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Tanzania Safari & Mafia Island

4.8/5  –  1,741 Tanzania Safari Reviews

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. The wildlife viewing is out of this world and big cats are especially easy to see. All members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) can be found in various Tanzanian parks and reserves, and all five are present in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Almost 40% of the country is protected and set aside for conservation, which means that it’s easy to go on a Tanzania safari for 2 full weeks and drive from park to park while rarely leaving the bush.

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8 Questions About Tanzania Safaris

1. When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
2. Why visit Tanzania, what are the major attractions?
3. How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
4. How is the wildlife viewing in Tanzania?
5. How safe is Tanzania for tourists?
6. How do I select a reliable Tanzanian tour operator?
7. What type of accommodation can I expect?
8. What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania?
 
 

8 Questions About Tanzania Safaris

Answered by Philip Briggs

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

“A Tanzania safari can be booked throughout the year, but the best time depends on your interests. If seeing the wildebeest migration is the main focus of your visit, you will have to plan carefully. June to October is the best period to see the migration in the Serengeti, but you’ll have to stay in different areas of the park at different stages of the migration, and as this all depends on the rain, this isn’t completely dependable. If you want to get away from the crowds, you should book your accommodation in the Serengeti away from the wildebeest migration. The wettest months are March to May, and any safari might be compromised at this time.”

› More about Tanzania’s best time to visit 1

Why visit Tanzania, what are the major attractions?

“Tanzania is the quintessential safari destination, offering both quality and quantity. The wildlife viewing is superb and there is just so much choice in terms of places to visit and things to do. In fact, it would be hard to experience all of the highlights even in three Tanzania holidays, let alone one. There are three distinct safari circuits: the most popular Northern safari circuit includes famous places such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The lesser-known Southern circuit centers on Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park. The off-the-beaten-track Western circuit includes Katavi National Park and the chimpanzee reserves on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Avid mountain climbers might be surprised to learn the highest peak in Africa is in Tanzania. Mt Kilimanjaro lies between Kenya and Tanzania but is climbed from the Tanzanian side.”

2

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

“Tanzania tours are not geared toward big groups. The best way to see the parks is on a bespoke safari for two or four people who book together as a family or group of friends, though that obviously comes at a price. You should budget a starting price of US$500 per person per day, but it is difficult to put a specific figure on a trip, as a lot of variables need to be taken into account. For example, camping safaris are generally cheaper than lodge safaris. Conversely, the Serengeti and some other parks in the Northern circuit have big hotels that are much cheaper than the small, exclusive lodges and tented camps – although the latter are often more basic. The season makes a big difference too. Discounted rates apply if you are willing to travel in the rainy season, while you’ll pay a premium to visit during the height of the wildebeest migration.”

› Factors influencing the cost of a Tanzania safari 3

How is the wildlife viewing in Tanzania?

“The wildlife viewing in Tanzania is superb. A Tanzania safari in the Northern circuit takes in Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Any of these parks offer fantastic game viewing, although some of it is seasonal. Doing the whole circuit enhances the experience as you’ll be going through a variety of habitats and environments. Due to the sizes of the parks, it is possible to get away from the crowds, but as the Northern circuit is the most popular circuit, you will be surrounded by other tourists at times. If you really want to get away from all that, you can visit the Southern circuit, where the game viewing is slightly more challenging but very good all the same. This circuit is perhaps more suited to repeat Africa visitors who are less driven to tick off the Big Five.”

4

How safe is Tanzania for tourists?

“Tanzania has a slick and experienced tourist industry, and a Tanzanian safari overall is very safe. That said, there is a lot of petty crime in big cities such as Dar es Salaam, so walking around alone isn’t recommended. Tourists sometimes get targeted in Arusha and other urban tourist hot spots, but most of the time the hassle is benign and is really just touts wanting to sell things (anything from safaris to beaded necklaces). Being firm and standing your ground is usually all it takes to diffuse any situation. In any case, most people on Tanzanian tours don’t spend very much (or any) time in urban centers, so none of this is likely to be a concern.”

5

How do I select a reliable Tanzanian tour operator?

“Tanzania is a popular African safari destination and many large reputable operators working in Africa sell Tanzanian holidays. Most operators offer pretty much the same packages and the differences will mostly lie in the quality of the guides and vehicles. If you have a special interest, you might want to do some research and look for operators catering to that; for example, some packages are more geared toward walking safaris or fly camping (where the whole camp gets set up for you at a special private campsite). You can compare Tanzania safari prices and packages on SafariBookings.com. Always read the reviews as they will give you a good indication of reliability and the quality of the guides.”

6

What type of accommodation can I expect?

“The safari industry in Tanzania is well established and there is a good variety of accommodation on offer. Going with an outfitter offering comfortable camping safaris is not only the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it also adds to the sense of adventure. If real camping isn’t your thing, but you like the romance of tented accommodation, there are tented camps (with actual beds and flushing toilets inside) offering different levels of luxury. For those visitors that prefer to spend their evenings in less of a bush environment, there are hotels that provide a total disconnect from the countryside, which also means less chance of creepy-crawlies in your room. The current trend, however, is toward exclusive designer lodges blending into the environment and offering an unparalleled level of luxury and service. The sky is the limit!”

7

What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania?

“When on a Tanzania tour, you can expect an experience of a lifetime – or maybe the first of many more to come. Once the safari bug has bitten, people tend to return over and over again to experience the African bush. It is hard to stay away for too long. Tanzania is the perfect destination for first-time safaris as the wildlife viewing and African landscapes in the Northern circuit are all you could hope for, and more. Tanzania is also the perfect destination for repeat visitors, as your first visit won’t even scratch the surface of the touring options. Seasoned African safari enthusiasts will enjoy some of the more remote parks, with different animals such as African wild dogs in the Southern circuit and chimpanzees in the west.”

8

Tanzania Safari Reviews

4.8/5 1,741 Reviews
Expert
Mark Eveleigh  –  
United Kingdom UK

Mark is a travel writer who grew up in Africa and has written over 700 titles for Condé Nast Traveller, Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife and others.

As a safari destination Tanzania has it all!
5/5

Tanzania as a safari destination has it all. If this is your first safari and your ambition is to get some amazing sightings and rack up the big 5 as soon as possible, then Ngorongoro Crater is probably the best place in the world to do...

Full Review

Expert
Mary Fitzpatrick  –  
United States US

Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.

Tanzania – Classic African Safari Destination
5/5

Few areas of the continent offer the amount, variety and accessibility of wildlife that Tanzania does, against such a scenic backdrop. Wildlife is abundant, species diversity excellent, and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes...

Full Review

Jane Evans  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: Nov 16, 2024
Absolutely amazing for wildlife
5/5

I have recently returned from the holiday of a lifetime. What an experience - the Serengeti surpassed all expectations. I was amazed at how close the animals - especially the big cats - came to our vehicle, walking in between cars and even...

Full Review

Maxim Daniela  –  
Romania RO
Reviewed: Nov 14, 2024
Fantastic
5/5

We were in a 3 days safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara starting from Zanzibar Island. It was fantastic. Brenda took care of everything and she was great. We had transfers to and from our hotels to the airport, plane tickets,...

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Arisa  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Nov 13, 2024
Beautiful country with quality hospitality
4/5

We visited Tanzania in the first week of October. The weather was great. We had one day of light rain, but otherwise it was sunny and warm (not too hot). We visited Tarangire (so many elephants!), Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the...

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Mehdiya and Hussein  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Nov 13, 2024
Priceless Experience!
5/5

amazing experience with Safari Bookings/Obag! we did a 3 day, 2 night safari from Dar to Mikumi by train (including all transport - car and train, 2 nights hotel stay and all meals/snacks/drinks) definitely recommend the train option (1...

Full Review

All 1741 Tanzania Safari Reviews