Ultimate Tanzania Safaris & Tours | African Safari Vacations
Tanzania Safaris and tours offer superb game viewing opportunities with large numbers of wildlife including lots of big cats, herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle that migrate across the grasslands every year with dramatic river crossings along the path of this Great Migration.
Tanzania offers a wide range of safaris for both first timers and seasoned safari goers and is one of Africa’s biggest safari experiences with fantastic parks and reserves like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater plus the allure of Zanzibar. While on your Tanzania Safari tour, you may also choose to hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain or even visit the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar for an infusion of aromas and architecture in the historic Stone Town.
Where to go For Tanzania Safaris
Tanzania’s northern safari circuit which is made up of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks has the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa sustained by reliable water sources and fertile volcanic soil making it the obvious place to go to on your first African Safari tour or even a return Tanzania Safari tour. Below is a breakdown of the major Northern Circuit parks you may visit for an epic Tanzania Safari
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti national park is one of the most famous national parks in the world and a must-visit destination in Tanzania for safari enthusiasts. Throughout the year, Central and Western Serengeti are known for large resident lion prides, East African antelope species like topi and Thomson’s gazelle and big herds of Wildebeest, buffalo and elephants. The eastern Serengeti is a big cat territory known for incredible leopard, cheetah and lion sightings and the North Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration Mara River Crossing characterized by large concentration of predators.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro crater is part of the Ngorongoro conservation area and is another safari destination to add to your list for a Tanzania safari. The largest intact volcanic caldera in the world is found in the Ngorongoro conservation area and hosts an astonishing array of wildlife including the big five. Visitors can spot lions, elephants, black rhino, buffalos and other wildlife species during tours in Ngorongoro. The crater’s unique topography creates a stunning backdrop for game drives and offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography.
Mount Kilimanjaro
For adventure seekers, Tanzania offers the opportunity to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest mountain in Africa at an altitude of 5895 meters. Hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging but rewarding experience that attracts climbers from all over the world. Different routes are used to climb to the summit of the mountain and they include Lemosho route, Marangu route, Machame route and also the Umbwe route. The journey to the summit takes climbers through diverse climatic zones, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. The park’s iconic baobab trees dotting the landscape create a picturesque setting for game drives. Visitors can also witness the movement of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, bush bucks and other wildlife species towards the Tarangire River providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions and incredible birding, including seasonal flocks of flamingoes.
When to go on a Tanzanian safari
The dry months of June, July through to October are the best time to go on a Tanzania Safari and explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks for concentrations of animals around water sources.
The annual migration is not confined to one season but a perpetual cycle of movement that includes the famous high-season river crossings in the northern Serengeti from July to October. The herds move far south to the short, grassy plains for the calving season in the Months of December through to March and then head to central and Western Serengeti from April to June for the rutting season before finally moving north again to complete the circle. The summer calving season offers more intense predator activity than the treacherous river crossings in the north.
The days are hot during the so-called green season which starts from November to March it is a good time for photography and with less crowds.
Activities to do during Tanzania safaris
Tanzania safaris offer a wide range of activities for visitors with different interests and preferences and they include the following;
Game Drives
Game drives which can be done in the morning, afternoon or in the night are the most popular activity during Tanzania safaris. These guided drives take you through the national parks and game reserves, allowing visitors to witness the incredible diversity of wildlife in their natural habitats.
During Tanzania safaris, visitors can spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinos), as well as other animals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, cheetahs, and various antelope species.
The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly renowned for their abundant wildlife.
Walking Safaris
For a more intimate and immersive experience, walking safaris are an excellent option during Tanzania safaris.
The walking safaris are accompanied by experienced guides, and visitors can explore the wilderness of Tanzania on foot and learn about the smaller creatures and plants that often go unnoticed during game drives. Off the beaten path experiences are also offered during these safaris.
Walking safaris provide an opportunity to appreciate the smallest details of nature and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem around Tanzania.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. Floating above the plains at sunrise or sunset, you can enjoy breathtaking views while spotting animals from a bird’s-eye view.
This hot air balloon experience allows visitors to appreciate the vastness of the savannah and capture stunning photographs and to also see the various wildlife species.
Cultural Visits
Tanzania is home to diverse ethnic groups with rich cultural traditions. Engaging in cultural visits provides an opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about their customs, music, dance, and traditional crafts and also try out their food.
You can visit Maasai villages in Tanzania to witness their distinctive way of life or explore historical sites such as Stone Town in Zanzibar, which showcases a blend of African, Arab, and European influences during cultural tours.
Bird watching
Tanzania is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 1,000 bird species recorded within its borders. From the flamingos of Lake Manyara to the endemic species of the Eastern Arc Mountains, there are many places to observe and photograph a wide variety of birds.
The best time for bird watching is during the wet season when migratory birds arrive in large numbers in Tanzania.
Hiking and Trekking
Tanzania is renowned for its iconic mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and Mount Meru.
Hiking and trekking enthusiasts can embark on challenging expeditions to reach these summits when visiting Tanzania which can be done anytime of the year although the dry seasons are preferred.
These hiking adventures offer breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and a sense of accomplishment.
Beach Relaxation
After an exhilarating safari experience, many travelers opt to unwind on Tanzania’s stunning coastline.
Tanzania boasts of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters along the Indian Ocean. Popular beach destinations include Zanzibar island, Pemba Island, and Mafia Island, where you can indulge in water sports, snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins, dhow cruises or simply bask in the sun.
Photography Safaris
Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife provide endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, capturing the beauty of the Serengeti’s golden plains or the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro can be a rewarding experience.
Canoeing and Boat Safaris
Exploring Tanzania’s lakes and rivers by canoe or boat allows you to observe wildlife from a different perspective while on safari.
Visitors can navigate through the Lakes or rivers of destinations such as Selous Game Reserve or Lake Manyara National Park while spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species during the boat safaris in Tanzania.
Cost of Tanzania safaris
There are different costs associated with Tanzania safaris including transport costs, accommodation costs, park fees, activity fees, tips and gratuities among others.
However, the cost of Tanzania safaris can vary depending on various factors such as the type of safari, the duration of the trip, and the number of people going for the safari, type of accommodation, season of travel among others.
Safaris can cost from 100 USD per day or more depending on the various factors which influence the safari prices.
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