2 Weeks in Tanzania Itinerary

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Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Uganda in the North, Kenya in the Northeast, Malawi and Mozambique in the South, Zambia in the Southwest, the Indian Ocean in the East, and Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in West. Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro, is located in northern Tanzania.

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Tanzania is unique because the world’s most precious national parks and game reserves can be found here, even including the world’s largest game reserve. Aside from the wildlife and birdlife, The Maasai people are among the reasons why most tourists want to visit this country, as they have very interesting customs.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Kenya and 2 weeks in South Africa if you love wild safaris

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TANZANIA

4 images - hot air balloon in a savannah land, mount kilimanjaro, zanzibar shoreline, and giraffes crossing a savannah land - 2 Weeks in Tanzania Itinerary

As with going to any other country, travelling or vacations wouldn’t be a walk in the park if you’re unprepared. That’s why I compiled a list of things you should know before staying for 2 weeks in Tanzania to help you plan an itinerary.

When is the best time to go to Tanzania

Tanzania’s summer usually lasts from November to March, while its rainy season lasts almost half a year. The long rains are from March to May, while the short rains are from October to early December. The peak season is from May to October, which are the dry months.

If you need a more in-depth discussion, this article about the best time to visit Tanzania will help you decide when to go, depending on the places you want to see and the activities you want to do.

Are 2 weeks enough for Tanzania

14 days in Tanzania is perfect. You will be able to see the top attractions in the country and visit 3-4 cities. Although you must remember that Tanzania’s land transportation is not the best. It’s slow, and the road is bumpy and dusty. If there’s a choice to take a flight, you should do it at the same time and be more comfortable.

Getting around

There are various modes of transportation in this country, depending on your preference and the duration of your stay in each location. I highly recommend riding the plane for long-distance areas, while the bus is an inexpensive and convenient option for city and airport transfers.

Tanzania also has Dalla Dalla, which is a shared minibus transport that is way cheaper, but these are often overcrowded. You can also do so by train if you prefer the scenic route. Car rentals are typical here as well.

Language and currency

Tanzania is a multilingual country, with Swahili being their National language. English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t have difficulty communicating with the locals. There are a total of 126 languages in this country.

The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency. However, dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. In fact, there are parks that only accept dollars as payment, so it’s best to bring dollars when travelling here. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used credit cards.

What to pack

Tanzania has an abundance of safaris, Serengeti, wildlife, and nature. In order to enjoy your stay to the fullest, here are some of the things that you need to pack. First is lightweight clothing with neutral colours if you’re planning to go on a safari tour. 

Double-think before you pack blue, black, or flashy colours, as the locals might give you weird looks. Then you’ll need comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to hike. You can also bring a tropical hat to combat the sweltering heat.

Sunscreen and mosquito repellents are also a must, and, of course, a basic first aid kit. You may also bring binoculars to see wildlife up close if you wish to do so and a good quality camera to capture your unforgettable moments here. Aside from a passport, visa, and cash, an international vaccination certification for yellow fever is also required.

Visa

Tanzania has one of the best visa policies in the world. It has a straightforward policy if you want to enter and travel around Tanzania. Most people can arrive in Tanzania and get a visa on arrival. On the other hand, you can skip the line by applying for an eVisa before you arrive.

An eVisa or visa on arrival allows you to stay in Tanzania for either a single-entry 90-day or multiple entries 1-year visa. This depends on your nationality and also your point of entry. Some airports or land borders can only approve a limited number of days.

The fee is US$100 and must be paid in cash for visa on arrival in $50 or $100 notes. If you apply online, you can pay for it online with your bank card. Print your evisa and save a digital copy on your phone.

For the visa, make sure you have the travel details such as:

  • date of entry and exit
  • the address of your first hotel
  • passport details
  • passport-sized photo
  • return ticket
  • passport must have 6 months validity from your intended date of departure from Tanzania
CHECK VISA OPTIONS AND COST

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Tanzania

Other basic travel tips

You can use the following services for your travel arrangements. These sites shows wide options and also offers flexible cancellations.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN TANZANIA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN TANZANIA ITINERARY

For those staying for 2 Weeks in Tanzania, I prepared an itinerary focused on first-timers and added a couple of other locations for good measure. However, this isn’t just limited to first-timers, as the places have a variety of sights and things to offer.

These places are perfect for history buffs, foodies, adventure-seekers, and nature lovers, among other types. You could also use this as a reference if you want to have a slow vacation. You could even interchange the arrangement or places you’ll go to and which ones you’ll skip. Sky’s the limit, and this serves as a guide.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Egypt itinerary

Itinerary #1: First-time – Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro

Zanzibar has a colourful history and rich heritage because of its Persian, European, Arabic, Indian, and African influences, which can be seen in its architectural structures. Its Stone Town’s Old Quarter is even considered a UNESCO world heritage site.

Zanzibar can either be your travel’s starting or ending point if you want to relax and unwind before returning home. Dar es Salaam, on the other hand, is famous for media, film, arts, and fashion. Aside from the great migration, Serengeti is also well-known for its woodland savanna and Lake Victoria.

These locations are suitable for nature lovers, history buffs, and those who prefer relaxing and slow vacations. If you want to end your trip on the beach, finish in Zanzibar rather than starting there.

Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam for 5 days

During your two weeks in Tanzania, I recommend staying in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam for 5 days. Tanzania is an insular semi-autonomous province that is famous for its pristine beaches, as well as its spices. In fact, it is also known as Spice Island.

Aside from abundant marine life, this place is also rich in flora and fauna that can be found on the land. In fact, it has a butterfly centre.

This is a perfect starting point as it has an international airport, so you could unwind immediately upon arrival. Dar es Salaam, on the other hand, is the largest city in Tanzania. It is the country’s business and commercial hub and the main port, so you could easily transfer from here to your next destination.

Aside from going to its beaches, some other amazing things to do in Zanzibar include visiting Jozani Forest, Seaweed Center, and Stone Town, where you’ll see the tallest building in this area called Palace of Wonders, as well as the first elevator in East Africa. While in Dar es Salaam, you could visit Mbudya Island, Coco Beach, and Kivukoni Fish Market, among others.

2 images - fine white sand of zanzibar beach and a cove in zanzibar island

Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for 3 days

Serengeti is a geographical region in Africa spanning Tanzania’s Arusha and Mara regions. It is well-known for its game reserves and is home to the second-largest mammal migration in the world.

Some things to do here include multiple-day safari camping, Wildebeest calving season private tours, balloon safari tours, and more. You can also go on a day trip to Lake Manyara, it’s about 2 hours away from Ngorongoro.

Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see, as it is the world’s largest intact caldera. It is located in a conservation area with savanna woodlands, forests, and highland plains. They offer many tours here, including 4WD tours, walking tours, day trips, and multiple-day camping safari tours.

The distance between Dar es Salaam and Serengeti is 1,014 km, and it would take you seven hours to reach by driving. There isn’t a direct flight to Serengeti from Dar es Salaam. The closest would be the Seronera airstrip, Serengeti’s official airport.

Upon arrival, you must take a taxi or arrange an airport transfer, a short drive before arriving at the main destination. Travel time is more than five hours. Other options include riding a bus, then driving or riding a train, then a shuttle, then a bus, then driving.

2 images - lions climbing a tree and zebras

Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro for 4 days

Arusha is considered the tourism capital of Northern Tanzania. You could also treat this place as your base camp if you plan to go to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is close to this mountain and to other parks, such as Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park.

On the other hand, Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level worldwide. You could also find almost every ecological system here, including rainforest, moorland, heath, alpine desert, cultivated land, and an arctic summit. Isn’t that fascinating?

The distance between Serengeti National Park and Arusha is 371 km. The most recommended mode of transport is by flying to Grumeti and then taking a taxi, which costs anywhere between $40 to $290, around 3 hours trip. Driving is actually way cheaper though it would take you more than 9 hours to reach your destination. There are also shuttles, but you must take the bus and drive afterwards.

2 images - an ostrich posing in front of Mount Kilimanjaro and sunset view of the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

Lushoto for 2 days

If you are staying for 14 days in Tanzania, I highly recommend you stay for at least 2 days in Lushoto. This town is not as well-known as Tanzania’s other towns and cities but has charm. This place is perfect for nature lovers. Some places to visit here are Irente Biodiversity Reserve and Soni Falls. They also offer Usambra eco-tours.

The distance from Arusha to Lushoto is 333.6 km, and the most recommended option is driving as it would only take you more than five hours to reach your destination, compared to taking the bus, which would take you almost 20 hours. Taking a taxi or flying are other options, but flying is more expensive and would cost anywhere from $154- $254.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TANZANIA (per city)

Here’s a list of what to see and do in Taznaia arranged by city. This will help you bookmark the places that are must-not-miss during your visit. Plus recommended tours that you can book.

Kilimanjaro

Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar

2 images - skyline view of Dar es Salaam with towering buildings and shoreline

MUST-TRY TANZANIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

One of the reasons why people fall in love with a country, aside from the people, scenery, and experiences, is because of its food, and when it comes to food, Tanzania has so much to offer that isn’t well-known yet. It has tons of traditional dishes, including:

  • Wali wa nazi
  • Ugali
  • Sukuma Wiki
  • Wala na maharage
  • Mchuzi wa biringani
  • Irio
  • Supu ya ndizi
  • Mchuzi wa samaki
  • Zanzibar pizza
  • Kuku wa Mchuzi

Here are some must-try desserts in Tanzania:

  • Mandazi
  • Kashata
  • Chapatti majis
  • African pie

Last but definitely not least is a list of highly recommended Tanzanian drinks:

  • Konyagi
  • Mbege
  • Chai tea
  • Banana Wine
3 images of Tanzanian food - Nyama Choma, Pilau, and Kashata

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations in Tanzania can be a hit and miss, especially outside Zanzibar. To help you plan your hotels in each cities, here’s a quick list of our recommended places to stay in Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro

Serengeti

  • Affordable:
  • Mid-range:
  • Luxury:

Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN TANZANIA

Tanzania is among the most diverse countries in East Africa, not only because of the people but also because of the sights you’ll see and the things you’ll get to experience. They have tons of safaris, highlands, and jungles but also numerous beaches, museums, and cityscapes.

That’s why Tanzania is not only perfect for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Visiting this country is also a must for history buffs, thalassophile, families, and even those who prefer slow vacations.

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Planning a solo trip to Tanzania? Experience the Serengeti's incredible wildlife, relax on Zanzibar's pristine beaches, and hike Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures on this solo travel journey. via @twoweektraveller