Tanzania - A land full of icons, with the names Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar immediately evoking images of exotic locations and abundant wildlife. A Tanzanian safari is an experience for all of the senses, and caters for every kind of traveller.
Tanzania is a country which was seemingly designed with the word "safari" in mind. There are enough national parks and different safari activities to keep travellers coming back year on year, with the added benefit of easily combining beautiful tropical beaches with the wildlife rich plains. A Tanzanian safari is a journey in the true sense of the word, with each itinerary feeling like an exploration out into the wilderness. Moving from park to park, either by road or air, the countryside offers something new at each stop. The plains of the Serengeti have become synonomous with an African safari, and by visiting the right areas and camps, you will be able to see the legendary wildebeest migration as it moves across the grasslands in constant search of fresh grazing and water. To the south of the country are the remote reserves of Selous and Ruaha, while in the west you can trek into the mountains to witness chimpanzees along the shores of the mystical Lake Tanganyika. |
The Wildebeest Migration
Often the highlight of a wildlife safari to Tanzania, the wildebeest migration has attained legendary status in the safari world.
Although not the be-all-and-end-all of a Tanzanian safari, it is always worth trying to get into the right spot in the Serengeti to include views of these migratory herds during your journey. This migration can be viewed at any time of year, and we can assist you with getting into the best locations. |
Serengeti National Park
One of the most famous national parks in the world, the Serengeti epitomises the endless golden plains of Africa.
Inside this 14 000 square kilometre wilderness you can witness a fierce concentration of lions, endless supply of herbivores, sleek sightings of cheetahs, and the iconic landscapes and sunsets for which Africa is famous. Without a doubt, the magical Serengeti is one of the parks which is always included on a Tanzanian safari. |
Ngorongoro Crater
There is no way that an extinct volcanic crater, housing thousands of animals, with lodges built right on the crater rim cannot be enticing! The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most fascinating and unique game viewing destinations in Africa.
There is a year round concentration of general wildlife, which offers regular sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, serval, zebra, wildebeest, and most excitingly, black rhino. Add to that the exceptional views from your lodge, and the Ngorongoro Crater provides you with a wonderful couple of days on your safari itinerary. |
Tarangire National Park
Although a fairly seasonal park, during the dry season Tarangire National Park can rival any park in Tanzania, and even Africa.
Having its own mini-migration, with animals moving in and out of the park depending on the rains, Tarangire offers golden plains, huge Baobab trees, some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, and excellent predator sightings, along with a vast array of general wildlife. |
Lake Manyara National Park
More of a scenic and bird watching park, Lake Manyara is an excellent stop-off point between the Serengeti and Arusha, and acts as the perfect introduction to a Tanzanian safari.
The views along the Great Rift Valley are breathtaking, and the colours and calls of the constant birdlife make the park a twitcher's paradise. Large game is present, with elephants and buffalo being regularly spotted, and the park is also famous for the elusive tree-climbing lions. Selous Game Reserve
Named after the legendary hunter and explorer Sir Frederick Selous, the Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest in the world, at over 50 000 square kilometers. Being on the less touristed southern circuit of Tanzania, the Selous allows you to get off the beaten path, and enjoy an active and exclusive safari.
With the Rufiji River delta flowing through the Selous and out into the Indian Ocean, the reserve offers activities on the river, including boat cruises and fishing trips, and another plus is that it is well located to take a short flight to one of Tanzania's tropical islands. |
Ruaha National Park
Also on the southern circuit, and even more remote than the Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park offers an amazing dry season destination. The land dries up completely, forcing animals to congregate in their numbers along the Ruaha River, which supports the entire region.
There are very few accommodation options in Ruaha, and you are guaranteed a get-away-from-it-all experience when flying into this park. With excellent wilddog sightings, and a ridiculous amount of lions, your game drives here are always very rewarding. |
Mahale Mountains National Park
After visiting Mahale Mountains, the word paradise will forever evoke memories of your days spent here. Trekking chimpanzees, fishing off sailing dhows, kayaking on the lake, or chilling out on the beach, your days will be full of activity and excitement.
In the far west of Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, with the Democratic Republic of Congo appearing above the water on the other side, Mahale Mountains will captivate you with its scenic beauty and incredible separation from the rest of the world. |
Katavi National Park
Also located in the remote western region, and great to combine with Mahale Mountains, Katavi National Park is 4 500 square kilometres of pure wild! Mostly accessible during the dry season, the rains turn Katavi into a wetland of marshes and rivers.
As the water dries, the land attracts high concentrations of wildlife, with enormous buffalo herds in particular, and all kinds of predators. |
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest peak in Africa, at 5 895 metres, Kilimanjaro's snow capped peak dominates the horizon from many miles away. While usually best seen from across the border in Kenya, climbing Kilimanjaro starts from near the town of Moshi, and requires a minimum of 6 days to attempt.
A Kili climb is a huge drawcard for many tourists, and is a great way to start or end your Tanzanian holiday, being easy to combine with either a wildlife safari or a relaxing stay on one of the tropical islands. |
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Islands
The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of over 50 islands, with Unguja and Pemba being the major 2. The main island, Unguja, is commonly referred to as Zanzibar. Mafia Island, further to the south, is not part of Zanzibar, but also offers a great holiday destination.
Each of the islands offers stunningly white beaches, green palm trees, a relaxed tropical island style vibe, and some excellent beach resorts. Pemba and Mafia are by far the less visited of the 3, and are great options for getting away from the tourist numbers which can be found on the main Zanzibar island, Unguja. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, swimming with dolphins, kite-surfing, these islands are a great place to finish off after the relative rigours of your Tanzanian wildlife safari. |
Lake Victoria
Although very seldom included on a Tanzanian itinerary, Lake Victoria lies just outside the Serengeti National Park, to the west, and can provide a beautiful excursion if time and costs allow.
As Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria is historically significant and is particularly important for being the source of the Nile River. |
Arusha
The city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania, and is also an international diplomatic hub. It is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks, and is within the close proximity of 3 among the 7 natural wonders of Africa . |