Tanzania is the best safari destination in Africa and a dream destination for safari enthusiasts. It offers unparalleled wildlife experiences, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural encounters. Whether you’re looking to explore the famous Serengeti or the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania has something for everyone. This blog explores the best Tanzania safari tours, covering everything from costs and top parks to saving money and booking your perfect safari package.
What is the Average Cost for a Safari in Tanzania?
The cost of a safari in Tanzania varies widely depending on the type of accommodation, duration, and activities included. On average, a budget safari may start at around $250-$350 per person per day, while mid-range options range from $400-$600 per person per day. Luxury safaris, with high-end lodges and exclusive experiences, can exceed $1,200 per person per day. Prices typically include park fees, accommodation, meals, and guided game drives.
The Most Famous Park in Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is arguably the most famous in Tanzania and one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Known for its incredible wildlife diversity and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains, the Serengeti offers unforgettable game viewing year-round. The park’s vast landscapes, from open savannahs to riverine forests, provide a stunning backdrop for any safari adventure.
The Northern Circuit
- Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the ultimate destination for a safari tour in Tanzania. Known for its vast, iconic savannahs and incredible wildlife diversity, it offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the Great Migration and spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. With its stunning landscapes, abundant game, and exceptional wildlife viewing, the Serengeti stands out as the premier safari destination, promising an unforgettable adventure for all nature enthusiasts. - Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is a top safari destination in Tanzania, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. As a vast, verdant caldera, it offers unique opportunities to see the Big Five and other iconic species in a confined, diverse ecosystem. The crater’s exceptional game viewing, including endangered black rhinoceroses and large herds of hippos, combined with its breathtaking landscapes, makes Ngorongoro Crater a must-visit for an unforgettable safari experience. - Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a standout safari destination in Tanzania, known for its dramatic landscapes and large populations of elephants. The park’s diverse terrain, from lush swamps to vast savannahs, provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including impressive herds of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes. Its distinctive baobab trees and seasonal river attract a rich array of wildlife, making Tarangire a top choice for an unforgettable safari adventure.
The Lakes
- Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a top safari destination in Tanzania, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Set against a backdrop of lush forests and the vast alkaline lake, it offers exceptional game viewing, including tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with vibrant flamingos and numerous avian species. Its varied habitats and stunning scenery make Lake Manyara an outstanding choice for an unforgettable safari adventure.
- Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a remarkable safari destination in Tanzania, known for its otherworldly landscape and vibrant ecosystems. This alkaline lake, framed by dramatic volcanic scenery, is a vital breeding ground for flamingos and offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The area’s striking salt flats, colorful mineral deposits, and unusual flora make Lake Natron a distinctive and captivating choice for those seeking a truly memorable and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
The Mountains
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is an iconic destination for a safari tour in Tanzania, offering a breathtaking combination of adventure and natural beauty. As Africa’s highest peak, it provides stunning views and a challenging trek through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows. Its majestic presence and unique ecosystem make Kilimanjaro a must-see highlight for any safari itinerary, offering a memorable experience for those seeking both wildlife encounters and mountain exploration. - Arusha National Park and Mount Meru
Arusha National Park, with its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, is a hidden gem for safari enthusiasts in Tanzania. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, the park features stunning scenery, including lush forests, serene lakes, and the impressive volcanic mountain itself. Known for its rich birdlife, graceful giraffes, and elusive black-and-white colobus monkeys, Arusha National Park offers a unique and intimate safari experience. The combination of Mount Meru’s striking backdrop and the park’s vibrant ecosystems makes it a top destination for an unforgettable safari adventure.
The Southern Circuit
- Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is a top-tier safari destination in Tanzania, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. Known for its vast, rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems, Ruaha offers exceptional game viewing with large populations of elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Its remote and less frequented setting provides a more exclusive safari experience, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic and adventurous encounter with Tanzania’s wildlife. - Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is a top safari destination in Tanzania, offering a diverse and captivating wildlife experience. Located in the heart of the country, it features expansive savannahs, rolling hills, and a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Its accessibility and relatively undisturbed landscapes provide excellent game viewing opportunities, making Mikumi National Park a must-visit for a rewarding and immersive safari adventure. - Nyerere(Selous Game Reserves)
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is an exceptional safari destination in Tanzania, known for its expansive wilderness and diverse ecosystems. As one of Africa’s largest protected areas, it offers a remarkable safari experience with abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and wild dogs, as well as impressive bird species. Its remote and untouched landscapes, including vast savannahs, rivers, and swamps, provide an authentic and immersive safari adventure, making Nyerere National Park a top choice for those seeking a truly wild and unspoiled experience. - Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a hidden gem in Tanzania, renowned for its lush rainforests, unique biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes. This park is a haven for trekking enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, offering rare glimpses of endemic species like the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and diverse birdlife. With its dramatic scenery, scenic trails, and rich flora and fauna, Udzungwa Mountains National Park provides an exceptional and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
The Western Circuit
- Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park is a premier safari destination in Tanzania, renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional chimpanzee trekking experiences. Nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the park offers breathtaking landscapes of lush forests and rugged mountains, with opportunities to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat. Its remote and unspoiled environment, combined with stunning lake views and diverse wildlife, makes Mahale Mountains National Park an extraordinary choice for an unforgettable safari adventure. - Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is a unique safari destination in Tanzania, renowned for its exceptional primate experiences. As the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research, the park offers unparalleled opportunities to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream’s lush forests and rugged terrain also provide stunning landscapes and a chance to see other wildlife, including diverse bird species. For a truly immersive and rewarding safari experience centered around primates, Gombe Stream National Park is an unmatched choice.
Months Offering The Best Tanzania Safari Tours
The best time for Tanzania safaris varies throughout the year, offering different experiences based on the season. Here’s a month-to-month overview:
- January to March: Calving season in the Serengeti, excellent for predator action and photography.
- April to May: Rainy season; fewer crowds and discounted rates, but some roads may be challenging.
- June to July: The start of the Great Migration, which is ideal for witnessing wildebeest herds in the western corridor.
- August to October: Peak safari season, best for witnessing river crossings in the Serengeti. This is the busiest time of the year for the Tanzania safari.
- November to December: Short rains, but still suitable for wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.
Depending on your preferences, each month offers unique highlights, from crowd levels to wildlife activity. Regardless of the time of year, our safaris are designed to provide you with the best Tanzanian safari experience.
How Many Days Are Best for a Tanzania Safari Tour?
The ideal length for a Tanzania safari tour depends on your interests and budget. However, a typical safari lasts between 5 to 10 days. This duration allows you to visit multiple parks, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, providing a well-rounded experience of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems. A 10-14-day safari can include additional destinations like the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park for a more comprehensive exploration.
Which Park is the Best for a Tanzania Safari Tour?
Choosing the best park for a Tanzania safari tour depends on what you’re looking for. The Serengeti is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration, landscape, and abundant wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique, compact environment with high wildlife density, including the Big Five. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, while Ruaha offers a more remote and less crowded experience. Each park has its unique charm and highlights.
Why is a Tanzania Safari Expensive?
Tanzania safaris can be expensive due to several factors, including park fees, accommodation costs, and transportation. The country prioritizes sustainable tourism, which often means higher costs for conservation and maintaining the parks. Additionally, the quality of guides, vehicles, and services in Tanzania is generally high, contributing to the overall cost. However, these expenses are reflected in Tanzania’s exceptional safari experience.
What is the Cheapest Safari in Tanzania?
For those on a budget, there are several options for affordable safaris in Tanzania. Budget safaris often involve camping or staying in basic lodges and focus on a limited number of parks. A popular budget-friendly option is a 4-day safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. These shorter trips provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities without the higher costs associated with luxury lodges and extended itineraries.
How to Save Costs During a Safari
To save costs during a safari in Tanzania, consider the following tips:
- Travel During the Shoulder Season:
Traveling during the off-peak seasons (March and November) results in lower accommodation rates and less crowds. - Choose Budget Accommodation:
Opt for budget lodges or campsites instead of luxury and high-end lodges. - Join a Group Tour:
Group tours are often more affordable than private safaris. - Limit the Number of Parks:
Focus on one or two parks to reduce transportation and park fees. - Book in Advance:
Early bookings can sometimes secure better rates.
Examples of the Best Tanzania Safari Tours Packages
- Classic Northern Circuit Safari (7 Days): This safari includes visits to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. It is ideal for experiencing a variety of landscapes and wildlife.
- Great Migration Safari (10 Days):
This safari tour focuses on the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration and includes a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. - Southern Tanzania Safari (8 Days):
This safari explores the less-visited Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park for a more remote experience. - Luxury Safari and Zanzibar Beach (12 Days):
This itinerary combines a classic safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
How to Book a Tanzania Safari Package
Booking a Tanzania safari package can be done through various channels:
- Travel Agencies: Many international travel agencies specialize in African safaris and can tailor packages to your needs.
- Online Safari Operators: Websites like SafariBookings and Africa Safari offer a range of packages and reviews.
- Direct Booking with Lodges: Some lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals, and game drives.
- Local Tour Operators: Booking through local operators like us can sometimes offer better rates and more flexibility.
When booking, ensure the package includes park fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, government taxes, and guided activities. It’s also advisable to read reviews and check the operator’s credibility. Our TripAdvisor Review page
Tanzania Safari Tours Booking: How Far in Advance?
It is recommended that you book your Tanzania safari tour as early as possible, ideally at least 30 days before your arrival. However, if you plan to travel during the peak seasons, from June to October or December to mid-February, booking at least 60 days in advance is advisable. These months are particularly busy, and the most desirable accommodations, which often have limited rooms, tend to sell out quickly.
For quieter months like March to May and November, you may have more flexibility and can book your trip within 30 days of arrival. Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid last-minute bookings as tour operators need ample time to arrange various logistics, including flights, accommodations, park fees, and securing a knowledgeable guide. Booking early also ensures that you have access to the best guides, as they are often assigned on a rotational basis and may be unavailable if you wait until the last minute.
Conclusion
A Tanzania safari offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers. Whether on a budget or looking for a luxurious getaway, Tanzania’s diverse parks and landscapes provide something for everyone. Planning carefully and choosing the right package allows you to enjoy a memorable and the best Tanzania safari tour adventure in this beautiful East African country.