Are you hesitant between Namibia or Tanzania for a safari? Both countries are unmissable destinations for observing wildlife! The choice between the two largely depends on the animals you wish to see, the type of excursion (safari with or without a guide?) and your budget...

Tanzania or Namibia, which country to choose for a safari?

Namibia and Tanzania are home to different wildlife. In fact, depending on which country you visit – and which park you choose for your expedition – you'll observe certain wild animals rather than others. Choosing your destination is therefore an important decision, as it will determine your encounter with wildlife…

Animals and parks in Namibia

In Namibia you'll have the chance to spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceroses – including the endangered black rhinoceros), black-faced impalas, Damara dik-diks, hippopotamuses, giraffes, kudus and nearly 400 bird species (including the flamingo). Among the must-see sites in Namibia :

Etosha National Park
   

Located in the Kunene region, this park covering over 22,200 km² is home to the famous salt desert, visible from space! You'll encounter springboks (jumping antelopes), zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and pink flamingos. The site also hosts numerous reptiles – including several gecko species and savanna monitor lizards.

Bwabwata National Park

In northern Namibia, Bwabwata National Park extends over 6,000 km². It is inhabited by more than 5,000 indigenous people, who manage it. During your safari, you'll observe hyenas, elephants, buffalo and sitatungas (the most aquatic of antelopes!).

Waterberg Plateau National Park

This vast bush in the Otjozondjupa region is known for the Waterberg plateau, which rises 200 meters above the Kalahari desert. You'll encounter white rhinoceroses, dik-diks, impalas, warthogs and numerous snakes. Among them? The formidable black mamba (one of the world's most dangerous).

Namib-Naukluft National Park
   

Spanning 50,000 km², Namib-Naukluft is Africa's largest park. Highly regarded for its eclectic landscapes (mountains, savannas, dunes) and its varied color palettes, the site is also prized for the richness of its fauna, comprising endemic insects, jackals, springboks, zebras, baboons and cheetahs.

Damaraland

In addition to hosting numerous animals (monkeys, kudus, warthogs, etc.), Damaraland is highly appreciated for its territory with a Wild West feel and its historical heritage...

Among its emblematic attractions? The Twyfelfontein archaeological site (UNESCO-listed for its 2,000 rock engravings), the Petrified Forest (with its trees over 3 million years old!), and the Brandberg massif (which houses Namibia's highest point).

Animals and parks in Tanzania

In Tanzania you'll also have the chance to see the Big Five, as well as wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs and nearly 430 bird species. The country is highly popular for wildlife safaris, as it allows you to witness the great migration – one of nature's most spectacular shows!

Tarangire National Park (north)
   

Recognized as the park with the most elephants in the world, Tarangire also welcomes lions, chimpanzees, buffalo, giraffes, ostriches and leopards across its 20,000 km² of land. As for landscapes? You'll be able to admire magnificent baobabs!

Serengeti National Park (north)

Considered an essential destination to witness the great migration, Serengeti welcomes thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras each year, as well as elephants, giraffes and rhinoceroses...

The site is also renowned for the diversity of its landscapes, featuring rivers, forests, mountains and savanna – a fauna and flora that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.

Arusha National Park (north)
   

Located approximately 50 km from Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park is home to Mount Meru (highly popular with trekkers). During your safari, you can observe pink flamingos and black-and-white Colobus monkeys (considered somewhat as the park's mascots). You'll also encounter buffalo, giraffes, zebras and sing-sing antelopes.

Ngorongoro Crater
   

In northern Tanzania, you'll find Ngorongoro Crater, a massive depression 20 km in diameter, resulting from the collapse of a volcano. At the heart of this atypical cavity? You'll spot wildebeest, lions, rhinoceroses and elephants.

Udzungwa National Park (south)

Renowned for its large monkey communities, Udzungwa National Park also hosts numerous savanna animals. The site is also considered an unmissable bird watching spot, ideal for a photo safari (particularly between December and February, with relatively short rainy episodes that offer lush nature).

Katavi National Park (south)
   

Located in southwestern Tanzania, in the Great Rift Valley, Katavi National Park spans 4,471 km² and contains several lakes. Heavily forested and well-irrigated, it is home to crocodiles, as well as antelopes, wildebeest, sable antelopes, wild dogs and 450 bird species.

What types of safari do the two countries offer?
       

A safari in Namibia or Tanzania offers a different experience. While excursions in Namibia can be done solo, those in Tanzania must be done with a guide. In fact, each country caters to different types of safari enthusiasts...

Safari in Namibia: solo

If you're rather independent and seeking adventure, opt instead for a safari in Namibia. Why? The country allows you to do self-drive safaris, meaning driving your own 4x4 without a guide.

This type of safari offers great freedom, but, in return, proves more challenging. Indeed, without a guide or driver, you'll have to face road difficulties alone and you may miss certain animals (without the trained eye of an expert to guide you on their habits or the best viewing spots).

Of course, it's also possible to do guided safaris in Namibia (by 4x4 or on foot).

Safari in Tanzania: with a guide
   

If you wish to discover wildlife without worrying about the logistics involved in a safari, Tanzania is surely the best choice for you, since excursions there are necessarily done with a guide-driver. A tip? Don't hesitate to inquire about a night safari!

Where to do a safari (on a budget)?

Cost of a safari in Namibia

For a budget-friendly safari, Namibia is a good destination with excursions starting from €2,000, for around ten days. This price includes self-drive safaris (a 4x4 equipped with canvas tents) and camping nights. For lodge accommodation, expect around €2,500.

For a private circuit with a guide, the budget is much higher at around €5,000. If you want a guide by your side but that budget is too high for you, note that it's also possible to do a group safari, with a budget around €3,600.

Cost of a safari in Tanzania

The price of a safari in Tanzania starts from €3,500, for approximately 7 days. The cost difference is linked to the type of safari. Unlike Namibia, Tanzania only offers guided excursions (no self-drive), which therefore includes your guide's salary (and increases costs).

Furthermore, to protect its wildlife and flora, the country adopts a fairly strict policy for safaris, with entry fees and taxes, which make the safari more expensive – expect, for example, around €50/adult for entry to Tarangire park, or €75/adult for Serengeti park.
   

To reduce costs? Note that parks located in the southern part of the country are generally less expensive than those in the north – as they're less accessible and less frequently visited.

Which country for a first safari between Namibia and Tanzania? 3 key takeaways

1. The main difference between Namibia and Tanzania is their ecosystem – with drier lands in Namibia (which primarily host oryx and elephants) and more varied landscapes in Tanzania (where you'll mainly see wildebeest and zebras).

2. The cost of a safari in Namibia or Tanzania varies depending on the type of excursion, travel period, accommodation mode and, sometimes, regions. Generally speaking, remember that a safari in Namibia costs less than one in Tanzania – if you opt for a self-drive safari (an excursion without a guide)

3. Between June and August, a safari in Tanzania is always more expensive than during other periods, as it allows you to witness the great migration (which attracts larger crowds).

FAQ

Is Namibia a safe country?
   

Namibia's political situation is fairly stable. The only risks encountered are delinquency and theft, due to social inequalities in the country. During your stay, conceal your valuables and favor reliable transportation marked with the NABTA logo (Namibia Bus and Taxi Association).

Is it prudent to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania presents few security issues. However, due to proven terrorist threats in several neighboring states, it is advisable to inquire before traveling there. It is also recommended to avoid the border zone with Mozambique.