Tanzania Safari

From the Wildebeest Migration to the Big 5 and Tropical Beaches

Safari happens almost everywhere you look in Tanzania. It's been a way of life in East Africa's second-largest country for decades. Few destinations in Africa can rival Tanzania’s diversity of wildlife and landscapes. From the classic savannah destinations of the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to the beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar, a Tanzania safari delivers one massive experience after another. And that’s before you discover the off-the-beaten-path gems like chimpanzee trekking in the untouched rainforests of Mahale and Rubondo, or crowd-free game viewing among the beautifully wild and unique landscapes of Nyerere (previously Selous) and Ruaha.

Location: Where is Tanzania?

Tanzania is the second largest country in East Africa and one of the continent's stalwart safari destinations. It lies on the idyllic Indian Ocean coast and shares borders with other incredible safari destinations like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Top Experiences in Tanzania

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration

Hardly any other destination on Earth can offer a wildlife encounter to match the annual Wildebeest Migration, and it is the best time to go to Tanzania when it is in full swing. Forming the centrepiece of most inaugural Tanzania safari itineraries, the Migration is a mind-blowing display of nature at her most extraordinary. About 2 million wildebeest, zebra and antelope run the gauntlet of predators as they migrate around the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. This awe-inspiring event is one of the last mass terrestrial animal movements left on the planet – the herds are so big they can be observed from space!

• The Serengeti National Park – Tanzania's flagship conservation area – hosts the bulk of the Migration.
• Mobile camps move regularly to stay as close to the herds as possible.
• Some accommodations offer easy access to river crossing points.

Note: availability of well-located safari camps between June and October (river crossing season) is limited. If you want front-row seats to the dramatic river crossings, you should book your Tanzania safari at least a year in advance. Or opt to go when the herds give birth and graze their way across the plains, which is just as impressive to see but easier to guarantee – plus the tourist crowds are fewer. Chat with one of our Africa Safari Experts to plan your trip to coincide with the movements of the herds.

Excellent Year-round Game Viewing, including the Big 5

Tanzania is home to a great diversity of wildlife, fascinating cultures and natural, scenic beauty. It's a dream destination from the classic, sweeping savannah of the Serengeti to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara, world wonders Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain).

It also offers bucket-list experiences recommended on every Tanzania safari guide, like chimpanzee trekking in the rainforests of Mahale and Gombe, and game viewing in the far-flung wildernesses of Katavi, Ruaha and Nyerere National Park (Selous).

Tanzania's best wildlife safari destinations are:

Go Off the Beaten Path

Tanzania's little-visited parks and reserves are ideal for intrepid safari-goers and those who have already experienced the more familiar destinations in Northern Tanzania. From savannahs and swamps to rainforests and lakes, Tanzania's undiscovered safari spots offer incredible wildlife encounters far away from the crowds. Plus you can enjoy activities like fishing, walking and boating safaris, and off-roading and night drives – activities not permitted in national parks like the Serengeti.

• Discover Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's best-kept secret and home to the country's biggest elephant population.
• Visit Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa's most important sanctuaries for endangered wild dog.
• Journey to Mahale Mountains or Rubondo Island for one of Tanzania’s most unique safari experiences: chimpanzee trekking.

End Your Safari on a Tropical Island

Many Tanzania safaris end with a relaxing stay on a palm-fringed beach lapped by the Indian Ocean's warm azure waters. Days on safari can be long and dusty, and a sun-kissed tropical island is the ideal place to reflect on your incredible experience before heading back to everyday life. You can easily fly from a Tanzania safari camp after breakfast and be on a powder-soft beach in time for sunset cocktails.

• Zanzibar – one of the world's most romantic honeymoon destinations.
• Mnemba Island – a private island holiday paradise.
• Pemba Island – among the world’s best diving sites.
• Mafia Island – swim with migrating whale sharks (about October to April).

Climb Africa's Highest Mountain

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the tallest mountain in Africa, it's also the highest free-standing mountain on Earth. Rising almost 6 kilometres (4 miles) above Tanzania's plains, climbing to the ‘Roof of Africa' can take five or more days to complete. There are many routes to the top with varying levels of difficulty, climbing time, crowdedness and natural beauty. Chat with one of our Experts about planning a Kilimanjaro hike, based on your wishes and abilities. We can also easily combine your Kili experience with a Tanzania safari in nearby parks and reserves.

Budget: What Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?

It's always tricky to give exact costs for a Tanzania safari, as there are variables that influence costs:

• The time of year you travel.
• The level of comfort you prefer at accommodations.
• Whether you drive or fly between destinations.
• Extra activities – like hot-air ballooning, spa treatments and cultural tours – that you'd like to add on.

At Go2Africa, we don't sell one-size-fits-all safari packages. We prefer tailor-made safari itineraries that match your unique travel wishes and budget. That being said, here are some ballpark figures for a Tanzania safari, with transfers and accommodation included on a price-per-person-per-night (PPPN) basis:

Leave a Lasting Impact On Your Tanzania Safari

Tanzania's wildlife and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable safari destination – and if you would like to contribute to its conservation for future generations to enjoy, we have a few itineraries that offer the best of both worlds. From participating in research activities to meeting and engaging with Maasai tribes, our trips with a purpose in Tanzania ensures you enjoy the best of an African safari while leaving the wilderness better than you found it.

Ready to Turn This Safari Guide into a Real Adventure in Tanzania?

With over 25 years of traversing safari destinations under their belt, our African Safari Experts are perfectly positioned to craft a Tanzania holiday that ticks all your boxes. Get in touch and start planning the safari of your dreams: