the Big Five on their bucket list can head for Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Alternatively, slog up the icy cliffs of Kilimanjaro to reach the top of Africa’s tallest mountain. With ten days to spare, you can combine mountaineering with a safari trip in the savanna. Hamlets abound in Tanzania’s lake region for those wishing to experience authentic Maasai culture, while islands off the country’s coast — Zanzibar and Mafia being the most popular — offer secluded beaches and a refreshing dip after a busy schedule. 

Check out our 10-day tours in Tanzania for more inspiration. 

If you are still wondering, how long you should spend in Tanzania then a two-week trip to Tanzania allows for a more comprehensive experience of the country and its culture. Cover nature reserves along both its northern and southern circuits or focus on an in-depth exploration of a few national parks, during your 14 days in Tanzania. Combine your wildlife safari trip with a hike through the foothills of Mount Meru. Then set sail in Lake Victoria and cycle through the towns and villages of Ukerewe Island. Alternatively, rub the well-worn destinations off your list to follow in the footsteps of legendary primatologist Jane Goodall in Gombe National Park. For a well-rounded adventure, add Katavi and Mahale to your itinerary and go on a dhow ride in Lake Tanganyika. Snorkel in the lake’s shallow lagoons and discover the vibrant, underwater world of over 250 cichlid species.

Check out our tours of 2 weeks in Tanzania for more inspiration.

If you are looking for a more personalized experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Tanzania. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Tanzania.