Safari destination
Tanzania
Home of the endless plain.
Home to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar's spice islands. East Africa's most complete safari destination.
Tanzania
Home of the endless plain
Serengeti takes its name from the Maasai for endless plain, and Tanzania holds the Great Migration for more of the year than anywhere else: calving in the south around Ndutu from January to March, the long march north through the Western Corridor, and the Mara River crossings from July into October.
Add Ngorongoro Crater, big game packed inside a collapsed volcano, and Zanzibar a short flight offshore, and one country carries the whole East African arc. Our Serengeti page tracks the herds month by month.
- Serengeti or the Masai Mara?
- One ecosystem, two countries. The Serengeti is far larger, holds the herds for most of the year and feels emptier between vehicles; the Mara compresses the spectacle into July to October with Kenya's conservancy scene around it. If the calving season or a quieter park matters, Tanzania; if it must be the crossings with a shorter trip, either side works, and many guests combine them.
- When should I go for calving versus the crossings?
- Calving concentrates around Ndutu from late January to March, with predator action to match. The dramatic river crossings run roughly July to October in the northern Serengeti at Kogatende. June catches the herds at the Grumeti in the Western Corridor. There is no wrong month, the herds are always somewhere, which is the Serengeti's advantage.
- Is Ngorongoro Crater worth adding?
- For most guests, yes. The crater floor holds lion, elephant, buffalo and one of the best chances of black rhino in East Africa, all inside a single dawn descent. Two nights on the rim slotted between Serengeti legs is the classic pattern; expect more vehicles than the Serengeti and plan the early gate.
- How do I add Zanzibar?
- Scheduled and light-aircraft flights connect Arusha and the Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar, so you can go from a dawn game drive to the Indian Ocean in an afternoon. Four or five nights on the island after a week on safari is the classic shape.
- What does a Tanzania safari cost?
- Park fees, conservation levies and fly-in logistics put Tanzania at the premium end, broadly comparable to Kenya and above South Africa. The itineraries on this page show complete per-person from-prices including internal flights; calibrate against a couple of durations before you decide.
- Do I need a visa, and is malaria a risk?
- Most nationalities can obtain a Tanzania visa online before travel or on arrival. The safari circuit is malarial, so travel clinics routinely advise prophylaxis; your safari specialist flags what applies to your itinerary and traveller ages.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Tanzania.
Most requested · 10 days · Kenya · Tanzania
10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Karen Blixen Cottages with visits to David Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Centre
- 2 nights at Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara for Big Five game drives
- 2 nights at Simbavati Grumeti Camp in the Serengeti with private guide
- Full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, staying at Melia Ngorongoro
From
$13,085
per person, complete package
≈ $26,170 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 10 days · Tanzania · Zanzibar
10 Day Bush and Beach Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha bookending the safari
- Game drive in Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions
- 2 nights at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp with full-day Central Serengeti drives
- Descend 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five viewing
From
$5,340
per person, complete package
≈ $10,680 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 10 days · South Africa · Zanzibar
10-Day Safari & Beach Escape: Waterberg Mountains to Zanzibar Beach
All meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaways in Welgevonden Game Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives and guided bush walks in the Waterberg
- 5 nights at Essque Zalu Zanzibar in a Seafront Suite
- Dhow cruise, snorkelling and a Stone Town or spice plantation visit
From
$4,345
per person, complete package
≈ $8,690 for two · international flights excluded
15 days · Botswana · Zimbabwe · Zanzibar
15-Day Safari Adventure: Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zanzibar
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Belmond Mount Nelson with Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula sightseeing
- 2 nights at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge tracking large elephant herds and predators
- 2 nights at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge with mokoro and boat safaris in the Okavango
- 3 nights at Victoria Falls River Lodge with guided tour of the Falls and Zambezi cruises
Special offer available
From
$13,490 normally $13,945
per person, complete package
≈ $26,985 for two · international flights excluded
3 days · Tanzania
3-Day Singita Faru Faru Luxury Fly-In Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Singita Faru Faru Lodge in the Grumeti Game Reserve
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives across the Grumeti plains
- Tennis at neighbouring Sasakwa Lodge
- Dinners and sundowners on open-air decks under the stars
From
$5,700
per person, complete package
≈ $11,400 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · Tanzania · Zanzibar
7-Day West and East Ultra-Lux Zanzibar Fly-in Package
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa with Indian Ocean views
- Stone Town, spice plantation and Prison Island tour
- 3 nights at The Melia Zanzibar in an Ocean View Bungalow
- Full-day Safari Blue dhow sailing and snorkelling excursion
From
$2,745
per person, complete package
≈ $5,490 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · Kenya · Tanzania
9 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 1 night at Hemingways Nairobi on arrival
- 2 nights at andBeyond Bateleur Camp in the Masai Mara tracking the Big Five
- 2 nights at Serengeti under Canvas, a mobile camp following the Great Migration
- 3 nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge searching for tree-climbing lions
Special offer available
From
$10,250 normally $11,455
per person, complete package
≈ $20,505 for two · international flights excluded
10 days · Kenya · Tanzania
10 Day Luxury Fly-in Kenya & Tanzania Tour
Most meals · Most activities · All transfers
- 1 night at Gran Meliá Arusha, then 2 nights at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge
- Guided game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater
- 3 nights at Nimali Serengeti in the heart of the migration corridor
- 3 nights at Entim Mara Camp with twice-daily drives in the Masai Mara
From
$11,885
per person, complete package
≈ $23,775 for two · international flights excluded
10 days · Tanzania · Kenya
10-Day Exclusive Safari: Tanzania to Kenya
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- Overnight at Katambuga House in Arusha before flying into the bush
- 4 nights at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp in the Northern Serengeti
- Shared game drives tracking the Great Migration across the plains
- Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti
From
$6,360
per person, complete package
≈ $12,725 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · Zanzibar · Tanzania
4-Day Exclusive Fly-In Zanzibar Beach Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge off Zanzibar's north-east coast
- Two PADI dives daily on Mnemba's coral reefs
- Sundowner dhow cruise with refreshments
- All meals, house wines, local spirits and beers included
From
$5,970
per person, complete package
≈ $11,940 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · Tanzania
5-Day Ultra-Lux Fly-In Lake Manyara Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Chem Chem Lodge on the shores of Lake Manyara
- Private game-viewing vehicle with dedicated guide and tracker
- Game drives in Tarangire National Park and visits to Little Chem Chem
- Walk with a Maasai warrior and learn their bushcraft
From
$7,415
per person, complete package
≈ $14,835 for two · international flights excluded
6 days · Tanzania
6 Day Great Migration Safari - Natures Most Spectacular Show
Most meals · All activities · All transfers
- 1 night at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge exploring Tarangire's baobab-dotted savannah
- 3 nights at Kati Kati Tented Camp, positioned seasonally to track the herds
- Witness wildebeest and zebra crossings on the Serengeti plains
- Game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor with chance of black rhino
Special offer available
From
$3,650 normally $3,790
per person, complete package
≈ $7,305 for two · international flights excluded
6 days · Tanzania
6-Day Grumeti Safari Promotion
All meals · All activities · Most transfers
- 5 nights at Simbavati Grumeti between the Serengeti and Grumeti River
- Daily open-vehicle game drives across the acacia-dotted plains
- Walking safari, night drive and full-day game drive included
- Great Wildebeest Migration passes through in June and July
From
$3,490
per person, complete package
≈ $6,980 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · Zanzibar · Kenya · Tanzania
7-Day All-Inclusive Masai Mara to Zanzibar Safari
All meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Governors' Camp on the Masai Mara, then 3 at Nungwi Dreams in Zanzibar
- Twice-daily game drives and guided bush walks in the Masai Mara
- Big cat and plains game viewing from open Landcruisers
- Swim with green turtles at a community conservation lagoon in Nungwi
From
$4,060
per person, complete package
≈ $8,125 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · Kenya · Tanzania · Zanzibar
7-Day Luxury Beach Safari from Mombasa to Zanzibar
All meals · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Serena Beach Resort & Spa on the Mombasa coast
- 3 nights at Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort on white-sand beaches
- Optional snorkelling, spa treatments and water sports at both resorts
- Cultural visits to Mombasa's Old Town, Fort Jesus and Zanzibar's Stone Town
From
$2,250
per person, complete package
≈ $4,500 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · Tanzania · Zanzibar
7-Day Luxury Zanzibar East Fly-In Beach Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at LUX Marijani Beach Resort, then 3 at TUI Blue Bahari Zanzibar
- All-inclusive meals and selected drinks throughout both resorts
- City, Spice and Prison Island tour through Stone Town
- Full-day Safari Blue dhow trip with snorkelling and seafood barbecue
From
$3,300
per person, complete package
≈ $6,605 for two · international flights excluded
8 days · Tanzania
8-Day Exclusive Northern Tanzania Migration Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 1 night at Arusha Coffee Lodge, then Lemala Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire
- Ngorongoro stay at Melia with a Lake Manyara game drive
- 2 nights at Siringit Serengeti Camp exploring the Central Serengeti
- 2 nights at Siringit Migration Camp tracking the wildebeest migration
Special offer available
From
$9,745 normally $10,095
per person, complete package
≈ $19,490 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · Tanzania
9-Day Exquisite Tanzania Wilderness Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All transfers
- 1 night at Arusha Coffee Lodge with a guided coffee plantation walk
- 1 night at Melia Ngorongoro Lodge overlooking the crater
- 2 nights at Siringit Serengeti Camp with daily game drives and a bush picnic
- 2 nights at Siringit Migration Camp tracking the Great Migration herds
From
$9,865
per person, complete package
≈ $19,730 for two · international flights excluded
No safaris matching these criteria.
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Brochure
East Africa Guide
East Africa in signature pairings, like elephants beneath Mount Kenya: the Serengeti and Masai Mara, gorilla trekking and Zanzibar.
Where to stay
Lodges in Tanzania.
60 lodges
-
AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
Perfectly situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, in the secluded western parts of the Serengeti National Park, AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge shares breathtaking views and unparalleled sightings.
From $2,930 per person · night
-
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Enjoy & experience thrilling Serengeti game drives and luxurious accommodations at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania.
From $1,080 per person · night
-
Affordable Ngorongoro CraterLemala Ndutu Tented Camp
Lemala Ndutu is a nine-tent mobile camp perched on the edge of a permanent marsh in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the southern Serengeti border. From December to March it sits ringside to the wildebeest calving season, with tens of thousands of zebra and gazelle on the short grass plains and a high concentration of big cats in pursuit.
From $330 per person · night
-
Namiri Plains
With your closest neighbour over an hour’s drive away, you’d be excused for feeling as though you have the eastern Serengeti all to yourself.
From $2,250 per person · night
-
The Palms Zanzibar
The Palms Zanzibar offers an exclusive and intimate experience with just seven villas, making it the ideal destination for a romantic and personalized getaway. Nestled amidst this sanctuary, guests will discover a haven of tranquillity, where the senses come alive, and the very essence of Zanzibar can be savoured. This enchanting island, where the harmonious blend of Arab, African, and European influences has given rise to a unique way of life, a delectable culinary tradition, and a vibrant mosaic of architecture, heritage, folklore, and enchantment, remains unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
From $730 per person · night
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Breezes Beach Club and Spa
Breezes Beach Club and Spa is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. This exquisite retreat offers guests an idyllic tropical escape with its pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush gardens. With a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation, Breezes Beach Club and Spa provide a tranquil oasis for travellers looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar while indulging in top-notch amenities and warm hospitality.
From $275 per person · night
-
Dunia Camp
Located on a major migration corridor in a spectacular location in the heart of the Serengeti, Dunia offers easy access to the scenic Moru Kopjes and game-rich Seronera region.
From $1,200 per person · night
-
Affordable Live availabilityGiraffe Manor Tanzania
Giraffe Manor Tanzania is a stone-built lodge with arched windows, a long lap pool and gardens shaded by acacia, set within the wider Hakuna Matata Bookings portfolio in northern Tanzania. Platinum and Diamond rooms suit couples and families, with private butler service and plunge pools on Diamond verandas, all on a full-board basis.
From $545 per person · night
Rates per person sharing, per night.
January
Calving season at Ndutu
Best time to visit
The Tanzania year.
The Serengeti holds the herds all year, the crater never empties, and Zanzibar waits offshore: pick the month by the act.
Tanzania
Your guide to Tanzania.
When
The best time to visit would depend on the experience you are looking for.
Tanzania has comfortable temperatures all year round, though humidity and rainfall vary. Traditionally, the rainy season begins in April and continues until the end of June, with a second less strong, rainy period, from the beginning of November to December.
The Serengeti offers fantastic wildlife encounters year-round, though the dry months of June through October remain the most popular for sightings. Animals gather near the water sources and the sparse vegetation makes the animals easier to spot. If experiencing the annual Mammal Migration is your top priority, June and July are the optimal months to travel in. In the months of December to March, the migration herds are in the southern region of the park. April and May are ideal for travellers considering the northern parks, for great game viewing and fewer crowds. - April and May are the "Long Rains." While you get fewer crowds, many luxury camps actually close, and roads can be impassable.
June to October during the cool, dry months of spring is best to visit Zanzibar. December to February are popular for travel with it’s hot and dry weather, perfect for beach days and snorkeling.
Mount Kilimanjaro is best climbed either between July and October or January to March.
Where
Tanzania is a country located in East Africa and is renowned for its vast wilderness areas.
Serengeti National Park
Located in northern Tanzania, this World Heritage Site and is a photographers paradise, specifically during the annual mammal migration. The Grumeti River, with hungry Nile crocodiles, make for an impressive attraction. The park is home to over three million animals and an active volcano that ejects carbonatite lava.
The "active volcano that ejects carbonatite lava" is Ol Doinyo Lengai. While it is in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem, it is not inside the Serengeti National Park. It is near Lake Natron.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This World Heritage Site, located 180 km west of Arusha, includes the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five, and one of the densest populations of East African lions. A two-night stay is recommended to fully appreciate this area.
Tarangire National Park
Often considered Tanzania’s most underrated national park, Tarangire is a hidden gem in the north. The park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, famous for its large elephant population, abundance of wildlife and diverse landscapes. The Tarangire River is the primary source of freshwater for wild animals in the Tarangire ecosystem. Visitors can witness large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo near the Tarangire River.
Zanzibar
This tropical haven featuring some of Africa's finest beaches. Perfect for travellers seeking a blissful, luxury holiday. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent diving sites, Zanzibar is perfect for relaxation or adventure.
Lake Manyara National Park
A smaller but diverse park, Lake Manyara is known for its flamingos and over 400 bird species. Located in the Arusha and Manyara regions, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
Arusha
This charming city, below Mount Meru, is the gateway to many of Tanzania’s top attractions, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha is known for its vibrant nightlife, Masai Market, and traditional Tanzanian cuisine.
Mount Meru
The fifth-highest mountain in Africa and second-highest in Tanzania, Mount Meru is seen as a practice run for Kilimanjaro. The mountain’s slopes support a forest that is home to diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, as well as monkeys, giraffe, bushbuck and leopards.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park protects the world's largest free-standing volcanic formation and Africa's highest peak, rising to 5,895 metres. Many dream of climbing Kilimanjaro, with approximately 25,000 people attempting the ascent yearly. The lower elevations are teeming with birdlife, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and olive baboons with the forest sheltering elusive species like civets, leopards, mongooses, elephants, and Abbott’s duikers, although sightings are rare.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania’s largest city and busiest port, Dar es Salaam, meaning "haven of peace", is loved by travellers for its seaside setting and vibrant atmosphere. The city offers a mix of African, Arabic, and Indian cultures with attractions like Mbudya Island, Coco Beach, and the bustling fish markets.
Lake Tanganyika
The second-oldest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika is home to Nile crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of fish species. Most visitors base themselves in Kigoma, a gateway to the nearby Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks, known for their chimpanzee encounters.
Photos from our guests
A traveller's view.
Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Tanzania. No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.
Imagery
Tanzania, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Tanzania.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Tanzania, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"I am beyond content with my experience with Leigh-Ann Croeser! From the very first email to the last she was always so helpful in planning our anniversary vacation to Tanzania. I asked an abundant of questions throughout the process and she always replied swiftly with thorough answers! It was amazing and relieved a lot of the stress of planning for me. I’m s…"
"If you are truly looking for a 5* personalized, 24/7 service, you MUST contact Leigh-Ann! This is our 1st experience with Safari.com where we will be celebrating my wife's 50th (oh sorry, her 40th!) at the Kruger National Park, next, our 25th Wedding Anniversary in Tanzania!"
"With the one-stop "concierge service," you don't need to worry about anything, even if it's your first time visiting beautiful Tanzania."
"My Safari concierge, Kim, was excellent! She was patient with me as I finalized the plans for our Tanzania adventure! My boyfriend & I are going to enjoy this amazing trip to celebrate his 50th birthday, and I am certain it will be nothing less than remarkable."
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