




This sample itinerary combines a Kilimanjaro climb, a northern Tanzania safari, and a Zanzibar beach stay. It is a starting point that can be adjusted to match your preferred activities and travel schedule.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi. Use the first day to rest after your international flight and prepare for the journey ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to explore the town, visit a local market, or enjoy the surrounding scenery. If you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, use this time to meet your mountain team and check your equipment.
Spend the next part of your trip climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The climb takes you through different landscapes, from forested slopes to high-altitude terrain.
The number of days required depends on the route you choose. Some routes take longer than others, and allowing sufficient time for acclimatization is an important part of planning.
If you want to include Kilimanjaro in a two-week trip, choose your route carefully and coordinate the climbing schedule with the safari and Zanzibar portions of your holiday.
After your mountain adventure, continue with a safari in northern Tanzania. This region offers a variety of wildlife habitats and landscapes, including open plains, crater scenery, and areas known for large elephant populations.
Your safari could include destinations such as:
Tarangire National Park: Known for its elephants and distinctive baobab landscapes.
Ngorongoro Crater: A remarkable wildlife area with varied habitats within the crater.
Serengeti National Park: Famous for its wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
With only a few days available, it is important to consider driving distances and avoid adding too many destinations to the itinerary. Your safari operator can help select parks that fit your available time and interests.
After your safari, travel to Zanzibar for a few days by the Indian Ocean. This part of the trip offers a change of pace, with time to enjoy the beaches, explore local culture, and relax after your mountain climb and wildlife adventures.
Depending on your interests, you can spend your time swimming, enjoying the coastline, visiting Stone Town, or taking a boat excursion.
Remember to consider the time needed for transfers and flights when planning your departure. If your international flight leaves from mainland Tanzania, allow enough time to connect from Zanzibar.
If climbing Kilimanjaro is not part of your plans, or you prefer to spend more time on safari, you can use a different two-week structure.
For example, you could spend the first few days exploring northern Tanzania’s national parks, continue with additional safari days or cultural activities, and then finish with a longer stay in Zanzibar.
This option allows more flexibility in how you divide your time. You could spend extra days in the Serengeti, include more than one national park, or enjoy a slower-paced beach holiday.
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro as well as take a safari and visit Zanzibar, the itinerary will need to be planned around the duration of your chosen mountain route.
The cost of a two-week Tanzania and Zanzibar holiday depends on the activities you include, the accommodation you choose, and how you travel between destinations. A trip that includes a Kilimanjaro climb, a private safari, and several nights in Zanzibar will have different costs from a safari and beach holiday without the mountain climb.
The main factors that affect your budget include:
Kilimanjaro climb: The route, number of climbing days, and services included in the package affect the overall cost.
Safari accommodation: Campsites, budget lodges, mid-range lodges, and luxury properties offer different price levels.
Safari itinerary: The parks you visit, number of safari days, and transport arrangements influence the cost.
Zanzibar accommodation: Your choice of hotel, resort, or guesthouse and the length of your stay affect your budget.
Flights and transfers: International flights, domestic flights, airport transfers, and ground transport may add significantly to the total.
Travel season and group size: Travel dates and whether you are traveling privately or sharing arrangements with others can also influence the price.
When requesting a quote, ask the operator to explain what is included, such as accommodation, meals, park fees, transfers, activities, and flights. Comparing itineraries with the same inclusions makes it easier to understand the overall cost.
The best time for your trip depends on which experiences matter most to you. Wildlife viewing, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and enjoying Zanzibar’s beaches each have different seasonal considerations.
If the Great Wildebeest Migration is a priority, your safari dates and the areas of the Serengeti you visit should be planned around the movement of the herds. The migration is a year-round movement, and the wildlife experience varies by location and season.
For Kilimanjaro, consider the expected mountain conditions and choose a route and schedule that allow adequate time for the climb. For Zanzibar, consider the weather conditions during your intended beach stay.
Because your trip combines several activities, discuss your travel dates with your operator before confirming the itinerary. This can help you coordinate the different parts of your holiday.
Plan the mountain climb first. The route and number of climbing days will affect how much time remains for your safari and Zanzibar stay.
Allow time to rest. Avoid scheduling too many demanding activities back-to-back.
Keep the safari route realistic. Travel between parks can take time, so focus on destinations that fit your schedule.
Check flight connections. Confirm how you will travel between the mainland, Zanzibar, and your international departure airport.
Pack for different environments. A mountain climb, wildlife safari, and beach holiday require different clothing and equipment.
Confirm what your package includes. Check accommodation, meals, park fees, transfers, activities, and flights before booking.
Keep some flexibility. A tailor-made itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests, travel dates, and available time.
A two-week holiday combining Kilimanjaro, a Tanzania safari, and Zanzibar can be arranged in different ways depending on your priorities. Benson Safaris can help you plan an itinerary around your travel dates, preferred destinations, accommodation, and budget.
Contact Benson Safaris to discuss your plans and request a personalized Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary.
Let us tailor you dream safari!
Join Benson Safaris for a 6 day adventure in Tanzania’s Serengeti, witnessing the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration with prime viewing spots guaranteed.
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife wonders with our 5-day budget safari. Choose mid-range camping or lodge for budget-friendly comfort and adventure.
Embark on a 5-day Tanzanian adventure in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, choosing tented camp or mid-range lodge accommodations. Cherish the journey.
EXCELLENT
Based on 141 reviews
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Faris K23 September 2026Verified
Amazing Kilimanjaro climb with this team My wife and I went on the Kilimanjaro climb, through the Machame route, and the Benson Safaris team, including the guides and the rest of the crew, were amazing people. We have traveled a lot and have been to many countries, but this team were the best. We felt very welcomed and supported throughout the multi-day hike. We had a great summit experience and a great celebration from the team after that. We will definitely go on the safari adventure with them. Genuinely great people.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
River H22 September 2026Verified
responsible, responsive will remember our safari forever! Carlos was such a nice, responsible, and experienced guide. We had a pleasant 7 days with him. Fortune was very responsive and helpful when we were first looking into the itenerary. Overall good experience.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Martha A.17 September 2026Verified
Once in a lifetime safari We had a great time during our safari with Benson Safaris. From the very beginning Fortune was helpful and attentive, helping us to design our itinerary and adjust it to our budget and preferences. We did a cross country safari and had two guides, Edmund in Kenya and Carlos in Tanzania. They both were kind, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile to make our trip memorable. They have different personalities, naturally, but share the same sense of commitment and love for their work. I will always remember this experience and will be grateful to them for it.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
tom w29 August 2026Verified
four day safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater As a trip of a lifetime for the family, this safari had to be extra special and Benson Safaris ensured that every step of the way we were given one of the most amazing experiences we will ever have. From shaping the right trip for us, to pre-planning check lists to the most wonderfully warm and experienced staff, I cannot speak highly enough of the service we had. We deliberately chose a local operator, not only to support local businesses but to also have a more personal touch. Dolphine was always on hand to answer any queries while our guide Liberatus was so friendly and immensely experienced (he's been driving safaris for more than 15 years) - giving us confidence that we would have the best wildlife sightings timed to avoid the larger crowds. He even managed to find us two sightings of leopards, which are notoriously hard to spot! The children gave up the count of the number of different species we saw at 30 plus but the incredible images and memories of four days on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will stay with us forever.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
ashrique F21 August 2026Verified
Ashrique & Krishna We travelled with Benson Safaris for our Kenya and Tanzania trip, and honestly, it was one of the best travel experiences we’ve had. From the start, the whole trip was very well planned. We crossed the Kenya–Tanzania border and then came back into Kenya, and all the immigration and border formalities were surprisingly smooth. The team was always there to guide us and help whenever needed, which made a big difference. The accommodations were another highlight. We stayed at some really beautiful places, but Olerai Lodge, Friends Camp and Khumbu Khumbu Luxury Resorts deserve a special mention. Each one had its own charm, and the food throughout the trip was genuinely excellent. After spending hours out on safari, coming back to a good meal and a comfortable place to stay was something we really appreciated. Our guides, Martin and Zab, were a huge part of what made the trip special. Martin was very knowledgeable and patient, and you could tell that he genuinely enjoyed what he was doing. And then there was Zab — the Mayor of Serengeti! Honestly, I’m not sure how the trip would have been without him. He talked constantly, cracked jokes, knew everyone we came across, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were. But beyond being a great guide, he became a friend during the trip. Some of our best memories are simply from sitting in the jeep listening to Zab talk about life, the Serengeti and pretty much everything else. He has this wonderful way of looking at life — simple, positive and full of humour. By the end, it felt less like we had hired a guide and more like we were travelling around with a friend who happened to know the Serengeti incredibly well. The actual safari experience was unbelievable. The Great Migration, the river crossings, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos and all the smaller animals in between — there was something new every single day. What I really liked was that the guides didn’t just point out animals; they helped us understand what was happening around us and how the whole ecosystem fits together. We did this trip to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, so it was already going to be a special trip for us. But Benson Safaris and the team made it much more memorable than we expected. A big thank you to everyone at Benson Safaris, to Martin, and especially to Zab, the Mayor of Serengeti, for making this such an incredible experience. We would happily travel with Benson Safaris again. And if we do make it back to the Serengeti someday, I really hope the Mayor is still around to show us around.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Mobile73260416 August 2026Verified
Absolute Dream Safari! Flawless Logistics, Upgrades and the Best Guide Wow, what an absolutely mind-blowing experience with Benson’s Safari! From the very first email to our final goodbye, they were spectacular every single step of the way. Fortune was our superstar booking agent. She custom-crafted multiple incredible options for us and pulled off absolute magic by scoring us last-minute upgrades at three of our hotels! Our guide, Zablone, was a true legend. He drove us from Arusha all the way to the Northern Serengeti with so much pride and enthusiasm. He went completely above and beyond, working tirelessly to ensure we witnessed a breathtaking river crossing. It was unforgettable! We felt completely taken care of because Benson's had a dedicated representative with us at every single transition. We never had to stress about a single logistical detail. Do not hesitate for a second to book with them—they are the absolute best!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Kane9 August 2026Verified
GREAT!!! HAKUNA MATATA! We had an extraordinarily valuable experience on this trip. Grace was highly responsible and responded promptly to all our inquiries. Mr. Benson was humorous and engaging, and our guide, Carlos, was a true professional with exceptional expertise. On top of that, their quote was completely transparent with no hidden fees. I highly recommend them!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Suzanne D4 August 2026Verified
The Safari of a Lifetime - thanks to Benson We would highly recommend Benson! At first, we were a little hesitant about booking locally and paying the full amount in advance. However, from the very first moment, all our concerns disappeared. The communication was excellent, friendly, and professional. Our itinerary was completely tailored to our wishes and exceeded our expectations. Our first meeting with our guide, Zablon, immediately gave us confidence. He is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about wildlife and nature. Thanks to him, we enjoyed an unforgettable 9-day safari. The picnic lunches were perfectly arranged every day, and all of the accommodations were excellent. Everything was well organized and taken care of down to the smallest detail. Thanks to Benson and Zablon, we had the trip of a lifetime. If you're looking for a reliable company that creates a personalized safari experience with outstanding service, we can wholeheartedly recommend Benson.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Christine K3 August 2026Verified
Tanzania Safari Wonderful Safari. Guides were amazing. Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Sites were just beautiful. We were able to get to see all the animals and stayed at many wonderful lodgesPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
DN31 July 2026Verified
Fijne en betrouwbare reisadviseur Benson is een serieuze en betrouwbare adviseur. Zeer goede ervaring met reisadviseur Fortune Hyasinti (Tour Consultant /Planner). Flexibel, meedenkend, prettig contact, reageert snel, professioneel. Aanrader!
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