Tanzania

Safaris in Tanzania reveal the unique African landscape, which is home to abundant wildlife animals, and birds. Get to experience the largest wild cats on the continent, the unique and great annual Wildebeest Migration, and the amazing explorations of the historical Zanzibar coast.

A typical safari itinerary to Tanzania usually follows the northern circuit which covers Serengeti National Park and the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater which all abound with extensive wildlife.

Tanzania is recognized as having the largest animal population density in the world, that is, about 4 million wild animals. Among these animals are over 430 mammal species, more than 1,100 bird species, 275 species of reptiles, and 130 species of amphibians.

According to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the country protects 22 national parks and 32 game reserves, which are custodians of the abundant wildlife of the country.

Some of these unique destinations have been gazetted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of the all-embracing ecosystem that they protect.

Below, we discuss more about the beautiful safaris in Tanzania.

The Top/Best Safari Destinations in Tanzania 

Discover the special safari destinations in Tanzania offering amazing experiences in the northern circuit, western circuit, or the more quiet southern circuit.

The Northern Circuit Safari Destinations in Tanzania 

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit offers the best Tanzanian tour experiences in its diverse national parks, conservation areas, game reserves, and private concessions.

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania 

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park hosts the Great Migration, one of the most wondrous sights in the world. Its unique ecosystem makes it one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites created in 1981.

Animals including the Wildebeests, Zebras, and Antelopes, move in over a million as they cross the Crocodile-infested Mara River to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to look for food.

Other animals to watch at Serengeti National Park include the Big Five (Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, African Buffaloes, and Leopards), Giraffes, Cheetahs, and Impalas, among others.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area 

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area comprises the Ngorongoro Crater floor, an extinct volcano with the largest caldera in the world, also known for its beautiful game-viewing adventures.

Near the Ngorongoro Crater, you will also be able to experience famous attractions like Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi which are both Rift Valley Lakes, and where you will also watch many Flamingos that live around the water bodies as their breeding grounds.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and it protects different animals like the African Big Five (Rhinos, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, and Elephants), Zebras, Waterbucks, Elands, Hartbeests, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Hippos, among others.

Other renowned destinations in the northern circuit of Tanzania are Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.

The Southern Circuit Safari Destinations in Tanzania

Although not as frequently visited as the northern circuit, the southern circuit also has amazing destinations to experience incredible wildlife experiences as seen below.

Nyerere National Park 

This is the largest Tanzanian park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 30,000 square kilometers.

Previously called Selous National Park, Nyerere National Park boasts a multitude of wild animals like Wild Dogs, Crocodiles, Lions, Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes, and various bird species that you can see on boat cruises and game drives.

Ruaha National Park 

Ruaha National Park is the second-largest national park in Tanzania covering an area of 20,000 square kilometers. The park has a baobab-dotted landscape and beautiful distant hills on its landscape.

Ruaha National Park has the highest population of Elephants in East Africa and 10% of the Lions in Africa.

Other wildlife at Ruaha National Park include the Wild Dogs, Leopards, and Antelopes, etc.

Mainland Beaches and Islands Along the Coastline of Tanzania 

The coastal destinations of the Tanzanian beaches and Islands offer incredible experiences to add to your wildlife safaris in the beautiful national parks.

Some of the most beautiful islands and beaches on the Tanzanian coast are,

1. Pemba Island

2. Mafia Island

3. Fanjove Island

4. Paje Beach in Zanzibar

5. Sange Beach

6. Pangani Beaches

7. Kilwa Masoku Beach

The Types of Safaris in Tanzania 

Tanzania offers different types of safaris that are tailor-made to bring unique experiences for travellers. Below, we look at the different safari types to experience in Tanzania.

1. Wildlife safaris

2. Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean safaris

3. Hiking/Mountain Climbing safaris in Tanzania

4. Walking safaris

5. Birding safaris

Let us look at them below.

Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania 

Tanzania is a true wildlife haven known for its world-famous wildlife adventures in the many national parks, especially exploring the wild cats of Africa.

The Great Migration is the most famous wildlife safari experience in the country taking place at the Serengeti National Park.

This experience will engage visitors in the exhilarating adventure of watching over a million animals including wildebeests, Zebras, and Antelopes as they cross from Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Through the crocodile-infested Mara River, the animals cross over to look for pasture to feed on.

The Big Five Safaris in Tanzania 

East Africa’s Tanzania is a renowned place to experience the African Big Five animals. These are the Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, and the Rhinos.

The name, the African Big Five animals was derived during the colonial times to describe these animals because they were the hardest to hunt by the early explorers.

The best places to experience wildlife safaris in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, and Tarangire National Park, among others.

You can experience wildlife safaris in Tanzania through game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.

Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean Experiences in Tanzania 

Be ready to experience coastal serenity through the Zanzibar explorations at the Indian Ocean tours. The history of Zanzibar dates back to 700 AD when the Persian and Arab traders first stepped foot on the land.

At Zanzibar, you will be able to experience the richness of the Stone Town as you explore its historical monuments like the architecture, culture, House of Wonders, and Prison Island.

The destination will also offer you the chance to explore the Spice plantation and the Jozani Forest National Park.

Along the beautiful Zanzibar is also the breathtaking Indian Ocean which offers remarkable beach beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches at Zanzibar include Paje Beach, Sange Beach, Pangani Beaches, and Kilwa Masoku Beach.

Thus, these destinations will give you the chance to explore various safari activities like snorkeling, diving, taking rides on the dhows, and swimming in the ocean, among others.

Hiking/Mountain Climbing Safaris in Tanzania 

Hiking experiences in Tanzania are possible during your safaris in the country although they can best be done in the dry season.

Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro 

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa standing at an altitude of about 5, 895 meters above sea level.

Mount Kilimanjaro provides world-class hiking experiences to both local and international travelers. The mountain is also favorable for both the experienced and less experienced climbers.

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes about 6 to 9 days to climb and the different routes of the mountain are the Machame Route, Rongai Route, Marangu Route, and the Lemosho Route.

Other mountain hiking destinations in Tanzania are the Mahale Mountains, Mount Meru, Udzungwa Mountains, Usambara Mountains, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Walking Safaris in Tanzania 

Walking safaris in Tanzania is the ultimate way to experience the wild African bush on foot.

Much as the best walking safaris in Africa occur in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Tanzania is also growing to be one of the best African destinations for walking safaris.

The best walking safaris in Tanzania occur at Selous Game Reserve, and Ruaha National Park, but they can also occur in the northern safari parks.

Bird Watching Tours in Tanzania 

Tanzania is home to over 1,100 bird species spread within the different protected areas of the country. There are birds for the different habitats in the country for example the forest bird species, water bird species, savannah species, and woodland dwellers.

Some of the common bird species in Tanzania include Ostriches, Ducks, Bustards, Flamingos, and Guineafowls, among others.

Tanzania Vs Kenya Safaris 

African safaris are exceptional both in Tanzania and Kenya since both countries are famous for amazing wildlife safaris. Tanzania and Kenya are both home to the Great Wildebeest Migration which is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

However, the choice of whether to choose Tanzania or Kenya for your safari is dependent on the expectations of the tourists.

Tanzania is the best destination for travelers who would like to experience extensive wildlife adventures. However, it is more expensive to tour Tanzania than Kenya since it is a large country where you will spend more on transportation. On the other hand, Kenya is the best destination for travelers who would like to consider budget tours.

Travel Tips to Tanzania 

These important travel tips to Tanzania cover the cost of travel in the country, the best time to visit Tanzania, transportation to and within the country, and the important health tips as seen below.

The Cost of a Safari in Tanzania 

Tanzania is considered among the African countries with the most expensive safaris. This is dependent on different factors among which are the size of the country, the number of safari activities done on a safari, and the type of safari undertaken.

1. Size of the Country:

Unlike other East African countries which are quite smaller, Tanzania is a large country with a mainland area of 947,403 square kilometers. Therefore safari tours in the country will depend on whether a tourist will only visit a specific circuit or explore the more costly country.

2. Number of Safari Activities during your Safari:

The cost of a Tanzania safari will also depend on the number of activities a traveler will do on their Tanzania trip. More safari activities mean more costs while fewer safari activities will lead to fewer costs.

3. Type of Safari Undertaken:

Travelers may choose luxury, midrange, or budget safaris in Tanzania, costing each differently. Your luxury safari will be more expensive than a midrange tour which is also relatively more expensive than a budget safari.

This is because a luxury safari may include luxury accommodation and luxury transportation like on air.

However, depending on the above factors, an approximated cost of travel in Tanzania is about $600 to $1500 for a luxury safari per day, $350 to $550 for a midrange safari per day, and about $100 to $300 for a budget tour per day.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania 

Travelers can visit Tanzania all year round whether it is during the dry season or the wet season as both periods will grant you unforgettable safari experiences.

However, the dry season is considered the best time to visit the country as it will grant you more comfortable experiences on the dry roads and tracks, compared to the wet season when most of the roads and tracks are muddy.

The dry season in Tanzania is from about mid-December through February and from about June to September while the rainy season runs from about March to May and October through November.

Transportation to and Within Tanzania 

It is easy to access transportation both to and with Tanzania during your trips to the country. You can use air or road transport while going on a safari in the country.

Booking a safari with Orinoco Expeditions, your partner in the best Tanzania tours will have your transportation needs within the country catered for in your purchased safari itinerary.

Important Health Tips for a Safari in Tanzania 

The most important health tip in Tanzania is to get the immunizations that are necessary to enter the country, which is the Yellow Fever Vaccination. Other important vaccinations to receive when going to Tanzania are Malaria and Rabies. However, it is important to first consult with your doctor about any medical precautions while going on a safari to Tanzania.

Conclusion

Tanzania safaris and tours flow with an impressive abundance of wildlife, history, culture, adventures, and coastal beach experiences. Explore them as you span the northern circuit, the southern circuit, and other areas of the country.

Let us help you plan your trip to this beautiful country in East Africa today! Inquire with us.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why are Tanzania Safaris Expensive? 

Tanzania safaris are ranked among the most expensive safaris in Africa and this is determined by many factors. The large size of Tanzania makes some services like transportation quite expensive, whether by road or by air.

On the other hand, Tanzania tour destinations are spread through the northern circuit, southern circuit, and other parts of the country. Therefore it will make the tourists spend more while trying to tour all the tourist regions in the country.

Tanzania also boasts the Great Migration which is among the rarest safari wonders of the world. Therefore, making it one of the most costly experiences for some, especially when viewing the animals from an aerial view for better experiences.

2. Do I Need a Visa to go to Tanzania? 

The requirements for a tourist to enter Tanzania with a visa depend on their nationality.  East African nationals will not require a visa to enter Tanzania but they are allowed to stay in the country for as long as 90 days.

3. How is the Internet Supply in Tanzania 

Tanzania has a good internet supply, especially in the city areas. However, it is generally normal to find some internet issues in some parts of Africa, including Tanzania.

Safari lodges will also ensure that you have the internet supply for your adventures in the country. However, you can purchase a Tanzanian line and you will be able to buy data much more cheaply.

4. What Should I Pack/Wear my your Tanzania Safaris 

Tanzania will grant you amazing safari experiences and adventures and therefore knowing what to pack or wear during your tours and safaris will make the experience much more enjoyable.

Some of the things to pack for your safari in Tanzania include insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, a backpack, a camera, binoculars, a notebook & pen, a guidebook, sunglasses, and travel documents, among others.

While having your tours in the tourist destinations in the country, you will require the best clothes to wear for your experiences. Some of these will include trousers, long-sleeved shirts, scarves, garden gloves, socks, hat/cap, strong comfortable sturdy, comfortable shoes, among others.

5. What are the Best Lodges to Stay in While on a Safari in Tanzania 

Tanzania has beautiful lodges in all the tourist destinations and they range from luxury to midrange and budget to suit the travel plans of every tourist in the country. Consulting with your professional tour operator will grant you the best lodge options for your safari trip.

Inquire with your most trusted and knowledgeable tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions today!