Going on Tanzania Safari Tours is a truly life-changing travel experience. Your first safari is something you’ll never forget, whether you choose to visit East African countries like Tanzania. Nothing compares to spotting legendary species like the Big Five in their natural habitats. But before you check this off your bucket list, there’s a lot to think about. Where exactly should you go? What should you pack? What season is best? Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Witness the majestic lions, the true monarchs of the animal kingdom, as they rule over the golden plains. Observe the grandeur of elephants, nature’s gentle giants, congregating around lively water bodies. Feel the rhythmic beat of the earth beneath you as vast herds of wildebeest migrate across the endless Serengeti. This is what a Tanzania Safari essentially feels like. 

We have outlined certain considerations that you need to bear in mind to ensure an unforgettable Tanzania Safari. What are those? Let’s find them below.

Where Is Tanzania And How Do I Get There?

Situated in Eastern Africa, Tanzania is nestled between the Indian Ocean and its neighbouring countries, Kenya and Mozambique. To its north, it shares borders with Kenya and Uganda, while to the west, it’s adjacent to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique lie to its south.

Several options exist for Getting to Tanzania, with the most prevalent being air travel. The majority of visitors typically land in Dar es Salaam, the country’s most populous city. There are also direct flights to Zanzibar and Arusha. From Dar es Salaam, you can take a bus or a train to other parts of Tanzania. Several international airlines fly to Tanzania, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

Why Is Tanzania Safaris So Famous?

Tanzania Safaris are renowned for several reasons. Some of them are:

• Diverse Wildlife. Tanzania boasts a rich variety of wildlife. These include the “Big Five” and other prominent species such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species.
• World-class National Parks. The country is home to some of the world’s most famous national parks, including the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• The Great Migration. Tanzania is one of the best places to witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
• Unique Landscapes. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater and the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers a variety of landscapes that are stunning.
• Cultural Experiences. Visitors can also engage with local cultures, such as the Maasai, to enrich their Tanzania Safari experience.

What Animals Will I See On A Tanzania Safari?

In addition to the Big Five, Tanzania is home to a myriad of wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 1,000 bird species.

The country’s diverse ecosystems, from the vast Serengeti plains to the verdant forests of the Mahale Mountains, cater to a broad range of species, ensuring a rich wildlife spotting experience on every Tanzania Safari Tour.

The most impressive thing to witness when on Tanzania Safari is the sheer abundance of animals and their interaction with the surrounding ecosystem, especially water holes. You are going to never see anything in isolation; prey-predator interactions are a treat to watch, mainly for adventure-seekers.

How Long Do You Need For A Tanzania Safari?

A Tanzanian safari is not a one-day experience.  Realistically, you should plan for at least four days. To fully explore the wilderness and visit different parks, we recommend a week-long safari. This will allow for a more in-depth and immersive adventure.

What Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?

The Tanzania Safari Cost varies greatly depending on the duration, accommodation, time of year, and the type of safari you choose. On average, basic multi-day safaris typically start at USD 180 per person per day. You can expect to spend around $300-$700 per person per day for a mid-range safari. High-end safaris can cost over $2000 per person per day. This typically includes accommodation, meals, park fees, and guided game drives.

• Permits for each Tanzania National Park range from USD 30 to 100 per day.
• Accommodations in basic camps start at USD 50 per person per night, while more upscale options can exceed USD 1000 per night.
• While it’s possible to rent a car and conduct a self-drive safari, it is not recommended due to additional fees and complexities. That is why, most visitors opt for a guided tour, which includes a four-wheel-drive Toyota Landcruiser, a driver-guide or guide, meals, and drinks.

Unique Safari Experiences Only Found In Tanzania

In Tanzania, you can witness extraordinary safari experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.

• Follow the epic Great Wildebeest Migration across the vast plains of Serengeti or visit during the Calving season to see the newborn play around the Ndutu Plains.
• Delve into Africa’s ultimate Eden with a morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, where all members of the “big five” can be spotted simultaneously.
• Encounter hundreds of elephants and magnificent baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
• Look for rare and unique tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park.
• Engage in thrilling walking safaris in Selous Game Reserve.

Without a doubt, these unique experiences make Tanzania an unrivaled safari destination.

When To Visit Tanzania For Safari?

Tanzania experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. And, there is no single Best Time to Visit Tanzania on a safari. Different times of the year offer unique opportunities in various destinations. Also, tourism is spread across the year, which also means that no place has got too much crowd to make you uncomfortable.

Breakdown of different months and their highlights:

• January and February

Though it is hot and dry in Tanzania, tourists tend to visit the southeastern part of Serengeti to see the wildebeest calve on the plains.  Also, see the predators in full action and enjoy the wildlife sightings around the national parks.

• March to May

These months mark the main rainy season, with tropical downpours occurring frequently. Many lodges close during this period, making it the low season for Safaris in Tanzania.

• June to August

With pleasant conditions all around, the season is most popular among safari-goers to Visit Tanzania. While the Great Migration may have moved to Kenya during this period, wildlife viewing remains excellent.

Northern Tanzania’s destinations can get crowded, but the southern parks are relatively quieter throughout the year.

• September to Late October

As the dry season continues, wildlife congregates around waterholes, providing fantastic opportunities for animal sightings.

This period is less popular among tourists, resulting in more affordable lodges and safaris.

• Late October to December

Short afternoon showers are common during this time, although they are less intense than the March to May rains. Wildlife viewing remains good, although animals may be more scattered due to the abundance of water.

Where to Stay on a Tanzania Safari?

Where you choose to stay is an integral part of your safari experience. Most accommodations are immersed in nature, offering a unique connection to the wild.

While modern luxuries may be limited, the focus is on wildlife and wilderness, with canvas-walled tents providing a genuine safari atmosphere rather than extravagant amenities.

Key Insight: When selecting accommodations, prioritize their location. Camps within national parks offer the best experience but come at a higher cost. Alternatively, camps located near park boundaries provide more affordable options while still allowing proximity to wildlife.

Types of Safari Accommodation

The National parks in Tanzania offer established camping facilities within their confines, perfect for those undertaking overland safaris. Your safari vehicle will be equipped with tents and camping essentials, allowing you to set up temporary accommodations in varying locations each night. This is a cost-effective solution offering a simple, back-to-nature experience.

Safari-style tented camps are a step up in comfort, providing beds and bathroom facilities within spacious tents. They strike a perfect balance between cost, comfort, and proximity to wildlife, making them a popular choice among visitors.

Mobile camps present a unique, nomadic experience. These temporary accommodations relocate according to wildlife movements and seasonal changes. They resemble tented camps but are typically more luxurious, offering a “glamping” experience amidst wildlife.

Finally, permanent lodges provide larger, more fixed structures. Their quality can vary, so it’s essential to consider their location relative to wildlife sightings, in addition to the amenities offered.

Top Tips for Maximizing Tanzanian Safari Experience

1. Relax and Embrace the moment. Don’t let preconceived expectations hamper your day if you don’t see anything on the first day itself. Soak in the beauty of every moment and allow the wildlife to unfold naturally.
2. Don’t worry a lot about ticking off the animal lists. Instead admire the authenticity of the experience and focus on the interaction and realism of wildlife encounters.
3. Keep Your Camera Ready. As unforgettable wildlife moments can arise at any time, day or night. It’s better to be ready with your camera rather than be sorry later.
4. Dress Comfortably. Tanzania’s climate is hot and dusty, and safari conditions may not offer air-conditioned comforts. So, dress in comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and activities.
5. Respect wildlife and the environment. Remember it’s the wild animal’s natural habitat, and you are just a guest. Respect their space and adhere to ethical wildlife viewing practices. Avoid making unnecessary noise, leaving a negative impact on the environment, or disrupting the natural flow of life.

Planning a Tanzania Safari

Off We Go Safaris offer a variety of Tanzania Safari Packages to suit your needs and budget. In addition, we also offer a variety of other tours and activities in Tanzania, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and cultural tours. Speak to our experts and get your itinerary planned for your Tanzania Safari and get a chance to sense the enriching wildlife experiences that the country has got to offer.