Ultimate Guide for Booking Tanzania Safari Tours
Most safari tours in Tanzania go to the northern part of the country, which has top attractions such as Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Maasai people and their culture.
The southern part gives a different experience in Selous and Ruaha National Parks, where visitors enjoy excellent wildlife safaris.
In the west, the rainforests of Mahale and Gombe host primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. These forests are among the few remaining natural homes for these animals.
Tanzania Safari Parks – Top Travel Destinations
There are 23 national parks in Tanzania, each with its own appeal to safari tours.
Tarangire National Park Safaris
Tarangire National Park is one of the most visited in Tanzania, known for its many animals and birds. It is named after the Tarangire River, which draws many animals, especially during dry months.
Serengeti National Park Safaris
Serengeti National Park is the top choice for many Tanzania safari tours. It is famous for the annual migration of over two million wildebeests, joined by zebras, gazelles, and impalas, followed by lions, leopards, and hyenas.
The herds often move north into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of new grass and water.
Arusha National Park Safaris
Arusha National Park is in northeastern Tanzania and includes Mount Meru. Though small compared to other parks, it offers good wildlife viewing and pleasant scenery.
Lake Manyara National Park Safaris
Lake Manyara National Park is best known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight also seen in Uganda’s Ishasha area. It lies along the Rift Valley floor in the Arusha region.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Climbing Tours
For many Tanzania safari tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a main attraction. This park includes Africa’s highest mountain, and it also hosts many bird and animal species.
Ruaha National Park Safaris
Ruaha National Park was formed in 1964 and later expanded in 2008 to include wetlands and the Usangu Game Reserve. It covers 20,226 km², with many animals and over 500 species of birds. It is also a Lion Conservation Unit.
Mikumi National Park Safaris
Mikumi National Park is in southern Tanzania, near the coast. It is a good option for travelers with limited time, especially those visiting on business or shorter itineraries.
Gombe Stream National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Gombe Stream National Park lies in the Kigoma region on Lake Tanganyika’s shore. It covers 35 km² and was created to protect chimpanzees and other primates on forest slopes.
Katavi National Park Safaris
Katavi National Park is one of the least visited parks in Tanzania. It is named after Lake Katavi within the park. Lake Chada also provides water for many animals.
Mahale Mountains National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the few locations in Tanzania where you can see chimpanzees. The park has around 50 mammal species and is known for its beautiful lake views over Lake Tanganyika.
Mkomazi National Park Safaris
Mkomazi National Park lies in northern Tanzania and covers 3,245 km². Its name means “little water,” reflecting the dry conditions. It is one of the top places to see rhinos in Tanzania.
Saadani National Park Safaris
Saadani National Park is unique for combining beach and wilderness. Located in the Pangani area of Tanga region, it covers 1,062 km². Visitors can see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes, and more.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park Hiking Tours
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a top hiking site and a good base for those planning a Kilimanjaro climb. It covers 1,990 km² and supports many animals and plants.
Burigi-Chato National Park Safaris
Burigi-Chato National Park is near the Tanzania–Rwanda border, named after Lake Burigi. It is a good spot for bird-watching. It was formed by merging three reserves.
Rumanyika Karagwe National Park Safaris
Rumanyika Karagwe National Park opened in 2019 and covers 247 km². Visitors enjoy forest walks, butterflies, birding, and primate viewing.
Mafia Island Marine National Park Holidays
Southeast of Zanzibar, Mafia Island Marine National Park was established in 1955 and covers 822 km². It is full of marine life and ideal for underwater tours.
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park Safaris
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park was a game reserve in 1974 and became a national park in 2019. It spans 200 km² in Kagera region and hosts various animals. Hunting safaris require special permission.
Kigosi National Park Safaris
Kigosi National Park covers 8,256 km² and is part of the Malagarasi wetland system, the largest in East Africa. It became a park in 2019 and is a Ramsar site.
Kitulo National Park Safaris
Kitulo National Park lies in the southern highlands of Tanzania on the Kitulo Plateau. It was set up to protect its plant life.
Nyerere National Park Safaris
Nyerere National Park is the biggest in Tanzania, at 30,893 km². It holds Tanzania’s largest river and one of the largest mangrove forests. The park offers strong wildlife safari and birding views.
Rubondo Island National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Rubondo Island National Park is on Lake Victoria and covers 456 km². It is less visited but ideal for birding and sport fishing.
Saanane Island National Park Safaris
Saanane Island National Park lies in Lake Victoria, near Mwanza town. It covers about 3 km² and is the only place in Tanzania where you can find De Brazza monkeys. Other animals include zebras, wild cats, and hyraxes.
Ugalla River National Park Safaris
Ugalla River National Park is named after the Ugalla River. It became a park in 2019. Covering 3,865 km², it is home to elephants, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals.
Top 10 Tanzania Safari Activities – Best Things to Do on Your Tanzania Safari Tours
Tanzania is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. With many national parks, conservation areas, natural wonders, and white-sand beaches, visitors can enjoy a wide range of safari tour activities.
Wildlife Viewing Safaris
Tanzania has many parks and reserves offering excellent game drives. Safari tours let you ride in vehicles through the wilderness to see animals in their wild habitats.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
If you like hiking and mountain tours, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a must. The mountain has different routes to Uhuru Peak. More days give a better chance to reach the top.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Go to Zanzibar Island for scuba diving and snorkeling in warm Indian Ocean waters. You can swim with sea turtles and visit Stone Town.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
See the Serengeti plains from above on a hot air balloon safari. These flights take place just before sunrise and offer a quiet view of wildlife and the migration.
Game Drive on the Floor of Ngorongoro Crater
On a guided game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, you can see the Big Five. This crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Cultural Tours
Tanzania is rich in culture. A guided cultural tour lets you meet local people and see their life and customs. Visit a Maasai village near parks. You can also visit the Datoga or the Hadzabe tribe.
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
Plan your safari between June and August to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross rivers in search of fresh grass.
Explore Stone Town
Stone Town on Zanzibar Island has historic character. It shows a mix of Persian, Indian, Arab, and European influence in its buildings, doors, and narrow streets.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Seeing chimpanzees in the wild is unforgettable. Visit Gombe Stream or Mahale Mountains to track these primates deep in forest.
Night Game Drives
Night game drives offer a different view under Tanzania’s starry skies. Some parks offer them to see nocturnal animals rarely seen by day.
When to Go on Tanzania Safari Tours
Tanzania can be visited year round, but certain months give better safari tours and climbing experiences.
The best months for wildlife viewing and mountain trekking are during dry seasons: June to August and December to February.
To see the wildebeest migration, go between October and February. For bird-watching, November to April is best.
Safety – Staying Safe on Tanzania Safari Tours
Tanzania is fairly safe for tourists. Most safari tour areas are secure, but you still need to use care, especially in cities.
- Don’t show or carry valuables in public, and don’t leave them in open cars.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Stay away from remote areas.
- Follow park rules and never go near or touch wild animals.
- Be aware of altitude sickness when climbing and wear proper gear.
- Avoid travel near the Tanzania–Mozambique border and check security updates.
- Use only registered taxis and check with your hotel if an area is safe.
- Watch your bags and belongings in busy places.
Getting a Tanzania Visa for Your Travel Holiday
Visitors can apply for a Tanzania e-visa online. Visit the official visa site, fill the form, pay, and submit. You can track progress and you’ll get an email when it is approved or denied.
Before you apply, check whether your country needs a visa or is visa-exempt.
You will also need:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and blank visa pages.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- To check if you need a transit visa for any country you pass through.
Where to Stay – Tanzania Safari Accommodation Options
Tanzania offers many lodges and camps in national parks, reserves, and cities. Some top choices include:
- Singita Grumeti – Serengeti
- &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Ngorongoro
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Serengeti
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge – Serengeti
- Singita Faru Faru Lodge – Serengeti
- The Manta Resort – Pemba Island
- Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp – Serengeti
- Legendary Lodge – Arusha
- Serengeti Migration Camp – Serengeti
- Gibb’s Farm – Ngorongoro
- Fundu Lagoon – Pemba Island
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Ngorongoro
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – Manyara
- Chem Chem Safari Lodge – Tarangire
- Singita Sabora Tented Camp – Serengeti
- The Retreat Selous – Nyerere (formerly Selous)
- Lamai Serengeti – Serengeti
- Sayari Camp – Serengeti
- Kigelia Ruaha – Ruaha
- Kwihala Camp – Ruaha
These lodges and camps offer comfort, wildlife views, and unique experiences in prime zones covered by Tanzania safari tours.
Most Popular Tanzania Safari FAQs
Below are some of the most popular Tanzania safari questions and answers that you should know as you plan your safari to Tanzania.
- What is a Tanzania safari tour? A Tanzania safari tour is a trip to see wild animals, nature, and culture in different national parks and reserves across Tanzania.
- Which part of Tanzania is best for safaris? The northern part is best known for safaris, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari? You can see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, rhinos, wildebeests, hippos, and many birds.
- What is the most famous park in Tanzania? Serengeti National Park is the most famous park in Tanzania.
- What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? It is the yearly movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles across Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris? The best time is during the dry seasons, from June to August and from December to February.
- Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro during my Tanzania safari? Yes, many Tanzania tours include Mount Kilimanjaro climbing.
- Is Tanzania safe for tourists? Yes, Tanzania is generally safe, especially in safari areas. Always follow your guide’s advice and take care in cities.
- What are the top safari parks in Tanzania? Top parks include Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ruaha.
- What makes Serengeti National Park special? It is home to the Great Migration and many big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- What is special about Ngorongoro Crater? It is one of the best places to see the Big Five in one day, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
- Are there beaches in Tanzania? Yes, you can enjoy beautiful beaches on Zanzibar and Mafia Island after your safari.
- Can I see chimpanzees in Tanzania? Yes, you can see chimpanzees in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks.
- What is unique about Selous (Nyerere) National Park? It is the largest park in Tanzania and is great for seeing elephants, hippos, and lions.
- What are cultural tours in Tanzania? These tours let you meet local people like the Maasai and learn about their culture and traditions.
- Can I do a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania? Yes, you can fly over Serengeti at sunrise and see animals from the sky.
- What is the best time to see the wildebeest migration? You can see it from June to August and again from October to February.
- Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania? Most visitors need a visa, which can be applied for online through the Tanzania e-visa website.
- What documents are needed for a Tanzania visa? You need a valid passport, a yellow fever vaccination card, and sometimes a transit visa depending on your route.
- What are Tanzania’s lesser-known parks? Parks like Katavi, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Burigi-Chato offer quiet and beautiful safaris.
- Can I do night game drives in Tanzania? Yes, some parks allow night drives to see animals that are active after dark.
- What should I pack for a Tanzania safari? Pack light clothes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a camera.
- Where can I go scuba diving or snorkeling in Tanzania? Zanzibar and Mafia Island are the best places for diving and snorkeling.
- What are some of the best lodges in Tanzania? Top lodges include Singita Grumeti, Four Seasons Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
- Are Tanzania safaris good for families? Yes, many lodges and camps welcome families and offer child-friendly safari options.
- Can I combine a Tanzania safari with other countries? Yes, you can combine Tanzania with Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda for a longer trip.
- Is it possible to see rhinos in Tanzania? Yes, you can see rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater and Mkomazi National Park.
- How long should a Tanzania safari last? Most safaris last between 5 to 10 days, but you can plan shorter or longer trips.
- What is the weather like in Tanzania? Tanzania has a warm climate year-round, with dry and rainy seasons.
- Do I need travel insurance for a Tanzania safari? Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel and medical insurance before your trip.
