Tanzania
Tanzania is a safari lover’s dream, offering some of the most iconic wildlife experiences on the continent. From the vast Serengeti plains and the legendary Great Migration to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater teeming with game, it’s a country that delivers classic safari moments in spectacular settings. The southern and western regions, like Selous (now Nyerere National Park), Ruaha, and Katavi, offer a more remote and wild atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. Whether you’re watching elephants at sunset in Tarangire or tracking chimpanzees in the forests of Mahale, Tanzania combines scale, variety, and raw beauty. With options for tented camps, luxury lodges, and mobile safaris, it’s perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers seeking something unforgettable.
Lodges & Camps
We tailor every aspect of your travel – your itinerary, private guides, accommodations, & activities – to create the trip you’re dreaming of. With deep in-country knowledge, our team is able to craft your trip precisely the way you want. Request a custom itinerary below.
1. Make an Enquiry
Submit an enquiry online.
2. Speak to a Local Expert
Discuss your travel plans with your own dedicated Africa specialist.
3. Receive a Quote + Itinerary
We craft your dream itinerary and send you a quote.
4. Book Your Trip
Once every detail is just right, we confirm your booking.
Frequently Asked Tanzania Questions:
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
- The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration, the action peaks in different regions throughout the year. Calving season in the southern Serengeti happens from January to March, while the dramatic river crossings in the north near the Mara River usually occur between July and September. The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for general game viewing, as animals are easier to spot around waterholes. The green season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching.
What is the Great Migration and how can I see it?
- The Great Migration is one of the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world, where over a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, follow seasonal rains in a circular journey through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The movement is constant, so the best time and place to see it depends on the month. Lodges and mobile camps move with the herds, offering front-row access to calving, river crossings, and predator action. Planning your trip around the specific stage you want to witness is key.
What are the top safari parks in Tanzania?
- Serengeti National Park is the crown jewel, famous for big cats, vast savannahs, and the Great Migration. Ngorongoro Crater is a unique ecosystem with dense concentrations of wildlife, including rhino. Tarangire is known for its huge elephant herds and baobab trees, while Lake Manyara offers varied habitats and tree-climbing lions. For a wilder and more off-the-beaten-path experience, Ruaha and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) in the south provide excellent game viewing with fewer visitors. Western parks like Katavi and Mahale Mountains offer remote wilderness and rare experiences like chimpanzee trekking.
How long should I spend on safari in Tanzania?
- A typical Tanzania safari lasts between five and ten days, depending on how many parks you want to visit. The Northern Circuit, which includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, can be comfortably done in seven to eight days. If you want to add southern or western parks, you’ll need more time due to flight logistics. Some travellers combine a shorter safari with a beach extension in Zanzibar or along the coast.
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
- Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, as bright colours and dark clothing can attract insects or make you more noticeable to wildlife. Include a warm jacket or fleece for early mornings, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for bush walks or uneven terrain. A good pair of binoculars and a camera with extra batteries or memory cards will enhance your experience. Most lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need to overpack.
Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?
- Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, particularly within national parks, reserves, and lodges. Safari operators and camps prioritize guest safety, with trained guides, clear protocols, and secure environments. In urban areas like Arusha or Dar es Salaam, standard travel precautions apply, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables secure. It’s also important to travel with reputable tour operators and ensure that your travel insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations to travel to Tanzania?
- Most travellers need a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online in advance or upon arrival at airports and border crossings. A valid passport with at least six months remaining is required. While no vaccinations are mandatory for entry (unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever endemic country), it’s highly recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines and to consider yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised for most safari areas.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with other destinations?
- Absolutely. Tanzania pairs beautifully with a post-safari beach break in Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island. These islands offer stunning white-sand beaches, world-class diving, and rich Swahili culture. It’s also possible to combine Tanzania with Kenya for a cross-border Great Migration experience or even include gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Domestic and regional flights make multi-country itineraries very manageable.