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About Tanzania

In total, more than 25% of Tanzania has been set aside for wildlife conservation. The country is spectacularly diverse and beautiful with exceptional wildlife and iconic landmarks such as the Ngorongoro Crater (the world’s largest unflooded intact volcanic caldera), Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain), Great Rift Valley, and the Serengeti. The country supports very high predator densities, especially lion. In addition, it has no less than 35 species of antelope and a staggering number of wildebeest. 

The traditional “Northern Circuit” boasts Tanzania’s most famous parks, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park. Other areas of interest include Lake Eyasi and Kilimanjaro. Weather wise, the best time for viewing game in northern Tanzania is June through March. Late December through February and July and August are the busiest periods. April, May November is traditionally the rainy season. In addition, light rains usually fall between late October and early December. Flying directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport near the safari gateway of Arusha is the best starting point.

The landscape of Tarangire is characterized by large numbers of baobab trees, granite ridges, mixed acacia woodland, and grassland. It is the best area on the Northern Circuit to see lions in trees and large numbers of elephant. Lake Manyara is the seasonal home of tens of thousands of flamingos, providing a pink blanket over the water. This 125-square-mile park has the Great Rift Valley Escarpment for a dramatic backdrop. Lake Eyasi is Tanzania’s largest soda lake. Seldom visited by travelers, this remote area is home to the Hadzabe Bushmen and the Datoga tribe. 

Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unflooded, intact caldera (collapsed cone of a volcano) in the world, contains possibly the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa. Wildlife, humans and livestock inhabit the conservation area together. The word Serengeti means “endless plain” in the Maasai language. This vast national park is one of the best to see lion and cheetah. And then, of course, there is the Great Migration of more than 1.3 million wildebeest and 400,000 zebra moving across the majestic plains.

At 19,340 feet above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the “Seven Summits.” The summit is more than 16,000 feet above the surrounding plains – you truly feel that you’re on top of Africa! No mountaineering skills are required to ascend; it is purely a (rather strenuous) walk to the summit! It is definitely best to avoid the rainy season. 

Two of the world’s largest and least visited national parks, Nyerere and Ruaha, lie lazily stretched in the country’s south. Scenically spectacular Ruaha triumphantly boasts the largest number of lion of any reserve in Africa, along with large numbers of elephant, buffalo, kudu, and wild dog. A big attraction of Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is game viewing by boat as well as in open vehicles and on foot. By and large, the best months for game viewing are July to October.

The narrow streets and Arabic architecture of historical Zanzibar are exceptionally mystical and beautiful on a moonlit night. It is approximately a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to reach most of the island’s beach resorts from the Zanzibar Airport.

 

Safaris in Tanzania

Map

Best Time To Go

Visit our in depth information page on the best times to go based on game viewing, with ratings on each park and preserve, as well as which wildilfe is best seen where, the activities and the average monthly temperatures that are optimum for each country.

* Great Serengeti Migration
Excellent Good Fair Poor Closed

Tanzania

Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro
Serengeti (SE)
* * * *
Serengeti (W) & Grumeti
* * *
Serengeti (N)
* * * *
Tarangire
Nyerere / Ruaha
Mahale / Gombe / Katavi

Hear from Our Travelers

It’s all about our clients, always has been!

We had an absolutely incredible trip that was beyond my imagination.

We had an absolutely incredible trip that was beyond my imagination. Having Mkenda as a guide was incredible. He is so knowledgeable. On a drive through the Tarangire, he spotted a leopard in a tree....

Alisa Wilson

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We really do feel that we had the perfect safari and I feel that this is due to the fact we chose Africa Adventure Company to help us make our dream come true. 

Allan and I want to thank you all for the most wonderful trip we have ever experienced!! From beginning to end it was flawless and filled with delightful and unexpected surprises.  Our guide, Seif, was fantastic and amazing (I’m...

Allan and Connie Young

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My husband and I were on safari with our guide, Ephraim Mollel in early February.  It’s important to me that you know how much we appreciated Ephraim and how our trip was one of a lifetime.  It brings us great joy to remember it and...

Debbie Snyder-Puder

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What made this so special was not just spotting the animals but watching them live naturally.

A BIG thanks to our Tanzanian guide, Jabshir. You were right, he is fantastic.  He was extremely knowledgeable and told us many interesting facts about the animals, birds and trees.  He knew where to take us so that we were able to see...

Debra & George Bergeris

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Tanzania's Top Wildlife Stories

Top 10 Lists

Romantic Safari: Top 12 Getaways

Whether you’re going on your honeymoon or commemorating an anniversary, Africa has some enticing options for a romantic safari. From intimate safari camps in the bush, to decadent beach villas and even a vineyard in the Cape Winelands,...

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Top 10 Questions Asked About a First Time African Safari to Tanzania

1 – Phrases everyone should know when meeting your guide in Arusha? Brush off your language skills and learn a few words of Swahili. Start with “Jambo” (hello) and “Habari?” (how are you?) and you are on your way. You will...

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Stay Longer, Stay Remoter: Exclusive Serengeti

In Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the throngs of zebra and wildebeest that make up the Great Migration are typically accompanied by throngs of safariers. Want to avoid the crowds and still witness the Great Migration and fantastic...

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