A Tanzania safari is an unforgettable adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife sightings, and rich cultural experiences. However, planning a safari can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time visiting Tanzania. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan a Tanzania safari.
Where to go on a Tanzania Safari?
Tanzania's Northern Parks
Tanzania is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife reserves and national parks in the world, and the northern part of the country is particularly renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse array of wildlife. Here are some of the most popular parks in Tanzania's northern region:
Serengeti National Park - Known for the Great Migration, the Serengeti offers incredible wildlife sightings, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes.
Ngorongoro Crater - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder, home to an array of wildlife, including lions, hippos, and black rhinos.
Tarangire National Park - Renowned for its vast elephant herds, Tarangire also offers opportunities to see cheetahs, leopards, and other big cats.
Selous Game Reserve - The largest game reserve in Africa, Selous is home to a wide range of wildlife, from crocodiles and hippos to giraffes and wildebeests.
Lake Manyara National Park - A birdwatcher's paradise, Lake Manyara is home to over 400 species of birds, as well as elephants, buffalos, and tree-climbing lions.
Tanzania's Southern Parks
Tanzania's southern parks are some of the most beautiful and underrated parks in the country. These parks are less visited than some of the more famous parks in the north, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but offer unique wildlife and cultural experiences.
Selous Game Reserve - The largest game reserve in Africa, Selous is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. The park is also known for its boat safaris, which offer the chance to see crocodiles and hippos up close.
Ruaha National Park - One of Tanzania's largest parks, Ruaha is home to the largest population of elephants in East Africa, as well as lions, leopards, and hyenas. The park also offers cultural experiences, such as visits to the local Maasai communities.
When to go to Tanzania?
There is no 'best' time to visit as there are specific benefits of travelling at different times of year. However, it is a seasonal destination and the wildlife moves year round, so being in the right place at the right time is key.
Tanzania has two dry seasons and two wet seasons.
The long dry season in Tanzania runs from June to October and is considered the best time to visit for wildlife viewing, as the animals tend to congregate around water sources and are easier to spot in the dry vegetation.
The wet season in Tanzania is April and May and is considered the low season for tourism.
The short dry season in Tanzania runs from December to March, when temperatures are highest, making it a great time to visit Tanzania and a great time to see the wildebeest migration in the Southern Serengeti during its calving season.
The short rains come in November and into December
It's worth noting that the weather in Tanzania can be unpredictable and can vary depending on the region, so it's important to research the specific areas you plan to visit and pack accordingly. Regardless of the season, Tanzania is a beautiful and welcoming country with plenty to offer visitors year-round.