
Great Tanzania
From the plains of Serengeti to the forests of Tanganyika, a complete crossing of wild Tanzanie.
Duration
19 days
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Embark on an immersive adventure through Tanzanie, a journey that takes you from the vast expanses of the savanna to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, before reaching the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. This itinerary invites you to discover the exceptional diversity of landscapes and cultures in the country, between safari, wild nature, local encounters and immersion in East Africa.
Throughout the journey, you explore iconic places such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, before continuing towards the more remote regions of western Tanzania. On the shores of Lake Victoria and then Lake Tanganyika, you discover village life and local cultures.
The adventure continues with chimpanzee observation in the Gombe National Park, safaris in the wild spaces of the Katavi National Park and the varied landscapes of Ruaha Reserve.
This journey in Tanzanie is an invitation to explore a vast and contrasting country, between African trails, wild fauna, villages and preserved nature, before ending your adventure on the island of Zanzibar.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Airport → Mtowembu
Your adventure in Tanzanie begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are welcomed by our local team. Professional and attentive, they accompany you for your first steps in the country and ensure that your arrival goes smoothly. After customs formalities, you take the road towards your first camp, located near the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. This first stage allows you to reach one of the emblematic landscapes of northern Tanzanie and begin your journey into the heart of African nature.
Along the way, you pass through the picturesque village of Mtowembu. This village, whose name means "mosquitoes" in Swahili, is a true cultural crossroads where different communities of Tanzanie live, namely the Chagga, the Iraqw and the Maasai. You can observe the activity of local markets, where craftspeople, fruit and vegetable producers and traditional fabric vendors gather. This stop offers a first glimpse of the cultural diversity of the region and the daily life of the inhabitants.
At the end of the day, you reach your camp, where you can settle in and take time to relax after this first stage of your journey. The evening unfolds under the starry sky of Tanzanie, around a dinner prepared by our team. This convivial moment allows you to enjoy the calm of the surrounding nature and rest before beginning, the next day, the exploration of Ngorongoro crater.

Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO)
Mtowembu → Cratère Du Ngorongoro
Today, you discover the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a vast natural amphitheater approximately 20 km in diameter and 600 m deep, located at nearly 2,200 meters altitude. This remarkable site, often nicknamed Noah's Ark, is home to a great diversity of savanna animals. Rhinoceroses, elephants, hippopotamuses, zebras, pink flamingos, lions and hyenas roam in a preserved environment. You spend the day exploring this natural sanctuary during your safari. Every moment can offer the opportunity to observe animals in their habitat and the chance to capture beautiful images of wildlife and landscapes.
At the end of the day, you return to your equipped campsite located on the crater's ridge. From this vantage point, you enjoy a panorama of the surrounding landscapes and spend another night under Tanzanie's sky.

Safari in Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Parc national du Serengeti
This morning, you wake up early to head down the track towards the vast plains of the Serengeti. As you travel, the landscapes evolve and the savanna stretches as far as the eye can see. This emblematic region of Tanzanie is home to rich and varied wildlife, which you can already observe along the way.
On the way, you make a stop at Olduvai Museum. This place allows you to discover the history of archaeological discoveries made in the region as well as research dedicated to human evolution, which has made Olduvai Gorge an important site for understanding the origins of humanity.
Once in the heart of Serengeti National Park, you begin a day of photo safari in search of the famous "big five": lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceros.
As you explore, you observe the wildlife that evolves in the vast plains of the park. This safari offers you many opportunities to capture these encounters and fully enjoy the experience of observing wildlife in Tanzanie.
At the end of the day, you reach your equipped campsite located in the heart of the park. You take the time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere of the savanna.
As the sun sets over the Serengeti, the light gradually changes and gives way to a peaceful evening in the heart of nature, after this safari day.

On the way to Lake Victoria
Today, you leave the vast plains of Serengeti to reach the western part of the park, called the "corridor". This journey takes you through large stretches of savanna dotted with umbrella acacia trees, with open landscapes characteristic of this region of Tanzanie. You then continue your route towards the majestic Lake Victoria. With its 69,490 km² of surface area, it is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second in the world. This stage offers a break in the journey and allows you to discover another face of Tanzanien natural landscapes.
In the evening, you set up your camp near the shores of the lake. This peaceful setting allows you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the place, on the edge of Lake Victoria, after this day of travel through the landscapes of Tanzanie.

Lake Victoria - Mwanza Fishing Village
This morning, you begin the day with a visit to a fishing village located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This encounter allows you to discover the way of life of the inhabitants and to observe their traditional fishing techniques. If conditions permit, a boat trip can also be offered to explore the landscapes of the lake. You are here in Sukuma country, the largest ethnic group in Tanzanie. This stage is an opportunity to experience the local culture and learn more about the traditions of this community.
After lunch, you continue on the road towards the city of Mwanza, the second most populated city in Tanzanie. Located on a peninsula, the city is distinguished by its imposing granite rocks that dominate the landscape and seem balanced above the lake. Mwanza is also the main fishing port of Lake Victoria, which contributes to the constant activity that animates its shores and port.
You then settle at the New Mwanza hotel for dinner and the night. This moment allows you to rest and enjoy the comfort of the establishment after this day of discovery around Lake Victoria.

Kigoma Road
Today, you head towards Kigoma, a port city located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Your journey begins with boarding a ferry at Mwanza, which allows you to cross the waters of Lake Victoria and appreciate its vastness. This crossing offers beautiful views of the lake and is the first stage of your journey towards the western part of the country.
The road then continues on a dirt track. The journey is an integral part of the adventure, with conditions that may change as you progress. Our team remains attentive to road condition information in order to adapt the route accordingly.
Along the way, you will stop for dinner and spend the night in a comfortable guest house. This moment of rest allows you to regain strength before continuing your journey to Kigoma the next day.

Direction Kigoma
Today, you continue your journey during a long stage on track, sometimes demanding, but rich in discoveries. The route crosses several traditional villages, offering the opportunity to observe the daily life of residents and the rural landscapes of this region of Tanzanie.
At the end of the day, you reach Kigoma, a port city located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma also marks the terminus of the railway line coming from Dar es Salam, approximately 1,250 km to the east. This stage allows you to discover a city with a particular character, turned towards the lake and marked by its railway and port history.
You spend the night in a comfortable hotel, where you can rest and regain your strength after this day of travel and discoveries.

Gombe National Park - Chimpanzee Observation
Kigoma → Gombe Stream National Park
You embark on a new stage towards the Gombe Stream National Park located approximately 16 km north of Kigoma. Created in 1968, this park is the smallest in Tanzanie, with an area of 52 km². The park is presented as a narrow mountainous band approximately 16 km long, whose relief can reach 1,200 meters in altitude.
After approximately three hours of navigation by motorized canoe, you reach the shores of the park, where you discover dense vegetation and a preserved natural environment. Gombe National Park is home to nearly 200 chimpanzees, divided into three distinct groups.
Your first exploration consists of setting out in search of these primates by traveling the park's trails. The walk takes you through the slopes and wooded reliefs of Gombe, in a natural setting conducive to wildlife observation. You take with you the necessary equipment for camping, so you can dine and spend the night in the heart of nature, in the park's environment. This immersion allows you to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place. Depending on availability, accommodation can be in camping or in a guest house located near the park.

Gombe National Park - Chimpanzee Observation - Kigoma
Gombe Stream National Park → Kigoma
This morning, you experience a new encounter with chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park. You set out to search for them throughout the park in order to observe them in their natural environment. This experience allows you to get close to these primates and learn more about their behavior as well as their habitat in the heart of this Tanzanie forest.
After this encounter, you begin your return to Kigoma by boat. Navigation on Lake Tanganyika offers a new perspective on the landscapes of this Tanzanie region. Weather permitting, a stop is planned in Ujiji, an important former stopover for caravans arriving from the coast. This city retains a strong Swahili influence, noticeable in its architecture and the atmosphere of its streets. You take the time to discover some landmark sites, including the commemorative plaque indicating the place where the meeting between Livingstone and Stanley took place.
In the evening, you settle into the hotel for dinner and the night. This moment allows you to rest and share experiences from this day of discovery.

Trail for Katavi National Park
Kigoma → Parc national de Katavi
This morning, you start the day with a visit to the bustling market of Kigoma. You can discover the local atmosphere and observe the stalls offering various everyday products as well as regional specialties.
Next, you take the main track heading towards Katavi National Park. The journey of approximately 350 km crosses varied and often wild landscapes. Due to its remoteness, Katavi is among the least visited parks in Tanzanie, which allows you to experience a safari in a pristine environment. With an area of 4,471 km², the park consists of miombo forests, savannas dotted with acacias and vast plains that transform into flooded areas during the rainy season. This diversity of natural habitats promotes the presence of varied wildlife that you will be able to observe during your exploration.
You settle in for dinner and the night at an equipped campsite, located near areas frequented by hippopotamuses. This natural setting offers good conditions for observing these animals in their environment. This stop allows you to fully enjoy the wild atmosphere of Katavi National Park, in the heart of Tanzanian nature.

Safari in Katavi Park and the Hippotragues
Wildlife observation of the species characteristic of this park composed of wetlands and forests. Hippos, Cape elands, greater kudus, elephants and lions are among the species that can be observed there. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Today, you set out to explore Katavi National Park, a wild territory where wetlands, forests and vast natural spaces alternate. These varied environments offer a favorable habitat for diverse wildlife.
During your safari, you are looking in particular for hippos, Cape elands, greater kudus, elephants and lions that live in this region. This exploration allows you to discover another side of safaris in Tanzanie, in a preserved environment.
At the end of the day, you return to your equipped camp for dinner and spend another night under the Katavi sky.

Trail to Sumbawanga
Parc national de Katavi → Sumbawanga
You head back onto the main road and cross the Katavi National Park again in the direction of Sumbawanga. This day's drive takes you through different landscapes and offers several viewpoints over the surrounding nature.
At the end of the day, you arrive in Sumbawanga, a lively town in western Tanzanie, where you can discover the local atmosphere and observe the daily life of its inhabitants. You have dinner and spend the night in a comfortable guest house, where you can rest after this day's drive.

Mbeya
As you leave the lands of Sumbawanga, you continue your journey towards Nyamwezi country, a region known for its greener landscapes and agricultural lands. This stage allows you to observe a new facet of the landscapes of Tanzanie crossed during the journey.
Upon your arrival in Mbeya, you settle into a guest house for dinner and the night, to enjoy a moment of rest after this new day of travel and discoveries.

Route to Iringa and Ruaha
After your stop in Mbeya, you continue your journey towards Iringa.
Leaving the lush highlands of the region, the road crosses different landscapes before reaching this town situated in the mountains of central Tanzanie.
Upon your arrival in Iringa, you discover the traditional market of the town. This visit allows you to stock up on supplies for the next three days, while observing the bustle of the market and the diversity of local products offered by the inhabitants.
Iringa → Le parc national de Ruaha
Then, you take the track towards the Ruaha National Park, one of the important stages of your trip to Tanzanie. The journey gradually leads you to the wild landscapes that characterize this region.
At the end of the day, you settle in for the night in the bush, in a natural environment conducive to rest and observation of the surrounding nature.

Safari in the Ruaha Reserve the hidden treasure of Tanzania
After your night in the bush, you take a track that leads you to the Ruaha National Park, one of the large natural spaces of Tanzanie. Leaving Iringa, you continue your immersion in the wild landscapes of the country.
You enter the Ruaha park late in the morning and begin to discover the diversity of its landscapes and biodiversity. The park is characterized by four main vegetation zones: verdant valleys, grassy savannas, open miombo forests and hills dotted with baobabs. These varied environments offer different opportunities for observing wildlife and flora.
At the end of the day, you set up your camp on the banks of the river or, depending on your preference, spend the night in comfortable bungalows. This evening in the heart of the Ruaha park allows you to enjoy the calm of nature and listen to the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.

Walking safari in Ruaha National Park
Today, you experience something different with a walking safari in the Ruaha National Park. This approach allows you to observe nature up close and discover the park's landscapes from a different perspective. With over 400 bird species recorded, Ruaha is also a popular destination for birdwatching. Along the Ruaha River, hippopotamuses and crocodiles occupy the banks and water points. Although the rhinoceros is difficult to spot today, many emblematic species of African wildlife are present in the park. During your walk, you may catch glimpses of lions, elephants or giraffes moving through their natural environment. This walking safari offers a unique immersion into the park's ecosystem and allows you to experience Tanzanie's wild nature in a different way.
You spend the night camping by the river or in comfortable bungalows, depending on your preference. This evening is an opportunity to relax and reflect on the day's memorable moments.

Mikumi
You leave your camp early to continue your journey.
After several stages on dirt tracks, you return to the paved road. As you descend from the plateau, the route runs along the Lukosi River, lined with baobabs, and crosses a valley with open landscapes. This day is mainly devoted to travel, offering the opportunity to observe the changing scenery along the road through Tanzanie.
At the end of the day, you arrive at Mikumi, where you set up your camp for the night. This moment of rest allows you to enjoy the peace of the place before the rest of your journey.

Dar Es-Salam
Le parc national de Mikumi → Dar Es Salaam
You resume the road early in the direction of Dar Es Salaam, the last major stage before reaching the coast. Along the way, you cross the Mikumi National Park, offering a final opportunity to spot the wildlife of Tanzanie in its natural environment.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you proceed to purchase boat tickets for the next stage of the journey: Zanzibar. After this day of travel, you settle into a hotel located in the city center, near the port. The evening is free for you to rest, discover the surroundings or enjoy dinner before the night at the hotel.

End of stay
Transfer to the airport or port for your Zanzibar extension (contact us).
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Single Supplements
Included
- Accommodation according to programme
- Full board
- Ground Transportation
- English-speaking guide
- National Park Entrances
- Vehicle safaris
- Camping equipment
- Activities mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for Tanzania for tourist stays. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, via the official Tanzanian government portal (eVisa), before departure — strongly recommended solution,
on arrival at certain entry points (visa on arrival), although this option is subject to conditions and may change.
The tourist visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days. Visa fees are applicable and must be paid when applying.
Authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation reservation.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially mandatory to enter Tanzania, except yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic. In this case, the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) will be required upon entry.
Additionally, several vaccinations and preventive measures are strongly recommended:
antimalarial prophylaxis: Tanzania is an area at risk of malaria, preventive treatment is advised,
vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and tetanus,
vaccination against rabies recommended if you will be active in rural areas or in contact with animals.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before your departure.
Travelling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Travelers should verify the specific requirements with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered by repatriation assistance and medical expenses insurance abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Bank Card Supplement
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. It can be obtained online (e-visa, approximately 50 USD) or on arrival at major airports (50 USD, cash required). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry and have blank pages. Before booking, check the rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of the destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 280 and 500 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 safaris, domestic flights and activities. International flights (800–1,300 euros round trip) are additional. Mobile camps in the Serengeti represent a major cost item.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Let's talk about your adventure — Safari North
Explorer of Tanzanian savannas, based in Arusha
A safari doesn't begin when you spot a lion. It begins much earlier, in the morning light, the dust on the trail, and the attention paid to every smallest movement.
— Fred







