If you’re planning an unforgettable adventure, a safari in Tanzania would be perfect! Home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, Tanzania is the best place to witness nature and wildlife in their purest form.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds, to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, home to fascinating wildlife – a safari trip in Tanzania will leave you fond memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you plan the perfect safari trip to Tanzania.
The Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania
The dry season is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania, from June to October. During this time, the weather is cooler, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. The Serengeti’s Great Migration is also at its peak. You’ll witness wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers filled with crocodiles.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, the wet season from November to March is ideal. Migratory birds arrive, and the landscape becomes lush and green. However, being a rainy season, some roads are difficult to navigate.
For the best of both worlds, consider visiting in January or February. Since it is the calving season in the Serengeti, you can witness newborn animals, and predator action is intense!
Who is Safari in Tanzania for?
An Africa safari in Tanzania is for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want to see iconic species like lions, elephants, and giraffes up close. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing stunning landscapes and dramatic wildlife moments on a safari in Tanzania.
Safaris are also ideal for families, especially those with kids. There are kid-friendly lodges in Tanzania that also offer guided tours that cater to young explorers. For honeymooners, stay in romantic lodges in scenic, remote areas, allowing intimate wildlife experiences.
Those seeking luxury can splurge on high-end camps with all-inclusive services and private game drives. Adventure travellers looking for a more rugged experience can choose mobile camping and walking safaris for a closer connection to nature.
The Best Places for Safari in Tanzania
Here are some of the best places for an exciting safari adventure in Tanzania:
- Serengeti National Park – as the crown jewel of Tanzania’s safari destinations, the Serengeti is renowned for the annual Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its vast plains in search of fresh grazing. The park is also a haven for predators, making it one of the best places to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder and one of the most scenic safari spots in the world. The massive volcanic caldera is home to a dense concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, elephants, lions, and thousands of wildebeest.
- Tarangire National Park – known for its iconic baobab trees and vast elephant herds, Tarangire offers a quieter safari experience. The park’s Tarangire River is a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season, when animals gather in large numbers. You can expect to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and exotic bird species. Tarangire is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot leopards and lions.
- Lake Manyara National Park – this small but diverse park is best known for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park’s varied landscapes range from dense forests to open grasslands and the vast soda lake, providing a rich habitat for wildlife.
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – Selous is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world and offers a unique safari experience. Its diverse landscapes include rivers, woodlands, and open plains. You can explore by vehicle, boat, or even on foot, making it one of the few places where walking safaris are encouraged. The reserve is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and endangered species like wild dogs and black rhinos.
The Best Things to Do on Safari in Tanzania
To make the most of your safari adventure, here are some of the best things to do in Tanzania:
- Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti – the Great Migration is considered one of the most breathtaking wildlife events on earth and involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the Serengeti plains.
- Go on a Walking Safari in Selous Game Reserve – embark on guided walking safaris in Selous for a more immersive experience. Walking through the bush with an expert guide is a thrilling experience, where you can get close to smaller wildlife and track animals on foot.
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater – game drives in Ngorongoro Crater offer an incredible experience in a unique setting. The crater floor is home to fascinating wildlife species, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
- Track Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains – one of the most exciting activities in Tanzania is chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park. Hiking through the forest to track these fascinating primates is an adventurous and rewarding experience.
- Birdwatching in Lake Manyara National Park – Lake Manyara offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with over 400 species recorded. Flamingos are a highlight, creating a stunning pink spectacle on the lake’s surface.
What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania
Here’s a list of essential items to pack for a safari in Tanzania:
- Lightweight, Neutral-coloured clothing – pack breathable, neutral-coloured clothing like beige, khaki, and olive green to blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects.
- Shoes – bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots for game drives and walking safaris. Closed-toe shoes are best for protecting your feet from rough terrain and insects.
- Sun Hat and Sunglasses – a wide-brimmed hat is essential to protect your face and neck from the intense African sun. Polarised sunglasses will help reduce glare and make wildlife viewing easier.
- Sunscreen – pack high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, especially during long game drives.
- Insect Repellent – Tanzania’s savannahs can have mosquitoes and other insects, so bring insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives.
- Binoculars – a good pair of binoculars will enhance your safari experience by allowing you to spot wildlife from a distance.
- Reusable Water Bottle – staying hydrated is important during safari adventures. A reusable water bottle will help you drink plenty of water while minimising plastic waste.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
