Tanzania Safari Holidays

Tanzania Safari at a glance

Best time to travel: For prime game viewing, visit during the dry season from July to October, or choose the January–February ‘short dry season’ for warmer weather and fewer crowds. Value seekers should consider April–May (green season).

Key safari circuits: The iconic Northern Circuit features the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, while the Southern Circuit (Nyerere and Ruaha) offers a remote, off-the-beaten-track experience.

Typical duration: While a minimum of three nights is recommended to immerse yourself in the bush, trips can range from short 3–5 day safaris to extended tailor-made holidays—stay “as long as you can spare”.

Budget range: Costs vary significantly by style and comfort, starting from £200–£300 per person per night and rising to up to ten times that amount for top-tier luxury.

Great Migration calendar: View the herds year-round: Southern calving (Jan–Mar), Western corridor movement (Apr–Jul), Northern river crossings (Aug–Sep), and the return South (Oct–Dec).

Zanzibar add-on: Easily combine a safari with beachside downtime on the mystical islands of Zanzibar or Pemba for relaxation on the Indian Ocean coast.

Unique activities: Beyond game drives, experience hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti, boat trips (Nyerere), walking safaris, and chimpanzee treks in Mahale.

Accommodation styles: Options range from mobile tented camps that follow the migration to permanent luxury lodges and treehouses.

Why choose a Tanzania Safari?

Why go game-viewing on a safari in Tanzania rather than elsewhere in Africa?

Well to start with, the country is home to a magnificent collection of vast protected areas – ranging from the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater in the north, to the more remote Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks, (formerly the Selous) down south.

Tanzania also has an unmatched wildlife density, and in addition to the celebrated Big Five - a collective group of animals consisting of elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard, so named as they were considered the most difficult animals to hunt on foot by big-game hunters, the destination also plays host to the Great Migration.

This annual movement of wildlife is the largest on the planet, and viewing it up close on a Tanzania safari sits right at the top of any travellers’ wishlist.

Tanzania is also the perfect destination for enjoying immersive safari experiences, which can range from traditional game drives in custom-built safari vehicles and guided walks through the African bush to boat trips along the numerous rivers and channels, and hot-air balloon rides over the vast plains.

Best safari parks in Tanzania

Tanzania plays host to some of the most famous, extraordinary, and also remotest National Parks and Game Reserves in Africa.

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's iconic Serengeti covers nearly 6,000 square miles of Northern Tanzania up to the border with Kenya's Masai Mara. The topography of the park is generally flat, characterised by huge open grassland plains where the herds of wildebeest graze during the annual Great Migration. The Migration is what draws most visitors on Serengeti National Park holidays and offers the chance to see herds of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest grazing and moving through the park as they search for fresh grasses.

Ballooning over the Serengeti is a truly magical experience and one we would recommend for all visitors. The early start means you can watch the sun rise over the plains and spot animals from the air before returning to terra firma for a delicious Champagne breakfast. The park offers superb year round game viewing, even at times when the migration isn't around, so do consider it out of migration season - the big cat sightings are especially good. Spend a few nights in one of the mobile tented camps that follow the migration route for a true wilderness experience and unforgettable Serengeti holiday.

Accommodation in the Serengeti is varied, comprising of permanent lodges such as Lemala Kuria Hills and Singita Sasakwa, which offer the very best in luxury accommodation. There are also a number of fixed tented camps, which give a really authentic safari experience without compromising on comfort. Good examples of these would be Serengeti Pioneer Camp or Serengeti Kusini. There are also a number of semi-permanent "mobile" camps which move 2 or 3 times a year to follow the migration. These are tented camps, but again, there is no compromise on luxury and they offer an excellent chance of seeing the migration no matter what time of year you visit them. Camps such as Olakira and Kimondo are great examples of these mobile camps.

Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the jewel in Tanzania’s crown; the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a haven to a wondrous array of animal life, which makes the crater a "must do" on any visit to Tanzania. On an Ngorongoro Crater safari, the backdrop of the crater walls makes for some stunning photographic opportunities, as you see the animals wander through the grasslands on the crater floor towards Lake Magadi.

The crater can be accessed from lodges perched on its rim or from the town of Karatu, where some slightly better value accommodation options can be found. Naturally, the crater is an alluring destination all year round, so when it comes to choosing accommodation, location is everything. With this in mind, we love Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp, located right by the Lemala access road, meaning you are down on the crater floor long before other vehicles so you can enjoy some quiet time before it gets very busy. If you are looking to really treat yourselves to one of Africa's leading lodges, then & Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge can't be beaten for opulence and comfort.

The access to the crater means that even from the lodges on the crater rim, a trip here tends to be a full day or half-day excursion (depending on where you’re staying) and you can take a picnic lunch along with you. There are some lovely picnic spots on the crater floor, where you can find wonderful spots to sit back and have a break to enjoy the stunning views. With this in mind, you will need to stay a minimum of two nights in this area to be able to enjoy a trip down into the crater. 

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is located to the south of Arusha and is often missed by visitors enjoying Tanzania's Northern Circuit which is a real shame as the park offers fantastic game viewing, especially from July to October. However, the fact it is less celebrated means that you can enjoy this wonderful park without the high visitor numbers that you get in Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.

Accommodation is varied here, with tented camps, traditional lodges and our favourite, the unique Tarangire Treetops, which, as the name suggests, is elevated up in the tree canopy overlooking the park and offering a superb spot for some ad hoc afternoon game viewing. Oliver's Camp offers a wonderfully traditional safari experience and is a real throwback to tented camps of yesteryear, whilst the beautiful Chem Chem and Little Chem Chem are ideally located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara and allow visitors to explore both parks from one base.

The main drawcard of Tarangire is its famed elephant migration and, whilst the park can very much be regarded as a year-round destination, it is best visited between July and October when the dry conditions result in animals congregating around the Tarangire River making for some extraordinary sightings. Leopard and cheetah sightings can be very good here, although like all cats they can be elusive.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara and the Manyara National Park sit at the western end of the Great Rift Valley and form part of Tanzania's renowned Northern Circuit with the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. It is one of Tanzania's most scenic parks, dominated by the shimmering lake, but also featuring open grassland areas and Acacia forests.  Inside the park itself, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the leading option, offering stunning rooms and the superb guides, food and service. The more modest Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge should not be discounted though, even though it is slightly larger it has a superb location within the park and boasts what we feel is the most beautifully located swimming pool in Tanzania, perhaps in all of Africa.

The park offers a high density of big game, including Manyara's famed tree-climbing lions which can often be seen up in the Sausage Trees around the park. There are plenty of elephants here, as well as buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. The lake itself is known for boasting large flocks of flamingos and the contrast of their pink against the shimmering blue waters of the lake makes for some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Nyerere National Park 

As Africa's largest game reserve, Nyerere National Park is the cornerstone of Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit. This vast, wild area is gaining popularity among seasoned safari-goers seeking a more exclusive experience away from the crowds of the north. With fewer lodges and visitors, Nyerere offers a genuine feeling of "getting away from it all" in the African bush.

What sets Nyerere apart is the extraordinary variety of safari activities available. Beyond traditional game drives, visitors can enjoy boat safaris along the Rufiji River—perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles and birdlife—as well as guided walking safaris. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with opportunities to see large prides of lions, leopards, buffalos, and thriving populations of wild dogs.

Despite its remote nature, accommodation here rivals the best in Tanzania. Beho Beho is a standout option, offering wonderfully spacious, open-fronted rooms, a lovely swimming pool area, and fantastic views from its hillside location. For a more traditional safari feel, Siwandu features a large thatched-roof lounge that provides the perfect setting for afternoon relaxation.

Ruaha National Park

Known for its rugged beauty and isolation, Ruaha National Park is a key destination for those looking to explore Tanzania’s wilder side. The limited number of flights into the park ensures visitor numbers remain low, guaranteeing an intimate and private safari experience that feels worlds away from the busier northern parks.

Ruaha is famous for its intense predator action, boasting large prides of lions and significant populations of hyenas, as well as leopards and cheetahs. It is also an excellent destination for immersive activities, particularly extended walking safaris and fly-camping expeditions, which allow you to sleep out in the wild under the stars.

Accommodation in Ruaha is limited but luxurious. Jongomero offers one of the premier safari experiences in the park, operating its own walking and fly-camping safaris. This allows guests to explore the remote wilderness on foot before setting up camp for the evening and enjoying a private dinner under the vast African sky.

Mahale Mountains National Park

This small and remote National Park is found in the very west of Tanzania and on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Access is provided by light aircraft flights to the area and then you need to take a boat trip across the lake to reach the park. The journey is however well worth it and incredibly rewarding as you get to explore one of Africa's most unique parks with just a handful of other visitors. The main attraction here are the treks to see the chimpanzees in the forest but there is a range of other activities for you to enjoy as well. Walks in the forest are enjoyable in their own right and those feeling brave can swim in the ice cold pools found on the mountainsides. Kayaking on the lake is a great way to start a day and dhow trips for sundowner drinks are great fun as well. A remarkable destination - completely unique and unlike anywhere else you will experience on your Tanzania safari.

Accommodation here is relatively limited but that doesn't mean it isn't spectacular. Greystoke Mahale can, in our opinion, rightly stake a claim to be the most extraordinary camp in Africa. Beautifully appointed on the white sand beach on the shore of Lake Tanganyika you enjoy stunning views out across the shimmering lake - an incredible sight at any time of day.

Katavi National Park

A wonderfully remote National Park, with few lodges and few visitors, but that is what makes it such a special place and destination for true safari enthusiasts. It is found in the west of Tanzania and really offers a throwback to the early era of safaris when safari-goers had a feeling of total isolation, peace and tranquillity. The game viewing here is amazing, comparable in numbers and variety of animals to the Ngorongoro Crater but with just 1% of the visitors and vehicles.

The isolated nature of the park means that accommodation is limited, but the traditional tented camp Chada Katavi is a fantastic option and a really lovely camp.

Game drives and walks are the order of the day in Katavi and the game viewing here is extraordinary. Lion hunting buffalo is one of the unique features of Katavi and hippo can be found in pods of up to 600. Large numbers of elephants can be seen, as well as giraffes, topis and leopards, and you might even be lucky enough to spot a wild dog.

Tanzania safari itineraries and circuits

• Northern Circuit: The classic route visiting Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
• Southern Circuit: The wilder option visiting Nyerere and Ruaha.
• Bush & Beach: Combine a dusty safari with the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.

Where to go and for long are key questions when planning a Tanzania safari. Do you just want a quick 3-5 day safari in the Serengeti, or a longer trip on a Northern Circuit safari? Do the more remote Game Reserves of southern Tanzania appeal to you, or perhaps you want to combine your safari with Mount Kilimanjaro or a Zanzibar extension?

The minimum recommended safari stay would ideally be three nights, which will allow you to get fully immersed in the ways of the African bush, although those short on time could join a day safari starting from Arusha and visiting Lake Manyara.

Holidays to Tanzania offer an unmatched mix of wildlife, scenery, culture and coastline, and because Africa Travel are able to tailor-make any safari tour itinerary, you can visit where you like, for however long you like.

Best time to visit Tanzania for safari (dry season vs green season)

For the best game-viewing on your Tanzania safari, try to travel between July and October. This is the dry season when the weather will be perfect, the vegetation low, (which equals prime wildlife visibility), and the wildlife will be on show, particularly in the Serengeti when the Great Migration will be in full swing. This will mean bigger crowds and higher prices, so perhaps also consider visiting in January or February, the ‘short dry season’, which means warmer temperatures and fewer crowds.

The ‘short rains’ come in November, but afterwards the lush scenery is home to excellent birding, and the birth of numerous young animals. The best value season to travel is in April and May when the ‘main rains’ arrive – which brings daily downpours but lower prices and fewer visitors. Just note that accessibility to some areas and safari lodges can be an issue during this period.

Safari accommodation: Lodges, Luxury Tents

Tanzania has a wonderful selection of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. There are traditional mid-range safari lodges, with air-conditioning, electricity & WiFi, and luxury tented camps, with rolltop bathtubs, wine cellars & Persian rugs. These permanent properties contrast with those that are mobile and which can be packed up, and moved to follow the animal action, leaving no trace behind.

Tented fly-camps also allow the safari aficionado on a budget to perhaps relive their childhood and really get back to basics. For something a little more luxurious and unique there is treehouse accommodation set amidst the bows of an ancient tree, or a sleep-out platform, where the beds are wheeled out under the night sky so that you can spend a night under the stars.

Whichever safari lodge, tented camp, or hotel you choose, and whatever your budget - be it luxury, mid-range or value, you can be guaranteed comfort, wonderful views and, with a great location, often right inside a National Park or Game Reserve, access to some of Africa’s finest wildlife. 

Great Migration in Tanzania: Where to go by month

Safari holidays in Tanzania provide some of the greatest game viewing experiences in Africa with the wildlife here considered by many to be the best. It is particularly spectacular during the Great Migration. Being a natural phenomenon, the pattern of the Great Migration and where the herds will be at a particular time of year is difficult to predict but timing really does matter with the Serengeti’s seasonal movements.

Broadly speaking, between January and March they are in the Southern part of the Serengeti before moving North through April and May, although as this is the long rainy season many camps are closed. June and July sees many of the herds split up, with some heading through the Seronera region of the Central Serengeti and others heading up through the Western Corridor and Grumeti Reserves. August and September tend to be the most popular months to see the migration in the Northern Serengeti, (and also in Kenya’s Masai Mara), and this is when the iconic river crossings can be seen on game drives. October and November see the herds move through the Eastern part of the reserve before heading back towards the Southern area for December when the cycle starts all over again.

Naturally all this is driven by the rains and availability of fresh grasses for the herds, but it is a good overview of when and where to see the Great Migration, one of the safari world’s greatest and most popular wildlife experiences. The fact that this is an annual cycle means that the Serengeti serves as a year-round safari destination and Africa Travel can recommend the best camps from which to see the Migration, depending on the time of year that you are visiting. 

Private safaris with local guides

Maximise your Tanzania safari by booking a private adventure with your own dedicated driver-guide. Africa Travel have decades of experience and contacts with the very best local guides and trusted operators, and all of the private guides we use are reviewed regularly. We only work with those we know and trust to deliver world-class safari experiences.

Having your very own expert private guide will allow your safari to be highly personalised, with a tailored itinerary and custom routes; wake when you wish, depart when you want, go where you like, and stay out on safari for as long as you please.

Your dedicated guide will know the terrain, eco-system, customs and wildlife, and can make such a difference to a safari experience. They will know where to look and when, and will customise a guests’ safari itinerary to maximise their game-viewing opportunities. Enjoy your Great Migration experience as privately as possible, with just your party and no one else on your game drives – surely the best way to savour such a popular trip.

Tanzania safari costs & budget ranges

How much you spend on your Tanzania safari is dependent upon many factors – what time of year are you travelling, how long do you want to be on safari for, which parks would you like to visit, how luxurious do you like things to be, and would you prefer to have your own guide or vehicle? However much you spend though, nothing will really beat a Tanzania safari, and booking with Africa Travel will ensure transparency with no hidden costs.

What to expect on a Tanzania safari

Beyond unforgettable wildlife encounters, expert safari guides and astonishing vistas, just what can you expect when taking a Tanzanian safari?

In the majority of safari properties, regardless of whether your stay is luxury, mid-range or budget, you will be booked on a full board basis, which means that you will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also included will be twice-daily game drives, which will allow you to enjoy an early-morning safari, normally heading off in the early hours before breakfast, and then a late-afternoon safari as the sun slowly disappears. The middle part of the day can be filled in many ways – perhaps on an escorted bush walk if they are offered, with a massage in the safari camp’s spa, relaxing by the lodge’s swimming pool with a good book, or simply catching up on the sleep lost by your early start. Pre-dinner can mean sundowner drinks and chats around the campsite, with a night safari after dinner often completing a memorable day in the bush.

Plan your Safari in Tanzania

To plan and book your Tanzania safari, talk to a specialist at Africa Travel and get your quote today. With almost 40 years’ experience in creating tailor-made safaris and holidays to Africa and Tanzania, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable trip to Africa than Africa Travel.

We are able to advise on the finest wildlife destinations in Tanzania to visit and the best time of year to travel, and we have the widest range of safari accommodation to suit all budgets and costs. All of our staff have travelled extensively and you can trust that our personal recommendations will create an itinerary tailor-made specifically for you and deliver the Tanzania safari that you have always dreamed of. Whether you want to go on safari in Northern Tanzania, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, visit an indigenous tribe, or head to the beaches of Zanzibar, to book speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk 

FAQ

Is Tanzania good for safari?

Absolutely – Tanzania is one of the finest game-viewing destinations anywhere in the world.

What is the best safari in Tanzania?

The million dollar question as the answer depends on so many factors – when you wish to travel, for how long, where, how much you are able to spend – but whatever you choose, be assured your Tanzania safari will be unforgettable

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

A safari in Tanzania can cost anything from £200-300 per person per night, right up-to ten times this amount – it all really depends in what style and level of comfort you would like your safari to be.

How many days do you need for a Tanzania safari?

The recommended minimum stay would ideally be 3 days. At Africa Travel, we always reply ‘however long you can spare, or afford!’

Is the Serengeti better than Ngorongoro?

Both are exceptional safari destinations.

It all depends on what you would like to see. The Serengeti is rightly famous for big cats and for being home to the Migration, but the unique cauldron-like caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the true natural wonders of the world. 

When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The exact movements of the herds in the Great Migration are difficult to predict but between January and March they are in the Southern part of the Serengeti before they move North through April and May. June and July sees many of the herds split up, with some heading through the Seronera region of the Central Serengeti and others heading up through the Western Corridor and Grumeti Reserves. August and September tend to be the most popular months to see the migration in the Northern Serengeti, and in October and November the herds move through the Eastern part of the reserve before heading back towards the Southern area for December when the cycle starts all over again.

When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?

Kenya can be visited year-round, with the exception of during April & May when the main rains arrive

Is a private safari in Tanzania worth it?

Undoubtedly yes. If you book a private Tanzania safari then your dedicated guide will know the terrain, eco-system, customs and wildlife, and can make such a difference to a safari experience. They will know where to look and when, and will customise a guests’ safari itinerary to maximise their game-viewing opportunities.

What animals will I see on a Tanzania safari?

You can expect to see a very wide range of animals – from the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard), and well-known animals such as elephants, rhinos & giraffe, and lesser-known oryx, ostrich & wild dogs. A Tanzania safari offers everything from aardvarks to zebras.

What is the Northern Circuit in Tanzania?

The Northern Circuit normally refers to a safari which includes visits to the Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, but it can also include the Tarangire National Park.

Is Tanzania safe for safari travel?

Yes – Tanzania is a very safe country to visit for your safari, but always exercise common sense when in city areas.

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania can be visited year-round, but be aware that the main wet season is during April & May when access and game viewing opportunities may be limited.

Can you combine safari and beach in Tanzania?

Of course – what better way to finish a Tanzania safari holiday than with some relaxation on the Indian Ocean coast. The islands of Zanzibar & Pemba are both unique destinations, which offer so much more than just glorious beaches.

Africa Travel can tailor-make any itinerary within Tanzania, so you can easily combine the bush with the beach.

What defines a high-quality safari in Tanzania?

A high-quality Tanzania safari combines expert guiding, exclusive access to wildlife, and seamless logistics. It’s about waking up early for a private game drive as the sun rises, enjoying bush breakfasts in the wild, and returning to a comfortable lodge for downtime before an afternoon safari and sundowner drinks.

Crucially, the experience is defined by your guide. A knowledgeable private guide will customise your game viewing, take you away from the crowds, and reveal the bush’s secrets. At Africa Travel, we design itineraries that go beyond ticking off parks—whether that means booking private vehicles, recommending hidden gems in the Southern Circuit, or securing the best rooms in the Serengeti. Trusting a specialist ensures your trip is effortless and truly unforgettable.