East Africa’s Tanzania is known for its vast wilderness areas and remarkable national parks, making a safari in Tanzania an unforgettable experience that offers an opportunity to see some of the world’s most iconic wildlife as well as the famed wildebeest migration. Referred to as the thundering hooves, the earth vibrates with the arrival of heaving herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles as they chase the rains and fill the plains each year.
The different safari options in Tanzania range from luxury lodges to more affordable tented camps. No matter which safari destination you opt for, you’re sure to have an incredible experience whether as a wildlife enthusiast or someone simply looking for immersive African travel.
Experience magnificent migrations and river crossings in the Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is known for its annual wildebeest migration, which is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. During this time, millions of wildebeest and zebras travel from the southern plains to the northern grasslands in search of new grazing areas. The park is renowned for its migratory birds throughout the year. Visit the Seronera region to witness the big cats, the Grumeti region and northern Serengeti to see life in one of Africa’s largest river basins, and the Ndutu region to experience the carving season and discover wildlife up close on your Tanzania tours.
Spot majestic animals on the wild landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another popular destination for a Tanzania safari experience. Home to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest intact caldera in the world and home to a large population of wildlife, including lions, hyenas, elephants, and more. Your chances of spotting some of the Big Five are almost guaranteed here.
Be whisked away to quieter lands and marvel at the baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
The Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant population, as well as its beautiful landscapes and the stillness of baobab trees. A great place to see elephants up close, as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. Witness these wonderful creatures in all their grandeur on a Tarangire National Park safari. The Tarangire River is especially popular with animals during the dry season making summer the ideal season for a Tarangire National Park safari.
Indulge in Luxurious Safaris at Nyerere National Park
The Selous Game Reserve, now renamed Nyerere National Park, is a protected area in southern Tanzania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well-known for its pristine scenery, which preserves unique African species such as African bush elephants, Masai giraffes, Cape buffaloes, East African wild dogs, lions, Nile crocodiles, and others. Its scenery encompasses the Rufiji River, acacia savannah, and deep woodlands – and there is little human interaction, making it one of Africa’s few completely wild and raw locations.
Some of the most opulent Tanzania safari experiences may be found here.
Marvel at the migrating flamingos and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the most popular areas to explore in Tanzania, thanks to its populations of elusive tree-climbing lions and migrating pink flamingos. The park is also home to a significant number of Dik-Dik, waders, warthogs, klipspringer, waterbucks, spoonbills, impalas, and other animals. Many Tanzania safari packages feature enthralling activities such as tree-top canopy hikes, woodland walks, biking excursions, canoe safaris, and so on.
For an authentic experience in the wild, take a guided walking safari in Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s and East Africa’s largest national parks, consisting of multiple smaller habitats such as Rungwa Game Reserve as well as Usangu Game Reserve. The park’s highlights include the African leopard, endangered elands, impala, sable antelope, bat-eared foxes, agama lizards, and others. It boasts around 1,600 species of plants and 500 bird varieties. Ruaha is well-known for its walking safari in Tanzania, which offers an unobscured and sensory view of flora and fauna in the great African landscape.
Observe the great primates at play in the Mahale Mountains National Park
The Mahale Mountains National Park, located among the magnificent, wooded hillsides of the Mahale Mountains, was established by Jane Goodall to safeguard the region’s thousands of chimps. The park’s spectacular array of ecosystems includes rainforest, grasslands, alpine bamboo, and woods, where fifty animal species have been documented, the majority of which are members of various monkey and ape groups, and over 90 distinct kinds of fish dwell in the lake’s crystal clear water. Your Tanzania tour will be incomplete without the spectacular sunsets overlooking Lake Tanganyika.
Make the most of crowd-free safaris at Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park one of the most distant national parks in Tanzania’s Central African Rift Valley, is a solitary expanse of raw nature. The Big Five, antelope, giraffe, and over 400 bird varieties are among its magnificent fauna. The grounds of this national park, titled after an indigenous spirit, are still revered by the natives. Since there are no showers and flush toilets, this park provides an authentically rugged experience. But it’s incredible to be out in the wilderness, admiring the stars and paying close attention to animal nocturnal calls.
Learn about local culture and traditions on village tours in different regions
Various villages of the native Maasai tribe are scattered across the Tanzanian landscape. The local people have lived in the wilderness of Tanzania for centuries, and have rich history, culture, and natural lifestyles. You can learn about their way of life and their unique relationship with nature and wildlife by going on village visits during Tanzania tours.
Go for an inclusive experience with full Northern or Southern Circuit safaris.
If you are on a longer trip, you can cover the Northern Circuit or the Southern Circuit entirely- or even both. The Northern Circuit of Tanzanian Safaris encompasses the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. All of these areas are well-known for the Big Five. The Northern Circuit safari parks are the most attractive because they are easily accessible, have more lodging and flight alternatives, and are less expensive than safari spots on the Southern Circuit.
The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are part of the Southern Circuit. These locations feel secluded, getting less visitor traffic than those on the Northern Circuit and offering a more real safari experience. This area also has several creatures that you won’t find up north, like wild dogs.
Before you travel, FAQs
What should I wear while on a safari in Tanzania?
When visiting foreign countries, it is always appropriate to dress modestly, with a focus on comfortable clothes. Neutral colours that blend with the environment are also preferable. It is mostly warm on the plains and at lower elevations, but chilly in the hills and mountains. A rain jacket, fleece, and good walking shoes are recommended.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
It is always a good time to visit Tanzania as each season has its own benefits and highlights. However, peak season does fall between May and August, which is the busiest. If the purpose of your visit is to see the migration, be sure to advise your consultant so that they can plan your safari accordingly.
What is the climate like in Tanzania?
Tanzania has two distinct seasons due to its tropical climate: a wet season as well as a dry season. A lot of factors influence conditions, including elevation and proximity to the shore. Coastal locations are hotter and much more humid, although higher portions of the country’s interior are milder and can cool off dramatically at night.