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+255747516280 [email protected]
Ratings of African Vista's Service

Tanzania Safari – Tours and Excursions

20 National Parks

Nearly 30% of Tanzania is a national park. The famous is Serengeti and Nyerere (Selous) is the largest.

7 UNESCO Heritage Sites

Almost all of the sites can be easily reached on safari circuits, and island escapes.

4 Safari Circuits

The two main safari circuits are the northern and southern covering Serengeti and Nyerere (Selous) respectively.

Finding the Best Safari in Tanzania

An Expert Guide to Safari in Tanzania

Safari is a journey adopted from the Swahili word, the language of East Africa. It is a journey in Africa that involves spending some time in the bush watching wild animals. So, a safari is any trip into the wilderness to observe free-roaming wildlife under the guidance of a professional guide.

Tanzania is by far the best country in Africa to go on a safari -it has the tallest mountain in Africa (Kilimanjaro), the world-famous game parks (Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater), the largest protected reserve in Africa (Selous Game Reserve), the deepest and longest lake in Africa (Lake Tanganyika), and tropical beaches (Zanzibar). 

So, a  Safari in Tanzania is more than seeing the wildlife, it is an experience. Well, the safari experience is built around the game drive – a daily excursion in search of animals and unique sightings. It can be combined with many other activities including climbing the highest mountain in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro, and beach vacations. In the coastal lands and towns of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, most extravagant diving spots, and fantastic historical experiences.

Planning for Safari

Safari Type, Style and Activities

The Safari type and style you choose depends on several factors including the destination you want to visit, the duration of the safari, the level of accommodation, the number of travelers, and the season.

Safari Type

Luxury Safari

A luxury African safari is the holiday of a lifetime and sits right at the top of many, many people’s bucket lists. The arrival of each day in Africa offers the potential for incredible moments. Going on safari gives you distinct moments and a wide range of vantage points from which to take those still shots and video footage you’ve always imagined possible in the right setting.

Tanzania has much to offer when it comes to luxury safaris as you get to visit some of the best safari destinations in the country like Serengeti National, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Nyerere National Park, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Park. Using the flight option, you can visit all the Tanzania safari destinations.

Midrange Safari

Tanzania midrange safaris are for discerning travelers who wish to experience Tanzania’s wilderness in comfort and ease. During the day being out in the bush exploring the wilderness on a game drive or any other activity and in the evenings enjoying all the amenities the lodge or tented camp has to offer.

After an exciting day of game drives, seeing animals, and being in nature, you will arrive at your lodge or tented camp. Here you will be greeted with a welcome drink of either coffee or cool drinks and settle in your room or private tent. Take a shower to wash off the dust and prepare for dinner.

Budget Safari

A cheaper option to travel in Tanzania is a camping safari, where you travel with a group or private with a guide and Chef, overnight stay in tents. The campsites are equipped with basic sanitary facilities, but in the middle of the wilderness, you can experience an adventure that could not be more genuine. The food is often prepared by your Chef before you end the day together around the campfire under the starry sky of Africa.

Camping safaris in Tanzania are more popular in Northern Tanzania than in Southern. The Northern Tanzania safari circuit includes Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks as well as Arusha and Kilimanjaro National Parks. On the Southern circuit, we have Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountain National Park.

Main Activities

Game Drive

A game drive is an adventure that entails viewing wildlife in the open jeep or the pop-up roof 4×4 safari vehicle that accommodates 5 to 7 people, a sure way to give you that classical safari feeling. Safari game drives are one of the most popular ways to see wildlife in Tanzania. During the game drive, our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to life in the savanna and share their infinite knowledge about African wildlife.

Guided Walks

The armed ranger and your guide will walk with you through the park explaining each and everything in the park.  A walking safari is an excellent break from game drives, where visitors will learn some fascinating facts about nature, birds, reptiles, insects, and medicinal uses of local plants, which you may not fully appreciate from the seat of your safari car.

Kayaking/Canoeing

The more adventurous you go more the experience is memorable for you.

Boating

You can go for a boat ride and enjoy the Aquatic life while observing birdlife, Crocodile, and Hippos, especially in Selous Game Reserve.

Balloon Safari

Take the Balloon Safari and get a bird’s eye view of Tanzania’s best parks.

Safari Style

Fly-in Safari

This safari involves light aircraft transfers between destinations. A fly-in safari is ideal for an itinerary that has time constraints or requires a certain level of comfort. All transfers to and from destinations will be by light aircraft which allows for more time to enjoy each area without having to spend time driving to the next destination.

Balloon Safari

Tanzania’s balloon safaris are a romantic and atmospheric way to experience the wilds of East Africa as you gracefully and quietly fly across the plains populated by wild animals in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari starts between 6 am and takes about 1-2 hours, during which you will probably see the magnificent wildlife on several square kilometers of the game park.

Balloon safaris take place regularly only in the Serengeti and start from designated places (in the Seronera area), where the disturbances for the animals are kept as low as possible. Your safari vehicle will drop you off at the launch site and pick you up from your landing pad. After the safari, a champagne breakfast in the bush follows, a fitting end to your unforgettable flight in the wilderness.

Boat Safari

A boat safari simply means viewing an array of animals, birds, plants, and fascinating scenery while on the boat. Tanzania Boat safaris are popular on the Rufiji River in the Nyerere National Park (Selous) and on the River Wami bordering Saadani National Park. 

Walking Safari

Feel your senses heighten as you follow game trails into areas untouched by vehicles and feel your heart pound and the adrenalin pump when you come across some of Africa’s mega-fauna on their terms. Although people may be worried about walking in areas where there are animals well-known to be very dangerous, walking safaris are always carried out by expert guides who have undergone extensive training, your safety is always their priority.

Things to do in Tanzania before or after a Safari

Visit the Zanzibar Archipelago

Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a life-long experience and the thrill of hiking up Africa’s highest peak is enough reason for it to be on the bucket list.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking in Ngorongoro Highlands

Hiking in Usambara Mountains

Birdwatching

Chimpanzee tracking

Hiking in Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Interesting facts about Tanzania

  • Tanzania is where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey discovered one of the most important archeological findings on earth - at Olduvai Gorge, in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Tanzania is where Jane Goodall fell in love with chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park. Her work motivated more studies of primates in modern times.
  • Tanzania has inspired artists and writers for centuries, including Ernest Hemmingway, who did two extended African safaris, the first in the 1930s and the second in the 1950s.
  • Tanzania has a Large Game Preserves and Parks with diverse range of wildlife than any other country in Africa.
  • The annual great migration where over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
  • Tanzania has a best combination of Safari and Beach holiday extensions on Zanzibar Island.

Read more about the destinations and take a look at our proposed itineraries.

Destinations
Proposed Itineraries

Popular Questions

What is the best time to go for safari in Tanzania?

If Great Migration is not the reason why you’re traveling to Tanzania, then the best time for your Tanzania safari (whether you’re exploring the parks to the nort, east, west or south of the country) is the long dry season. If you want to experience the rich wildlife of the country on your journey, then this works best in the dry season. The reason is that the vegetation is less dense, so wildlife watching is a bit easier and the animals tend to gather for refreshment at well-known, permanent waterholes, rivers and lakes. The weather is generally cooler and less humid (which is a definite plus when planning intensive and extended activities in the African bush), and roads are less likely to be made impassable by floods.

From a health point of view, the dry season with a low risk of malaria is a better choice as mosquitoes are less common. However, Northern Circuit Parks such as Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara usually offer good game viewing all year round (with the exception of the Tarangire National Park, which is much better during the long dry season). If you want nice weather and good wildlife views but less crowds, plan your visit between January and March. The national parks in the south of the country do not really experience a dry period. In Nyerere National Park, Ruaha and Mikumi, the rain gradually builds from November to its peak in April. Gombe, Mahale and Katavi have a continuous rainy season.

When it is the best time to experience Great Migration in Serengeti?

Since the Serengeti does not have a large number of permanent water sources, the Great Migration in search of grass and water follows the rain. As the rains move south – between October and January – the hike will initially be above the western Loliondo and Lobo Hills area (October), then halfway down the eastern corridor, in the Nyabogati and Ngare Nanyuki river basins ( November and December) before arriving to the southeast in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (January and February), where she spends the short dry season. From here it moves gradually west and – between April and June – north, following the long rains, along Grumeti (June / July) and along the Mara River (July / August), before crossing the border with Kenya.

What ate the Tanzanian's Big Five and where can be found?

The term “Big 5” comes from the era of big game hunters and means the five animals that were the hardest to kill. These five are the lions, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalo and elephants. The Big 5 can be witnessed in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti and some its neighboring parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

How safe is the Camping Safari in Tanzania?

If you are looking for real life-changing safari adventure, camping safari is recommended. By the way it is the cheapest option for your safari tour in Tanzania. so, is it safe? The answer is YES. 

What are the Health Preparation should I take before and during Tanzania Safari?

Ensure that you get all the necessary vaccinations before leaving home, obtain comprehensive-travel insurance and pack a first aid kit. Tanzania is generally dusty in dry season and while on safari you will definitely have to take stops to toilet, so carry some hand wipes and sanitizers to clean your hands. Make sure that you only drink bottled water during your safari in Tanzania. The only safe water to take here is boiled, purified or bottled water. To prevent getting diarrhea be cautious of where and what you eat while you travel. The trick here is only eat hot food, and to ensure that it is freshly prepared order food form. Sleep under a mosquito net and remember to use insect repellants.

Can I combine Safari and Kilimanjaro Climbing?

Can I combine Safari and Beach Vacation?

LET’S PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TOGETHER!

Let Us Customize Your Tour

What our guests are saying

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 HHH1983 
 
 
 HHH1983 
 
2020-02-10
 
 
  
Toller Tourenanbieter zu fairen Preisen in Usa River
Wir hatten einen sehr freundlichen, zuvorkommenden Guide für unseren Besuch im Arusha Nationalpark. Er war sich für keinen Umweg zu schade, damit wir den besten Blick auf die Tiere hatten. Als wir eine Kaffeepause auf eigene Faust einlegen wollten, hat er ohne zu zögern umgedreht und auf uns gewartet. Im Vergleich zu anderen Anbietern in Usa River günstig, für 3 Personen kostete der Safaritag inklusive Verpflegung nur 135 Dollar. Top, absolute Empfehlung!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 terrycharlie64 
 
 
 terrycharlie64 
 
2019-11-27
 
 
  
Arusha Safari
Really good safari, with a lovely guide. Really well organized, even though I left it to the Last minute, they still managed to get me on the tour. Enjoyed every minute and we got to see some great wildlife! Germano was really helpful too.

Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Natalia E 
 
 
 Natalia E 
 
2019-11-23
 
 
  
Safari in Tanzania
Me and my friend spent 4 wonderful days visiting different national parks of Tanzania.Our trip ,hotels ,safari guide were very well organised by Germano. Our driver and  guide Peter was very friendly and he showed us a lots of different animals. Thanks to him we saw "Big Five"! The stuff of the hotels was very polite and smiling. I falled in love with this country ,nature and people... I do recommend 'African Vista' and Germano personaly :))
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Oksana Gnatkovska 
 
 
 Oksana Gnatkovska 
 
2019-11-21
 
 
  
4-days safari through 4 national parks: amazing trip!
Отличная организация, согласование всех деталей с учётом наших предпочтений и бюджета. Наш водитель-гид Питер очень профессиональный и мы увидели, во многом благодаря ему, всю большую пятерку🤩
Вкусная еда, хорошая погода, океан впечатлений👍
Посмотрели Нгоронгоро (как в «парке юрского периода»😍😍😍), Арушу, озеро Маньяра и Тарангире (в порядке нашего собственного рейтинга привлекательности расставила их:)). 
Джермано- спасибо огромное! Видели у вас на сайте ещё много разных туров по другим регионам Танзании- обязательно в следующий раз опять с вами!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 travelwithtanja 
 
 
 travelwithtanja 
 
2019-11-21
 
 
  
Just wonderful :-)
Germano organized two game drives for us – to Arusha National Park and to Lake Manyara. He’s super friendly and 100 percent reliable. From the first e-mail till the last day: Everything was perfect! Our driver, Rich, was the best guide ever: He’s a really safe driver, very friendly (such a great smile ☺), incredible nice to talk to and can tell you a lot about animals, landscape and culture. Not to forget: He spotted thousands of animals for us! Giraffes, zebras, elephants, monkeys, flamingos, buffalos, hippos – and even lions. We spent a great time with African Vista and can strongly recommend it! 

Germano, Rich – thank you very, very much for two wonderful days, we will never forget!!! 
Sandra and Tanja
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Trail23212141256 
 
 
 Trail23212141256 
 
2019-11-21
 
 
  
Close contact with giraffes
I took a day-safari together with my 5-years old daughter to Arusha National Park. We booked it just a day before and thus short notice it was perfectly planned. We had a great vehicle with a roof that could open so we could stand and watch all the animals. The park offered close contact many animals. Zebras, giraffes, warthogs, flamingos, hippos and different monkeys was the favorite. 

We had a lovely lunch break by a lake, while listening to the hippos snoring in the lake. The driver shared a lot of knowledge about the animals, plants and the park. 
Al together it was a perfect day for both me and my daughter.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 arnod273 
 
 
 arnod273 
 
2019-10-15
 
 
  
Very helpful people, great safari
We booked a 9 days camping safari via Germano (African Vista). As we did not book an itinerary upon our arrival, we needed to make a last minute booking in Tanzania. 

Germano was very helpful and spent hours planning our trip. We signed up for a safari to Arusha NP, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti (north and central), ngorogoro crater and lake Manyara. 

Our guide, Richard, and cook, Hubert, were excellent. Very friendly, genuine people who made us feel comfortable and appreciated. Richard has tons of experience and had a lot of patience, rather than rushing from one place to another. This was a very good strategy as the best sightings were seen after waiting patiently for things to happen. Hubert’s cooking (with a special recognition for his delicious soup) was great, lots of variety between local and western food. Amazing how he could fix us pizza, stews, crispy beef, marinated chicken, soup, pasta, ... with limited the facilities that were available to him.

Amongst others, we’ve seen the wildebeest migration in northern serengeti, hunting cheetahs, leopards, lions, hippos, tons of hoofed mamals, elephants, girafs, zebras, buffalos, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, wild fox and many more.

In summary: we’ve had a great time with great company.

After the safari, Germano arranged our next trip to Usambara and even gave us a follow up call to see how we were doing and whether the transition to other parts was smooth. 

Thank you Germano, Richard and Hubert for making this an unforgettable experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Carl S 
 
 
 Carl S 
 
2019-09-26
 
 
  
Tansania Safari Arusha Nationalpark
Great funny and informative guide, we made a Tour through Arusha Nationalpark and he explained everthing very well and interesting.
The booking was easy and surprisingly cheaper than other tour agents.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 13 reviews

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