Tanzania takes you on thrilling escapades: from watching the wildebeest fight a battle for survival to cycling through the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and snorkelling in the clear waters of Zanzibar beaches. Every day is packed full of adventures, moments you can capture on photographic safaris through Africa’s iconic safari destination, Tanzania. We have listed a curated collection of safari tours that will take you to the heart of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations, including its greatest spectacle – the annual wildebeest migration.
1. Great Migration Safari Tours
Best time of the year to visit: January to March
Budget: Medium
Highlight: Wildebeest calving season
Experience the thrill of Tanzania’s wildebeest migration in the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the Ndutu region. A guided safari focused on wildebeest calving, this tour allows visitors to witness the wildebeest calves being born in the wild. Around 8000 calves are born daily during the calving season. An ideal time to plan this safari is from January to March. This guided-safari package also offers visitors a tour of Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, both known for their large concentration of wildlife.
Best time of the year to visit: August to October
Budget: Medium to High
Highlight: Tarangire National Park, Kogatende Mara River Crossing, Central Seronera
A complete Tanzania wildlife safari package, this tour covers all safari hotspots in Serengeti. Explore Central Seronera and Kogatende, two well-known regions that lie on the path of Tanzania’s annual wildebeest migration. At the Kogatende, visitors will see the wildebeest crossing the treacherous waters of Mara River, teeming with crocodiles. On the banks of the rivers, lions lie in wait to pounce upon the wildebeest. The ideal time to plan this safari is from August to October when seeing the crossing is most likely, although never guaranteed. Visitors can choose to park their vehicles and witness the spectacle or opt for a hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti for a birds-eye view. The journey tapers off after a visit to the Tarangire National Park, ending with a cultural tour.
Best time of the year to visit: August to October
Budget: All budgets
Highlight: Tarangire National Park, Kogatende, Serengeti National Park
The safari tour starts in Tarangire National Park, a well-known safari destination in Tanzania’s northern circuit, where you’ll see massive herds of African elephants and several lions. The park also has numerous baobab trees, known as the ‘Tree of Life’. These fascinating trees stand out in the landscape and hold immense cultural significance for the locals. After Tarangire, visitors will travel to the Serengeti National Park to see its abundant wildlife and then head over to Kogatende to see the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration.
2. Photographic Safari Tours
Best time of the year to visit: July to October
Budget: All budgets
Highlight: Arusha National Park, flamingoes at Momella Lakes, views of Mount Meru
The journey commences in Arusha National Park, where visitors can take in the mesmerizing views of Mount Meru, offering them the perfect opportunity to capture memorable pictures. The flamingo teeming Momella Lakes presents a stunning view, ideal for taking photographs on safari. After spending a day or two at the Tarangire National Park, visitors will begin their journey towards the Mara River crossings. Along the way, they can capture the beauty of the open Serengeti plains and rocky outcrops of Maasai Kopjes. At the river crossing, visitors can witness and photograph the dramatic river crossings as the wildebeest’s race for their survival.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Budget: Medium
Highlight: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, wildebeest migration
Explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the fullest with this 5-day photographic safari, assuring days full of wildlife adventures. Capture the spectacular wildlife photographs with the open Serengeti plains offering a perfect backdrop for remarkable pictures. As you descend 600 meters to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, you can capture once-in-a-lifetime shots of the world’s largest intact and inactive volcanic caldera. Depending on when you plan to go on this safari tour, you’ll be able to follow the wildebeest migration and capture amazing views of mega herds.
Best time of the year to visit: July to October
Budget: Medium to High
Highlight: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mara River Crossings
Take in the beautiful scenes of the infamous river crossings at the Mara River, where you can photograph herds of animals as they battle their way across trying to avoid the hungry crocodiles. This photographic tour offers the best of wildebeest migration and Serengeti game drives. It will take you on a journey through the incredible landscapes where you can take pictures along the way. The descent of the Ngorongoro Crater, known for its abundant wildlife of over 30,000 animals, also offers gorgeous views of the wildlife within, amongst which is one of the rarest of big five sightings, the black rhino.
3. Bush to Beach Safari Tours
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Budget: Medium to High
Highlight: Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, snorkelling, spice plantation, Stone Town, Prison Island
A safari tour package that takes visitors to two of Tanzania’s well-known safari destinations, from the heat of Serengeti’s open plains to the serenity of Zanzibar’s sandy beaches. The visitor will spend the first leg of the 10-day trip in the heart of Serengeti, exploring the wildlife of one of Tanzania’s great northern circuit parks. The latter part of the trip is one adventure after another in Zanzibar. First comes the snorkeling trip, which gives you an uninterrupted view of marine life. Next, a visit to the Zanzibar spice plantation, followed by a cultural trip to Zanzibar’s Stone Town and Prison Island.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Budget: All budgets
Highlight: Tree-climbing lions, hot-air balloon safari over Serengeti plains, snorkelling, Arabian sailing, spice plantation, Stone Town
The trip takes visitors to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and Lake Manyara – a soda-ash lake that attracts thousands of pink flamingos. After taking in the beautiful sights of Lake Manyara, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Olduvai Gorge, over the next few days. The trip includes a hot air balloon safari ride over the open Serengeti plains, giving visitors an aerial view of the wildlife and Serengeti’s majestic landscapes. Spend the latter part of your trip at Zanzibar, strolling through the Stone Town streets, sailing the Indian Ocean on a wooden dhow, snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and a visit to a spice plantation.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Budget: Medium
Highlight: Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Jambiani beach
This wildlife safari package offers visitors the best of Tanzania’s northern park circuit, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After taking in the beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife, visitors can head over to the Jambiani beach in Zanzibar, where they can explore the stunning beach, visit local markets, and participate in local activities.
4. Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing Safari Tours
Best time to climb the peak: January to early March, June to October
Goal: Reaching Uhuru Peak, summit of Kibo, one of three Mount Kilimanjaro volcanic cones
Trek duration: 4 Days
Climbing route: Marangu
Marangu Route was named the Coca-Cola Route after the coca-cola vendors. Due to its gradual slope, it is considered one of the easier routes for scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and suitable for beginner climbers. With its comfortable sleeping huts, the Marangu Route is ideal for families and groups who would rather avoid sleeping in camps. As the days pass, visitors will spend their nights at Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, and Kibo Huts.
Trek duration: 7 Days
Climbing route: Lemosho
Lemosho Route, on the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the newer climbing routes with several ups and downs throughout the valleys and ridges. Compared to the Marangu route, it is a strenuous climb. Visitors will hike through the habitat layers as they climb the high plateaus and scree slopes, taking in its beautiful scenery. The route has the highest success rate and is suitable for experienced climbers. The Lemosho route doesn’t have huts or dormitory-style accommodations. The climbers have to find accommodation in traditional campsites such as Big Tree Camp, Barranco Camp, and Millenium Camp.
Trek duration: 7 Days
Climbing route: Machame
The Machame Route is as treacherous as Lemosho, offering visitors steady acclimatisation and breathtaking scenery. It presents a challenge to seasoned climbers with a series of valleys, ridges, plateaus, and steep scree slopes. Even the high difficulty level doesn’t put off enthusiastic climbers. The Machame Routes gets the highest number of climbers and is busier than the Marangu route in the peak climbing season. Although the Marangu route is easier to climb, acclimating to the altitude is tougher, whereas Machame and Lemosho offer easier acclimatization. Like Lemosho, the rest stops on the Machame route are camps – Machame Camp, Karanga Camp, and Millenium Camp.
5. Cultural Safari Tours
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget safari
Highlights: Hunting, Mang’Ola Village excursion, Mto Wa Mbu village excursion
In a secluded corner of Tanzania lies the Mang’Ola Village, where the Hadzbe and Datoga tribes continue their old ways by eschewing modern comforts. Rather than build huts, the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers find shelter in caves or trees. Baboons are a part of their primary diets, which fall prey to arrow shots from their powerful longbows. The Datoga, on the other hand, are pastoralists who also build weapons such as arrows and spears. On the second day, visitors travel to the Mto Wa Mbu village, home to 120 ethnic tribes living in harmony. The excursion includes a visit to the banana plantation, rice fields, local markets, dancing, and learning activities.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget safari
Highlights: Elephants and lion sightings at Tarangire National Park, Maasai Village excursion, and Godson Charity
A bite-sized wildlife safari partnered with cultural excursions, this tour offers the best of both worlds. On day one, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the plentiful wildlife of Tarangire National Park and its famous baobab trees. Due to the large population of wildlife, elephant and lion sightings are frequent. The next day is full of surprises with the excursion at the Massai village where you’ll have the chance to witness their daily ongoings from cooking to traditional singing and dancing. On the final day, visitors will have the opportunity to give back to the locals with charitable donations.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget safari
Highlights: Elephants sightings at Kenyan Border and Camping on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
Enduimet Wildlife Management Area is a hidden treasure located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where visitors can experience a camping safari surrounded by lush vegetation. Once settled into the mobile tents, visitors can head over to an evening game drive which will take them to the Kenyan border abound with elephants. A hike to the Endonyo Etirapa Hill will lead you to glorious sunset views of Mount Meru, Longido, Namanga, and Kilimanjaro. Expect a bush party and campfire during and after dinner.
6. Tanzania Cycle Safari Tours
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget safari
Highlights: Chemka Hot Springs, Tanzania sugarcane plantations
An adventure tour that leads to a magical hidden jewel – the Chemka Hot Spring. Spend a day on cycle, touring the wonders of Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their culture. Ride through the Tanzania sugarcane plantation until you reach the Kiyungi bus stop. A right turn, and you’ll be on the path to the Chemka Hot Springs, driving through the villages surrounded by banana plantations. At the end lies the rejuvenating hot springs, a little oasis amid Tanzania’s rough and dusty trek.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget safari
Highlights: Scenic views, local villages
Go on a 5-day thrilling cyclic adventure around Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through its numerous villages such as Marangu, Useri, Rongai, and Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village. These villages are home to the local Chagga and Maasai tribes, where you can learn about their culture. Along the way, you can take in the scenic beauty, which includes panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Best time of the year to visit: Year-round
Safari type: Budget to Medium
Highlights: Scenic views, local villages
Cycle through Tanzania’s best spots, from Tenguru, where you’ll have the opportunity to grind your own coffee to the pinkish-red salt Lake Natron teeming with flamingoes. You’ll pass through some of Tanzania’s renowned wildlife reserves – Arusha National Park, Mount Longido Forest Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Visitors will have the chance to explore some of these on a bicycle, while, for others, they will enjoy game drives in vehicles.
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