24 Days Tanzania Self-Drive Itinerary(Southern, Western, and Northern Tanzania)
The 24 Days Tanzania self-drive route itinerary from the southern Tanzania, to Western Tanzania to Northen Tanzania up to the coastal parts of Tanzania covers Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa National Park, Ruaha National Park, Kitulo National Park, Mbeya, Lake Tanganyika National Park, Katavi National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, Mwanza, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi.
Car Rental 4×4 Africa offers customized Tanzania Safari routes for classic road trips, assisting solo tourists in experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife and beaches.
The 24-day Tanzania self-drive safari across southern and northern Tanzania is tailored for seasoned and intrepid tourists seeking to discover Tanzania beyond the conventional northern itinerary. You will navigate expansive wilderness regions, visit secluded national parks, camp beneath the stars or unwind in meticulously chosen resorts, concluding your expedition in the renowned grasslands of the Serengeti.
The 24-day self-drive tour in Tanzania is advisable for travelers desiring isolation, abundant biodiversity, and a profound connection with the country’s natural landscapes, as the Car Rental 4×4 Africa staff guarantees a well-supported, safe, and memorable experience.
Summery: 24-Day Road Trip in Tanzania
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam and exploration of Kilwa Kisiwani Centre.
Day 2: Drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous National Park).
Day 3: Safari in Nyerere National Park
Day 4: Transfer from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park
Day 5: Safari in Mikumi National Park
Day 6: Drive from Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Day 7: Walking safari to the waterfalls and transfer from Udzungwa Mountains to Ruaha National Park.
Day 8: Safari Game Drive in Ruaha National Park
Day 9: Second day of wildlife drive in Ruaha National Park and subsequent travel to Iringa Town
Day 10: Transition from Iringa town to Kitulo National Park
Day 11: Day of Rest at Mbeya
Day 12: Transit from Mbeya to Lake Tanganyika
Day 13: Relax on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
Day 14: Drive from Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
Day 15: Safari expedition in Katavi National Park
Day 16: Drive from Katavi National Park to Kigoma Town
Day 17: observe the chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park
Day 18: Transit from Kigoma to Mwanza
Day 19: Transfer from Mwanza to Serengeti National Park (Western Serengeti)
Day 20: Journey from the western Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park
Day 21: Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 22: Safari in Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Lake Eyasi.
Day 23: Cultural Encounter at Lake Eyasi
Day 24: Transition from Lake Eyasi to Arusha
Comprehensive 24-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for Exploring Tanzania
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Upon your arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be greeted by a Car Rental 4×4 Africa Staff. Thereafter, drive yourself to your accommodation along the shores of the Indian Ocean, where you will receive an orientation on vehicle operation, route navigation, and journey planning for your classic 24 days Tanzania Self drive Safari Itinerary adventure. It is advisable to complete any shopping on this day in preparation for the extensive self-drive safari in Tanzania. Indulge in a tranquil evening and allocate time for sleep. Explore Tanzania with Car Rental 4×4 Africa, specialists in 4×4 Car rentals and Camping in Eastern and Southern Tanzania.
Public campsite
Day 2: Drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on an exploration of Kilwa Kisiwani Centre and subsequently continue to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, the largest protected area in Tanzania.
Public camping
Day 3: Nyerere National Park – 24 Days Tanzania Safari
Dedicate a whole day to traversing Nyerere’s expansive miombo woods and riverine systems. Elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippopotamuses may be observed. A boat safari on the Rufiji River offers an excellent opportunity to observe crocodiles, species of birds, and wildlife approaching for hydration.
Car Rental 4×4 Africa advises employing a local safari guide for your game drive in Nyerere, as they are consistently available for $20.
Public camping location
Day 4: Drive from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park
Following breakfast, you will depart for Mikumi National Park. Keep in mind that your experience in these parks will provide you with a narrative to share with fellow tourists. You will drive to the northwest region of Tanzania, in route to Mikumi, traversing the picturesque Uluguru Mountains. You will arrive in the afternoon and partake in a brief game drive in Mikumi’s expansive plains, where giraffes and elephants are frequently observed.
Public campsite or Mantis Lodge Camping Area.
Day 5: Safari excursion in Mikumi National Park
You will dedicate the entire day to a game drive in Mikumi, frequently referred to as a “mini-Serengeti” due to its expansive savannas and excellent wildlife observation opportunities. Seek herds of impala, buffalo, and zebra, along with predators such as lions and hyenas; this location boasts excellent roads and tracks for game drives. We recommend arranging for a native guide to enhance your wildlife viewing experience, including sightings of elephants.
Public camping location
Day 6: Drive from Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
You will go to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a distinctive park renowned for its rainforest, waterfalls, and uncommon primates. Embark on a journey through lush tropical flora to Sanje Falls, where you may bathe in natural pools and relish panoramic vistas. It is referred to as the Public camping location
Day 7: Drive from Udzungwa Mountains National Park to Ruaha National Park
Following the verdant experience in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, you will embark on an extensive and picturesque journey via the Great Rift Valley to Ruaha National Park. This route leads you into the heart of Tanzania’s central highlands.It is advisable to proceed cautiously and allocate sufficient time when driving in the Rift Valley, as overtaking during the escarpment is discouraged due to the unpredictable overtaking maneuvers of buses and trucks.
You will travel from Iringa Town to Ruaha National Park, which is about 156 km away. Ensure that your fuel tank is full before departing Iringa Town.
Camping Public campsite
Day 8: Safari excursion in Ruaha National Park
Following breakfast, commence the journey to see Tanzania’s less frequented National Park, which is the second largest in the country. Ruaha National Park is renowned for its striking baobab trees, crimson-hued terrains, and remarkable biodiversity, featuring elephants, lions, kudus, and elusive African wild dogs.
Note: This location may be warm; ensure the air conditioning and refrigerator are operational to enhance the Safari experience.
Camping Public campsite
Day 9: Walking Safari in Ruaha National Park and Drive to Iringa Town
A second day in Ruaha allows for the exploration of more secluded regions of the park and the opportunity to observe animal behavior. Experience tranquil environments with less traffic compared to the more frequented northern parks such as Serengeti National Park or Tarangire National Park, which are more congested. In the evening, you will proceed to Iringa town for an overnight stay and observe the urban life of this more developed city.
Lodging is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 10: Drive from Iringa town to Kitulo National Park
Today marks the commencement of your expedition to the Southern Highlands. Arrive in the Kitulo Plateau, referred to as the “Serengeti of Flowers” due to its seasonal wildflower blossoms. This tranquil and temperate region is ideal for trekking and bird watching; the journey is somewhat lengthy, and it is advisable to depart early in the morning to reach Kitulo National Park.
Camping Public campsite
Day 11: Rest Day in Mbeya
Pause driving for a day to rejuvenate before proceeding to northern Tanzania and the western region, which is home to primates such as chimpanzees and other wildlife.
Accommodation is recommended compared to Camping.
Day 12: Transit from Mbeya to Lake Tanganyika
Proceed along the western rift to arrive at the banks of Lake Tanganyika. This profound, crystalline lake is encircled by woodland and mountains. Your lodge is situated directly on the lake, ideal for a sunset swim or unwinding with a chilled beverage.This is an extensive journey, and it is advisable to commence early in the morning to ensure arrival by dusk, given the considerable distance relative to previous sites you have visited.
Accommodation is preferred over camping.
Day 13: Experience of Lake Tanganyika
Engage in activities of your choice during the day—kayaking, snorkeling, or exploring nearby fishing communities. The lake is suitable for swimming and provides a picturesque environment to appreciate Tanzania’s natural splendor away from the safari route. You will explore the beaches along the coast of Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation is preferable than camping.
Day 14: Transition from Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
Following breakfast, depart for Katavi National Park, which is considerably more isolated than Ruaha National Park or Mikumi National Park. This genuine wilderness, characterized by expansive floodplains, offers opportunities for exploration, despite its dense animal populations and limited visitor access.
Public camping location
Day 15: Safari excursion in Katavi National Park
You will dedicate the full day to visiting the pristine plains of Katavi. Extensive herds of buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, and lions traverse this area unrestrained. Wildlife is frequently observed near water sources, particularly in the dry season.
As Car Rental 4×4 Africa, we do not recommend visiting this park during the rainy season due to hazardous road conditions.
Public camping location
Day 16: Transition from Katavi National Park to Kigoma Town
Proceed northward along the lake towards Kigoma, a port city situated on Lake Tanganyika. The road is picturesque and tranquil, featuring rural communities throughout. Stay overnight at a lodge with a view of the lake. The suggested lodging is Kigoma Hilltop Lodge.
Day 17: Voyage to Gombe Stream National Park
Embark on a boat journey across the lake to reach Gombe, renowned for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee studies. Should you decide to visit, trek into the forest to observe wild chimpanzees and appreciate the lake vistas from the highlands.
Upon your return to the area, it is advisable to choose Kigoma Hilltop Lodge for accommodation.
Day 18: Transit from Kigoma to Mwanza
You will depart early in the morning for the lengthy trip, with the option to pause the route, but it is feasible to complete it in a single day to reach Mwanza town. Today is an extensive yet gratifying journey over the southern coast of Lake Victoria. Traverse small fishing hamlets and undulating hills before to arriving in Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest metropolis.
The suggested accommodation is Rock City Bay Lodge.
Day 19: Mwanza to Serengeti National Park
You will travel to Serengeti, situated 156 kilometers from Mwanza, necessitating a leisurely departure to approach the Serengeti from the west through Ndabaka Gate. Experience a leisurely safari drive across the area. We recommend camping at the western Serengeti Camp Sites to facilitate your journey to central Serengeti the next day, as game sightings commence immediately upon entering the Ndabaka Gate.
Camping Public campsite
Day 20: Journey from Western Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park
Following your previous camping experience in western Serengeti, you will commence with a morning game drive en route to Central Serengeti for a quintessential game drive and picturesque plains observation. Devote a whole day to traversing the boundless expanses of the Serengeti. Seasonally, one may observe the Great Migration or encounter substantial prides of lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
Camping Public campsite
Day 21: Conduct a game drive and advance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Your day will commence with a morning wildlife drive in the Serengeti, concluding in the afternoon when you proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater. Proceed southeast to the Ngorongoro Highlands, pausing at beautiful sights prior to arriving at your resort adjacent to the crater rim.
Simba Public Campsite
Day 22: Ngorongoro Crater Expedition and Transit to Lake Esayi
You will be prepared by 5:30 AM for the transit into the crater in the morning, out by midday to continue to Lake Esayi for a perfect Tanzanian cultural experience in the African wilderness,
Camping Public campsite
Day 23: Cultural and Hunting Experiences
Please remember to bring a pair of binoculars if you like birds. Treks traverse the lake’s shoreline and may include viewing old rock art. You may also explore local communities and engage with members of the Hadza and Datooga tribes.
Their population, now down to merely a thousand, consists of proficient hunter-gatherers. The males pursue both large and small game with bows and arrows, while the women gather berries and fruit.
The Datooga are exceptional silversmiths, crafting hunting implements for the Hadzabe in return for hides and sustenance. Engaging with these individuals provides an exhilarating experience.
Day 24 – From Lake Esyai to Arusha
Following breakfast, you will commence the journey to Arusha town to return the rental jeep and board your flight home, concluding the 24-day Tanzania road trip Self Drive Safari Itinerary plan with Car Rental 4×4 Africa. Our Office staff, will be waiting for you to Pick up the Vehicle from you
Conclusion of 24-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for a Tanzania Road Trip in East Africa.