Since childhood, have you dreamed of encountering the world's most magnificent wildlife? Tanzania is an ideal destination to turn that dream into reality, as it offers some of Africa's most spectacular safaris. Set your sights on this extraordinary experience—one worth living at least once in a lifetime!

Setting Out on Safari

A land of migration, Tanzania is the perfect country to observe vast herds of animals. It stands as one of the world's most popular safari destinations among travellers. With its numerous national parks designed to protect the country's wildlife, Tanzania offers countless opportunities to discover these animals of your dreams.

Depending on the park, you can experience safari by vehicle, on foot, or by boat. Some parks permit only closed-vehicle circuits for safety reasons, though you can often open the roof for a better view. Others allow open-top vehicles, which provide an unobstructed vista of the animals. Several parks offer walking safaris with an armed guide, allowing you to approach herds more closely. Certain locations are accessible by boat or canoe, offering an immersive experience at the heart of nature.

The Animals to Spot in Tanzania

With its high concentration of wildlife and diverse landscapes, Tanzania is a perfect safari destination. You'll encounter, of course, the Big Five: the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo. But many other animals inhabit Tanzanian terrain, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses, cheetahs, monkeys, baboons, and various species of antelope and gazelle. It's also a migration hub for birds, observable by the thousands in every colour imaginable: ibis, pelicans, spoonbills, herons, storks, cranes….

Where to Safari in Tanzania?

With its wealth of national parks, Tanzania offers numerous safari options. Choose based on which animals you wish to see and when you plan to visit. In the north of the country, the most spectacular destinations are the Serengeti, where you can witness the great wildebeest migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll see savanna wildlife (lions, elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceros…). Other popular destinations include Arusha National Park, the Tarangire Reserve, and Lake Manyara National Park. The parks in the country's south see fewer visitors, allowing for a wilder, more tranquil safari experience, mere steps from the Indian Ocean. In the Saadani Reserve, Mikumi Park, and Selous Park, you can observe felines, elephants, buffalo, and countless other animals in their natural habitat—and visit traditional villages. For hikers, Rubondo Island National Park is an excellent choice, while bird enthusiasts should head to Mkomazi National Park. To spot marine life like sharks, venture to Mafia Island Marine Park.

Practical Information

What to Bring

Planning a safari in Tanzania? Pack a quality pair of binoculars and a camera with multiple zoom lenses to make the most of this singular experience and capture lasting memories. Bring spare batteries and memory cards. Wear neutral-coloured clothing to remain inconspicuous and avoid disturbing wildlife. Given Tanzania's climate, lightweight cotton garments that protect from sunburn are essential, along with sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Always respect nature and take your rubbish with you.

Costs

You can arrange your safari once in Tanzania, but booking beforehand is advisable. This allows you to secure the best experience, compare operators, and access the most sought-after safaris despite high demand. A safari typically costs between USD 200 and USD 600 per person per day, depending on comfort level and services selected: tent, lodge, or luxury accommodation; vehicle, walking, or boat safari; small or large groups; guide quality….

When to Go

Most safaris are accessible year-round, though some locations and accommodations close during heavy rains in April and May. The best time to plan your Tanzanian safari is during the dry seasons, between July and September or between November and February. During these periods, animals congregate around water sources in large numbers, and vegetation dries out, allowing you to spot numerous creatures from considerable distances. Conversely, the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti occurs during the rainy season, which also favours bird watching.