Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa for a safari. For example, it is home to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Migration. In addition, you can see the Big Five, climb Kilimanjaro and end your trip on the beaches of Zanzibar. 
This guide answers the most common questions about African safaris in Tanzania. Specifically, it covers the best time to go, the wildlife you’ll see, which parks to visit, costs and what to pack. Finally, find out why Tanzania is the top safari destination in Africa. Tanzania safari at a glance:
- Best time to go: June to October (dry season)
- Top parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Ruaha, Nyerere
- Famous for: the Great Migration and the Big Five
- Ideal length: 5 to 10 days
- Combine with: Zanzibar beaches or a Kilimanjaro climb
Adding gorillas? Compare Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking.
When Is the Best Time for a Safari in Tanzania?
You can go on safari in Tanzania all year. However, each season has something different to offer.
Dry Season (June to October)
Overall, this is the most popular time for a safari.
- Wildlife: animals gather near rivers and waterholes, so they are easy to find.
- Weather: sunny and dry. Days reach 20–30°C (68–86°F). However, mornings and nights are cool, especially at Ngorongoro.
- Highlights: Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti and huge elephant herds in Tarangire.
- Tip: this is the busiest season, so book early.
Short Rains (November to December)
- Short showers, usually in the afternoon.
- Meanwhile, the land turns green and migratory birds arrive.
- As a result, there are fewer visitors and lower prices.
Calving Season (January to February)
- During this season, thousands of wildebeest are born in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.
- Lions, cheetahs and hyenas follow the herds, so predator action is excellent.
- Generally, the weather is warm with some rain.
Long Rains (March to May)
- Heavy rain, especially in April.
- As a result, some roads become muddy and a few camps close.
- This is the quietest and cheapest time to visit. Even so, it’s great for birdwatching and green scenery.
Where Is the Great Migration Each Month?
- December to March: southern Serengeti and Ndutu (calving season)
- April to May: central and western Serengeti
- June to July: western corridor (Grumeti River crossings)
- August to October: northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara (Mara River crossings)
- November: the herds move south again
What Wildlife Can You See on a Tanzania Safari?
Wildlife is the main reason people choose African safaris in Tanzania. Here is what you can expect to see.
The Big Five
- Lion: the Serengeti has some of Africa’s largest lion prides. Also, lions are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Leopard: shy and harder to spot than other cats. In fact, they often rest in trees. The Seronera area of the Serengeti is one of the best places to find them.
- Elephant: Tarangire and Ruaha have huge herds, especially in the dry season.
- Rhino: black rhinos are rare. However, the Ngorongoro Crater is the best place to see them.
- Buffalo: common in most parks. Herds are often large, especially in the dry season.
Other Animals
- Wildebeest and zebra: millions move through the Serengeti during the Great Migration.
- Cheetah: look for them on the open plains of the Serengeti, especially in the south.
- Giraffe: common in almost every park.
- Hippo: found in rivers and lakes, often in large groups.
- Chimpanzee: found in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania.
Birds
Tanzania also has more than 1,100 bird species. Look out for:
- Flamingos at Lake Natron, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater
- Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in Africa
- African fish eagle, known for its loud call near rivers and lakes
Which Parks Should You Visit on a Tanzania Safari?
Furthermore, the parks you choose shape your whole trip. These are the best parks for African safaris in Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s most famous park covers about 14,750 km². It is home to the Great Migration and all of the Big Five. In addition, you can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and hot air balloon rides. In fact, it’s worth visiting all year.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because wildlife is packed into a small area, sightings are almost guaranteed. It’s the best place in Tanzania to see black rhinos.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is famous for its big elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. It is also quieter than the Serengeti. The best time to visit is June to October, when animals gather along the Tarangire River.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a small park with forest, grassland and a soda lake. It is known for baboons, elephants, flamingos and tree-climbing lions. It’s also an easy stop between Arusha and Ngorongoro.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest protected areas. It also feels wild and remote. You can take boat safaris on the Rufiji River and look for African wild dogs, one of Africa’s most endangered animals.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest parks and sees few visitors. Still, it has large elephant herds, big lion prides and more than 500 bird species. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quiet, off-the-beaten-path safari.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe is a small forest park on Lake Tanganyika. It is especially famous for its wild chimpanzees. The dry season (June to October) is the easiest time for hiking to find them.
What Can You Do on a Tanzania Safari Besides Game Drives?
- Walking safaris: explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger. Popular in Ruaha and Nyerere.
- Hot air balloon safaris: float over the Serengeti at sunrise, then enjoy a champagne breakfast.
- Boat safaris: see hippos and crocodiles up close on the Rufiji River in Nyerere.
- Night game drives: spot bushbabies, owls and hunting predators after dark. Available in private conservancies near Tarangire.
- Cultural visits: meet Maasai or Hadzabe communities near Arusha, Ngorongoro and Lake Eyasi.
- Canoeing: paddle on Lake Manyara when water levels allow.
- Photography safaris: expert guides help you find the best light and angles.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest peak takes 5 to 9 days, depending on the route.
- Beach time in Zanzibar: short flights from Arusha make it easy to finish your safari by the sea.
Camping or Lodge Safari in Tanzania: Which Is Better?
Most African safaris in Tanzania use one of these two styles.
| Camping safari | Lodge safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | Tents, from basic to luxury | Rooms or permanent tented suites |
| Comfort | Simple; shared bathrooms on budget trips | En-suite bathrooms, hot showers, often a pool |
| Atmosphere | Close to nature and adventurous | Relaxed and comfortable |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Budget and adventure travelers | Families, couples and honeymooners |
Choose camping if you want to hear lions at night and keep costs down. On the other hand, choose a lodge if you want comfort after long game drives. Of course, many travelers mix both.
How Much Does a Safari in Tanzania Cost?
Prices for African safaris in Tanzania depend on your season, accommodation and group size. As a rough guide, per person per day:
- Budget camping safari: about $150–$300
- Mid-range lodge safari: about $300–$600
- Luxury safari: from $600 to over $1,500
Prices are highest from June to October, while they are lowest from March to May. Private safaris cost more than group safaris but give you more flexibility. For a full breakdown of park fees, flights and extras, read our guide to the average cost of a safari in Tanzania.
How Do You Choose the Right Tanzania Safari Operator?
Before you book, use this checklist:
- Reviews: check TripAdvisor and Google reviews from recent guests.
- Local expertise: choose an operator that specializes in Tanzania.
- Licenses: ask if they are licensed and members of TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators).
- Guides: ask about their guides’ training, experience and languages.
- Clear pricing: the quote should list what is included, such as park fees, meals and transfers, and what is not.
- Flexibility: a good operator will tailor the trip to your interests.
- Safety: ask about vehicle checks, first aid and emergency plans.
- Responsible tourism: pick operators who respect wildlife and support local communities.
- Fast replies: quick, clear answers usually mean good service on the trip too.
Want extra comfort? See our 10-day first class Tanzania safari.
What Should You Pack for a Tanzania Safari?
Clothing
- Neutral colors such as khaki, beige and olive. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies.
- Light layers and a warm jacket for early mornings
- Long sleeves and trousers for sun and mosquito protection
- Comfortable closed shoes, plus sandals for camp
Sun and Insect Protection
- High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Malaria tablets (ask your doctor before you travel)
Gear
- Binoculars (8x or 10x)
- Camera with a zoom lens, plus spare batteries and memory cards
- Power bank and a Type G (UK-style) plug adapter
- Small daypack and a refillable water bottle
Personal Items
- Small first aid kit and any personal medicine
- Travel-size toiletries and a quick-dry towel
For a full list, see what to pack for a Tanzania safari.
What Documents Do You Need for a Tanzania Safari?
- Passport: valid for at least six months after your trip.
- Visa: most visitors need a Tanzania visa. Apply online for an e-visa before you travel.
- Inbound travel insurance: all foreign visitors must buy the official mandatory insurance before arrival. Buy it in the country where you first land: mainland Tanzania (NIC) or Zanzibar (ZIC). In addition, carry your own travel insurance.
- Yellow fever certificate: needed if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is present.
- Money: bring US dollars in recent, undamaged notes. Otherwise, older notes are often refused. Many lodges also accept cards.
Plan Your African Safari in Tanzania
African safaris in Tanzania offer something for every traveler: the Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, wild Ruaha and beaches in Zanzibar. Above all, the key is choosing the right season, parks and style of safari for you. Our Arusha-based team can design a safari around your dates, budget and interests. Contact us to start planning.
Related guides: bird watching in Tanzania and things to do in Tanzania.
Related reading: Travelling with children? See our guide to the best family safari in Tanzania, and use our Tanzania safari packing checklist before you go. Short on time? Try our 3-day express Big Five safari.
Explore Tanzania’s hidden parks: Go beyond the north with Mikumi National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park and Kitulo National Park.
