Serengeti plains at golden hour — Tanzania safari country stretching toward the horizon

2-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Northern Circuit + Zanzibar — day-by-day plan from a 48-year operator

Why 2 Weeks Is the Sweet Spot

Two weeks gives you enough time to properly explore the Northern Circuit — Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti — without feeling rushed. Adding Zanzibar at the end gives you the complete Tanzania experience: wildlife adventure followed by beach relaxation.

The Itinerary at a Glance

  • Days 1–2: Arusha arrival, Tarangire National Park
  • Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
  • Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
  • Days 5–8: Serengeti National Park
  • Day 9: Flight to Zanzibar
  • Days 10–14: Zanzibar beach

Detailed Day-by-Day Breakdown

Days 1–2: Arusha to Tarangire

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet your guide, and drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours). Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Afternoon game drive, overnight at a lodge on the Tarangire ecosystem.

Day 3: Lake Manyara

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara — famous for tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park is compact but rich in biodiversity. Afternoon transfer to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Descend 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning game drive. The crater floor hosts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa — lions, elephants, hippos, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. This is often the highlight of a Tanzania safari.

Days 5–8: Serengeti National Park

Drive from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti (approx. 3 hours). Spend 4 days exploring the park's vast plains. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration — over a million wildebeest moving across the ecosystem. The central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) offers excellent year-round predator sightings.

Day 9: Flight to Zanzibar

Morning transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (approx. 2 hours). A driver meets you at Zanzibar Airport and transfers you to your beach resort. Afternoon at leisure.

Days 10–14: Zanzibar Beach

Five nights on Zanzibar's beaches. We recommend the north coast (Nungwi or Kendwa) for proximity to the best swimming beaches, or the southeast coast (Pingwe, Jambiani) for a quieter, more authentic experience. Stone Town day trip is highly recommended for cultural immersion before you leave.

How Much Does a 2-Week Tanzania Safari Cost?

For a mid-range private safari with comfortable lodges: $4,000–$6,500 per person. At the premium tier (luxury tented camps, beachfront hotel): $7,500–$10,000 per person. Zanzibar beach extension: $800–$2,000 per person depending on resort level. Internal flights (Arusha to Zanzibar): ~$200 per person. Park fees for 14 days: approximately $1,500 per person.

All Magical Tanzania safaris include private vehicle, your own guide, all park fees, accommodation, meals, and drinking water. International flights, visa, travel insurance, and personal expenses are additional.

Add Kilimanjaro to Your Trip

The most popular extension: climb Kilimanjaro before your safari. The three-icon trip — Kilimanjaro, Safari, and Zanzibar — is our most requested combination. A 7-day Lemosho or Marangu route climb followed by the Northern Circuit and Zanzibar makes an 18-day Tanzania adventure. See our Kilimanjaro climb options.

Is 2 weeks enough for a Tanzania safari?
Yes — 14 days is the ideal length for a Tanzania Northern Circuit safari combined with Zanzibar. You get 7 full safari days (covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire) plus 5 nights on Zanzibar. A shorter trip risks rushing through the highlights; longer trips are available for those who want to add Rwanda gorilla trekking or the Southern Circuit.
What is the best order for a 2-week Tanzania trip?
We recommend safari first, then Zanzibar. Start with Arusha (Day 1), move to Tarangire and Lake Manyara (Day 2-3), Ngorongoro Crater (Day 4), then Serengeti (Days 5-8), before flying to Zanzibar (Day 9-14). This way you are rested and relaxed before beach time, not dreading safari after sunbathing.
How much does a 2-week Tanzania safari cost?
For a mid-range safari with comfortable lodges: $4,000–$6,500 per person. Luxury camps add $2,000–$4,000 more per person. Zanzibar beach extension: $800–$2,000 per person depending on resort level. Internal flights (Arusha to Zanzibar): ~$200 per person. Park fees for 14 days: approximately $1,500 per person.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for Tanzania?
Yes — Tanzania is a malaria-endemic area. We strongly recommend antimalarial prophylaxis for all safari travellers. Tarangire, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro all have malaria-carrying mosquitoes, particularly in the wet season (November–May). Your doctor can prescribe Malarone, doxycycline, or Lariam. Zanzibar also carries risk year-round.
What is the best time of year for this itinerary?
June–October is peak safari season — dry weather, minimal vegetation, and the Great Migration is in the northern Serengeti. December–March is calving season in the southern Serengeti, excellent for predator sightings. April–May is green season — lower prices, fewer crowds, but some roads become impassable.
Peak season groups fill 6–8 weeks ahead — availability is limited

Let us build your 2-week itinerary

Personal itinerary, zero obligation — just ask Kassim.