The ultimate Tanzania itinerary | 1-month roadtrip

Looking to go beyond the typical safari? We love Tanzania but can’t deny that some parts are crowded and touristy. So in our search for an off-the-beaten adventure, we explored the country for an entire month. What did we find?

Unspoiled beaches, hidden gems, local encounters, stunning wildlife safaris and affordable guesthouses and lodges away from the crowds. 

This 1-month Tanzania itinerary doesn’t shy away from the classic highlights but combines them with lesser-known destinations that are easy on your wallet.  Perfect for adventurous couples or groups of friends! Ready for the ultimate ‘Grand Circuit’ in Tanzania?

This itinerary is for you if…

• …you love the combination of hiking, cultural encounters, and beach relaxation.

• …you are a slow traveller seeking flexibility - no need to book accommodation in advance!

• … you want to combine top safari parks with less-visited destinations for an authentic, crowd-free adventure.

Let’s dive into the details!

Planning your trip to Tanzania: key tips

1. Driving distances

While distances in Tanzania might look doable on Google Maps, the reality can differ. Changing road conditions, heavy rains, road work…all of these factors can increase your driving time (and frustration levels). 

Besides taking it easy (polé polé), we advise you to calculate your travel times using our Driving & Distances Table. It will be your best friend during this trip, making your adventure planning more manageable and realistic. 

2. Accommodation options 

Camping is possible at nearly every stop on this route. We advise downloading the free iOverlander app to find campsites, local guesthouses, and hidden B&Bs. Prefer something arranged? At Roadtrip Africa we can provide excellent recommendations, and have already included some of our favourites in the itinerary below.

3. Car rental

We are convinced that a 4x4 Land Cruiser is the perfect car for exploring Tanzania. Besides it being sturdy, reliable and suitable for all types of terrains, it comes with an extra benefit: rooftop camping!

​​At Roadtrip Africa we are specialists in self-drive safaris and offer well-maintained 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with everything you need. Plus route support and optional camping gear. And for you slow travellers, we have an extra deal:

Enjoy a 10% discount on car rentals for trips of over 24 days! 

Reserve your 4x4 Land Cruiser now

4. What is the best time for safari in Tanzania?

Good news: it’s always summer in Tanzania! In general, people tend to say June through September/October (the dry season) is the best time for wildlife watching. However, most parks in Tanzania are not seasonal and offer good game viewing year-round. 

Do you have the flexibility to travel off-season? And are you not afraid of some muddy tracks? Then consider planning your safari trip during the ‘green’ months of April, May and November. This is the ideal time to enjoy the country's lush landscape. The parks, with fewer visitors, also offer a great sense of wilderness. And while camping is not recommended, the rainy season will probably not disrupt your safari as there is typically only one heavy shower a day.

Want to know more? Check out our blog 'The best time to visit Tanzania' about the topic!

5. Self-drive or guided?

You have two great options for driving this 1-month Grand Circuit itinerary:

Self-Drive: Perfect if you love adventure and want to travel freely. Our 4x4s come with:

• Rooftop tents

• Camping gear

• Route help

Guided Trip: Prefer help? Choose a local driver who knows Tanzania's roads and wildlife. This option gives you both comfort ánd local knowledge.

Both ways let you enjoy an amazing road trip across Tanzania. Plus, don’t forget:

Book for 24+ days and get a 10% discount on car rentals!

Tanzania 1-month itinerary: A day-by-day guide

Let’s hit the road, shall we?

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Welcome to Tanzania! After landing at JRO, unwind at a cosy lodge near Arusha and prepare for your epic road trip.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel, Mtoni River Lodge, or Rivertrees Country Inn

Tip: Use this day to rest after your journey and stock up on essentials for the road. We strongly recommend that you buy a local SIM card to insert into your smartphone and load it with airtime and an internet bundle. Airtel works best for the Northern Safari circuit and Vodacom and Tiggo for the coastal region.

Day 2: Drive to Mkomazi National Park

Driving distance: 5 hours (~250 km)

Mkomazi is a hidden gem. It’s the only place in Tanzania where you can go rhino trekking. With its dramatic mountain backdrop and open savannahs, this park is stunning yet surprisingly off the tourist trail.

Accommodation: Mkomazi View Camp
Tip: Spend time at the Rhino Sanctuary and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars

Days 3 & 4: Explore Lushoto & the Usambara Mountains

Driving distance: 3.5 hours (~155 km)

Known as “Little Switzerland,” the Usambara Mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring charming villages. Hike to waterfalls or lookout points for panoramic views of the plains below. Great guides and a tourist office can be found at The Lawns Hotel. 

Accommodation: The Lawns Hotel or nearby eco-lodges
Tip: Plan at least two full days to soak in the serene beauty of this area

Days 5 & 6: Drive to Tanga and relax by the sea

Driving distance: 4 hours (~170 km)

Tanga is a quiet, historic Swahili coastal town. Stroll through town, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax by the mangroves.

Accommodation: Fish Eagle Town (eco-lodge) or self-camping
Tip: Head to the nearby beach for some downtime and unwind away from the crowds

Days 7 & 8: Kigombe or Ushongo Bay

Driving distance: 2–3 hours (~90 km)

Take the scenic coastal road lined with palm trees to Kigombe or Ushongo Bay. Enjoy pristine beaches and indulge in the best pizza in Tanzania at Capricorn restaurant.

Accommodation: Peponi Beach Resort (Kigombe) or Emayani Beach Lodge (Ushongo Bay)
Tip: Camp right on the beach at Peponi’s for a unique experience

Days 9 & 10: Drive to Bagamoyo

Driving distance: 7 hours (~350 km)

Bagamoyo is a lively Swahili coastal town steeped in history. Visit ruins, mosques, and markets with a guide, and soak up the rich cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Travellers Lodge or Firefly
Tip: Avoid the coastal road and stick to the main T13 road from Boza for easier driving

Days 11 & 12: Explore Dar es Salaam

Driving distance: 3 hours (~70 km)

Tanzania’s largest city is a vibrant mix of culture and commerce. Explore the city on a cycling tour with Afri Roots, shop at Oyster Bay, or enjoy some delicious seafood.

Accommodation: Slipway Hotel
Tip: One and a half days is plenty here unless you’re keen to explore the city more in-depth

Days 13 & 14: Morogoro

Driving distance: 5.5 hours (~190 km)

Nestled at the base of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro is a great place to enjoy magnificent hikes. 

Accommodation: Simbamwenni Tented Lodge
Tip: The Saba-Saba Market in Morogoro is a must-visit and offers delicious food options

Days 15 & 16: Udzungwa Mountains

Driving distance: 4 hours (~175 km)

Udzungwa is a bird-lover’s paradise. Enjoy lush trails through the rainforest leading to stunning waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Accommodation: Udzungwa Forest Camp
Tip: The hiking trails at Udzungwa can be strenuous due to high humidity - be prepared!

Day 17: Iringa

Driving distance: 5 hours (~240 km)

Iringa is a highland town that overlooks the Ruaha River Valley. Don’t miss out on a visit to the lively markets to get a taste of daily life in Tanzania.  

Accommodation: Check out iOverlander for plenty of affordable B&Bs

Days 18 & 19: Ruaha National Park

Driving distance: 3 hours (~110 km)

Tanzania’s largest park offers epic wildlife encounters in a rugged, less-touristed environment. Explore stunning landscapes and enjoy some of the best game-viewing in the country.

Accommodation: Tandala Tented Camp or bush camping inside the park
Tip: Set aside two full days for game drives here.

Day 20: Drive to Dodoma

Driving distance: 8.5 hours (~365 km)

Tanzania’s capital is more of a stopover than a destination. Use this time to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Accommodation: Various affordable B&Bs are available in Dodoma.

Days 21 & 22: Mto wa Mbu and Lake Manyara

Driving distance: 8 hours (~380 km)

We found Lake Manyara to be the best place in Tanzania for a walking safari. Keep your eyes open for flamingos along Soda Lake! The village of Mto wa Mbu is a great town for experiencing local life.

Accommodation: Migombani Camp, Africa Safari Lake Manyara or Manyara Secret
Tip: Guided walking safaris can be booked at the park gate

Day 23: Lake Eyasi

Driving distance: 2.5 hours (~85 km)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures of the Hadzabe bushmen and Datoga blacksmiths. Hunting or cultural tours can be arranged with local guides.

Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Camp
Tip: Stay flexible and allow time for meaningful interactions

Day 24: Ngorongoro Crater

Driving distance: 2 hours (~50 km)

The Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see, teeming with wildlife. There are bigger and wilder parks in Tanzania - but if you want some of the easiest and most rewarding game viewing in East Africa, a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater will not disappoint. It’s the only place in the world where you have a very high chance of seeing the ‘Big 5’ in one day. In half a day, you can cover most of the game-viewing tracks. 

Accommodation: Simba A (public campsite) or Pakulala (high-end lodge)
For more affordable and mid-range choices, stay at Karatu, the gateway town to Ngorongoro.
Tip: Enter Ngorongoro early and exit within 24 hours to avoid extra fees

Days 25 - 27: Serengeti

Driving distance: 5 hours (~160 km)

The Serengeti is iconic and rattles with wildlife. We recommend 3 nights and 2 full safari days here. After staying at Serengeti Seronera for 2 nights, you can continue to Serengeti Lobo, in the northeast near Klein’s Gate. Stay here for 1 more night. 

Accommodation: In Seronera: Africa Safari, Zawadi Camp or Serengeti Pure Luxury. In Lobo: Africa Safari Masai Boma or bush camping at the Lobo public campsite.
Tip: We have bundled all our tips in this Serengeti blog - check it out!

Days 28 & 29: Lake Natron

Driving distance: 5.5 hours (~200 km)

The drive to Lake Natron takes you through remote areas and rough back roads. Lake Natron is famous for its surreal, otherworldly scenery. Explore waterfalls, flamingo breeding grounds, and Maasai villages.

Accommodation: Masai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Tip: Roads are rough - drive carefully and avoid wet weather

Days 30 & 31: West Kilimanjaro

Driving distance: 8 hours (~300 km)

Your Grand Circuit has almost come to an end! Enjoy a scenic drive on picturesque back roads with stunning views of Kilimanjaro and the lush Maasai plains. Use your rest day in West Kilimanjaro to relax and reflect on this epic road trip.

Accommodation: Simba Farm Ecolodge or Africa Amini Life

Day 32: JRO Airport

Driving distance: 1.5 hours

And that was that: your 1-month itinerary in Tanzania has come to an end! Hand over your vehicle, say your goodbyes and look back on the adventure of a lifetime. 

Don’t forget: useful resources 

For your ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tanzania adventure

• Driving & Distances Table: Plan your route and driving times with our essential tool.

• iOverlander: Find campsites and hidden stays along the way.

• Local guides: Roadtrip Africa can connect you with great community guides for destinations like Lake Eyasi and Lake Natron. These guides are well-connected in the region and have a good reputation, which ensures a richer experience. Get in touch!

Why book with Roadtrip Africa?

We’ll get you far away from the crowds but close to the locals. 

Roadtrip Africa offers reliable 4x4 vehicles, insider knowledge, ánd optional camping equipment. Plus, book for 24+ days and get a 10% discount on car hire!

Ready to experience the best Tanzania has to offer? 

Start planning your trip today!