Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our comprehensive guide to Tanzania safaris for first-timers. Our expert travel guide will help you discover the best wildlife reserves, national parks, and accommodation options in Tanzania, while providing valuable tips and tricks from experienced safari-goers. Our guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your safari experience in Tanzania.
As the pioneer safari destination and one of the leading African safari destinations,Tanzania is renowned for its spectacular wildlife shows, making it a top choice for family vacations. Our guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania, outshining other East African destinations. Whether you’re planning your first or third safari, our travel guide is packed with the best ideas to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Overview
Tanzania is a land of breathtaking beauty and endless adventure, where the vast great plains, snowcapped mountains, lush rainforests, and massive numbers of wild animals offer a truly unforgettable experience for a first safari trip to Africa.
Despite being one of the world’s poorest economies, Tanzania has set aside over 25% of its land for conservation, making it a wildlife destination like no other. The government’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders ensures that future generations can enjoy the thrill of seeing legions of game, pristine coral reefs, and humongous national parks.
As a traveler planning your first safari in Tanzania, you have two main options: the conventional northern Tanzania safari circuit, which takes you to iconic destinations like Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, or the lesser-traveled southern Tanzania safari circuit, which offers a more off-the-beaten-path adventure through Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha, Mahale, and Gombe National Parks. Whether you choose to explore the northern or southern circuit, Tanzania offers a sense of discovery and wonder that will inspire your soul.
With boundless plains of golden grass, teeming wildlife, and abundant birdlife, Tanzania is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It’s a place where you can witness the great wildebeest migration, spot the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), trek through ancient rainforests, and relax on pristine beaches with sand as soft and white as talcum powder. Tanzania is a place where space and time seem to stand still, and the possibilities for discovery are endless.
Kenya is a land of astonishing diversity and extraordinary tourist attractions, perfect for wilderness adventure vacations. Nairobi, the capital, is a bustling city where colonial buildings rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers, while steamy, coastal Mombasa retains its solid Arabic influence and history as Kenya’s largest and busiest port. Kenya lies on Africa’s east coast, bordered by Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, South Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
When planning your first-time safari in Africa, Kenya is an excellent destination to explore. It’s also a great addition to gorilla trekking in neighboring Uganda or Rwanda. Don’t miss out on the coastal beaches, which are a perfect getaway vacation to end your Kenya safari. Let our expert guide help you plan your unforgettable adventure in Kenya safaris as a first-time safari-goer.
Highlights
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a true natural wonder that will leave you in awe. As you ride down onto the crater floor, passing through the misty primeval forest with wild orchids, swinging vines, and chattering monkeys, you’ll feel like a child seeing their favorite toy for the first time. Standing on the crater floor is like featuring in a National Geographic special, and the experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of legendary white hunters and explorers, then Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania’s south is the perfect destination. It’s the world’s second-largest conservation area, after Greenland National Park, and it’s home to some of the most incredible animals and birds you’ll ever see. Whether you choose to go on a game drive, boat safari, or foot, the sights and sounds of Selous will stay with you forever.
For those who are fascinated by African primates, the Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks, on the edge of Lake Tanganyika, are a must-visit. Though remote and involving much travel (much of it by boat), tracking the chimpanzees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few people are lucky enough to have.
But Tanzania offers much more than just wildlife. Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia islands are a dream for coastal travelers, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts will love the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
And let’s not forget about the three great lakes of Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi, each with its own unique beauty and charm. Whether you’re exploring the wildlife, hiking the mountains, or relaxing on the beach, Tanzania guarantees unforgettable safari experiences in Africa that will stay with you for a lifetime.
- The Big Five are all present and seen with various degrees of ease. Elephants, buffaloes, and unusually large lion prides are common. Leopards are more elusive but relatively easy to locate with a local pro guide. Up to three dozen black rhinos still survive. Even outside of the migration season, ungulates are well represented; there’s no better place for close-up views of the eland, the world’s largest antelope. A Kenya safari game drive will likely see giraffe, impala, gazelle, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, hippo, and warthog.
- Birders will find East Africa’s magnificent savanna birdlife around the Mara triangle, with more than 500 species recorded in and around its borders, including such perennial favorites as Lilac-breasted roller, Superb starling, and Little bee-eater.
- During annual wildebeest migration, wildlife drama eclipses during the multiple river crossings, punctuating the great herds’ three-month tenure in the Masai Mara, from August to October.
The best time for a Tanzania safari is during the dry season from June to October. This period offers favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, with minimal rainfall and clear skies, making it easier to spot animals. The dry season also coincides with the wildebeest migration, which is a major attraction for many safari enthusiasts. Generally, the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to see and do:
This is the dry season, which is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. Animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot, and you don’t have to worry about flooded areas or safari camps closing. This is also when the annual wildebeest migration begins, with the animals moving north towards Kenya’s Masai Mara. However, this is also peak travel season, so prices and crowds may be higher.
This is the start of calving season, and predators like lions and cheetahs are active as they try to hunt the vulnerable herds. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa also visit the area, and many display their breeding plumage. While the Northern Circuit parks may be less crowded than during the dry season, it’s still peak season, so hotels may charge higher rates.
This is a good time to visit the islands of Tanzania, such as Zanzibar and Pemba, as it’s hot and dry with temperatures around 40°C. However, parks and accommodations may be more crowded during the holiday season.
Zanzibar
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Arusha National Park
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Tarangire National Park
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Lake Manyara National Park
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Serengeti National Park
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