
Tanzania wildlife safaris/wildlife safaris in Tanzania take you to the best Tanzania wildlife safari destinations for a thrilling experience to enjoy the true African wilderness wildlife safari in Tanzania.
The national parks in this country have a huge concentration of animals and birdlife, stunning scenery, sweeping game-covered plains, and fascinating tribal people.
The Northern Tanzania safari areas on the northern circuit are taken to be the country’s wildlife snow piece during Tanzania wildlife safaris as they range from the Great Rift Valley that forms a magnificent backdrop to wildlife reserves like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Ngorongoro Crater.
Still here is the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro one of Africa’s highest Mountains and Lake Manyara National Park known for having tree climbing Lions, Tarangire National Park with large herds of Elephants all offer great wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
Many come on a wildlife safari in Tanzania to witness the great wildebeest migration when thousands of Wildebeests cross from the Masai Mara of Kenya to Serengeti National Park. Expect to see all the Big Five – Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Cape buffalo, and Leopards on a wildlife safari in Tanzania.
You can get sightings of the Wild dog on wildlife safaris in Tanzania in Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania which combines with the hotter and drier Ruaha National Park.
In western Tanzania between the Mahale Mountains National Park and Lake Tanganyika, lives one of Africa’s largest populations of wild Chimpanzees that give a remarkable wildlife tour.
Visitors can always conclude their Tanzania wildlife safaris with a visit to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar an exotic island in the Indian Ocean after exploring the towns of Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania wildlife safaris give the best ultimate African safari memories!
Our recommended places for wildlife safaris in Tanzania
There are many wildlife trip sites and a beautiful tropical coastline in Tanzania. Apart from the great migration in Serengeti, there are also other destinations within the 3 regions of the country.
These are the northern circuit, western Tanzania, and the southern circuit (southern Tanzania).
Below are some of the top places for wildlife safaris in Tanzania;
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is the best in East Africa for Tanzania wildlife safaris because of its rich wildlife. This park covers 14763 km2 of land in northern Tanzania on the northern circuit.
Serengeti National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981 because it has a large population of animals and is the largest wildebeest migration. This is when over 1 million Wildebeests move from Serengeti and cross the Mara River to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya making it epic for wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
This park offers game drives and hot air balloon safaris during Tanzania wildlife safaris so that you get clear sightings of wild animals like large herds of Elephants, Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Impala, Hyenas, Eland, Gazelle, Ostriches, and Wild dogs.
Serengeti National Park also has many bird species including migratory birds that you see during your Tanzania tours.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park has several popular national parks located in the northernmost part of Tanzania south of Lake Manyara on the southern circuit. Those on Tanzania wildlife safaris can enjoy sightings of the large herds of Elephants, Wild dogs, Zebras, Cape buffalo, Wildebeest, and many wild cats.
Tarangire National Park has its roots in the Tarangire River, an inland waterway that runs through the park and provides refuge for a diverse fauna, especially during the dry seasons. Many animals gather on the Tarangire River making sightings easy.
This park has amazing vegetation types like savannah, mixed woodland, acacia, and baobab trees.
This park also has many unique bird species that you can spot especially during game drives on Tanzania wildlife safaris.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This is part of the Serengeti ecosystem on the northern circuit that should be on every traveler’s Tanzania wildlife safari holiday package since it has amazing wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been designated as a cultural reserve. Many local communities like the semi-nomadic Maasai live in the Ngorongoro Crater with the wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is ideal for game viewing while on Tanzania wildlife safaris. You get the opportunity to see sightings of Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, Leopards, Elephants, and many endemic species of birds.
If lucky, you can also get sightings of the Wild dog during guided nature walks on Tanzania safari tours in the Ngorongoro Crater. For the best wildlife tour, you need to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of the most visited national parks on the north eastern coast of Tanzania. This park harbors attractions like the alkaline Momella lakes, montane forests, acacia trees, baobab trees, lush rainforest, and savannah.
The bird species in Arusha National Park are amazing as some are endemic species. This park also offers guided nature walks on wildlife safaris in Tanzania and Mountain climbing as you get to hike Mountain Meru second highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania wildlife safaris are epic in Arusha National Park as you get sightings of many animals and bird species.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is the smallest protected area on the northern circuit at the base of the Great Rift Valley along the road to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This park is also known for having tree climbing Lions and it offers the best walking safaris and fly camping during wildlife safaris in Tanzania for sightings of the endangered Black Rhino. You can also enjoy day game drives to see the tree climbing Lions, nature walks, and canoeing on Lake Manyara a shallow alkaline lake.
Lake Manyara National Park also offers the best bird watching during Tanzania wildlife safaris since it has several bird species including endemic species.
Selous Game Reserve
This is the biggest and oldest protected area located in the southeastern part of Tanzania. Selous Reserve has amazing vegetation ranging from Miombo woodland, shrubs, savannah wooded grasslands, and baobab trees.
It has amazing wildlife and it should be on your wildlife tour holiday package as you can enjoy game drives, birdwatching since it has amazing bird species, and nature walks on Tanzania tours.
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest protected area located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range in the western part of Dar es Salaam. Tourists on a Tanzania wildlife safari can embark on walking safaris to spot Elephants, Wild dogs, wild cats, predatory animals, and many bird species ideal for bird watching.
Mahale Mountains National Park
This park is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the southern part of Kigoma town. Mahale Mountains Park is home to various attractions that you can see during your Tanzania wildlife safari including primates like Chimpanzees, other animals like Zebras, elephants, wild cats, and many bird species.
It borders Lake Tanganyika which is the second largest and deepest freshwater lake in the world.
Some of the amazing activities to enjoy during Tanzania wildlife safaris while in this park includes bird watching where to different bird species including forest, water, and migratory birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro NP is situated near Moshi city in northern Tanzania on the northern circuit, south of the Kenya border. This park harbors the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa.
It offers the best mountain climbing activity during Tanzania wildlife safaris and you get sightings of bird species and many other animals like Elephants, Elands, Bushbucks, Hyenas, and wild cats.
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is the third largest protected area located in the remote area of the southwestern part of Tanzania along the great Right Valley escarpment. This park harbors unique animals like Giraffes, Elephants, waterbucks, and predatory animals like Jackals, Leopards, Lions, and many bird species.
Tourists on a wildlife tour can enjoy drives, bird watching, fly camping, and nature walks while in this park.
Ruaha National Park
This is the second largest park located in the center of Tanzania and it harbors amazing wildlife like Hippos, Buffaloes, Zebras, Greater Kudus, wild cats, predatory animals, and bird species.
Tanzania wildlife safaris are epic in this park when you go for nature walks and bird watching.
Lake Eyasi
A Tanzania wildlife safari becomes complete when you visit Lake Eyasi. It is an important stop to learn about the local traditions, customs, and culture of the Hadzabe tribe who have been living on the shores of Lake Eyasi for a long time.
When you visit Lake Eyasi during the wildlife trip, you can as well embark on a hunting trip with the locals. This lake is also blessed with colorful bird species.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination and choosing when to visit Tanzania depends on the season and what sort of wildlife you wish to see. It may be the Wildebeest migration, Chimpanzees, or game viewing.
The best time to witness the annual animal migration in the Serengeti ecosystem on wildlife safaris in Tanzania is during the rains as these animals follow the rains. They move with other animals and cross the Masai River to the Masai Mara Reserve of Kenya.
The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. When you go to Tarangire, you get to see many animals and bird species in this park on wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
Best Time for Tanzania Wildlife Safari
The best time for a Tanzania wildlife safari is in the dry season which is from June to October and December to January. In the dry season, little or no rainfall is expected in the national parks and you can view the great Wildebeest migration.
Wildebeest calving takes place between December and March. Both take place in the Serengeti ecosystem.
You can also visit the remote parks in the wet season as it is the best time for bird watching as you will be able to view migratory bird species. You can visit Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Parks at any time of the year during wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
Good Time to Visit Tanzania Wildlife Safari Parks
Wildlife parks in Tanzania are good to visit all year round as you can visit the Ngorongoro Crater Area. Tourists can visit Serengeti from June to October, November, and February to May are the best months to visit.
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is from July to October. Also, the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is from June through October and from November to March during wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
Tanzania safaris can be combined with famous remote parks in Tanzania, and you can choose the best wildlife safari in Tanzania that suits you.
Tanzania Wildlife Safari Seasons
There are two Tanzania wildlife safari seasons. That is to say, the dry season and the wet season.
Dry season: June to October
July to mid-September is a good time for viewing the wildebeest migration as the wildebeest cross the Mara River in northern Serengeti. Other animals are easy to see congregate around waterholes making easy sightings during wildlife safaris in Tanzania.
The dry season is also best for game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Parks.
Wet season: November through May
This is the calving season in Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater as it happens around January to March. It is also a fantastic season to see predatory animals in action.
On a wildlife safari in Tanzania, you can enjoy wildlife watching on the northern circuit at any time of the year. This is also a great season for bird watching as there are many migratory birds.
Discover the Best Safaris and Luxury Accommodation in Tanzania/Safari Lodges
During Tanzania wildlife safaris, there is no need to worry about where you will stay, as Tanzania offers the best exclusive lodges with a tranquil environment with fresh air.
Luxury Accommodation in Tanzania
- Sasakwa Lodge
- Mwiba Lodge in southern Serengeti
- Faru Faru Lodge
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- The Highlands
Midrange Accommodation in Tanzania
- Ang’ata camps
- Zawadi camps
- Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge
- Maasai Land Safari Lodge
Budget Accommodation in Tanzania
- Africa Maasai Boma
- Nyikita Lodge
- Whistling Thorn Comfortable Tented Camp,
- Serengeti sound of Silence
Cost of Safari in Tanzania
The cost of a Tanzanian safari depends on a lot of factors like the season you are visiting, accommodation, group size, activities, etc.
Below is an estimation of a safari cost in Tanzania based on the seasons and per person basis and it is also per day basis;
Season | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
Rainy Seasons (April to May) | $200 – $300 | $ 400 – $600 | $800 – $1000 |
Shoulder season (January to March, June & October) | $400 – $500 | $550 – $ 700 | $800 – $1000 |
Peak Season (July To September or October) | $ 450 – $570 | $600 – $900 | $1000 – $1500 |
Best Tanzania Safaris & Tours
These Tanzanian safaris give you the best wildlife tour experiences and can be further tailored to meet your needs, budget, and timeframe. They take you to the best game parks and other touristic destinations.
Below are the best Tanzanian safaris.
14 days / 13 nights
8-day and 7-night stays
Wildlife Safaris Elsewhere in Africa
For an outstanding African safari tour, you can combine wildlife tours of different countries to get the best experience.
Wildlife tours are also amazing in;
· Botswana · Kenya · Mozambique · Namibia · Rwanda | · South Africa · Zambia · Zimbabwe · Uganda |
Tanzania FAQs
What Is the Best Time of Year for Tanzania Safari?
Safari in Tanzania trips are good all year round though the best time is the dry season as you can enjoy game viewing especially in the northern circuit destinations especially Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. The dry season is from July to mid-September, and you can also witness the wildebeest migration during this time.
You can experience the best wildlife safari in Tanzania in the dry season as all the tracks are dry and give you easy accessibility. You can also explore the white sand beaches of the exotic Island of Zanzibar on the Indian Ocean.
Is Safari Better in Kenya or Tanzania?
There is no doubt that both destinations offer enchanting African safaris. For a better experience, you need to visit both destinations though there are a few comparisons that we can at least point out.
- Safaris are relatively cheaper in Kenya than in Tanzania.
- There is no doubt that Tanzania has more wildlife.
- Tanzania has a longer wildebeest migration window and a calving season than Kenya.
- Tanzania has more game parks and reserves than Kenya all with amazing animals and bird species.
In summary, both countries will give you unforgettable experiences during your safari trips but Tanzania stands out to be more rewarding than Kenya.
How much is a 1-week safari in Tanzania?
A week safari in Tanzania including the Wildebeest migration safari ranges from $2615 per person and beyond.
Where to See Wildlife Species in Africa?
Tourists can see wildlife species like predatory animals, herbivores, and bird species in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, and Rwanda.
What Animals Do You See on Tanzania Safari?
When on a Tanzania wildlife safari, you can see the Big Five animals – Cape buffalo, Black Rhinoceros, Elephant, Leopard, and Lion. You will also see other animals like the Gazelle, Giraffe, Hyena, Wildebeest, Wild dog, Warthogs, etc.
What is the Most Famous Safari Park in Tanzania?
Serengeti National Park is the most famous safari park offering the best wildlife safaris in Tanzania on the northern circuit. It is known for having the great Wildebeest migration in northern Serengeti and the calving season in southern Serengeti.
It also has the Big Five animals that you can see on Tanzania tours with many bird species ideal for bird watching. There are other parks like Arusha, Gombe, Mikumi, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks.
Is Safari Worth It in Tanzania?
Yes, a safari in Tanzania is worth it as you get to enjoy great wildlife tours with no limitations. You can visit Serengeti, one of the best national parks in the world, and witness the Wildebeest migration in northern Serengeti.
Still, on Tanzania wildlife safaris, you get to visit Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Gombe, and Lake Manyara National Parks. You can enjoy bird watching since there are many bird species and game drives for the best wildlife tour.
Also, Tanzania safaris take you to the exotic island of Zanzibar on the Indian Ocean to enjoy the beaches. You can also tour Dar es Salaam one of the busiest cities in the country.
Can I See the Big 5 In Tanzania?
Yes, you can see the Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape buffalo during your Tanzania wildlife safaris. They can be seen in Tanzania’s best game areas though the endangered Black Rhino is best spotted in the Ngorongoro Crater.
When Is the Best Time to See the Great Migration?
The Great Wildebeest migration in Serengeti is best in April and May as you can witness thousands of Wildebeests and Zebras in the northern Serengeti crossing the Mara River to Kenya.
What Can I combine Tanzania with?
You can combine Tanzania with Kenya or either Uganda or Rwanda to trek Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. You can also explore the white sand beaches of Zanzibar on the Indian Ocean to end a Tanzanian safari.
What Is the Best Thing to Do in Tanzania?
Wildlife safaris in Tanzania are a must-do in this country as it has one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. You can witness thousands of Wildebeests and Zebras in their natural habitat in Serengeti during game viewing and see several bird species during bird watching.
How do I get to Tanzania?
You can fly to the country using KLM, Turkish Airlines, or Qatar Airways with direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. You can also land in Dar es Salaam.
There are also chartered or scheduled flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport to other parts of the country. Tourists can also use road transport and cross the border from the neighboring countries.
In conclusion, Tanzania wildlife safaris are no match to any of the destinations in East Africa as they will take you to the best national parks for game viewing. You can see the Big Five on wildlife safaris in Tanzania in Arusha National Park, Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks.
Tourists can enjoy balloon safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and game drives during their wildlife safaris in Tanzania for a memorable experience. The unmatched wildlife of Tanzania can be explored at any time with an overnight stay at exclusive lodges when you book your Tanzania tours.
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