Tanzania Safari Guide

Tanzania — Overview

Tanzania, with its three safari circuits, is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. The popular Northern Circuit incorporates bucket-list landmarks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. Repeat visitors often prefer the remoter wilderness of the Southern circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere) or the Western circuit. For beach time, Zanzibar is only a short flight away.

Most first-time visitors base a trip around the Northern Circuit: fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, drive through Tarangire and Lake Manyara, spend several nights in the Serengeti, and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a single, dense day of game viewing before flying home or on to Zanzibar.

Pros & Cons

Tanzania Parks & Reserves

Every park and reserve below is published on Africa Safari Book with its own detailed guide and linked tours.

Wildlife

You'll see an abundance of animals on safari in Tanzania. Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, warthog and hippo are common throughout, and in the Serengeti you may see several million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra on their annual migration. Predators are common too, especially lion and spotted hyena.

For the endangered wild dog, head to Ruaha or Nyerere National Parks. For an intimate encounter with black rhino, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the more reliable places in Tanzania, while Mkomazi National Park is a stronghold further north.

Things To Do

Tanzania is a stellar safari destination. Game drives are possible in most national parks; some also offer walking safaris. Boat safaris are available in Nyerere National Park, and you can track chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains or Gombe. For hikers, the multi-day ascent of Kilimanjaro stands out, but other possibilities include Mount Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai.

• Game drives across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
• Hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti plains
• Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru trekking
• Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale and Gombe
• Zanzibar beach time, spice tours and Stone Town history

Best Time to Visit & Weather

Tanzania can be visited year-round, but timing changes what you'll see. The dry season (June to October) offers the easiest game viewing as animals gather around water sources. The short rains (November) are quieter and greener. The calving season (January to February) in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area draws predators close to newborn wildebeest.

How To Get There & Staying Safe

How To Get There

Most Northern Circuit trips fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha; some route through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam for Zanzibar and the Southern Circuit. Domestic light-aircraft transfers connect the main parks and are usually arranged by your operator.

Staying Safe & Vaccinations

Tanzania requires anti-malarial precautions in most safari areas — speak to a travel clinic well ahead of departure. A yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from certain countries. Follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walking safaris, and use a reputable, verified tour operator.

Tanzania Safari Tours

Tanzania Safari Reviews

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