What Makes Tanzania A-Must-Go.
Safari happens almost everywhere you look in Tanzania. It's been a way of life in East Africa's largest country for decades. Few destinations in Africa can rival Tanzania’s diversity of wildlife and landscapes. From the classic savannah destinations of the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to the beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar, a Tanzania safari delivers one massive experience after another. And that’s before you discover the off-the-beaten-path gems like chimpanzee trekking in the untouched rainforests of Mahale and Rubondo, or crowd-free game viewing among the beautifully wild and unique landscapes of Nyerere (previously Selous) and Ruaha.
Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and one of the continent's stalwart safari destinations. It lies on the idyllic Indian Ocean coast and shares borders with other incredible safari destinations like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Some Important Links For Your Tanzania Safari
Seamless Travel
- Always book early
- Pack appropriately
- Secure visas
- Get neccesary vaccinations
- Follow guide instructions
Package Advantages
- Convenience
- Expert Planning
- Cost savings
- Safety
- Local insights
- Unforgettable Wwildlife encounters
Private Guide Tours
- Personalized attention
- Flexible schedules
- Deeper cultural insights
- enriched experience
Joy To Your Journey
- Personalized attention
- Flexible schedules
- Deeper cultural insights
- enriched experience
All Tanzania Packages
When to Visit
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season from late June to October . Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains') and November to December (the ‘short rains'). Generally, the country's ‘long rains' produce tropical downpours in the afternoons and some safari camps may close. The ‘short rains' bring about the occasional brief shower.
Most safari areas in Tanzania enjoy warm days and cool evenings year-round. While temperatures drop to below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the country's Indian Ocean coast and lakeside regions are hot and humid.
The best time for a Tanzania safari will depend on where you want to go and what you want to see. For first-time safari goers, the best time to go to Tanzania is usually during the dry season, as wildlife is easier to track and spot. Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time, understanding the difference between the safari high season vs low season is a great place to start.
Catch the Greatest Show On Earth: June-October
It's always a spectacle: perilous river crossing
Biggest stage for wildlife : January-March
Nights under the stars in manyara
The best open tour van safaris
World class views and accomodation
Major Attractions
From witnessing millions of wildebeest, zebra and other antelope traverse the plains of the Serengeti to ascending to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or sipping chilled drink on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers travellers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.
A vibrant and beautiful country with exceptional parks and reserves, Tanzania is blessed with the winning combination of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches. Because Tanzania is so vast (almost 1.5 times the size of Texas), it helps to divide the country's major holiday destinations into four areas:
Serengeti National Park
Synonymous with safari, the Serengeti is where to go in Tanzania for game viewing at its most dramatic. Hosting the lion's share of the Wildebeest Migration (from about January to September), the Serengeti’s sheer size, accessibility, top-quality lodges and camps, and year-round abundance of wildlife make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. It’s also a regular stop on the best Tanzania safari tours.
Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy Area
Take about 30 000 animals and place them inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Add wetlands, forest, grasslands and some out-of-this-world cliff-top accommodation, and the result is the Ngorongoro Crater. This superb Tanzania safari destination offers excellent game viewing in an unbelievably unique setting. It's renowned for delivering the easiest and most reliable Big 5 sightings in East Africa, and it provides what is arguably the best safari in Tanzania.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha's wild and unbridled character is what sets it apart from other safari destinations. This hidden gem is Tanzania's biggest national park and there are only a handful of safari camps despite its size.
Tarangire National Park
Close to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire is worth much more than the usual day visit. During the June to October dry season, animal – especially elephant – concentrations along the Tarangire River are among the highest in the country.
Nyerere National Park(formerly Selous)
Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) is Africa's largest game reserve – bigger than Switzerland. Its lifeblood, the colossal Rufiji River, forms an intricate network of channels, swamps and lakes from which one of East Africa's most magnificent ecosystems is born.
Mount Kilimamjaro
Whether you're content with standing in its mighty shadow or yearn to climb to its icy summit, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro won’t fail to stir your soul. At 5 895 metres (19 340 feet), it’s Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth.
Lake Tanganyika
The world's longest freshwater lake is hemmed in by the mountainous walls of the Great Rift Valley . It’s one of our planet’s most biologically rich habitats, not least due to the lakeside presence of the Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks.
Arusha
The undisputed safari capital of Tanzania, the city of Arusha is on the itinerary of virtually anyone visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, as logistics often dictate an overnight layover in or around the city.
All Tours & Safaris
Tanzania offers a wide range of safaris for both first timers and seasoned campaigners. The ease with which a child-friendly safari can be combined with a beach holiday makes Tanzania a shoo-in for families, while the country’s most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges and beach retreats make for an unforgettable honeymoon in Africa. More and more lodges now offer vegetarian and vegan meals to accommodate those with special dietary requirements. And many camps are diversifying their ranges of safari activities.
Where To Stay
Home to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and a host of other superb parks and reserves, Tanzania is one of Africa’s classic safari destinations. And its accommodation options reflect this: luxury safari lodges, remote tented camps and popular safari hotels make up most of our recommendations.
Wildlife Safari Destinations
Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ruaha National Park
Zanzibar
How much does it cost
Tanzania is one of Africa's top safari destinations, home to world-famous parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and experiences such as witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration. The cost of a safari in Tanzania can range from moderately priced group tours to ultra-luxurious private experiences, depending on factors such as accommodation, time of year (the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season), and how you choose to travel between destinations.
The Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, also influences pricing – safaris during peak migration months tend to be more expensive. Below, we break down the cost of a Tanzania safari, including different safari types, varying Tanzania accommodation, and additional costs to consider.
Diffrent Safari Packages
The type of safari you choose greatly impacts the cost. Factors including group size, mode of transport (vehicles and aircrafts used), and the level of exclusivity all determine pricing. While the average trip to Tanzania lasts around 12 days, the duration of your stay can vary based on the activities you choose; the number of national parks or conservations, key attractions you want to see, and the level of comfort you desire.
Fly-in Safaris & Charters: This itinerary type includes only internal flights between destinations within Tanzania without any long drives between locations. Fly-in options are ideal for minimizing travel time, especially given the long driving distances between Northern and Southern Tanzania (both of which are home to several of the best places to visit in Tanzania). This option allows you to spend more time on safari with the addition of sweeping views from above that make it all the more spectacular.
Classic Safaris: When we talk about a ‘classic safari' in Tanzania, picture early morning game drives across the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, followed by leisurely afternoon explorations, culminating in a sundowner beneath the vast African sky. Expert guides and trackers lead the way, sharing their deep knowledge of the land and its wildlife. These experiences are typically included with your accommodation, though private vehicles—perfect for families or those seeking a more personalised adventure—are available at an additional cost.
What Is The Cost Of A Tanzania Safari?
A Tanzania safari typically ranges from $700 to $2,500 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the type of experience, accommodation, and season. Entry-level guided drives start at $700, while mid-range drive and fly-in options fall between $1,000–$1,700. Luxury fly-in safaris and 5-star options reach up to $2,500. Costs increase during the Great Wildebeest Migration and peak travel months, and vary based on transport choices, lodge category, and optional extras like private vehicles.
The Cost Of A Tanzania Safari
| Mid-range Fly-in | Luxury Fly-in | Entry-level Self-drive | Mid-range Self-drive | Luxury Self-drive | 5 Star Options | ||||||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,900 | $2,500 | $1,500 | $1,700 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $800 | $1,000 | $700 | $800 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | ||||||
Pricing Of Accommodation In Kenya
| 4 Star Comfort | 4 Star Luxury | 5 Star Luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $600 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $1,400 | $2,200 |
| Pps* | Pps* | Pps* | |||
* Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.
Low-Hi Season Cost Of A Tanzania Safari
The cost of a Tanzania safari is closely tied to the time of year, with peak seasons—from January to early March and June to October—typically being the most expensive. These months offer exceptional game viewing and coincide with major wildlife events like the Great Wildebeest Migration, especially from May to October, when herds cross the Serengeti's Grumeti and Mara Rivers.
In contrast, the low and shoulder seasons—from mid-March to May and again in November to early December—bring seasonal rains, which can deter some travellers. However, they offer significantly lower prices, fewer crowds, and still rewarding wildlife experiences. Since tours and safaris operate year-round, your travel window can be tailored to your budget and the wildlife spectacles you most want to witness.
Other Costs To Be Aware Of
It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:
International flights getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded
Getting from place to place Some accommodations may include free in-country flights or road transfers, but in other cases, you may need to arrange and pay for these yourself. Charter flights are common, though road transfers are also available
Vaccinations Some vaccines may be required before entry. In Tanzania, a yellow fever vaccination is only required if you have been to a country within the yellow fever belt. It is recommended that you take antimalarial prescription medicine- be sure to consult your healthcare provider well in advance. For more information on vaccines, visit our page on the required vaccinations for travel to Africa in 2025.
Tippingis always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.Personal and travel insurance
Additional activitiesanything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
The exchange rate Tanzania's official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), though US dollars are widely accepted in lodges, hotels, and for park fees. While ATMs are available in major towns, carrying cash is essential in remote safari areas. Credit cards are accepted at many lodges, often with surcharges. Tanzania offers good value for money, especially for local food, souvenirs, and experiences, though imported luxury goods such as some wines can be pricier.
Should you wish to plan your next great adventure with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, they will be able to advise you on all of the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible – just remember, in travelling, anything can happen and sometimes delays are unavoidable.
