Tanzania Safari Guide: High-End Safari & Beaches.

Discover Tanzania like a pro with this ultimate Tanzania safari guide. There’s no better way to experience this vast, awe-inspiring East African wonderland than on a classic safari adventure.

Famous for the dramatic wildebeest migration, the Big Five, the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak—and the sugar-white sands of Zanzibar, Tanzania has so much more to offer for both amateur and seasoned traveler.

Within its boundaries are some of the world’s most popular and revered wildlife parks and reserves, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These parks promise authentic year-round wilderness experiences, making Tanzania one of Africa’s safari heavyweights and a great destination to add to your itinerary.

While on safari in Tanzania, you’re not just observing; rather, you become a part of the scene. Enjoy one massive experience after another: witnessing the wildebeest migration, sighting the big five, and unwinding on the tropical beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar.

Tanzania or the United Republic of Tanzania is located in East Africa, within the African Great Lakes region and takes up the largest share of Lake Victoria. It is bordered by Kenya, Uganda and Lake Victoria to the north; the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to the south; Zambia to the southwest; and Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lake Tanganyika to the west.

Dodoma, located in the central part of the country has been the designated official capital since 1996, while Dar es Salaam, the former capital, remains the largest city and port.

Tanzania’s dramatic landscape features volcanic mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, volcanic craters like the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the northeastern boundary. The vast savannahs, rainforests and woodlands are diverse, each with its own unique flora and fauna, such as the Serengeti savannahs, the tropical rainforests in the Usambara Mountains, and the miombo woodlands.

The country is also home to lakes, including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika (the world’s second-deepest lake) and Lake Natron; a narrow coastal belt running along the Indian Ocean, featuring white sand beaches and offshore islands; and several protected areas, such as national parks and reserves.

Rightly considered an iconic safari destination, Tanzania presents one of the world’s most dramatic stages for classic African safaris. The annual wildebeest migration—a natural spectacle that sees mighty herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the Serengeti and Masai Mara plains for fresh grazing—is the highlight of any Tanzania safari.

Travelers to this African visual masterpiece revel in a safari experience that represents a perfect example of quality, featuring acacia-shaded luxury tented camps, dotted horizons, rich cultural heritage, abundant predators, and thrilling safari action. It is a country of astonishing natural splendour, incredible year-round wildlife viewing, powder-white beaches, charming ancient towns, and archaeological UNESCO world heritage sites.

Trips to the northern circuit are not complete without delving into the Ngorongoro Crater—an ancient volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. It offers intimate wildlife encounters and allows you to tick off the Big Five in a single morning quite easily.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s highest freestanding mountain towers over the land, drawing travelers to its spectacular snow-capped peak. It is surprisingly easy to climb, and standing on the roof of Africa is a life-changing experience.

Besides, the mountain is a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around it, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters.

Off the beaten track hikes to the Usambara Mountains provide opportunities to wander through ancient forests, explore small, remote villages and soak in breathtaking views. You can also visit the remote, lush village of Mto Wa Mbu to interact with the friendly locals and enjoy stunning scenery.

An unforgettable Tanzania safari is often culminated with a serene and relaxing holiday on the sugar-white, palm-fringed sands of Zanzibar Island. The pristine beaches feature an array of charming boutique hotels that ensure you turn your Tanzania safari dreams into reality.

Tanzania, like most of the East African countries has a tropical climate with significant regional variations influenced by several factors including altitude. It is divided into four main climatic zones: the hot humid coastal plain, the semi-arid central plateau, the high rainfall lake regions, and the temperate highlands.

The country experiences two major rainy seasonal patterns: a bimodal pattern, with the long rains from mid-March to May and the short rains from mid-October to early December, and a unimodal pattern with a single rainy season from October to April.

The best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife viewing is in the dry season from June to October which coincides with the wildebeest migration, including the spectacular Mara River crossing (August and September) in the Serengeti.

During this time, vegetation is sparse, animals gather around permanent water holes, the weather is relatively cool, and wildlife viewing is generally at its best. To fully experience the migration, you’ll need to stay in different areas of the park to follow its various stages.

The short dry season from January to February means greener landscapes after the short rains and the best time for wildebeest calving, more predators, and fewer crowds.

Although the long rains from March to early May can freshen up the landscape, they are best avoided since they can cause travel disruption.

In general, Tanzania is one of the best destinations to visit throughout the year depending on what you are most interested in experiencing.

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s largest and most famous safari park known for hosting the wildebeest migration and abundant wildlife including the Big Five. Its sheer size, accessibility, and finest safari lodges and camps make it one of Africa’s iconic parks and a regular stop on the best Tanzania safaris.

Famous for its geological splendor and the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa, Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. The 30,000-hectare collapsed volcano is a haven for thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores, as well as the Big 5, and offers the easiest and most reliable Big 5 sightings in Africa.

Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and an exceptional bird-watching destination. The park’s lush vegetation, soda lake and wetlands attract a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Travelers can explore its diverse ecosystems and enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley.

Located just south of Lake Manyara, Tarangire boasts a unique ecosystem of dry savannahs, riverine forests, and open woodlands that include the iconic baobab trees. Its seasonal wetlands along the Tarangire River attract the highest concentration of animals, especially elephants. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s prolific birdlife and fewer tourists in a beautiful setting.

Zanzibar, known for miles of untouched white sand beaches, coral reefs, diving sites, and mangrove forests, is a perfect complement to your Tanzania safari experience. It offers numerous opportunities to explore its rich spice heritage, visit the fragrant back-street markets, enjoy dhow trips at sunset, and experience exclusive boutique accommodations.

Africa is full of thrilling experiences, but none can surpass this incredible spectacle: hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Serengeti-Mara plains in search of fresh grazing while braving predators and perilous river crossings. The sheer size of the herds and predator action is a wonder to behold, making it an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that tops every traveler’s bucket list.

Boasting three distinct safari circuits and world-class parks and reserves, Tanzania is arguably the largest East African wildlife destination. The parks sustain some of Africa’s highest wildlife densities and diversity, offering year-round viewing opportunities.

You’ll spot the rare black rhino in Ngorongoro Crater, an abundance of big cats in the Serengeti, a considerable number of the highly endangered African Wild Dog in Nyerere and Ruaha, and encounter chimps in Gombe Stream and Mahale

Zanzibar offers such a wide range of activities that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Regardless of how long you stay, you’ll probably wish it was longer! It’s the perfect place to round off a Tanzania safari, with time to relax on pristine, palm-fringed beaches by the turquoise Indian Ocean or visit the historic Stone Town to explore its hidden secrets and rich culture.

Tanzania boasts a significant range of habitats and an extensive bird list of over 1,100 species making it truly one of Africa’s top birding destinations. About 800 are residents, while nearly 200 are regular migrants. 22 species are endemic to Tanzania, and another 43 are near-endemic and restricted to Tanzania and its neighbouring countries. Migrants are usually present from November to April.

Not all Tanzania safaris focus only on wildlife. You’ll encounter unique people and cultures, such as the traditional red-robed, bead-bedecked nomadic Maasai in northern Tanzania, the Hadzabe – one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes and the Datoga – known for their metalwork and cattle traditions around Lake Eyasi.

You can also visit Mto wa Mbu, a multicultural village-cum-town near Lake Manyara National Park, and the heady, exotic mix of Arab and African influences in Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.

To get to Tanzania, you’ll most likely fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), situated 50km/31mi east of Arusha. It is the most common international entry point to Tanzania and serves as the gateway to the country’s popular Northern safari circuit that includes the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1½ hours.

If you’re heading to the Southern safari circuit that includes Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), and Ruaha National Park, you’ll fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 10km/6mi southwest of Dar es Salaam’s city center.

Those going to Zanzibar for beach holidays will land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), 5km (3.1 miles) from Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital.

The cost of a Tanzania safari package ranges from $200–$350 per person per day for a budget trip, $350–$600 per person per day for a mid-range trip, and $700–$1,500 or more per person per day for a luxury experience. The final cost of the package is usually influenced by the length of the trip, the season of travel, the accommodation, and the activities included.

Prices also vary depending on the travel company you will book with. The prices shown above are usually charged by local safari companies. Larger international travel agents and safari companies based in the US / UK usually charge 30% to 300% more. Below is a breakdown of the cost of a safari in Tanzania.

* Tanzania safari packages are not geared towards big groups, and typically exclude international flights, visas, and tips.

*Contact your African Safari Specialist at Exploits to request a quote with the best, most current rates available.

With a well-established safari industry, Tanzania boasts a good variety of accommodation, from comfortable camping to mid-range and exclusive designer luxury lodges. Here are our top picks.

Namiri Plains is an excellent camp for seeing great numbers of big cats, specifically cheetahs, and for experiencing a crowd-free Great Migration safari. Secluded in a remote section of the eastern Serengeti, this sophisticated hideaway exudes style and exclusivity with not another camp or tourist in sight.

Located in a coffee estate in Karatu on the wooded slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, this luxury lodge features a colonial homestead with cozy cottages offering guests an idyllic retreat while exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. It is just 30 mins from Manyara Airstrip.

This Afro-modernist village-style resort is situated on an alluring stretch of white sand along Kendwa Beach on the northwestern shores of Zanzibar. The property boasts a beachfront setting, with palm-shaded hammocks and ample space to relax in total privacy.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a great place to experience an exclusive safari in Tanzania’s game-rich wilderness. It is the only permanent lodge in the park and sits in the remote south featuring stilted treehouse suites in an intimate forest setting.

Explore our top-rated Tanzania safari itineraries featuring elegant accommodations, designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Select what best suites your travel style and budget or craft one from scratch with the help of a safari specialist.

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