Searching for reliable Tanzania tour operators and safari companies? Tanzania is by far Africa’s complete wildlife safari destination any enthusiastic nature lover shouldn’t miss to visit. Over a million tourists come to explore and experience what this stunning country has to offer the world making it one of the Africa’s most preferred safari destinations. Tanzania safaris offer tourists a great opportunity to interact with nature, explore the big game in the country’s vast savanna wilderness areas.
Most Tanzania safaris involve visiting national parks, game reserves, and other attractions. The country has more than 16 national parks and 29 game reserves where tourists can see the Big Five and many other animals. These areas are among Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
A Tanzania safari gives visitors a chance to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is often described as one of the best safari experiences in Africa.
Why Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania safaris give tourists many choices, from game drives and mountain climbing to beach holidays. Below are some of the main reasons to visit Tanzania.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The migration is one of the greatest wildlife events in the world. About 1.5 million wildebeest, together with zebras and gazelles, cross the Serengeti plains each year between July and October. While in Serengeti, visitors can also see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. Serengeti is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Located in northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters. Every year, about 75,000 climbers attempt to reach its summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most rewarding adventures in Africa.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a popular beach destination and the perfect way to end a safari. It is known as the “Spice Island” and offers white sandy beaches, snorkeling, diving, and cultural experiences. Stone Town, a UNESCO site, reflects the island’s history with its Arabic architecture, spice markets, and historic sites.
Wildlife Safaris
Tanzania has more than 1,100 bird species and large populations of elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, crocodiles, and wild dogs. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are the country’s top safari destinations. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, while Mahale Mountains and Gombe National Parks are known for chimpanzee trekking.
Cultural Encounters
A safari in Tanzania also offers cultural experiences. Visitors can meet the Chagga people, the Maasai, or the community of Mto wa Mbu. These visits give tourists a chance to learn about local traditions, taste traditional food, and enjoy cultural performances.
Olduvai Gorge
Located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered some of the earliest human remains in 1959. Today, visitors can tour the site, the museum, and Maasai cultural centers nearby.
We also arrange Kilimanjaro climbing tours with different routes, including the 7-day Machame Trail, the 9-day Lemosho Route, and the 11-day Northern Circuit.
Getting the Best Tanzania Safari Prices
When planning a Tanzania safari, most travelers ask common questions such as: How much does a Tanzania safari cost? Prices vary depending on accommodation and other factors. A safari can cost from about USD 350 per person per night in budget lodges to as high as USD 1500 per person per night in luxury camps and lodges.
The main factors that affect safari prices include the season (low or peak), type of accommodation, number of flights, and how you choose to travel around Tanzania. To save money, you can travel during the low season, book road safaris instead of fly-in tours, join scheduled group tours, add extra days in Zanzibar to relax, and give your tour operator a clear budget range.
Booking Tanzania Camping Safaris
Camping safaris in Tanzania give you a close-to-nature experience in the African wilderness. You sleep in designated campsites inside the parks and enjoy the sounds of the night. Camping safaris are available in both the northern and southern circuits. Budget camping tours cost from about USD 200 per person per day, though this often excludes international flights.
Popular camping packages include 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day tours covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Parks.
How to Choose the Best Tanzania Safari Packages
Tanzania is large and offers many options, so choosing the right package is important. Here are key steps:
- Decide what you want to see: First-time visitors often focus on the Big Five. If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti is the best choice.
- Know how you want to travel: Safaris can be done by road in 4×4 vehicles, by air, on foot with walking safaris, or by hot air balloon in Serengeti.
- Choose your level of independence: Group safaris are cheaper and give you a chance to meet new people. Private guided tours give you flexibility to plan your own itinerary. Self-drive safaris allow full independence but require more planning.
Serengeti Safari Tours
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park and the best place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration along with zebras, gazelles, lions, leopards, and other wildlife. It is also the oldest park in Tanzania and covers about 14,763 sq. km. The name “Serengeti” comes from a local word meaning “endless plains.”
Safaris in Serengeti are safe as long as you follow park rules. The length of your safari depends on your budget, your interest in wildlife, and whether you are traveling with children. A short safari can last 3–4 days, while those who want more time for deeper exploration may choose 5 days or longer.
When to Go on Serengeti Safari Tours
Serengeti safaris can be done any time of the year. However, the best time is during the dry season from July to October, which is ideal for game viewing and witnessing the wildebeest migration. The calving season on the southern side of Serengeti takes place between February and March, when many wildebeest give birth.
Apart from wildebeest, the Serengeti is home to impalas, waterbucks, elands, warthogs, mongooses, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species, including black eagles, ostriches, kori bustards, and secretary birds.
Our Serengeti safaris include budget tours, overland camping safaris, accommodated overland tours, luxury safaris, and other options, all focused on wildlife viewing. To enjoy your safari, pack properly and carry essentials such as a good camera, binoculars, comfortable clothes, safari shoes, bottled water, toiletries, and a first aid kit.
Ngorongoro Safari Tours
Ngorongoro safaris give you the chance to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see a wide range of wildlife. The crater is one of the largest unbroken volcanic calderas in the world and is home to about 25,000 large animals.
Visitors can see all of the Big Five: buffalo, leopard, rhino, lion, and elephant—as well as zebras, gazelles, elands, and many bird species.
Our Ngorongoro tours can be done as half-day or full-day game drives, with options for budget or luxury safaris. Besides game drives, activities may include walking tours, visits to Olduvai Gorge, and cultural visits to the Maasai community.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours
Kilimanjaro climbing tours offer a lifetime challenge to hikers. The trek takes you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, which rises from scrublands and acacia forests on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters and is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
There are several routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, each suited to different hikers:
- Machame Route: The most popular and preferred by many hikers. This 40 km trail passes through forests and moorlands up to the glaciated slopes of Kibo on the southern side.
- Rongai Route: Located on the northeastern side near the Kenya border. It is less crowded and offers better chances of spotting wildlife. Along the way, you may also see Chagga people going about their daily activities.
- Marangu Route: The most famous and the only route with huts for accommodation instead of camping. It is about 35 km long and passes through grasslands, alpine meadows, and cactus fields.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year. The best months are June to October and December to March, which are the dry seasons. Temperatures at the base average 22°C, while at the summit it can drop to around 7°C. Heavy rains often fall in April, May, and November, though weather patterns sometimes change.
Fitness & Altitude Sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging because of the high altitude. Most trekkers manage safe ascents and descents, but preparing in advance helps. It is advisable to train by hiking hills with a backpack before your trip.
How long does it take to Climb Kilimanjaro?
A minimum of 7 days is recommended to climb Kilimanjaro. Some people try to do it in fewer days, but this increases the risk of altitude sickness. Ideally, plan for 7–11 days to enjoy the experience and adjust to the altitude. Climbs start at about 2,000 meters and go up to 5,895 meters. Trails are well maintained, though some routes are steeper than others.
Book the Best Safari in Tanzania
Safaris in Tanzania are another great way to explore the country. We offer packages that combine top destinations. You can book a 9-day safari covering Tarangire, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and other parks, or choose a shorter 3-day safari in Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Luxury vs Budget Safari in Tanzania
Your choice of safari depends on your budget. Budget safaris may cost between USD 15–50 per person per night, with simple accommodation and shared vehicles. Luxury safaris usually include private cars, upmarket lodges, and cost between USD 110–500 per person per night on full board. Prices vary depending on location and services provided.
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