20 days best of Tanzania: south and northern circuit adventure

Overview

These 20 days best of Tanzania will combine geology, hiking and wildlife safari into one adventure offering you a chance to explore all the top tour destination of Tanzania. The safari will start from der es salaam and end at Kilimanjaro going though geological places that are historical and holding high value to Tanzania tourism. You will also visit different hiking destination highlighted with a visit to Kilimanjaro national park which is the highest peak on African continent. The 20 days in Tanzania will also cover wildlife viewing by visiting places like Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro conservation area which are UNESCO World heritage sites because of their uniqueness and that they have to offer to the reveler.

buffalo on a 4x4 adventure

Trip summary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Day 2: Travel to Selous Game Reserve

Day 3: Full Day in Selous

Day 4: Drive to Mikumi National Park

Day 5: Full Day in Mikumi

Day 6: Drive to Kilwa Kiswani

Day 7: Full Day in Kilwa Kiswani
Day 8: Drive to Lake Natron

Day 9: Hiking Oldonyo Lengai

Day 10: Visit Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Day 11: Drive to Serengeti via Klein’s Gate

Day 12: Full Day in Serengeti
Day 13: Full Day in Serengeti

Day 14: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater (Overnight in Karatu)

Day 15: Drive to Tarangire National Park

Day 16: Full Day in Tarangire

Day 17: Drive to Kilimanjaro (Overnight)

Day 18: Day Trip Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Day 19: Visit Waterfalls & Chagga Culture Around Kilimanjaro

Day 20: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Arrival: Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Activities:
Visit National Museum to learn about Tanzania’s rich history. Explore Village Museum, showcasing traditional Tanzanian village life. Stroll through Mwenge Carving Market for local arts and crafts.
Overnight: Stay in Dar es Salaam.

Day 2: Travel to Selous Game Reserve

Drive to Selous: Early morning departure for a 4-5 hour drive to Selous Game Reserve.
Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the wildlife of Selous, known for elephants, lions, and hippos.
Overnight: Stay in Selous.

rhinos at

Day 3: Full Day in Selous

Full Day Safari: Enjoy a full day of game drives in Selous, known for its vast wilderness and wildlife. Morning and afternoon safaris to view elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. Option for a boat safari on the Rufiji River to spot hippos and crocodiles.
Overnight: Stay in Selous.

Day 4: Drive to Mikumi National Park

Travel to Mikumi: Morning departure for a 4-5 hour drive to Mikumi National Park.
Afternoon Game Drive: Explore Mikumi’s wildlife, including elephants, lions, and zebras.
Overnight: Stay in Mikumi.

wildebeest at masai mara kenya

Day 5: Full Day in Mikumi

Full Day Safari: Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Mikumi National Park. Discover the park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Overnight: Stay in Mikumi.

Day 6: Drive to Kilwa Kiswani

Travel to Kilwa Kiswani: Morning departure for a 4–5-hour drive to Kilwa Kiswani. Afternoon Exploration: Visit the ancient ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about Kilwa’s history as a medieval trading hub.
Overnight: Stay in Kilwa Kiswani.

Day 7: Full Day in Kilwa Kiswani

Explore: Continue to explore the historical sites of Kilwa, including the Kilwa Ruins, old mosques, and the Kilwa Fort. Enjoy the local beaches or visit nearby fishing villages.
Overnight: Stay in Kilwa Kiswani.

Kilwa Kisiwani

Day 8: Drive to Lake Natron

Travel to Lake Natron: Early morning drive for 6-7 hours to Lake Natron.
Relax: Upon arrival, unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Natron, known for its striking red waters and flamingos.
Overnight: Stay near Lake Natron.

Day 9: Hiking Oldonyo Lengai

Morning Hike: Start early for a hike up Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano. This is a challenging trek, but the views are rewarding.
Relax: After the hike, cool off at nearby natural hot springs or enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Overnight: Stay near Lake Natron.

Day 10: Visit Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Explore: Visit the Ngare Sero Waterfalls or Maji Moto Hot Springs, both located near Lake Natron. Relax in the hot springs or take a swim in the waterfalls.
Overnight: Stay near Lake Natron.

elephant at Amboseli national park

Day 11: Drive to Serengeti via Klein’s Gate

Travel to Serengeti: Early morning drive towards Serengeti, passing through Klein’s Gate for an exciting journey.
Afternoon Safari: Arrive and enjoy an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Overnight: Stay in Serengeti.

Day 12: Full Day in Serengeti

Morning & Afternoon Safaris: Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with game drives in the morning and afternoon. Spot the Big Five and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
Overnight: Stay in Serengeti.

Day 13: Full Day in Serengeti

Further Exploration: Continue exploring Serengeti with more game drives. Option for a hot air balloon ride over the plains for a unique experience.
Overnight: Stay in Serengeti.

Day 14: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater (Overnight in Karatu)

Travel to Ngorongoro: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 3 hours).
Game Drive: Descend into the crater for a safari, where you’ll find abundant wildlife including rhinos, lions, and elephants.
Overnight: Stay in Karatu, a town near the crater.

wildebeest at Ngorongoro

Day 15: Drive to Tarangire National Park

Travel to Tarangire: After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2-3 hours).
Afternoon Safari: Explore the park’s vast landscapes filled with baobab trees, elephants, and more.
Overnight: Stay in Tarangire.

Day 16: Full Day in Tarangire

Full Day Safari: Spend the day in Tarangire, with game drives in the morning and afternoon.
Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds and is one of the best places for birdwatching.
Overnight: Stay in Tarangire.

Day 17: Drive to Kilimanjaro (Overnight)

Travel to Kilimanjaro: Drive towards Kilimanjaro for about 3-4 hours.
Overnight: Stay in a lodge near Mount Kilimanjaro, preparing for your hiking trip the next day.

Day 18: Day Trip Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking Trip: Take a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, either on a shorter route like the Marangu Route or Machame Route. Experience the stunning views and alpine landscapes of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
Overnight: Stay near Kilimanjaro.

14 kilimanjaro, serengeti and ngorongoro

Day 19: Visit Waterfalls & Chagga Culture Around Kilimanjaro

Cultural Exploration: Visit the Chagga Village and learn about the local culture.
Waterfalls: Hike to the Materuni Waterfalls for a refreshing swim or enjoy a walk through the lush rainforest.
Overnight: Stay near Kilimanjaro.

Day 20: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Final Preparations: Depending on your flight time, relax and pack for your journey home.
Departure: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back.

Popular self drive safaris in Tanzania

11 Days in Tanzania wilderness safari

buffalo on a 4x4 adventure

11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness – Tanzania Explore: Kilimanjoro, Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro. 11 Days Paradise in the Wilderness

TRIP DETAILS
REQUEST INFO

25 Days around Lake Victoria overdrive

Self Drive Tanzania
Self Drive Tanzania

Lake Victoria is one of the greatest lakes in east Africa and it covers an area of 68,800 km²  Lake Victoria is shared by three countries only supplies the source of the Nile

TRIP DETAILS
REQUEST INFO

10 Day gorillas, Serengeti & Lake Manyara

A game drive in Kruger National Park
A game drive in Kruger National Park

The 10 Days Gorillas, Serengeti and Lake Manyara Tour starts at the Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Forest National Park

TRIP DETAILS
REQUEST INFO