Tanzania tops many travelers’ lists for an African safari. Perhaps best known as a destination to see the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, Tanzania not only offers the wonders of the Serengeti, but much more! The endless plains of the Serengeti, which stretch well into Kenya, boast unparalleled wildlife viewing, offering the National Geographic-style experience that many envision when they think of a Big 5 safari. Huge herds of plains game roam the savanna with predators stalking close by, waiting for their opportunity for a meal.
Beyond the Serengeti, Tanzania is also home to the famed Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcanic caldera that is nearly 100 square miles in diameter. It is home a large population of resident and migratory wildlife including lions, hyenas, jackals, elephants, buffalo, eland and more. It is also the best place for a chance to see the rare black rhinoceros in Tanzania.
Closer to Arusha, Tanzania’s main international safari gateway, Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and majestic baobabs. Tanzania is also home to Olduvai Gorge, site of many famous discoveries into the origins of humankind. It is an easy stop for many northern Tanzania safaris.
Further afield, Tanzania has national parks and reserves in wild areas with very low visitor numbers that feature incredible wildlife including large herds of big game such as elephant and buffalo, as well as destinations where you can trek to see chimpanzees. Its beaches are also beautiful, with the Zanzibar archipelago drawing visitors from around the globe.
Tanzania is among the most culturally diverse nations in Africa with more than 100 ethnic groups in the country. Travelers have the chance to learn about and experience Maasai culture during their safaris, making for a deeper journey.
So, what can you see in seven to ten days on safari? Here we will explore ideas and possibilities for your customized Tanzania safari that include popular parks and conservation areas, unforgettable wildlife sightings and hand-picked accommodations.
If you’re seeking a top-of-the-line safari experience, our Tanzania Luxury safari will hit all the right notes! Your eight days on safari will be filled with game drives, cultural visits, time to see the ‘Cradle of Mankind,’ a descent down the Ngorongoro Crater and time in the Serengeti. You’ll enjoy all of these activities while based at some of the country’s finest accommodations like Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where ‘Maasai meets Versailles;’ and either Mwiba Lodge or Serengeti Bushtops, each with private decks, large soaking tubs and outdoor rain showers for a five-star experience in the bush.
Our Tanzania Migration safari visits the country’s ‘Northern Circuit’ – Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti – over nine days to take in some of the country’s top wildlife destinations, including the chance to see greatest movement of land animals in the world, the Great Migration. Choose from luxury or deluxe level accommodations and enjoy the Northern Circuit’s wonders – from large herds of game and fierce predators to tree-climbing lions, lone leopards and wildly diverse birdlife while on game drives. Nature walks and cultural visits are also options on this safari.
To get off the beaten path, our Tanzania Wildest safari takes you to far-flung, remote areas to witness incredible wildlife in an exclusive setting. Over eight days, you will visit Mahale Mountains National Park with its spectacular peaks rising from crystal clear Lake Tanganyika along with Katavi National Park, a vast area home to predators like lions and leopards, as well as elephants, hippos and many other iconic animals. A visit to Mahale brings the chance to trek to see our closest living relatives – the chimpanzee. Trekking to see them can be a physical challenge, but watching their daily routines and comic antics is a rich reward! You’ll be captivated by the Robinson Crusoe feel of Greystoke Mahale while Chada Katavi will immerse you in its old world safari feel.
We hope these ideas have inspired you! When you work with AAC, we will collaborate with you to create a Tanzania safari itinerary that is totally unique to you.
If you are ready to create your own customized Tanzania safari adventure, contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning. Be sure to ask about a Tanzania beach extension after your safari and subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari stories and travel inspiration.
Photos courtesy of AAC Livingstone Club member Greg C., Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, A&K Sanctuary, AAC President Kent Redding, Entamanu, Serengeti Bushtops, AAC Livingstone Club member Robert M., Greystoke Mahale and Mwiba Lodge