A Guide To Tanzania Safari - What To Know
A good safari guide doesn't replace advice from our African safari Experts, but it helps you make informed decisions for your Tanzania safari. This guide focuses on tips to make the most of your time and money
Location: Where is Tanzania?
Tanzania is the second largest country in East Africa and a top safari destination. It's on the Indian Ocean coast and borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Top Experiences in Tanzania
Year-round Game Viewing
Tanzania has diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. From the sweeping Serengeti to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, it's a dream destination. You can also experience unique adventures like chimpanzee trekking in Mahale and Gombe.
Tanzania's best wildlife safari destinations
Ngorongoro Crater
The best place in Tanzania to see the Big 5.
Amazing lodges on top of cliffs.
Tarangire National Park:
From June to October, see lots of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes.
Fantastic bird watching with over 550 species.
Lake Manyara National Park:
Enjoy boat safaris.
Excellent bird watching, especially flamingos.
Spot lions that climb trees.
Ruaha National Park:
A quiet and less-explored place.
See the biggest herds of elephants in East Africa.
Great sightings of predators, especially wild dogs.
Nyerere National Park (Selous):
A remote, natural, and wild area.
See many animals like elephants, buffalo, hippos, and giraffes in large numbers.
Home to rare wild dogs.
Mahale Mountains National Park:
Trek in remote mountains to meet chimpanzees.
Experience sunset boat cruises on Lake Tanganyika.
Serengeti National Park:
Watch the Wildebeest Migration.
High numbers of big game, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and giraffes.
Tanzania combines well with other East African safari destinations like Kenya (Masai Mara), Uganda, and Rwanda (exciting gorilla trekking adventures)
2. The Wildebeest Migration
Tanzania's most exciting wildlife event is the annual Wildebeest Migration, with millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Key events are the mass calving season and the Grumeti River crossings. Know when to go to witness this spectacle.
• The season when almost 250,000 babies are born in the southern Serengeti.
• The exciting moments when animals cross the dramatic Grumeti River.
If seeing the Migration is on your must-do list, knowing the right time to go is crucial.
3. Bush-and-Beach Holidays
Tanzania offers great safari-and-beach combos with a long tropical coastline and islands like Zanzibar, Mnemba, Pemba, and Mafia. Fly from a safari camp to a beautiful beach for sunset cocktails.
The top tropical islands in Tanzania include
Zanzibar – a romantic honeymoon destination.
Mnemba Island – a private paradise for holidays.
Pemba Island – among the world's best diving spots.
Mafia Island – where you can swim with migrating whale sharks (from October to April)
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Deciding when to go to Tanzania depends on what you want to experience.
Best Time for Game Viewing (June to October)
This is when you'll see lots of animals in places like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. It's also when the Wildebeest Migration River crossings happen between July and October. If you want to avoid big crowds, consider combining a visit to Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) with a beach break on the coast. Alternatively, head to Lake Victoria to see chimpanzees in Mahale and Gombe and enjoy game viewing in Katavi.
Low or Green Season (November to March)
During this time, you'll find baby animals everywhere, and the days are hot. Afternoon thundershowers settle the dust, and it's a great time for budget-friendly and crowd-free game viewing. Even in November after the short rains, game viewing is excellent. For the best value, travel before December 15 to avoid Christmas crowds and high prices.
Special Perks for Photographers
If you love taking pictures, the quiet period offers lush green landscapes instead of winter browns, dramatic cloudy skies instead of endless pale blue skies, and more relaxed game-viewing conditions. This means more time to capture that perfect shot.
Best Time for Kilimanjaro Summit (July to October or January to March)
Mount Killimanajaro
Plan your climb to the top of Kilimanjaro between July and October or January and March. This way, you can easily combine a mountain trek with game viewing and relaxation on a tropical island.
Combining Safari with Zanzibar Beach (August to October)
For a perfect blend of safari and island experiences, visit Tanzania's islands between August and October. Avoid the coast or islands from March to May due to heavy rains, making it wet and humid.
Budget: What Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
Costs vary based on factors like
Travel time,
Accommodation comfort,
Transportation choice,
Extra activities like hot-air ballooning, spa treatments, and cultural tours – that you’d like to add on.
Trip Champions creates personalized safari itineraries based on your budget. Here are some rough figures (per person per night)
4-Star Comfort: $500 – $675 (Low) to $550 – $725 (High)
4-Star Luxury: $800 – $1,200 (Low) to $950 – $1,350 (High)
5-Star Luxury: $1,250 (Low) to $1,850 (High)
Note: These are guidelines; contact our Africa Safari Experts for accurate costs.
Why We Love Tanzania
We love Tanzania for its rich culture, big game attractions, and natural beauty. Old-school service, authentic safari style, and luxury experiences make it special. Top reasons to visit include scenery, beaches, wildlife, the Wildebeest Migration, private concessions, hot air ballooning, mobile camping, and cultural interaction.
It's simple to adore Tanzania with its diverse cultures, exciting wildlife, and stunning nature. As safari experts, we appreciate the traditional service, genuine safari style, and the high level of comfort you'll find here. And, of course, there's the amazing wildlife watching in Tanzania's famous places like the Serengeti!
Why Visit Tanzania:
Beautiful Views
Lovely Beaches
Exciting Wildlife and Safari Adventures
Witness the Wildebeest Migration
Explore Private Areas and Wildlife Reserves
Experience Hot Air Ballooning
Enjoy Mobile Camping
Engage in Cultural Interactions
