Tanzania Safari
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari In Tanzania
A Tanzania safari delivers one massive experience after another, and is a must for everyone searching exciting adventures. Safari happens almost everywhere you look in Tanzania; from witnessing the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain followed by Mount Kenya), to relaxing beach holidays at Zanzibar’s soft-sand beaches, only few safari destinations in Africa can compete with Tanzania’s diversity of wildlife and lush landscapes.
Watching as herds of wildebeest desperately cross the Mara River, escaping the deadly Nile crocodiles, tracking the Big Five on game drives in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater, spotting hippos, sable antelope and rainbow-plumed birds on boat safaris in Nyerere National Park to the off-the-beaten-path gems like chimpanzee trekking in the untouched rainforests of Mahale Mountains and Rubondo, Tanzania is an ideal bush safari and beach destination.
Watch the migration
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Tanzania
Featuring heavily on our itinerary ideas on safaris to Tanzania, these are the top 8 places to visit in Tanzania, destinations that have proven over and over again popular with our travellers. From excellent game viewing drives in the extensive plains of the Serengeti to trekking the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and spending time at the colorful spice islands of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers plenty to keep you mesmerized and entertained.
If you are wondering where to go in Tanzania, allow us custom make your trip and include these best Tanzania safari destinations into a route that best suits your preferences, a trip to Tanzania that’s right for you.
Serengeti National Park
Witness the world-renowned Great Wildebeest Migration, a timeless spectacle of about 2.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle following the rains across the sweeping expanses of the Serengeti and Masai Mara, Africa’s most majestic landscapes.
Ngorongoro Crater
This is one of the most spectacular places to enjoy a Big Five safari, potentially viewing the rare black rhino. Witness the local Maasai people living in harmony beside the wildlife amidst the dramatic volcanic scenery and landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most significant game-rich areas in East Africa.
Tarangire National Park
A hidden gem in the Northern Circuit parks, Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and healthy populations of lion and leopard. Although not well-visited, it is certainly worth exploring.
Ruaha National Park
Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha, one of the largest national parks in Africa, remains blissfully off the beaten track despite being home to approximately 10% of the world’s lion populations. For exclusivity and some of the best walking safaris in Africa, visit Ruaha National Park.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is a vast wild reserve in southern Tanzania, incorporating a variety of landscapes and a diverse safari offering. A few boutique camps are scattered about, offering an affordable and exclusive safari adventure.
Rubondo National Park
Rubondo Island, Africa’s largest island national park, is located on Lake Victoria and is a sanctuary for endangered chimpanzees. Over 75 per cent of the island is covered in pristine equatorial rainforests, home to forest elephant, sitatunga antelope, giraffe, and a variety of stunning birdlife.
Zanzibar and Tanzania Islands
Zanzibar offers pristine and romantic white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, and tree-filled mangrove forests bursting with energetic monkeys. Additionally, it is renowned for its extensive spice plantations, rich tapestry of cultural history, and delicious traditional cuisine.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique wildlife adventure. You can enjoy the Great Rift Valley Soda Lake, home to thousands of pink flamingos, and spot famous tree-climbing lion while savouring the open grasslands, dense woodlands, and stunning mountain views.
Kilimanjaro Mountain
Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro has snow-capped peaks that tower over the surrounding landscape. The climb of this dormant volcano takes six days and offers you a journey through five different climates, from rainforest to ice cap.
Mahale Mountains National Park
The Mahale Mountains National Park was created to protect thousands of eastern chimpanzees living within the generously forested slopes. Accessible only by boat, this secluded park is famous for chimpanzee trekking and is bordered by the pristine waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Arusha
Arusha National Park, home to Mount Meru, provides travellers staying in Arusha with day trip options and immediate immersion into the safari lifestyle. The park boasts a variety of wildlife and excellent birding opportunities.
Discover Tanzania
Top 6 Best Things To Do On A Tanzania Safari
Wildebeest Migration Safaris
July is when peak safari season is in full swing and is the best time to travel to Tanzania for ideal weather and excellent game drive opportunities, as well as pairing up a Kenya and Tanzania safari. The Great Migration should have reached the northern parts of the Serengeti, getting ready for its main event: crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River into Kenya. Read more to find out about a Kenya vs Tanzania safari.
Best Safari & Beach Holidays
Hop on a plane and head to the endless Serengeti savannahs, where you can witness the majestic wildlife of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Then, complete your safari with a game drive at Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, where you can see more than 25,000 animals in their natural habitat. Wake up to the sound of waves on Zanzibar’s exotic white sandy beaches, where you can relax and enjoy the tropical paradise.
Big 5 Safaris
Experience an exciting and captivating Big 5 safari in Africa on a classic wildlife tour that takes you deep into the wondrous worlds of elephants, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalos. Hop onto your 4×4 African safari vehicle and let’s take you on an unmatched safari experience which will see us visit some of the best places to see the Big 5 on safari in Africa, in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing an iconic member of the Big 5 is always a highlight for any safari enthusiast, especially if this is your first safari.
Hadzabe Tribe Tours
Explore the rich cultural diversity of Tanzania’s tribes, by engaging with the local Hadzabe tribe, learning their unique way of life.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris.
Experience the magic of a hot air balloon flight in Serengeti Park. Go with the best pioneers of hot air ballooning in Tanzania.
Photo Safaris In Tanzania
A Tanzania Photographic Safari will immerse you in Samburu culture, dramatic scenery and epic wildlife as you capture the diversity of Tanzania.
Tanzania offers a wealth of unforgettable safari experiences both wildlife game viewing and off-the-beaten path safari adventures. Experiences to suit couples, families and solo travelers alike. Watch from the skies the magical break of dawn in the Serengeti with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari. Brave enough? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is available. We’ll customize a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania itinerary that is designed to enhance your trip to Tanzania.
Wildlife In Tanzania
If your goal is to see the African Big Five in Tanzania, you’re lucky. The country is rich with wildlife viewing. Elephants, buffalos and lions are easily seen. All the five can be seen in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. If you’re visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll probably spot the black rhino too. As for the leopard lovers, they are very private and sometimes depends on your luck.
Aside from big cats, other wilderness cats include the serval cat, and the elusive golden cat. Other predators in Tanzania include several species of jackal, honey badger, rock hyrax, the rare bat-eared fox, spotted and striped hyena, and the remaining population of Africa’s wild dogs, which can be found in Ruaha National Park.
Best safari parks for bird watching in Tanzania
If you love birds, birding in Tanzania is excellent. Popular wildlife-viewing parks, like Lake Natron is worth the trip; from November to April every year, the salt-and-soda lake is home to over 2.5 million lesser flamingo – the world’s largest breeding colony! Forming a pink blanket, a true sight to see especially when doing photographic safaris in Tanzania. Flamingoes love migrating in between lakes such as Natron, Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation area, Lake Magadi, and the Momela lakes in Arusha National Park.
Elsewhere in the northern and southern Tanzania safari areas a good number of birdlife can be spotted. Additionally, many of Tanzania national parks host raptors in abundance, these raptors can be seen at Lake Manyara, the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, Serengeti Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha. We highly recommend that you remember to bring your binoculars!
Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain
Best Time To Visit Tanzania, Safari & Migration
As for when to visit Tanzania for safari, remember that Tanzania can be visited all year-round and has different wet and dry safari seasons. With that in mind, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry seasons, from June to October when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. This is also a good time to see the wildebeest migration in Serengeti Park. If you wish to see the wildebeest calving season, then January to February are the best options; expect to see lots of wildlife action from the lions and leopards as they attempt attacks at the newborn calves. Explore more of our month-by-month Tanzania weather guide.
Tanzania Tours & Safari Holidays
Browse our favorite hand-picked Tanzania safari packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make a Tanzania safari itinerary that matches your travel wishes. Get to know Tanzania, and discover some of best-loved experiences for travellers. Use these itineraries as inspiration.
Kenya and Tanzania Safaris Packages
8 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
Tanzania Travel Guide
We uncover everything you need to know before you go to Tanzania from the Migration to the Big 5 safaris and tropical beaches. It’s no lie that Tanzania is good for both first timers and return travelers. The ease with which a child-friendly safaris can be combined with a beach holiday makes Tanzania family holidays among the top choices in East Africa’s safari market. Honeymoons in Tanzania is another spoilt choice for lovers who long for a safari retreat, with excellent and exclusive luxurious safari lodges and beach retreats delivering more than enough.
Discover lots of unique romantic, and luxury safari experiences in Tanzania, with everything from romantic safari camps, best wildlife holidays, and an endless list things to do in Tanzania, labeling this country as the Africa of your imagination.
How To Get To Tanzania
Served by three international airports; Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), which lies in Dar es Salaam, about 10km/6mi southwest of the city center. This is the entry point for visitors traveling to the southern circuit parks that includes Nyerere National Park, and Ruaha National Park.
With several connecting flight airlines to Tanzania, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) situated 50km/31mi east of Arusha, is the doorway to Tanzania’s popular Northern safari circuits that includes the Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. The drive time from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha takes approximately about 1½ hours.
From Arusha or Dar es Salaam, you can fly or drive between parks and reserves. As for some of the domestic flights out of Arusha, they depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport, while others will leave from Arusha Airport (ARK) located 8km/5mi west of town.
Most of these parks in Tanzania have airstrips allowing easy access to safari parks. Therefore, once you’re in Tanzania, there is a good number of domestic flights connecting the major safari park routes, making fly-in safaris in Tanzania 100% possible and there is also an improving road network for road safaris using our comfortable 4×4 land cruiser jeeps with open rooftops.
Furthermore, it’s also possible for a fly-in safari from Serengeti to Masai Mara and vice versa, there are available flights from Masai Mara to Serengeti. These flights will connect via the Migori Airstrip, then by road to the Isebania border immigration point before continuing the short drive to Tarime Airstrip for your short fly-in safari to Serengeti.
Flights & Airlines to Tanzania. When booking flights to Tanzania, you take a look at Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Tanzania and what tickets would cost.
Frequently Asked Tanzania Safari Questions
As for the documentation you need for your holiday in Tanzania, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Tanzania embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
– Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available.
– Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal, but they can also be obtained through your local Tanzanian embassy or high commission.
– Visas can also be obtained on arrival. But an early application is recommended to avoid safari delays.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
– All visitors to Zanzibar are required to take out a mandatory travel insurance policy with the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. To avoid complications upon arrival, this should be taken in advance. For more information or to buy the insurance, use this online portal.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Tanzania embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia   –   www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada   –   travel.gc.ca
EU Member States   –   ec.europa.eu
Ireland   –   www.ireland.ie
New Zealand   –   www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom   –   www.gov.uk
United States   –   travel.state.gov
When it comes to picking the right Tanzania safari holiday, with its three safari circuits, the popular Northern safari circuit combines bucket-list destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Mt Kilimanjaro. You might consider including popular add-ons like Lake Manyara Park and Tarangire National Park. For some travelers, beach time is their best way to explore Tanzania with popular fly-in safaris to Zanzibar beach. With that in mind, the best Tanzania top 10 wildlife safari destinations include the following areas:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Zanzibar and Tanzania Islands
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Ruaha National Park
- Lake Tanganyika
- Nyerere National Park
- Arusha Town
The cost for a Tanzania safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Tanzania safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Tanzania safari cost depends on the following factors:
– Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
– Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
– Duration of your stay in Tanzania.
– Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Tanzania safaris or by road using our comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
– Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
About medicine for your holiday trip to Tanzania, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Tanzania for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
With hundreds of excellent luxury Tanzania safari lodges and camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Tanzania – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Other existing options included for these adventures in Tanzania is our list of the best Tanzania safari lodges which also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
When you think of Africa, Tanzania is most likely the image you have in mind. With reasons, the top 10 best places to visit in Tanzania, include the following destinations;
- Serengeti National Park; a safari icon.
- Ngorongoro Crater; good with the Big 5.
- Tarangire National Park; for elephant lovers.
- Lake Manyara National Park; witness tree-climbing Lions.
- Zanzibar and Tanzania Islands; the best beach holiday vacations.
- Mount Kilimanjaro; trekking Africa’s tallest peak.
- Ruaha National Park; Tanzania’s hidden gem.
- Lake Tanganyika; visit the Chimpanzees.
- Nyerere National Park; home to the endangered African Wild Dogs.
- Arusha Town; a welcoming town where your safari starts.
Tanzania Safari Reservations
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Tanzania safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Africa Flying Safaris
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Tanzania Safari Payment Methods
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.