Ultimate 9 Day Itinerary in Tanzania: Safari & Zanzibar
Tanzania 9 Day Itinerary • itinerary post & photos by Jeanie A
Heading to Tanzania and need a plan? Check out my 9 Day Tanzania Itinerary that includes going on a 5 Day Safari through Tanzania’s iconic national parks, and a short visit to the island of Zanzibar.
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Tanzania is a destination where you can combine two incredible trips into one. On the mainland, you’ll find some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. But then just a short flight away is the island of Zanzibar which offers a completely different experience! This 9 Day Tanzania itinerary combines the best of both worlds, beginning with a 5 Day Safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit before ending with a few days in Zanzibar.
For the 5 Day Safari portion, we opted to safari with Msangai Adventure Safaris and we could not have chosen a better company to experience Tanzania’s iconic nationals parks.
Book your Tanzania Safari with Msangai Adventure
Msangai Adventure Safari gave us a trip of a lifetime. They put together an incredible 5 day itinerary exploring the best of Tanzania, with an expert guide, countless wildlife sightings, cozy accommodations, and delicious food!! I can’t recommend them enough.
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Safari & Zanzibar, Tanzania itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
Day 1 Stop → DARK RED
Day 2 Stops → LIGHT ORANGE
Day 3 Stops → YELLOW
Day 4 Stops → GREEN
Day 5 Stops → TEAL
Day 6 Stops → LIGHT BLUE
Day 7 Stops → DARK BLUE
Day 8 Stops → PURPLE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE SAFARI & ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA MAP:
Action
Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest
Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right
Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Safari & Zanzibar, Tanzania“
Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
* On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Safari & Zanzibar, Tanzania“
**On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Safari & Zanzibar, Tanzania“
High-Level Itinerary
When you book a safari, the company will provide an itinerary so you know what to expect. Below is how my 5 day itinerary played out, with time stamps. After the 5 Day Safari portion, the remaining activities and accommodations for the subsequent 4 days/3 nights were booked separately:
My safari adventure began with a 7:30 AM morning pick up from my hotel in Arusha by our safari guide. We were picked up in a safari truck which is to be our main game drive hub and transportation for the next 5 days. It was outfitted with reclinable chairs, comfortable chair cushions, and openable rooftop, interior side railings (for the bumpy roads!), charging outlets, and plenty of water.
Tarangire National Park
We then made our 2 hour drive towards Tarangire National Park! Tarangire National Park is known for its massive elephant population and iconic baobab trees. Also, I was not expecting to see so many baobab trees at first, so the first one I spotted, I got really excited! But it turns out, baobab trees everywhere in the park! haha. But this didn’t stop me from being amazed at seeing these beautiful and unique trees though.
Throughout the day, we spotted elephants, zebras, impalas, and numerous bird species. AND we were so lucky to see lions! A solo female lion even walked right next to our truck!
Bush Lunch in Tarangire
Lunch was served inside the park, allowing us to enjoy a view of the Tarangire River and take a break from wildlife spotting before continuing our afternoon game drive. However, the lunch spot did have a ton of small monkeys roaming around, ready to steal food from unwatching eyes. We had a banana stolen from right under our nose! lol.
After lunch, we then continued our game drive and saw more wildlife and baobab trees. By late afternoon, we left the park and made our way toward our hotel for the night.
Stay: Mvuli Hotel Ngorongoro
For our first night on the 5 day safari, we stayed at Mvuli Hotel Ngorongoro. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the amazing staff singing to Jamba Bwana (my new favorite song hehe). The hotel is perched on a hillside, where the pool has an amazing view of the hills opposite us.
We had private villa rooms, also with an amazing view, and a HUGE bathroom! The restaurant was also cozy and the food was delicious. Once we settled into our room, we went to the pool to relax and enjoy the view with a drink until Dinner was served at 7 PM.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
Drive to Serengeti
After breakfast, we went on our way towards the most famous wildlife destination: Serengeti National Park.
To get to Serengeti, we had to drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the start of endless bumpy roads begin! Our guide also stopped at the Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint while crossing through. Unfortunately, since we were high up in the mountains, there was a thick fog that covered our view of the crater.
We continued our drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and passed by the villages of the nomadic Masai people. We also saw giraffes and flamingoes while driving through.
Serengeti National Park
Then we finally made it to the entrance to the Serengeti National Park! This was truly a bucket list moment for me… to be able to arrive at such an iconic national park that so much wildlife call home. I’ve also watched a ton of wildlife and nature documentaries, and Serengeti has always been on my bucket list since I was super young. I’m grateful to be able to travel all this way, and experience a true once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Once we entered the park, we immediately saw zebras, impalas, and even our first cheetah!!! Already off to a great start and we didn’t even get to the Serengeti main gate yet! This was just a sign of what wildlife awaits us the next 2 days we’re here.
Lunch in Serengeti
When we got to the main entry gate, we parked and found a table to eat our lunch. The lunch area was pretty busy, where we had to wait for a table to be available! Since we had bought our Serengeti Hot Air Balloon tour, we also took the opportunity to get a full briefing of how the tour will go.
Then after the briefing, we made our way into the Serengeti to spot more wildlife. On this game drive, we saw so much wildlife, the park really lived up to its name. I’ll write another post on all the wildlife we saw :). We were on our game drive until about 6 PM, when we arrived at Moyo Tented Camp.
Stay: Moyo Tented Camp
The staff greeted us singing Jambo Bwana(!!), gave us a short tour of the camp grounds, and then showed us to our incredible tent. After settling into our home for the next 2 nights, we made our way to the restaurant and waited for dinner to be served.
The food was served by a staff member coming by with each entree and side, and giving us a portion as we desired. Food was delicious, and after dinner, we went back to the tent to sleep since we had a super early morning the next day.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
This was the most memorable days of the entire safari trip!!
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Tour
Before sunrise, we were picked up for our hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. We got to the launch site, had some coffee/tea, used the “loo with a view” lol, and were able to see the balloons get prepped and inflated. Then we boarded our balloon and we drifted our way across the plains.
We watched the first light of the day illuminate the Serengeti and spotted wildlife right below us. This was truly an incredible experience and one I won’t ever forget. I’ll write another post detailing this tour and if it’s worth the high price tag!
But if you want to go on the exact tour I did, click here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:
Serengeti Game Drive
At around 10 AM, we met back up with our safari guide, and we made our way to explore more of the Serengeti. We saw more wildlife today, and we had our best encounter with a leopard, a whole elephant herd at a water hole, and even saw a piece of the wildebeests’ Great Migration!
This was the perfect last Serengeti game drive. Because of the early morning and amazing sightings, we opted to get back to our camp a bit earlier on this day though so that we could rest for a bit longer before dinner.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early morning breakfast, we left our cozy campsite and headed toward Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro crater was formed by the collapse of a massive volcano millions of years ago. The crater is now home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
Upon arrival, we descended approximately 2,000 feet into the crater for a game drive. The scenery was spectacular, with grasslands, forests, wetlands, and a lake all contained within the crater walls.
Then we spotted the critically endangered black rhino! When we arrived, the rhino was sleeping, so it looked like a rock. We waited for about 30-45 minutes and then the rhino stood up and grazed a bit more! Amazing. I’m so happy to have seen this rhino thriving and that poaching does not exist within the caldera walls.
Bush Lunch in Ngorongoro Crater
We then enjoyed our lunch by a small lake, where hippos were clearly occupying. Then we continued our game drive while also heading up and out of the crater.
After exiting the crater, we continued to our accommodation which had an amazing view of the Great Rift Valley.
Souvenir Shopping
On the way to our last accommodation, our guide stopped at two souvenir shopping opportunities. The first shop was at a local shop where prices were pretty high. Luckily, in Tanzania, you can bargain prices down, so we did our best into getting fair-ish prices. The second shopping stop was at Safariland, where the prices were a bit more manageable and we were also able to bargain for lower prices too.
Stay: Africa Safari Manyara Escarpment
Our last accommodation was also a tented “villa”, with tent walls, a huge bathroom, and huge living space. But the restaurant and the infinity pool were incredible. Not only was the infinity pool large with plenty of poolside seating, but the views of the valley below are amazing!
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park
On the final day of the safari, we made our way to Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara National Park
Although smaller than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara has a completely different landscape and ecosystem. The park is known for its lush dense forests, lake views, and diverse birdlife. We spent the morning exploring the park, which was just so crazy to me because we had just seen elephants on vast dry plains, and then we’re seeing elephants stomping through thick forest!
Bush Lunch in Lake Manyara
For our last bush lunch of the safari tour, we were treated to an amazing view of the forest canopy below, the lake, and some far-off cliffs. This was a great way to end our safari. After lunch we continued our game drive on the way out of the park. Again, we opted to leave a bit early so that we can get back to our Arusha hotel to allow us more time to rest.
Drive to Arusha
Then during our last drive back to Arusha, we relaxed in the truck on the smooth road, and reminisced about the last 5 days. What a trip!! We arrived back in Arusha around 4 PM, officially marking the end of an unforgettable adventure and this 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary.
Stay: Mount Meru Hotel
I booked this hotel separately from the safari, but it was a great home base in Arusha as we explored the surrounding areas here. The pool was nice and there’s a great view of Mount Meru as well.
Book your stay at Mount Meru Hotel by clicking here, or Search your availability in the widget below:
Check out some of the tours in the Widget below by clicking “Book Now”:
What We Did
Morning
I wanted to see what the viral “wildlife encounter” at Serval Wildlife Sanctuary was all about, so we decided to give it a try. We were picked up in the morning from our hotel, and made the 1.5-2 hour journey to Serval Wildlife, located at the western base of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Once at Serval Wildlife, we made our way into the Sanctuary grounds and met with staff animal caretakers who were caring for their own specific animals. I’ll write another post on this experience.
After experiencing Serval Wildlife, we had a bush lunch and made our way back to our hotel.
Since we got back to the hotel around 3 PM, we decided to relax by the pool and in our room to freshen up.
Evening/Night
We went to the hotel restaurant and enjoyed some drinks and a delicious last meal on mainland Tanzania.
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar
Head to Arusha Airport (ARK)
Today, you’ll make your way to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Head to Arusha Airport (ARK) where you’ll catch your flight. Once in the terminal at Arusha Airport, there are a few small souvenir shops where you can get any last minute souvenir gifts! You’re also able to bargain prices down here as well.
Flight to Zanzibar
The flight from Arusha to Zanzibar is a short and sweet flight at only 1.5 hours. Be sure to get a window seat to watch the arrival upon the island and the surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters.
Arrive Zanzibar
Depending on where you book your Zanzibar accommodation, you are able to request an airport shuttle to the resort. We opted to stay we Jua Retreat, and our driver was eagerly waiting for our arrival. We then made our way to Jua Retreat, which is a 1.5 hour drive from the airport.
Stay: Jua Retreat
To book the same Zanzibar stay, click here, or search for availability in the widget below:
Day 8: Day in Zanzibar
Free Day Options
Today is a Free Day in Zanzibar! My best advice for this day is to look at what experiences the resort you’re at offers. Our Resort, Jua Retreat, offered the below on-site activities:
Massages (Single and Couples available)
Body Scrub
Kayak Rental
Resort Pool
Private Plunge pool
Lounge/Bar Area (has books and games)
Restaurant (serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Additionally, we checked the Resort “menu” and they offered the below off-site activities and experiences, such as the below (to name a few):
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Jozani Forest Tour
Stone Town Tour
Snorkeling Tour
Spice Farm Tour
What We Did
Due to having gone through a pretty fast-paced 5 Day Safari tour, we just wanted to relax on our Free Day and decided to stay on-site at the resort and take advantage of the resort’s amenities (especially since we booked the all-inclusive optional the resort).
Morning
We went to breakfast and enjoyed a very delicious made to order English Breakfast and much needed coffee. Afterwards, since it was low tide, we wanted to explore the low tides because it went as far as the eye can see!! We switched our sandals to resort-provided water shoes, walked down to the beach and started to explore the low tides. We were also accompanied by a staff member who guided us through the low tides and pointed out interesting marine life. This was unexpectedly so cool and I’m glad we did it!
Afternoon
Afterwards, we swam in the Resort’s pool, enjoyed poolside drinks, sunbathed, and simply relaxed. When we were ready for lunch, we went to the restaurant to enjoy it, then we headed back to our villa to now enjoy our private plunge pool (and some more poolside drinks hehe).
Then in the late afternoon, we had our scheduled massage/scrub which was absolutely refreshing, calming, and relaxing!! The massage ended right on time for me to be able to get back up to the room and enjoy the sunset right outside our room.
Night
For dinner, we had an amazing final dinner and ended our night enjoying some drinks in the lounge area.
Day 9: Depart Zanzibar
The last Day of the 9 day itinerary in Tanzania! Since we had a late evening flight, we decided to hang out and the resort until it’s ready to head to the Zanzibar airport. It was also possible to do a half-day tour, and also get dropped off at the airport once the tour is over, but we just wanted a slow morning for our last day on Zanzibar
Our time in Zanzibar and Tanzania has come to an end and was a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to be back to see more 🙂
After 9 incredible days, this Tanzania itinerary left me with memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re deciding to combine a safari with Zanzibar, I highly recommend it! The contrast between adventure and relaxation creates a well-balanced trip that showcases the incredible diversity Tanzania has to offer. In just 9 days, you’ll experience world-class wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean, making this a rewarding travel itinerary in Tanzania.
Have you visited Tanzania and Zanzibar? What was your favorite experience – Let me know in the comments below!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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