Where To Go For Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania beckons travellers with an array of captivating safari experiences, from the awe-inspiring sight of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope journeying across the Serengeti plains to the exhilaration of reaching the snow-covered summit of Mount Kilimanjaro or simply relishing a refreshing drink while lounging on the pristine, white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. This remarkable nation boasts a rich tapestry of national parks and reserves, offering an unbeatable blend of exceptional wildlife encounters and stunning tropical coastlines. Given Tanzania's immense size, nearly 1.5 times that of Texas, it proves advantageous to categorize the country's primary tourist destinations into four distinct regions.
The Northern Safari Circuit, which encompasses renowned destinations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Kilimanjaro, stands as the most favoured Tanzania safari route.
Tanzania's Coastal and Island regions, offer awe-inspiring and easily reachable beach experiences, particularly on captivating islands like Zanzibar.
Southern Tanzania, often overlooked and underappreciated, introduces travelers to the pristine and unspoiled Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha, two of Tanzania's best-kept safari treasures.
In Western Tanzania, adventure-seekers can venture to the remote corners of Katavi and Mahale for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safari encounters.
Your choice of destination in Tanzania for a safari experience and the most suitable time to visit depends on your preferences for wildlife and adventure. Although the Northern Safari Circuit is highly popular among both novice and seasoned safari enthusiasts, the less explored Southern and Western regions of Tanzania offer unique and concealed treasures within this diverse country. Explore our comprehensive Tanzania safari guide for a complete understanding of how to plan your perfect Tanzania safari adventure.
1. Serengeti National park
The Serengeti is synonymous with safari adventures in Tanzania and stands as the ultimate destination for witnessing the most captivating wildlife spectacles. With the largest portion of the Wildebeest Migration occurring here from approximately January to September, the Serengeti's immense expanse, ease of access, top-tier accommodations, and a year-round wealth of wildlife establish it as one of the premier safari locations across the African continent.
2. Ngorongoro conservation Area
Gather approximately 30,000 animals and relocate them into the hollow of an inactive volcano. Introduce wetlands, woodlands, open grassy expanses, and even extraordinary cliff-side accommodations. The outcome is the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater. This remarkable destination for a Tanzanian safari presents an unparalleled opportunity for observing wildlife in a truly distinctive environment. It has gained acclaim for offering the most effortless and dependable sightings of the Big 5 in East Africa, making it arguably the premier safari experience in Tanzania.
3. Tarangire national park
Located in proximity to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire goes far beyond being just a typical day trip destination. During the dry season from June to October, the park boasts some of the highest wildlife concentrations, particularly in terms of elephants, along the Tarangire River, surpassing many other areas in the country. With a remarkable bird population of over 500 species, a journey to this park proves to be an incredibly gratifying experience for bird enthusiasts. The presence of a diverse range of large predators further enhances its appeal. Tarangire stands out as a wonderfully varied wilderness, encompassing riverine forests, expansive swamps, and open woodlands that are adorned with Africa's iconic baobab trees.
4. Lake Manyara national park
A key stop on Tanzania's renowned Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara provides effortless wildlife observation within a picturesque backdrop. The park boasts a diverse array of impressive animals, such as buffalo, hippopotamus, giraffe, elephant, leopard, and its renowned lions known for their tree-climbing habits. Lake Manyara stands out as an outstanding destination for bird enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of pelicans and flamingos congregating in the heart of the lake. Additionally, the surrounding floodplains, woodlands, and evergreen forests are equally teeming with vibrant avian life.
5. Tanzania and Zanzibar island
Elevate your East African safari adventure by concluding it with a sojourn on Zanzibar, the enchanting Spice Island of Tanzania. This idyllic destination is ideal for both families and honeymooners. It offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, serene dhow (traditional boat) journeys at sunset, and the delightful exploration of aromatic local markets tucked away in narrow alleys. Tanzania's other Indian Ocean islands, including Pemba, Mafia, and Chole, also promise to delight. They stand as exceptional beach getaways featuring outstanding diving opportunities, exclusive boutique accommodations, and a wealth of luxurious indulgences to cater to your every desire.
6. Ruaha National park
Ruaha's untamed and unrestrained essence distinguishes it from other safari locales. Despite its immense size, Tanzania's largest national park, this hidden treasure, hosts only a limited number of safari camps. Here, the sight of fellow tourists is rare, and you'll instead encounter a multitude of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, kudu, sable, roan, lion, cheetah, and leopard. Notably, it boasts the largest population of elephants in Tanzania and serves as a stronghold for the endangered African wild dogs.
7. Nyerere national park
Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) is Africa’s largest game reserve – bigger than Switzerland. Its lifeblood, the colossal Rufiji River, forms an intricate network of channels, swamps and lakes from which one of East Africa’s most magnificent ecosystems is born. Buffalo, hippo, crocodile and lion thrive here, while the reserve is also one of Africa’s most important sanctuaries for endangered wild dogs. Don’t miss a boat safari, guided walk or fly-camping excursion is this breathtaking wilderness.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro
Whether you're satisfied with admiring its towering presence or have a deep desire to conquer its icy peak, the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro is guaranteed to evoke strong emotions. Soaring to an impressive 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), it claims the title of Africa's highest mountain and the tallest standalone mountain globally. Surprisingly, its snow-crowned summits are more within reach than you might imagine. During the dry seasons of July to October or January to March, scaling Kilimanjaro doesn't demand specialized climbing skills. Nevertheless, orchestrating and executing a successful trek to the summit necessitates a substantial amount of careful logistical planning.
9. Lake Tanganyika
The planet's lengthiest freshwater lake is enclosed by the rugged cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, establishing one of Earth's most ecologically diverse regions. This exceptional biodiversity owes much to the adjacency of the Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks along the lakeshore. While reaching these remote locales may require some effort, both of them offer extraordinary safari encounters in Tanzania. They provide opportunities for observing wildlife in the tropical rainforests and engaging in remarkable chimpanzee tracking adventures, making them well worth the journey.
10. Arusha
Arusha, indisputably the primary hub for safaris in Tanzania, features prominently on the travel plans of almost anyone heading to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This is often due to the logistical necessity of an overnight stopover in or around the city. Nestled beneath the imposing Mount Meru, Arusha boasts its own international airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, along with the smaller Arusha Airport catering to charter flights for the final leg of the journey. Spending some time in Arusha presents numerous opportunities for souvenir shopping, immersing in cultural activities, and exploring local points of interest.
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