Tanzania is one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa especially for travellers who love wildlife, adventure and culture. A Tanzania safari is often divided into “circuits.” Most first-timers prefer the Northern Circuit which features iconic landscapes and wildlife varieties, while seasoned travellers or those seeking solitude head South or West.
Here is a list of what you can expect to see or do on a Tanzania safari;
1. The “Must-See” Destinations
The Northern Circuit (The Classic safaris)
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration. If you visit between July and October, you will see millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers or calving in the parks’s vast plains. It’s also one of the best places on Earth to see lions and cheetahs in action as they circle and target the newborn calves. Read more…
- Ngorongoro Crater: One of the “Natural Wonders of the World.” This massive, sunken caldera acts as a self-contained bowl of wildlife. It’s the most reliable place in Tanzania to see the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and the rare Black Rhino) in a single day. Read more…
- Tarangire National Park: Known as the “Land of Giants,” it features massive herds of elephants and ancient, alien-looking Baobab trees. Read more…
The Southern & Western Circuits (Hidden Gems)
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve): One of the largest reserves in the world. One of its unique attractions is a boat safari on the Rufiji River to see hippos and crocs. Read more…
- Mahale Mountains: One of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking on the shores of the crystal-blue Lake Tanganyika. Read more…
- Ruaha National Park: Rugged and remote, perfect for those who want to see predators (it is home to 10% of the world’s lion population) without the crowds.
2. Top Experiences to try on a Tanzania safari
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Floating over the Serengeti at sunrise with a breathtaking aerial views of wildlife is the ultimate “bucket list” moment. It usually ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Walking Safaris: An attractive alternative to sitting in a jeep, go on a guided bush walk led by an experienced armed ranger. You’ll learn about “the little five” (insects and small mammals) and how to track animals by their prints.
- Night Game Drives: Only allowed in certain areas (like Lake Manyara or private concessions), Lookout for nocturnal hunters like leopards and genets.
- Cultural Visits: Spend a morning with the Maasai or the Hadzabe (one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes) to learn about traditional life and ancient survival skills.
3. When to Go for a Tanzania safari
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but your experience will change with the seasons:
Dry season (June-October)
This is the best time for wildlife spotting in major Tanzanian national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. In this period, animals gather around water holes due to its scarcity in large parts of the park making wildlife easy to spot. The grass is also short which enables visitors to spot most of the wildlife easily.
Calving season (January-February)
This is a period when thousands of wildebeest are born daily in southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Over half a million wildebeest are born in this period, about 8,000 per day. This attracts predators like lions and cheetahs offering visitors breathtaking views. The calving season in the Serengeti marks the beginning of the Great Migration.
Green season (March-May)
This season is most suitable for birding and photography. It offers lush landscapes, less crowded parks offering clear and rejuvenated scenery. Visitors also enjoy Low season prices in the Green season though they have endure frequent rain.
4. The “Bush-to-Beach” Finish
Many travellers end their safari with a flight to Zanzibar. After days of dusty game drives, there is nothing better than the white sands of Nungwi or the historic, spice-scented alleys of Stone Town.