Africa's highest mountain, most famous national park and largest game reserve all lie within the borders of this vast East African country. Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, exotic Zanzibar, the plains of the Serengeti, and the amphitheatre of the Ngorongoro Crater are all great icons of Africa. Tanzania’s game viewing is unparalleled - a quarter of its land is protected and it has resisted mass tourism.
With around 20 per cent of Africa’s large mammals, over 1000 bird species, untouched wilderness areas and a coastline lapped by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you'll experience the true romance of Africa in Tanzania. Mobile camping in the vast Serengeti, walking in the Selous and chimp trekking in Mahale are among Tanzania’s most awesome experiences.
Safaris in Northern Tanzania
The ‘northern circuit’ encompasses the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire and is justly renowned for offering some of the finest wildlife viewing in Africa. Northern Tanzania safaris usually depart from Arusha and include most of these national parks. You may travel by light aircraft between lodges, on a small group mobile camping trip, or on a private four-wheel drive safari.
On a private drive-in safari, the customised four-wheel drive safari vehicle has closed sides, but the oversized windows and roof hatches allow good game viewing. Private safaris give you flexibility in your plans.
On fly-in safaris, game drives are generally in open-sided lodge vehicles and shared with other guests. You benefit from the guides’ local knowledge and the short flights between locations maximise the time available at each camp.
Safaris in Southern Tanzania
Safaris in Southern Tanzania are less busy. In the spellbinding Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, you can focus on the wilderness and enjoy a big game safari on game drives, walks, or from a boat, as well as fishing on the Rufiji River. While sightings can be less frequent in these vast spaces, the exclusivity of your wildlife encounters make it all the more rewarding.
Safaris in Western Tanzania
Western Tanzania remains the hidden gem that safari aficionados aspire to explore. Mahale is extraordinary with its jungle-clad mountains inhabited by a wealth of primates, and the clear waters and sandy coves of Lake Tanganyika. In the dry season, the floodplains of Katavi support an immense concentration of game; in the wet season, the marshy lakes are a magnet for waterbirds and hippo.
Safari & Beach options
For those wanting to relax by the ocean before of after their Tanzania safari, it's relatively easy to combine a beach break on the coast - Zanzibar, Mafia Island or even northern Mozambique are all good options.