Tanzania Self Drive itinerary- 24 Days Self Drive Safari – Southern , Western & Northern Tanzania.
Self Drive East Africa has tailored the best Tanzania Safari circuits for classic road Trips in Tanzania to guide independent travelers exploring Tanzania Wildlife & Beaches. The 3 weeks Self drive around Tanzania starting from the southern to coastal regions of Tanzania is the alternative for the 25 Days Tanzania Self drive itinerary that only covers the northern and comprehensive Serengeti National Park on Self drive Safari.
Embark on the ultimate self-drive safari adventure through Tanzania’s spectacular southern circuit to western circuits and finish the adventure with the northern Circuit which is classic route and the coco coca route for Self drive adventures in East Africa. The 24 days Tanzania self drive safari in southern and northern Tanzania is designed for experienced and adventurous travelers who want to explore Tanzania beyond the traditional northern route. You’ll drive yourself through vast wilderness areas, encounter remote national parks, camp under the stars or relax in carefully selected lodges, and end your journey among the iconic plains of the Serengeti.
24 Days Self drive Tanzania itinerary is recommended to travelers seeking solitude, rich biodiversity, and a deep connection with Tanzania’s wild landscapes as Self drive East Africa team ensures your journey is well-supported, safe, and unforgettable.
Trip Summary 24 Days Tanzania Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam and explore Kilwa Kisiwani Centre
Day 2: transfer from Dar es salaam to Nyerere National Park( Selous National Park)
Day 3: Game drive in Nyerere National Park
Day 4: Transfer from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park
Day 5: Game drive in Mikumi National Park
Day 6: Transfer from Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day 7: Walking safari- visiting the Water falls and Transfer from Udzungwa Mountains to Ruaha National Park
Day 8 : Game drive Safari in Ruaha National Park
Day 9: Second day game drive in Ruaha National Park and transfer to Iringa Town
Day 10: Transfer from Iringa town to Kitulo National Park
Day 11: Relaxation Day in Mbeya
Day 12: Transfer from Mbeya to Lake Tanganyika
Day 13: Relaxing on the beaches of Lake Tanganyika
Day 14: Transfer from Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
Day 15: Game drive in Katavi National Park
Day 16: Transfer from Katavi National Park to Kigoma town
Day 17: visit the chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park
Day 18: Transfer from Kigoma to Mwanza
Day 19: Transfer from Mwanza to Serengeti National Park ( western Serengeti)
Day 20: Drive from western Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park
Day 21: Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 22: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Drive to Lake Eyasi
Day 23: Cultural Experience on Lake Eyasi
Day 24: Transfer from Lake Eyasi to Arusha
Detailed 24 Days Tanzania Self Drive itinerary – Explore Tanzania
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport you will welcomed by the team of Self drive East Africa and the specialist guide will transfer you to your accommodation on the shoes of Indian ocean and he will orient about the car operation , route and journey planning for classic Tanzania Journey, Shopping is recommended to be done on this day as you prepare for the long Tanzania self drive Safari. Enjoy a relaxing evening and take time to rest. Go wild Tanzania with Self drive East Africa the experts in 4×4 Tanzania rental with classic camping gears
Camping Public campsite
Day 2: Transfer from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park
After morning breakfast at the hotel , you will head to explore Kilwa Kisiwani Centre and later proceed to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous game reserve), the largest protected area in Tanzania.
Camping Public campsite
Day 3: Nyerere National Park
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere’s vast miombo woodlands and river channels. You may spot elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippos. A boat safari on the Rufiji River is a great optional experience to see crocodiles, birds, and animals coming to drink.
Self Drive East Africa recommends getting a local Safari guide to take you around the park during the game drive in Nyerere as they are always available at 20$
Camping Public campsite
Day 4: Transfer from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park
After morning breakfast , you will set off to Mikumi National Park , Remember that your only leaving these parks with a story to tell other travelers. You will be driving to northwest part of Tanzania heading to Mikumi, passing through the scenic Uluguru Mountains. You will arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a short game drive in Mikumi’s open plains, where giraffes and elephants are commonly seen.
Camping Public campsite or Mantis Lodge Camping Section.
Day 5: Game drive in Mikumi National Park
You will Spend the entire day on game drive through Mikumi, often called a “mini-Serengeti” for its wide savannas and good wildlife viewing. Look for herds of impala, buffalo, and zebra, as well as predators like lions and hyenas, its among the best places that have good road and trucks for game drive , We do recommended that you plan to book local guide to help you see a lot of Wildlife and even elephants.
Camping Public campsite
Day 6: Transfer from Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
You will drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park which is a unique park known for its rain forest, waterfalls, and rare primates. Go for a hike through dense tropical vegetation to Sanje Falls, where you can swim in natural pools and enjoy panoramic views. its known as the
Camping public campsite
Day 7: Transfer from Udzungwa Mountains National Park to Ruaha National Park
After the green feeling in the wilderness of Udzungwa Mountains National Park , you will Set off on a long and scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley to Ruaha National Park. This road takes you deep into Tanzania’s central highlands.its recommended that you take it slow and take your time when driving in the Rift valley as we advise never to overtake during the escapement as buses and lorries do overtake anytime. you will connect to iringa town and proceed to Ruaha National Park that is located 156km , remember to top up full before exiting Iringa Town .
Camping Public campsite
Day 8: Game drive in Ruaha National Park
After morning breakfast, start on the drive to explore Tanzania’s less crowded National Park and the second Largest National Park. Ruaha National Park is known for its dramatic baobab trees, red-earth landscapes, and incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, kudus, and rare African wild dogs.
Note : This place can be hot and be ready with working Ac, Fridge to cool the drinks for ultimate Safari experience.
Camping Public campsite
Day 9: Walking Safari in Ruaha National Park & transfer to Iringa Town
A second day in Ruaha gives you the chance to explore more remote areas of the park and spend time watching animal behavior. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and fewer vehicles than in more famous northern parks like Serengeti National Park or Tarangire National Park are more populated. In the evening you will transfer to Iringa town for overnight and see the city life of Iringa which is a more developed city.
Accommodation is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 10: Transfer from Iringa town to Kitulo National Park
Today you begin your journey toward the Southern Highlands. Arrive in the Kitulo Plateau, known as the “Serengeti of Flowers” for its seasonal wildflower blooms. This peaceful and cool area is perfect for hiking and bird watching, the drive is long abit and your advised to set off early morning to be able to make it to Kitulo National Park.
Camping Public campsite
Day 11: Rest Day in Mbeya
Take a break from driving and have day to reset before continuing northern Tanzania and western Side of the country that hosts the primates like Chimpanzees and Wildlife.
Accommodation is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 12: Transfer from Mbeya to Lake Tanganyika
Drive along the western rift to reach the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This deep, clear lake is surrounded by forest and mountains. Your lodge is right on the water, perfect for a sunset swim or relaxing with a cold drink.This is a long drive and be prepared to start early morning to make sure that you can make it by evening – as the distance is quite long compared to other destinations that you have been too.
Accommodation is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 13: Feel of Lake Tanganyika
Spend the day as you wish—kayaking, snorkeling, or visiting local fishing villages. The lake is safe for swimming and offers a beautiful setting to enjoy Tanzania’s natural beauty off the safari trail. You will visit the beaches on shores of Lake Tanganyika
Accommodation is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 14: Transfer from Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
After Morning break fast at the set off and proceed to Katavi National Park which is very remote compared to Ruaha National Park or Mikumi National Park but the real wilderness, with wide floodplains awaits for you to be explored although the animals are dense animal populations, and very few visitors.
Camping Public campsite
Day 15: Game drive in Katavi National Park
You will spend the entire day exploring the untouched plains of Katavi. Huge herds of buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, and lions roam freely here. It’s common to see wildlife around water sources, especially during the dry season, As Self Drive East Africa we don’t advise to visit this park during the rainy season as it becomes a dangerous place as it has bad road conditions.
Camping Public campsite
Day 16: Transfer from Katavi National Park to Kigoma town
Drive north along the lake toward Kigoma, a port town on Lake Tanganyika. The route is scenic and peaceful, with rural villages along the way. Overnight at a lodge overlooking the lake. Recommended accommodation is Kigoma Hilltop Lodge.
Day 17: Boat ride to Gombe Stream National Park
Take a boat ride across the lake to visit Gombe, famous for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research. If you choose to visit, hike in the forest to see wild chimpanzees and enjoy the lake views from the mountains.
After you will return to the down , Recommended accommodation is Kigoma Hilltop Lodge.
Day 18: Transfer from Kigoma town to Mwanza
You will Set off very early morning for the long drive and you can decide to break the journey although its possible to cover it in one day to connect to Mwanza town . Today is a long but rewarding drive along Lake Victoria’s southern shores. Pass through small fishing villages and rolling hills before reaching Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city.
Recommended Hotel is Rock City Bay Lodge
Day 19: Mwanza to Serengeti National Park
You will drive to Serengeti which is located 156kms from Mwanza so you will have to leave at relaxed time and enter the Serengeti from the west via Ndabaka Gate. Enjoy a slow safari drive through the corridor . We do advise that you camp in the western Serengeti Camp Sites so that the next day you can do en route to get to central Serengeti – Serengeti game sighting starts as soon as you enter the Ndabaka Gate.
Camping Public campsite
Day 20: Drive from Western Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park
Since you last camped in western Serengeti you will start on morning game drive as you head towards Central Serengeti for the classic game drive and scenic plains viewing . Spend the full day exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration or see large prides of lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
Camping Public campsite
Day 21: Game drive and proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
You will start with morning game drive in Serengeti and exit it in the afternoon as you head to Ngorongoro crater. Then head southeast to the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at viewpoints before reaching your lodge near the crater rim.
Camping Simba Public campsite
Day 22: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Drive to Lake Esayi
You will be ready at 5;30am and prepare for the transit to enter the crater in the morning and exit by mid day to proceed to Lake Esayi for best Tanzania Cultural experience in the wilderness of Africa as the best way to wind up the 24 Days Tanzania Road Trip itinerary with Self Drive East Africa.
Camping Public campsite
Day 23: Cultural Experience & Hunting experiences
If you’re a fan of feathery friends, make sure you bring your binoculars! Hikes take you along the shores of the lake and can involve looking at ancient rock art. You can also wander through local villages and meet members of the Hadza and Datooga tribes.
The former, their number now at just a thousand, are skilled hunter–gatherers. The men hunt both large and small animals using bows-and-arrows, while the women forage for berries and fruit.
And the Datooga are superb silversmiths, making hunting tools for the Hadzabe in exchange for skins and food. Spending any amount of time with these peoples makes for a thrilling experience!
Day 24 – Lake Esyai to Arusha
After morning breakfast, you will start on the drive to connect to Arusha town for the return of the rental jeep and take flight back home.
End of 24 Days Tanzania Road Trip Itinerary with Self Drive East Africa.