Where to Visit on Your Tanzania Safari
Once you have figured out what time of year you’d like to have your safari in Tanzania, it’s time to figure out which parks to include in your trip.
The Must See
No safari to Tanzania would be complete without visiting its two crown jewels: Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous wildernesses, and plays host to the Wildebeest Migration for much of the year.
The Ndutu region is home to the annual calving season, while the Seronera region of the Central Serengeti is one of the most visited corners of the park due to its big cat population.
The Grumeti Region in the park’s west is home to the often overlooked Grumeti River crossing each year.
From July through to August, the Northern Serengeti is home to the high drama of Mara River crossings. This area of the park is hugely popular at this time of year.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descending to the floor of Ngorongoro Crater is every bit as iconic as a game drive out on the plains of the Serengeti.
Home to Tanzania’s largest rhinoceros population, Ngorongoro Crater is also a fantastic place to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, and much more.
While it is Tanzania’s most expensive park, its amazing game viewing and its strategic location between the Serengeti and Arusha make it a must see in any Tanzania itinerary.
The Worthwhile
Ngorongoro and the Serengeti are undoubtedly Tanzania’s most popular parks, but the twin parks of Lake Manyara and Tarangire are also worthwhile additions to your Tanzania safari.
In addition, nearby Lake Eyasi offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
Lake Manyara National Park
Famous for its tree-climbing lions and its variety of bird life, Lake Manyara National Park is an especially charming park during the rainy season, when its waters are home to wallowing hippos and colourful flamingos.
One of the few places in Tanzania where you can embark on a canoe safari or a night game drive, Lake Manyara is a great stop off between Arusha and Ngorongoro.
Tarangire National Park
With its distinctive baobab trees and Tanzania’s largest elephant population, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most unique parks.
Especially good during the dry season when its population gathers along the banks of the Tarangire River, the park is an excellent place to spot lions, elephants, baboons, giraffes, and zebra.
Lake Eyasi
While it is not a national park, Lake Eyasi is nonetheless a popular addition to Tanzanian safari itineraries.
Home to the Hadzabe people, Lake Eyasi offers visitors to Tanzania a unique opportunity to interact with one of Tanzania’s most ancient and fascinating cultures.
The Hadzabe maintain their hunter-gatherer lifestyle despite Tanzania’s rapid development, and visitors can embark on a hunting expedition with the Hadzabe as well as experiencing village life.
If You Have Time
Many visitors to Tanzania only have 5 – 7 days to spend on safari, but for those with a little extra time, there is certainly plenty to hold your attention.
Arusha National Park
While Arusha National Park cannot boast the large mammals such as elephants or predators such as leopards and lions, the park is nonetheless a popular addition to Tanzanian safaris.
The only place in Tanzania where it is possible to have a game drive, a walking safari, or a canoe safari in the same place – Arusha National Park’s lack of predators makes it a charming prospect.
Bird-watchers and fans of primates are in for a treat, as the park is home to birds and monkeys found nowhere else in Tanzania.
Lake Natron
Famous for its volcanic landscape, Lake Natron is also a popular option for those wishing to see Africa’s brightly coloured flamingos.
While the area has less wildlife and fewer lodges than other areas of the country, Lake Natron’s proximity to the Serengeti and its unique landscape make it a popular choice.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Not everybody who visits Tanzania aspires to climb Africa’s highest mountain, but it’s perfectly possible to visit the ‘Roof of Africa’ without having to climb it.
Tours of the nearby town of Marangu offer a nice change of pace for those with an interest in Tanzanian culture, while the more athletic can enjoy a one day guided hike on the mountain.
Empaakai Crater
For those wishing to get out of the car and stretch their legs, Empaakai Crater within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a popular choice.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll wander to the rim of Empaakai Crater before descending to the shores of Lake Empaakai.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird and animal life.
Where Can I See This Animal?
We understand that everyone has their favourite animal that they’re dying to see and we can help make that happen!
The Wildebeest Migration
The Wildebeest Migration is an annual movement of more than 1,000,000 Wildebeest and zebras from the Ndutu region of the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara and back.
A hugely popular event each year, the Migration moves across the Serengeti and can be seen throughout the year.
The best place to see this huge herd of animals is the Serengeti, with the herd being in different parts of the park at different times. While it’s impossible to predict exactly where the herd will be on any given day, a rough guideline would be:
- December – March: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti
- April – May: Grumeti, Western Serengeti
- June – July: Seronera, Central Serengeti
- July – September/October: Lobo/Kogatende, Northern Serengeti
The Big Five
The Big Five are Africa’s most iconic animals – the elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo.
Named for how difficult they were to hunt, these days people prefer to hunt these majestic animals with their cameras instead.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro can both boast the entirety of the Big Five, but there are parks where you’re more likely to spot certain animals.
- Lions: The Seronera region of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara are the best areas to spot lions.
- Leopards: The Seronera region of the Serengeti is your best chance to see leopards.
- Elephants: Tarangire National Park is home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population. Ngorongoro Crater also has plenty of elephants.
- Cape Buffalo: The most common of the Big Five is best spotted in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but can be seen in most of Tanzania’s parks.
- Rhinoceros: Ngorongoro Crater offers the best opportunity to see the most endangered of the Big Five.
Flamingos
The brightly coloured flocks of flamingos are difficult to find, as their movements are both seasonal and affected by water levels and water salinity.
Lake Natron is the most popular place to spot flamingos in Tanzania, but they can also be seen in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara at certain times of the year.
Lake Bogoria in Kenya is generally the best place in East Africa to see flamingos.
Hippos
Wallowing hippos are a popular (and pungent) sight on safari.
The best places to see hippos are the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara during the wet season.
Giraffes & Zebras
Giraffes and zebras can be seen virtually everywhere in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park is home to Tanzania’s largest giraffe population.
Birdwatching
Bird-watching is fantastic across all of Tanzania’s national parks, but Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park are generally considered to be the best destinations for birders.
Primates
While many of Tanzania’s national parks are home to baboons, the best place to see a variety of primates is undoubtedly Arusha National Park where black and white colobus monkeys are an especially popular sight.
Where to Stay on a Tanzanian Safari
There are accommodation options for all budgets in Tanzania.
From roughing it out on the plains of the Serengeti in a public campsite to living in the lap of luxury, there’s something for all walks of life.
Camping
For those on a budget or with a thirst for adventure, Shadows of Africa can arrange camping safaris in all of Tanzania’s major parks.
Camping in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are especially popular options, and we’ll provide all of the camping equipment as well as a private chef to ensure you’re eating well.
You’ll set up camp in a public area with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities and camp out under the stars.
Budget Lodges
While budget lodges are rarely within the park boundaries, towns such as Arusha and Karatu offer a number of options for those on a tight budget.
Budget lodges offer a comfortable place to sleep without fancy frills.
Some of our most popular budget lodges include McElly’s in Arusha and Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu.
Tented Camps
For the true Tanzanian safari experience, you can’t look past a traditional tented camp.
Seamlessly blending the comforts of a lodge with the rustic charm of camping, tented camps are an affordable way to live right at the heart of the action.
A tented camp features things such as private bathrooms with hot showers, comfortable double beds, and delicious food.
Our most popular tented camps include Sangaiwe in Tarangire, Kati Kati in the Central Serengeti, and Kenzan Tented Camp in the Northern Serengeti.
Standard Lodges
Offering something a bit more unique than you’ll find in budget lodges, standard lodges offer a memorable night’s stay without breaking the bank.
Usually located on the fringes of the park, they offer a quick way to enter and exit the park without having to pay park fees.
Popular standard lodge options include Country Lodge in Karatu, Moivaro in Arusha, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, and Sopa Serengeti.
Luxury Lodges
For those wanting something truly memorable from their safari, it’s hard to look past some of Tanzania’s luxury lodges.
From affordable luxury properties such as Serena to exclusive properties like the Four Seasons Safari Lodge or &Beyond’s Crater Lodge, there are luxury lodges for all walks of life.
Luxury Tented Camps
Similar to a tented camp, a luxury tented camp has all of the trimmings you’d expect in a luxury lodge but with the added charm of being closer to nature.
From the affordable luxury of Angata to more extravagent properties such as Lemala and Mbuzi Mawe, a luxury tented camp is a fantastic way to make your stay in Tanzania a memorable one.
What activities can you include in a Tanzanian Safari?
There is more to a safari in Tanzania than just game drives. While there are few things that can match the thrill of driving across the open plains and spotting your favourite African wildlife, there are a number of ways to take a break from the car.
Canoe Safaris
Trading the car for a canoe out under the open air can be a great way to see Tanzania from a unique perspective.
Available in Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park (when water level allows), a canoe safari gets you up close and personal with hippos, buffalo, and a huge variety of bird life.
Walking Safaris
The image of walking out on the open plains of the Serengeti is a nice one, but walking safaris are only possible in a few select locations in Tanzania.
With large predators and large herbivores being unpredictable and potentially dangerous, it is rarely safe to walk in Tanzania’s national parks.
However, it is possible to take guided walks in Arusha National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (but not Ngorongoro Crater), and on the properties of certain camps and lodges within the parks.
Cycling
While cycling is not allowed within Tanzania’s national parks, there are a number of places in Tanzania where you can supplement your game driving with some fascinating cycling tours.
The most popular of these tend to be near Lake Manyara National Park and in the villages surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro.
Cultural Tours
Experiencing some of Tanzania’s unique tribal culture is a great way to add something distinct to your Tanzanian safari.
There are a number of ways you can include a cultural tour in your safari in Tanzania.
Maasai
The most famous of Africa’s tribes, the Maasai are a common sight when driving between Tanzania’s national parks.
While it is possible to pay for a photo with a Maasai child or warrior at the entrance to some national parks, a better way to experience Maasai culture would be to arrange a visit to a Maasai village or spend a night at the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.
Hadzabe & Datoga
The Hadzabe hunter-gatherers are one of the most fascinating cultures in Tanzania and many of our safari itineraries include a visit to Lake Eyasi to learn more about their culture.
The nearby Datoga Tribe are also a unique element in Tanzania’s cultural tapestry.
Chaga
While not as famous as the Hadzabe or Maasai, the Chaga tribe from the Kilimanjaro foothills have an intriguing history all of their own.
A tour of Marangu town can include a visit to the Chaga Cultural Museum and the Chaga tunnels where Chaga Warriors used to elude Maasai raiding parties.
Night Game Drives
Night game drives are not usually permitted within Tanzania’s national parks, but it is possible to include a night game drive when overnighting at Lake Manyara National Park.
While night game drives present the opportunity to see nocturnal animals and predators on the hunt, the darkness does make it difficult to spot things.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Without a doubt the most memorable safari addition you could choose,
Soaring above the Serengeti at dawn is an unforgettable experience and it’s all capped off with a delicious champagne breakfast in the heart of the wilderness.
What to pack for your Tanzania Safari
So, you’ve designed your dream Tanzania safari itinerary and you’re all ready to go – but what do you need to pack?
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.