The stunning expanses of Tanzania – filled with some of the world’s most enigmatic wildlife – are some of the last wildernesses easily accessible to travelers.
One of the main draws which attracts thousands of tourists every year to Tanzania is the exotic wildlife and national parks.
There are so many beautiful destinations, remote wilderness areas and reserves in places like the majestic Serengeti, where you’ll be able to spot exotic animals like cheetah cubs and huge herds of elephants.
The nature of a safari in the North and the South of the country is completely different, and to this end I have tried to summarise the differences below in my guide to best safari destinations in Tanzania.
When to Visit
Although you can go on safari all year round the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from July or October. This is also the time and you’ll be in with a strong chance of seeing the annual wildebeest migration, as a million of these creatures push through the landscape.
Top Rated Safari Tour Companies
Before I get started, hundreds of local and international travel operators offer safaris and adventure tours of Tanzania, and I highly recommend G Adventures. Choose between a range of affordable trips, and discover the highlights of Tanzania or if you have more time, you can also explore more of Eastern Africa.
Now this is how to enjoy the ultimate Tanzania safari holiday.
North of Tanzania
Tanzania’s ‘Northern Circuit’ provides unique wildlife viewing. Safaris here watch the pagent of wildife across the fertile, volcanic plains of the Serengeti, and explore areas such as the Ngorongoro Crater and highlands, taking in the glory of the Great Rift Valley rising over Lake Manyara and possibly Tarangire, depending on the season.
The parks of the north include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, and incorporate some of the finest wildlife viewing in Africa This region has a natural abundance of wildlife, and protects the migration of millions of animals each year. How to take a safari here depends on your personal preference; this vast area may be explored by driving between each lodge, or as a flying circuit.
Accommodation choices include staying in mobile or permanent tented camps, lodges, large hotels, or a combination of all. Ideally Northern Circuit safaris tend to be about a week, and encompass some of the most famous vistas in Africa – the endless plains of the Serengeti etc. However generally these parks are more touristy than those in the South and with only a few exceptions the safari experience is by vehicle
South of Tanzania
Southern safaris incorporate the Selous and Ruaha, and the more expensive and very remote Western parks of Katavi and Mahale. Unlike the Safaris in the North, the South of the country is far less visited and touristy.
All the camps are small and intimate (usually about 8 rooms) and allow great walking safaris, as well as safaris by vehicle, and boating safaris in the Selous. These locations are also fly in (not drive in) and so the south of Tanzania is ideal for a shorter safari. One other facet of the South is that many of the lodges offer “fly camping” safaris where you sleep out literally under the stars – an amazing experience.
Serengeti
The Serengeti National Park is one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world. This phenomenal National Park, created to preserve the path of the world’s largest migration circuit, covers an absolutely vast area of pristine East African savannah and is by far the most famous safari park in Africa. Game viewing in the Serengeti is outrageously good at all times of the year; it is one of those rare places that never fails to live up to all the hype.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. It is often described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. As such, Ngorongoro Crater has achieved world renown, and attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. You are highly unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great viewing in a genuinely mind blowing environment. There is nowhere else in Africa like Ngorongoro!
South and West Tanzania
The southern and western regions of Tanzania suit our style. Safaris here differ in style and logistics from northern safaris, as guests usually fly direct to the airstrips of their chosen camps and stay for a number of days, exploring the bush with local experts. Less rigorous regulations allow open-sided vehicles, walking safaris, fly-camping and fishing; bush breakfasts, lunches and sundowners are laid on with aplomb, and the landscapes are yours to enjoy.
Selous
Selous is Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve, and one of its most scenic wildlife destinations. With its rivers and lakes, open vistas and green woodlands, Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the reserve is matched by the quality of safaris here; boating safaris, walking and fly camping compliment standard game driving in areas with masses of wildlife action. This is an outrageously good safari park that is an essential destination in any Southern circuit itinerary.
Ruaha
Ruaha is the ‘other park’ in the Southern circuit and is for those looking for that wilderness and raw Africa experience. The game viewing here is excellent and works on the same seasonal patterns as the Selous – making them great companions. Renown for its large prides of lion and elephant, you can also find cheetah here on the plains and leopard sightimngs are superb. This is wild, raw Africa and is the place to go if you don’t want to see other vehicles!
The Great Migration
The annual migration of wildebeest herds in Northern Tanzania and Kenya is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, it is a must see for anyone with any love for wildlife. Aim to visit from July to October to witness it.
Once you have been on a safari in Tanzania your life will never be the same again. Most trips start and end in Arusha, but you may like to add on a trip to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, famous for the fascinating and ancient Stone Town, and palm fringed sandy beaches. View more advice on my travel guide to Tanzania.
