Tanzania is one of Africa Adventure Consultants’ most requested safari destinations. Its combination of incredible wildlife, spectacular scenery, world-class accommodations and top guides make it a must-see choice for travelers. Today we’ll dig into everything you need to know about Tanzania safaris.
Tanzania is the place many travelers imagine when they think of safari. Massive, far as the eye can see herds of wildebeest and zebra, lions lounging in trees, cheetahs racing across the plains, leopards surveying their lairs, rhino and elephant slowly walking across the horizon, along with endless species of antelope and birds make it a dream destination for nature and wildlife lovers. With a trip through the country’s Northern Circuit, you’ll have the best chance of seeing most, if not all, of Africa’s most iconic species.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most beautiful and interesting destinations. The country has myriad parks and reserves, some that are very accessible and some that are more far-flung. It is also home to incredible beach destinations in the Zanzibar archipelago. Here, we will look at the country’s most well-known safari destinations that are found within its ‘Northern Circuit’ – Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. These are also the parks most requested by first-time visitors.
These three areas offer incomparable wildlife viewing, a great diversity of landscapes and a wide range of accommodations. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds (along with myriad other species) and prolific numbers of Africa’s iconic baobab trees. Just two hours’ drive from Tanzania’s main arrival hub of Arusha, it is where many Northern Circuit safaris begin. From there, most visitors head to the Ngorongoro Crater, a 100-square-mile extinct volcano caldera that is teeming with wildlife. The pinnacle of a Northern Circuit safari is a visit to the Serengeti National Park – home to East Africa’s ‘great migration’ of wildebeest and zebra (and the predators that prey upon them). Choosing the Northern Circuit gives travelers an exciting and well-rounded safari experience.
If you are interested in visiting the Northern Circuit or discovering some of its other incredible sights and activities such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks; or relaxing (or diving!) in the beautiful Zanzibar archipelago, contact a Journey Specialist to discuss your wish list.
Game drives are the predominant activity in Tanzania’s national parks. You can also enjoy hot air balloon safaris, soaring high above the Serengeti Plains.
For those that choose private reserves for their stay, there is a wider choice of activities, depending on the area. Activities might include bush meals, sundowners, safari walks, community visits, anti-poaching unit visits, night drives and more.
There are a wide range of accommodations available in Tanzania – from comfortable, well-appointed tents to luxurious lodges. Some of our favorites include Tarangire Treetops with beautiful treehouse suites situated in a private community wildlife area; Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, a fantastical retreat perched on the very edge of the Crater rim; Serengeti’s Mila Tented Camp, which made our ‘Favorite Accommodations of 2024’ list; and the unique and contemporary Singita Faru Faru Lodge, situated in an exclusive private reserve. Work with your Journey Specialist to narrow down the right lodges for your customized Tanzania safari and visit our Tanzania page for more ideas.
Tanzania is a year-round destination, though some months provide better game viewing. There is abundant wildlife in all of its parks and reserves, and because there are both migratory and resident populations, visitors can expect consistency throughout the year. The country’s dry season is from July to October and provides some of the best game viewing as the vegetation is sparse. The dry season also brings more pleasant temperatures to coastal and island destinations. For those who are interested in seeing the wildebeest migration, safaris during most months from November through June offer the best chance to encounter the large herds. Space is at a premium during these months and should be booked at least a year in advance, if not two. Your Journey Specialist will discuss timing with you and help you determine the best time for your visit.
Many travelers on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit choose a driving safari, as distances between the major destinations are not too great and it gives travelers the chance to see more of the country at a slower pace.
Flying safaris are also an option. Guests fly between the parks and conservation areas, then are picked up by a guide and vehicle from their camp for their safari. Then it’s back to the airstrip for the scenic onward journey.
Finally, you can also do a combination of flying and driving – perhaps driving from Arusha to and between the parks, then finishing by skipping the road journey back to Arusha, instead enjoying the return by air. Talk with your Journey Specialist to determine what is right for you.
Get in touch with one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your customized Tanzania safari and subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information and inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC President Kent Redding; AAC Livingstone Club members Dede H., Jennifer S., Steve C., and Josh R.; Elewana Tarangire Treetops; AAC Office Manager Brooke Dare; AAC Livingstone Club member Emily T.; and AAC Senior Journey Specialist Tracy Stevens