20 days best of Tanzania: Geology and wildlife safari

Are you planning to explore Tanzania starting from der es salaam, the commercial capital city of the country? Here’s a 20-day itinerary that starts from Dar es Salaam city centre, includes visits to fauna national parks, cultural places, hiking tours, and incorporates your interest in geology, including a visit to Lake Natron and Lengai Volcano, with a potential visit to Kilwa Kisiwani. The trip will end at Kilimanjaro international airport where you will depart from to your next destination.

you can request our team of expert to organize this trip for you or choose to do it on your own. either way the experience will a memorable one.

The highlight of the safari

Day 1-2: Arrival and Dar es Salaam

Day 3-5: Mikumi National Park

Day 6-8: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani

Day 9-11: Selous Game Reserve

Day 12-14: Lake Natron

Day 15-17: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

Day 18-19: Arusha and Cultural Exploration

Day 20: Kilimanjaro

Day 21: Departure

Detailed itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrival and Dar es Salaam

Arrival in Dar es Salaam: Explore the city, take some time to rest after your journey.
Highlights: Visit the National Museum of Tanzania to get an overview of the country’s rich cultural and geological history.
Optional: Head to Bongoyo Island for a day trip if you’re interested in nature and relaxation.

Day 3-5: Mikumi National Park

Travel: Drive to Mikumi National Park (about 4 hours from Dar es Salaam).
Activities:
Game drives to see wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. Visit the Mkata floodplain for birdwatching and a chance to see herds of buffalo. Explore the surrounding area and learn about local flora and fauna.

buffalo on a 4x4 adventure

Day 6-8: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani

Travel: Drive to Kilwa Kisiwani (about 6-7 hours from Mikumi).
Activities:
Explore the remains of the ancient Swahili trading city, Kilwa Kisiwani, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Kilwa Ruins and the Great Mosque of Kilwa, learn about its historical significance and the Swahili Coast’s trading history.

Kilwa Kisiwani

Day 9-11: Selous Game Reserve

Travel: Drive to Selous Game Reserve (about 5 hours from Kilwa).
Activities:
Boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Morning and evening game drives in the vast reserve, spotting elephants, lions, zebras, and more.
Optional: Visit a local village to understand the culture and life in the Selous area.

Day 12-14: Lake Natron

Travel: Head towards Lake Natron (around 8-9 hours from Selous, or you could fly to Arusha and drive from there).
Activities:
Explore the Lake Natron area, known for its stunning red-colored waters and alkaline composition. Hike to the base of Mount Lengai, an active volcano, and if you’re up for it, take a challenging hike to the summit (guided tours are advised). Visit the soda ash mines around Lake Natron. You may also see flamingos around the lake, which are known to breed here.

Larger flamingo at Lake Natron

Day 15-17: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

Travel: Head to the Ngorongoro Crater (about 5-6 hours from Lake Natron).

Activities:
Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich variety of wildlife. After the crater, continue to Serengeti National Park (around 4 hours). Enjoy game drives in Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration (if visiting during the migration season).

Day 18-19: Arusha and Cultural Exploration

Travel: Drive to Arusha (about 5-6 hours from Serengeti).
Activities:
Visit cultural sites such as the Maasai Market, and interact with the local Maasai people.
Explore the Arusha National Park for an easy hike around Mount Meru, which provides stunning views and a chance to see wildlife.
Optional: Visit the Tanzanite Experience museum to learn about Tanzania’s unique gemstone.

Day 20: Kilimanjaro

Travel: Head to Kilimanjaro (about 1.5-2 hours from Arusha).
Activities:
Visit the base of Mount Kilimanjaro for an easy day hike, or just enjoy views of the mountain.
Visit local villages at the base of the mountain to learn about the culture of the Chagga people.

Day 21: Departure

Activities: Spend the morning exploring more of the region or relaxing.
Travel: Make your way to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight at 1:45 AM on the 1st of September.

Optional Adjustments

If you want more time at specific parks, you can spend extra days in Selous or Serengeti.
If you’re interested in more geological exploration, you could extend your visit to the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano or add visits to other geological sites in the area.
This itinerary balances your interests in wildlife, culture, and geology, while also keeping travel times manageable and ensuring you make the most of each region you visit. To book this safari, you can contact our team of expert to assist you!

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