Ultimate Adventure: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Tanzania
Are you wondering if it’s possible to spend 2 weeks in Tanzania? It absolutely is! I spent 2 weeks exploring Tanzania on my own and it was the most amazing experience. The following will walk you through my itinerary including where I went, what I did and how amazing it was. I will also provide you with lots of information and tips to help you start planning your ultimate adventure in Tanzania.
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Tanzania, situated in East Africa, shares its borders with Uganda to the north, Kenya to the northeast, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, Zambia to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east. It’s home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northern Tanzania as well as many safari destinations. Some people visit Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, but the main reason people visit is to experience a safari.
Tanzania stands out for its array of some of the best national parks and game reserves for spotting wildlife, including the renowned Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. It also makes for an amazing honeymoon desitnation.
Additionally, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park offer unique experiences with lots of wildlife and birds. These parks are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting their global significance.
Don’t have time to read the whole itinerary but need some help planning your trip? I can help you plan your safari as I work with a local safari company in Tanzania. Contact me to discuss further.
Is Two Weeks Enough for Tanzania?
Absolutely! Spending 14 days in Tanzania allows you to explore its top destinations. However, it’s essential to note that land transportation within Tanzania can be slow and rough. Flights are a more comfortable and efficient option for covering longer distances, especially getting between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Below you will find my Tanzania itinerary of what I did and where I went. I did add in a few things to do, that I didn’t get to do, but wished I could have!
Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Tanzania
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
Kickstart your Tanzanian adventure in Arusha, a vibrant city renowned as the gateway to many national parks and wildlife reserves. Spend some time exploring the city’s charm and vibrant culture, and if time allows, consider a day trip to Mount Kilimanjaro where you can see the iconic mountain and climb a small part of it, if you are up for a challenge.
Day 2: Safari – Lake Manyara Safari
Now begins your 6 day safari through the northern circuit in Tanzania. Your first stop will be at Lake Manyara National Park, where you can spot diverse wildlife against the backdrop of lush jungles and a large alkaline lake. If you are a birding enthusiast or just starting to birdwatch, this is a great place to add to your birding life list. This was the perfect place to start seeing many of the birds of Tanzania.
Day 3-5: Serengeti Exploration
The next few days are spent exploring the Serengeti National Park, one of the seven wonders of the world. This park is home to the Great Migration, movement of 2 million wildebeests and 1 million zebras throughout the plains, and the sheer abundance of wildlife roaming will leave you mesmerized and full of life. Your guides will do their best to ensure you see the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, birds and anything else that crosses your path.
One thing I found different when on a safari in Tanzania, compared to a South African safari, was that you spend all day out exploring and finding wildlife and birds. This made for long, but fulfilling days. Depending what tour company you book with and what your schedule entails, how you spend your days on your game drives may look different. But I promise it will be worth it. Why wouldn’t you want to see the most when in the Serengeti?
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
After exploring the Serengeti, you will move to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder that was formed over 2 million years ago when a volcano imploded and created the largest intact caldera in the world. In the Crater, you will find a highly condensed amount of wildlife. It seemed so strange to see herds of zebras and prides of lions roaming so close by. You could see the zebras were on high alert, but it was an intriguing thing to witness.
The crater is also home to Lake Magadi, an alkaline lake that flamingos like to visit. There has been a recorded 400 species of birds found in this area, due to its diverse environments of lake, forests and smaller plains. Some animals you will not find in Ngorongoro crater are giraffes, wild dogs, impalas and crocodiles.
Day 7: Return to Arusha and Fly to Dar es Salaam
After an exhilarating safari experience, you will bid farewell to the wilderness and return to Arusha. I chose to catch a flight to Dar es Salaam later that day, to start the second half of my 2 weeks in Tanzania. If you have time, you can take in the bustling atmosphere of the city or relax and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 8-10: Selous Game Reserve
Nyerere National Park, previously known as Selous Game Reserve, is located in southern Tanzania, is considered an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is the largest national park in Africa, but only 5% of the 9,000,000 hectare reserve is open to tourists. The reserve has been void of human impact, which makes its diverse landscapes, from savannahs to wetlands to forests, very remote and untouched.
The main reason I went to Selous was to find African Wild Dogs, as you can find the highest concentration of this endangered species, in this reserve. It was a successful mission!
You can find large numbers of other wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes and more in this park, but the other reason I came to this reserve was for birdwatching. There are over 400 species of birds recorded in this park which makes it a haven for bird enthusiasts. It was another amazing experience!
Another must when visiting this park is to take part in a boat safari on the Rufiji River. You will get the chance to see crocodiles, hippos and more birds. I recommend the sunset safari.
Day 11-13: Zanzibar Island Retreat
After finishing the last safari and heading back to Dar es Salaam. I always like to end my vacations with something relaxing. I flew the 25 minutes to the enchanting island of Zanzibar to indulge in relaxation and some more exploring. If you want to relax, you can spend your days unwinding on their pristine beaches or sipping cocktails by the pool.
If you want to explore the island you can go on a guided tour to Prison Island and Jozani Forest, or take a private tour of Stone Town including a spice farm tour and lunch. A great way to end the day is to take in a traditional dhow sunset cruise.
Day 14: Fly Home
It’s time to head back to reality and conclude your unforgettable journey with a flight home from Dar es Salaam. You will leave Tanzania with amazing memories of your 2 weeks in Tanzania.
When to Visit Tanzania
Understanding Tanzania’s weather patterns is crucial for planning your trip. Summer, lasting from November to March, is typically drier, while the rainy season spans nearly half the year.
The long rains occur from March to May, with shorter rains from October to early December. Peak tourist season falls between May and October, during the dry months, making it ideal for safaris.
I visited Tanzania in February and I had amazing weather, minimal rain and yes there were lots of tourists, but it was not overwhelming or crowded.
Where to Stay
There are many lodges in Tanzania that you could stay at during your vacation. When on safari, you could stay at a luxury lodge or a tented camp – both providing amazing food and comfort during your safari. When booking your safari, you will work with your tour company on the accommodations that match your preferences.
In Zanzibar, I recommend the Reef & Beach Resort as it was absolutely beautiful with amazing scenery, meals included, and the pool was amazing! There are also red colobus monkeys that hang out on the property! It was very affordable as well!
Language & Currency
Tanzania is multilingual, with Swahili being the national language. English is widely spoken, making it easy to speak with locals. The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. It’s advisable to carry dollars, particularly for park fees, as some parks only accept this currency, if you are traveling on your own and not part of a guided safari.
Essentials for Visiting Tanzania
Get a safari packing list will ensure that you have all the essentials covered to ensure an enjoyable and uneventful trip. Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing is ideal for safari tours. Comfortable shoes or hiking boots are necessary for hikes, along with a hat to combat the heat.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing and a quality camera are recommended to capture those amazing photos of birds, wildlife and scenery.
Ensure you have your passport, visa, and any vaccinations that are required to visit Tanzania.
Visiting a foreign country can always pose some risks, as you never know what could happen. Having travel insurance is a must. I recommend SafetyWing for coverage while traveling.
WiFi is widely available throughout Tanzania, even in the middle of the savanna in the Serengeti! However, if you want to ensure you have a data connection wherever you are, then I recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Very reliable and inexpensive!
Planning Your 2 Weeks in Tanzania
A trip to Tanzania can be very exciting but also requires alot of work and planning. There are many trip planning resources available but wouldn’t it be great to have someone spend that time helping you ensure your trip is what you want and goes smoothly? That’s where I come in. I work with a local safari company in Tanzania and I can help you plan your trip!
Final Thoughts
Spending 2 weeks in Tanzania should be on everyone’s bucket list. It was one of the most exhilarating and fun experiences I ever had in all my travels. From seeing cheetahs and lions in the Serengeti, exploring the natural wonders at the Ngorongoro Crater to the pristine beaches and activities in Zanzibar, it’s time to start planning your adventure.
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Wooow! I loved it! I did not realize there were so many national parks and places to see the animals in Tanzania! Which one was your favorite?
They were all amazing but if I had to pick one, it was the wild dogs! Had such a remote personal experience watching them