Tanzania Safari

Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle in the Serengeti: The Great Migration. Encounter the Big Five and immerse in nature’s wonders

Tanzania Travel Guide

From the Great Migration to the Big Five and Sun-Kissed Beaches

In Tanzania, safari isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of life. As East Africa’s second-largest country, Tanzania offers unmatched diversity in both wildlife and landscapes. From the iconic savannahs of the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater to the white sands and vibrant coral reefs of Zanzibar, every moment of a Tanzania safari is packed with unforgettable experiences.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Explore lesser-known treasures like chimpanzee trekking in the pristine rainforests of Mahale and Rubondo, or enjoy crowd-free game drives in the remote and rugged beauty of Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha National Parks. Tanzania truly has something for every kind of explorer.

Location: Where is Tanzania?

Tanzania offers a rich blend of wildlife and landscapes—from the Great Migration and Big Five safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro to the beaches of Zanzibar and hidden gems like Mahale, Rubondo, and Ruaha. It’s a safari destination full of unforgettable experiences.

Top Experiences in Tanzania

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration

Tanzania offers a rich blend of wildlife and landscapes from the Great Migration and Big Five safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro to the beaches of Zanzibar and hidden gems like Mahale, Rubondo, and Ruaha. It’s a safari destination full of unforgettable experiences.

Exceptional Game Viewing Every Season – See the Big Five

Tanzania is a land of incredible wildlife, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural beauty. From the sweeping savannahs of the Serengeti to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara, every corner of the country offers something unforgettable. Iconic wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak—make Tanzania a top destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Beyond its famous landmarks, Tanzania also delivers extraordinary off the beaten path experiences. Trek with chimpanzees through the remote rainforests of Mahale and Gombe, or explore the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Katavi, Ruaha, and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). These hidden gems promise authentic, crowd-free safari encounters for those seeking a deeper connection with the wild.

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration

DestinationWhy Go
Ngorongoro Crater
  • Best place in Tanzania to see the Big 5
  • Incredible cliff-top lodges
Tarangire National Park
  • See huge numbers of elephant, buffalo and giraffe (June to October)
  • Fantastic bird watching – over 550 species
Lake Manyara National Park
  • Boat safaris
  • Excellent bird watching, especially flamingos
  • Spot tree-climbing lions
Ruaha National Park
  • Undiscovered and off the beaten path
  • See the biggest elephant herds in East Africa
  • Superb predator sightings, especially wild dog
Nyerere National Park (Selous)
  • Remote, raw and phenomenally wild
  • See animals in very large numbers – elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe
  • Home to rare wild dog
Mahale Mountains National Park
  • Trek for chimpanzee in remote mountains
  • Sunset boat cruises on Lake Tanganyika
Serengeti National Park
  • Witness the Wildebeest Migration
  • High density of big game like elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and giraffe

Tanzania pairs perfectly with other top safari destinations in East Africa, such as Kenya with its iconic Masai Mara, and Uganda and Rwanda, both renowned for thrilling gorilla trekking experiences.

Go Off the Beaten Path

Tanzania’s lesser-known parks and reserves are perfect for adventurous travelers and seasoned safari enthusiasts seeking something beyond the popular Northern Circuit. These hidden gems—ranging from vast savannahs and lush rainforests to tranquil lakes and wetlands—promise unforgettable wildlife encounters without the crowds. Unlike national parks such as the Serengeti, these areas allow exciting activities such as Walking safaris, Night game drives, Off-road adventures, Boating safaris and Fishing excursions.

Top hidden safari destinations include:

  • Ruaha National Park – A secluded wilderness with Tanzania’s largest elephant population.

  • Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) – One of Africa’s last strongholds for the endangered African wild dog.

  • Mahale Mountains National Park – A remote paradise on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, known for chimpanzee trekking.

  • Rubondo Island National Park – A pristine island sanctuary offering a rare opportunity to trek for wild chimpanzees.

End Your Safari on a Tropical Island

Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas

Many Tanzania safaris conclude with a well-deserved escape to a sun-drenched beach along the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. After days spent exploring the wild, a tropical island retreat offers the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on your unforgettable safari adventure. With convenient flight connections, you can enjoy breakfast at your safari lodge and be sipping sunset cocktails on the beach by evening.

Top post-safari beach destinations in Tanzania:

  • Zanzibar – Famed for its white-sand beaches, rich culture, and reputation as one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon spots.

  • Mnemba Island – A luxurious private island known for exclusivity, tranquility, and pristine coral reefs.

  • Pemba Island – A lush, unspoiled island offering some of the world’s finest diving experiences.

  • Mafia Island – A hidden gem where you can swim with migrating whale sharks between October and April.

Summit the Roof of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the tallest mountain in Africa but also the highest free standing mountain in the world. Soaring nearly 6 kilometers (over 19,000 feet) above Tanzania’s plains, reaching its summit often called the “Roof of Africa” is a multi-day adventure typically taking five or more days. Several routes lead to the top, each offering different levels of difficulty, scenic beauty, and crowd sizes. Our travel experts can help you choose the best route based on your goals and fitness level. For an unforgettable experience, we can also combine your Kilimanjaro trek with a thrilling safari in nearby parks and reserves.

Ready to Transform This Safari Guide into Your Ultimate Tanzanian Adventure?

With more than 11+  years of experience exploring safari destinations, our African Safari Experts are uniquely equipped to design a Tanzania holiday tailored just for you. Contact us today to begin planning the safari of your dreams!

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Bird watching

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Wildebeest Migration

Wildlife and safari

Bird watching

Cultural interactions

Hot air ballooning

Mobile camping

Private concessions and conservancies

Scenery

Wildebeest Migration

Wildlife and safari

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