24 Days Self Drive Tanzania Safari

Durations

24 days / 23 nights

Group Size

1-10 travelers

Price

$ 6,200.00

24 DAYS SELF -DRIVE SAFARI: SOUTHERN & WESTERN TANZANIA

Embark on the ultimate self-drive safari adventure through Tanzania’s spectacular southern and western circuits, finishing in the world-renowned Serengeti. This 24 days 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. This route is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, rich biodiversity, and a deep connection with Tanzania’s wild landscapes. Backed by over 20 years of tourism expertise, we ensure your journey is well-supported, safe, and unforgettable. You’ll journey from the colorful village life of Mto wa Mbu to the dramatic wildlife encounters in the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you’ll drive across the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire. As a result, each day offers a new and exciting experience.

Fully-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser with rooftop tent

Offline GPS routes & printed roadbook

24/7 satellite phone support

Pre-booked park permits & campsites

Day by Day Itinerary - 24 Days Self Drive Tanzania Safari

Day 1Dar es Salaam

Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Enjoy a relaxing evening and take time to rest after your flight. This is your opportunity to prepare before collecting your 4×4 vehicle and heading into the wild.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Serena Hotel

Day 2Nyerere National Park

Pick up your fully-equipped 4×4 vehicle and head to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), the largest protected area in Tanzania.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Africa Safari Lodge

Day 3Nyerere 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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Baobab Tented Camp

Day 4Mikumi National Park

Leave Nyerere behind and head northwest toward Mikumi, passing through the scenic Uluguru Mountains. 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

Lodge Vuma Hills Lodge

Day 5Check out to Ngorongoro Crater

Spend the entire day on a self-drive safari through Mikumi, often called a “mini-Serengeti” for its wide savannahs and good wildlife viewing. Look for herds of impala, buffalo, and zebra, as well as predators like lions and hyenas.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Vuma Hills Lodge

Day 6Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Drive a short distance to Udzungwa Mountains, a unique park known for its rainforest, 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.

Camping public campsite

Lodge Udzungwa Falls Lodge

Day 7Ruaha National Park

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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 8Ruaha National Park

Explore one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and least-visited parks. Ruaha is known for its dramatic baobab trees, red-earth landscapes, and incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, kudus, and rare African wild dogs.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 9 Ruaha National Park

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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 10Ruaha 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 birdwatching.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 11Mbeya

Take a break from driving and have day to reset before continuing north.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Utengule Coffee Lodge

Day 12Lake 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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Lake Shore Lodge

Day 13Lake 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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Lake Shore Lodge

Day 14Katavi National Park

Leave the lakeshore and enter Katavi, one of Africa’s wildest and most remote national parks. This is real wilderness, with wide floodplains, dense animal populations, and very few visitors.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Mbambali Katavi Lodge

Day 15Katavi National Park

Spend the 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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Mbambali Katavi Lodg

Day 16Katavi National Park

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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Kigoma Hilltop Lodge

Day 17Gombe Stram 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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Kigoma Hilltop Lodge

Day 18Mwanza

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.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Rock City Bay Lodge

Day 19Safari National Serengeti

Enter the Serengeti from the west via Ndabaka Gate. Enjoy a slow safari drive through the corridor toward your central camp or lodge. Wildlife viewing begins as soon as you enter.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Mawe Tented Camp

Day 20Safari National Serengeti

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

Lodge Mawe Tented Camp

Day 21 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Start the morning with a final game drive in the Serengeti. Then head southeast to the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at viewpoints before reaching your lodge near the crater rim.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Angata Camp

Day 22 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular morning safari. Later, drive to Tarangire National Park, where you’ll spend your final safari nights.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Baobab Tented Camp

Day 23Tarangire National Park

Enjoy a relaxed day in Tarangire, home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population and dramatic baobab trees. Look out for lions, leopards, and colorful birdlife.

Camping Public campsite Lodge Baobab Tented Camp

Day 24Arusha

Begin your return drive to Arusha.

End of safari.

Faqs

Can I customize this itinerary?

Yes. This trip is fully customizable — adjust nights, upgrade accommodation, or add parks based on your preferences.

Is chimp trekking at Gombe Stream National Park included?

Yes, the permit and boat transfer for chimp trekking in Gombe are fully included. We’ll arrange the logistics in advance for a smooth experience.

Can I mix camping and lodge accommodation?

Yes, you can choose a mix of camping and lodge stays depending on your preferences and budget. We tailor the accommodation plan to suit your comfort level.

Is chimp trekking at Gombe Stream National Park included?

Yes, the permit and boat transfer for chimp trekking in Gombe are fully included. We’ll arrange the logistics in advance for a smooth experience.

Is this trip suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?

Absolutely. It’s a well-rounded route that gives you a deep, authentic Tanzanian experience. While some areas are remote, we’ll guide you through every step to make it smooth and memorable.

Stories from Our Africa RoadTrip Adventure

two week self drive trip to Tanzania and Kenya with Safari Masters

Nausherwan Ahmed

We were a group of four individuals and completed a fantastic two week self drive trip to Tanzania and Kenya with Safari Masters in early March 2023. Everything from the vehicle to the accomodation and support throughout our trip was top

Self-drive safari Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro, Serengeti, and Mara River

Felix Drinkall

We had such a great experience with Safari Masters. We self-drove through the Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro, Serengeti, and up to the Mara River to see the Great Migration. The car was powerful, very reliable and well-stocked. We also had great support from Felix who helped us work out where we should stay on our journey

4x4 with a rooftop tent and pop-up roof from Safari Masters

Tidjane Mangane

Unforgettable self-drive safari thanks to Safari Masters! My wife and I rented a 4×4 with a rooftop tent and pop-up roof from Safari Masters in Arusha for a 5-day self-drive through Ngorongoro and the Serengeti — and it was the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to take the wheel?

Limited departures each season. Reserve your 4×4 and start planning your route.