Are you on the hunt for an amazing safari experience? If so, Tanzania is the perfect destination for you!
With its diverse landscape and abundance of wildlife, Tanzania offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure. As a locally-owned safari company, Wild Root Safaris has the best insights on where to go on safari in Tanzania, guaranteeing that you make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We offer various types of safaris in Tanzania and can help you choose the perfect option for you!
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Where to go on Safari in Tanzania
When it comes to safaris, Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to go. Tanzania has a huge variety of landscapes and ecosystems with an unbelievable amount of wildlife. Whether you want to see lions and elephants in the Serengeti or apes and gorillas in the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania has it all. Wild Root Safaris has several packaged and custom safari options available so that you can choose the right options for your interests and budget. Here are some of the best places to go on safari in Tanzania:
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and covers an area of 14,750 square kilometers. The park was established in 1951 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is during the dry season (July-October) when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources. There are several different ways to experience Serengeti National Park, including game drives, walking safaris, and hot air ballooning.
The park is home to a large variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more. The Serengeti is widely known for its annual Great Migration—one of the wonders of the natural world. It is also an incredible birding destination, with over 500 different species of birds.
The wildebeest migration is one of the most incredible natural phenomena in the world, and Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the best place to witness it. The migration typically takes place between July and October, but the timing can vary depending on rainfall patterns. During “The Great Migration,” over two million animals – including wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes travel from the southern part of the park to the northern region in search of grazing grounds.
The journey is fraught with danger, as the animals cross rivers full of crocodiles and face predators such as lions and cheetahs. But the rewards are great – those that make it to the other side will find an abundance of food and water.
The Serengeti’s scenery is famous for its endless plains, which are punctuated by rocky outcrops called kopjes. These unique landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing. The northern part of this park is home to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. To the west, the park borders Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.
The Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania. The crater is home to a large number of animals, including lions, elephants, and zebras. The crater is also a great place to enjoy the famous African sunsets. Ngorongoro crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater is surrounded by amazing towering volcanic walls on each side and blessed with a permanent water source, the crater floor supports an abundance and variety of wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater is also one of the best places in Africa to see the famous “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Approximately 25,000 large animals live in the crater, including more than 30 species of ungulates (hoofed animals). The density of wildlife is very high, and visitors are almost guaranteed to see a wide variety of animals during a visit to the crater.
One of the best times to visit the Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season (June to October) when the animals congregate around the permanent water sources in the crater.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a beautiful park that is famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos. The animals you’ll see here include elephants, zebras, impala, buffalo, and giraffes. You can also go on a hot air balloon ride over the park for a truly unforgettable experience. Surrounding Lake Manyara are grassy plains and acacia woodlands which make for great game viewing. The park is a habitat for thousands of birds including pelicans, storks, and herons. Giraffes strut across the plains while elephants graze in the woodlands.
If you want to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, Lake Manyara National Park is a great choice. The park is small enough that you can easily see everything in one day, allowing additional time to visit the Maji Moto hot springs which are located just outside the park.
The flora of Lake Manyara National Park is just as diverse as the fauna. You’ll find water lilies, papyrus, and lotus flowers in the lake. The acacia woodlands are full of wildflowers and you can even scout out a few baobab trees in the park.
Whether you’re interested in the animals or the plants, Lake Manyara National Park is a great safari destination. The park is located 90 minutes from Arusha by vehicle. It is centrally placed and is easy to combine with other parks in the northern circuit such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
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Calving Season Safari
A Calving Season safari is a great option for those who want to see Tanzania’s wildlife up close and personal. This safari is usually best throughout the months of December through March when the animals are giving birth. You’ll be able to see a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and zebras. During calving season, animals are much more active, so you’ll have amazing viewing opportunities.
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4-Day Calving Season Safari
6-Day Calving Season Safari
7-Day Calving Season Safari
Great Migration Safari
This popular safari takes you to the Serengeti to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows on earth, The Great Migration. The best time to go on this amazing adventure is July through October. You will see huge herds of zebras and wildebeest migrating across the plains, as well as predators such as lions and cheetahs stalking their prey. This is an unforgettable experience and is on a lot of safari-goers bucket list. Wild Root Safaris can take you up close and personal to this extraordinary event!
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Northern Serengeti River Safari
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania. The park covers 75,575 hectares, which includes the mountain itself and surrounding forests.
A variety of animals can be seen in the park, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak, is the tallest point on the African continent. There are several routes you can take to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and it is recommended that you attempt the climb with a guide. Wild Root Safaris has various trekking options to take you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. We can even customize an experience just for you!
If you’re looking for an active adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is a great option. With its stunning scenery and variety of wildlife, it’s no wonder this park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania.
Wild Root Safaris has various Kilimijaro trekking options available and we can even customize any packages to fit your needs! Book today or contact us to learn more.
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Kilimanjaro Treks
Safari by Air
Next up, we will discuss some of Tanzania’s remote safari options that are often only accessible by air travel and customized safari options. Regardless of your choice, Wild Root Safaris can get you to your desired destination. If you are interested in any of the below destinations, get in touch for a custom safari quote today!
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Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve is large wildlife conservation and protected area in southern Tanzania. The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 square kilometers and is home to a variety of different species of animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. Selous is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is a popular destination for safari-goers. It is one of the few Tanzanian destinations that offer boat trips as well as game drives, making it a unique and must-see destination.
Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and is one of the largest protected areas in the world. The reserve is named after Frederick Selous, a British explorer, hunter, and conservationist. Some of the diverse wildlife of the Selous include East African wild dogs, African bush elephants, cape buffaloes, and hippopotamuses.
The most interesting places in the reserve are the Rufiji River which flows through the reserve, Lake Tagalala, a large freshwater lake, and the Mwanza Gulf, a large saltwater lake. A canyon of 100 meters in-depth, the Grand Ravine, is also located in the reserve.
The Selous Game Reserve is one of Tanzania’s top safari destinations and is a must-see for any safari-goer. With its diverse wildlife, large size, and unique features, the Selous Game Reserve is a truly special place.
If you’re interested in seeing the Selous Game Reserve for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the reserve is only accessible by air or boat, so Wild Root Safaris will need to customize your travel plan accordingly. Second, the best time to visit the Selous is between July and October, when the weather is dry and cool. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’re sure to see some incredible wildlife during your visit!
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania. The park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and leopards. It is also home to a large number of birds. Its landscape is diverse, with both savanna and forest habitats.
In the dry season, visitors can expect to see numerous animals, as they congregate around the few offered water sources. The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is between July and October. Ruaha is easily combined with a visit to Selous Game Reserve. With its diverse landscape and a large number of animals, Ruaha National Park is a great place to go on a safari in Tanzania.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is considered to be the world’s longest freshwater lake, as well as the second deepest. It’s located in between four countries (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia), making it a very unique and awesome place to go for a safari. The best time to visit Lake Tanganyika is during the dry season, which is from June to October. It is a biologically rich habitat due to the freshwater algae that grows in the lake.
The rainforests and the chimpanzees that live in the area are a big attraction for safari-goers. A favorite destination is the Gombe Stream National Park. Here, you can take a boat ride to see chimpanzees, as well as go on hikes and safaris through the rainforest. The park hosts a great variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and different types of birds. If you’re looking for a truly unique safari experience, Lake Tanganyika is a great option to consider.
Other destinations to combine with your Tanzania Safari Tours
Apart from wildlife, Tanzania boasts of some of the most beautiful landscapes on the African continent. Here are some other escapes Wild Root Safaris can customize for your special visit to Tanzania:
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. It is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and spice Island tours. It is a cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean, with the largest island being Unguja. The islands feature a diverse mix of Arabic, Indian, and African cultures. It features amazing infrastructure and amenities making it an incredible safari destination. Zanzibar is famous for being the birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. It is also well-known for its amazing scuba diving and snorkeling sites.
Pemba and Misali Island
Pemba and Misali are two of Zanzibar’s outlying islands. They are both beautiful and offer a variety of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and snorkeling. Pemba is known as the “Green Island” because of its lush vegetation. It is recognized for the best scuba diving in East Africa. It is also home to a variety of bird species. Misali is a small, uninhabited island known for its clear waters and coral reefs.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba is a small, private island off the coast of Zanzibar. It is known for its luxury accommodations and pristine beaches. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, making it a great snorkeling and diving destination. This is the ultimate destination for a relaxed, romantic and barefoot trip.
Mafia Island
Mafia is a remote island off the coast of Tanzania that is known for its beautiful coral reefs. The best time to visit is between June and September when the water is calm and clear. The main attraction here is scuba diving and snorkeling. Turtles can also be spotted on the island. There are also amazing archaeological sites where you can learn about the history of the island.
Ushongo and Pangani Beach
Ushongo is one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania. The beach here is simply gorgeous, and the wildlife is incredible. Pangani Beach is another great safari destination, and it’s also home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. These are good places to experience the Swahili culture and see some of Tanzania’s best wildlife. The beaches are major trading centers for the country, so there is always a lot of activity. You can also find some great restaurants here, and the nightlife is worth checking out.
Saadani National Park
If you are tight on money, time, or both, Saadani is an option worth considering. Just a few hours’ drive from Dar es Salaam, Saadani is the only coastal national park in Tanzania. Here, you can see elephants, lions, and other big game. You can also see turtles nesting on the beach, and boat trips can be arranged to see dolphins. Additionally, you can see more than 400 species of birds in Saadani National Park.
If you are interested in customizing any safari options, Wild Root Safaris can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
The cost of a Tanzania safari depends on many factors, including the number of people in your group, the length of your safari, the time of year you travel, and the type of accommodation you choose. Generally speaking, a Tanzania safari can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000 per person. Luckily, Wild Root Safaris has various pre-packaged options to fit every need:
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There are various ways you can save money on a Tanzanian safari. For example, you can travel during the low season (April-May and November-December), choose budget-friendly accommodations, or opt for a shorter safari. Regardless of your budget, we can help with an option that works best for you!
What is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is between June through October. This is when the weather is dry and the animals are more active. If you want to see The Great Migration, we recommend visiting between July and October. This is when the animals are migrating from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Tanzania is between November and May. This is considered the wet season, but there are still plenty of animals to see.
Which part of Tanzania has the most wildlife?
The Serengeti is the most popular destination in East Africa. It boasts ample wildlife and visitors often flock to the area due to its famous wildlife viewing. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, you can’t go wrong with the Serengeti!
The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves in the world and covers a vast area of south-central Tanzania. The reserve is home to a large number of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and many other animals. If you want to see a large number of animals in one place, then the Selous Game Reserve is a great option.
Visit Tanzania!
Tanzania has many amazing options for enjoying an African safari. There are many different parks and reserves to visit, each with its unique ecosystem and wildlife. Whether you are looking for an adventurous safari or something more laid-back and intimate, we have options for you!
Whichever route you choose, Wild Root Safaris will make sure you have the time of your life!
The wild is waiting…
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