The miracle of the great migration makes the Serengeti pulsate every year, the Kilimanjaro towers majestically over the land and the Big Five are no myth, but wonderfully wild reality. Tanzania is a safari and wildlife viewing dream. In addition to the famous beauties, there are also unknown jewels among the numerous national parks. Bringing time is worth it. Experience Tanzania and be inspired by AGE™.
The Serengeti (Northwest Tanzania / ~14.763 km2) is a symbol for the African animal world. It is considered the most famous national park in the world. Giraffes roam the endless savannah, lions rest in the tall grass, elephants roam from waterhole to waterhole and in the endless cycle of rainy and dry seasons, wildebeest and zebra follow the ancient instinct of great migration.
The Ngorongoro Crater (North-West Tanzania / ~ 8292 km2) is located on the edge of the Serengeti and was formed around 2,5 million years ago when the volcanic cone collapsed. Today it is the largest intact caldera in the world that has not filled with water. The crater rim is covered by rainforest, the crater floor by savannah grass. It is home to Lake Magadi and a high density of wildlife including the Big Five.
Tarangire & Mkomazi National Park
Unknown Jewels
The Tarangire National Park (Northern Tanzania / ~ 2850 km2) is only a three hour drive from Arusha. The high density of elephants has earned Tarangire the nickname "Elephant Park". The landscape is characterized by beautiful large baobabs. Tarangire allows for impressive wildlife sightings even on day trips.
The Mkomazi National Park (North-Eastern Tanzania / ~ 3245 km2) is still a real insider tip. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of tourists even in the high season. If you want to see the endangered black rhino, you have the best chance here. Since 1989, the park has made intensive efforts to protect the black rhino. A walking safari and a visit to the wild dog breeders are also recommended.
Neyere National Park & Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's wild south
The Selous Game Reserve (~50.000 km2) in south-eastern Tanzania is the country's largest reserve. The Neyere National Park (~ 30.893 km2) covers much of this reserve and is open to tourists. Although the park entrance is only a five-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, few people visit the park. Even in high season, it promises an unadulterated wildlife experience. The varied landscape, the chance to see African wild dogs and the possibility of a boat safari should be emphasized.
The Ruaha National Park (~20.226 km2) is the second largest national park in Tanzania. It is located in south-central Tanzania and is largely unknown to tourists. The park has a healthy population of elephants and big cats, and is also home to the rare wild dogs and numerous other species. Greater and lesser kudus can be sighted there at the same time. A walking safari along the Ruaha River is one of the highlights of safari in this remote park.
Kilimanjaro & Arusha National Park
The mountain calls
Kilimanjaro National Park (Northern Tanzania / 1712 km2) is about 40 km from the city of Moshi and borders with Kenya. However, most visitors do not come to the park for a safari, but to see Africa's highest mountain. With a 6-8 day trekking tour you can climb the roof of the world (5895m). Day hikes are also offered in the mountain rainforest.
The Arusha National Park (Northern Tanzania / 552 km2) is around 50 km from the gates of the city of Arusha. In addition to jeep safaris, walking safaris or canoe trips are also possible. Climbing Mount Meru (4566m) takes three to four days. The black and white stub monkeys are considered a special animal. November to April chances are good for thousands of flamingos.
Lake Manyara & Lake Natron
Safari at the lake
Lake Manyara National Park (Northern Tanzania / 648,7 km2) is home to numerous bird species as well as large game. The area around the lake is forested, which is why monkeys and forest elephants are often seen. Lions are rarer, but Manyara is famous for the fact that the big cats often climb trees here. From April to July there are often flamingos to admire.
The Lake Natron Game Controlled Area (Northern Tanzania / 3.000 km2) lies at the foot of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, which the Maasai call "Mountain of God". The lake is alkaline (pH 9,5-12) and the water is often warmer than 40°C. The conditions sound hostile to life, but the lake is the world's most important breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos. August to December is the best time for flamingos.
Olduvai Gorge
The cradle of mankind
The Olduvai Gorge is a cultural and historical highlight in Tanzania. It is considered the cradle of mankind and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A detour is possible on the route from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park.
Usambara Mountains
On the trail of the chameleons
The Usambara Mountains are a mountain range in north-eastern Tanzania and are excellent for hiking. They offer rainforest, waterfalls, small villages and for everyone with a little time and a trained eye: lots of chameleons.
Gombe & Mahale Mountain National Park
Chimpanzees in Tanzania
The Gombe National Park (~56 km2) is located in western Tanzania, near the border of Tanzania with Burundi and the Congo. Mahale Mountain National Park is also located in western Tanzania, south of Gombe National Park. Both national parks are known for the chimpanzee populations that live there.
You have most likely seen lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and monkeys after your safari in Tanzania. Especially if you combine the advantages of different national parks. If you plan for the right water points, you also have a good chance of spotting hippos and crocodiles. As well as, depending on the season, on flamingos.
Different national parks are home to different species of monkeys. In Tanzania there are for example: vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, yellow baboons and chimpanzees. The world of birds also offers variety: from ostriches to several species of vultures to hummingbirds, everything is represented in Tanzania. The red-billed Toko has become known worldwide as Zazu in Disney's The Lion King. For cheetahs and hyenas, try your luck in the Serengeti. You can see rhinos well on special rhino safaris in Mkomazi National Park. You have a good chance of spotting African wild dogs in Neyere National Park. Other animals that you can encounter on safari in Tanzania are, for example: warthogs, kudus or jackals.
But you should always keep both eyes open for the smaller inhabitants of Africa. Mongooses, rock hyraxes, squirrels or meerkats are just waiting to be discovered. Can you also find a leopard tortoise or the striking blue-pink colored rock dragon? At night you might come across a gecko, an African white-bellied hedgehog or even a porcupine. One thing is for sure, Tanzania's wildlife has a lot to offer.
When does the big migration take place?
The thought of huge herds of wildebeest roaming the country together with zebras and gazelles makes every safari heart beat faster. The great migration follows an annual, regular cycle, but it can never be precisely predicted.
From January to March, the large herds stay mainly in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and in the southern Serengeti. The wildebeest calve under the protection of the group and suckle their calves. April and May is the big rainy season in northern Tanzania and food is plentiful. The herds gradually disperse and graze in loose groups. They keep moving west. After two to three months they gather again.
Around June the first wildebeest reach the Grumeti River. River crossings take place on the Mara River from July to October. First from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and then back again. No one can predict exact dates because they depend on the weather and food supply. From November to December the herds can then be found in greater numbers in the central Serengeti. They migrate south, where they give birth again. An endless and fascinating cycle of nature.
Safari in Serengeti National Park Tanzania Africa – Wildebeest (Connochaetes) wildebeest antelope herds
Where can you see the Big Five?
Lions, elephants and buffalo are often seen on safaris in Tanzania:
Lions are particularly numerous in the Serengeti. But AGE™ was also able to photograph lions in Tarangire, Mkomazi, Neyere and near Lake Manyara. You have the best chance of spotting African steppe elephants in Tarangire National Park and in the Serengeti. You can see forest elephants at Lake Manyara or in Arusha National Park. AGE™ sighted buffalo in particular numbers in the Ngorongoro Crater, second place for buffalo sightings was the Serengeti. However, please note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Where can you spot black rhinos?
Mkomazi National Park established a black rhino conservation program in 1989. Since 2020, two separate areas of the rhino sanctuary have been open to tourists. Off-road in open jeeps in search of rhinos.
You can also see rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater, but the animals can usually only be seen with binoculars. Safari vehicles must stay on official roads at all times in the crater. That's why you have to rely on the rare luck of a rhino near the road. Rhino encounters are also possible in the Serengeti, but extremely rare. If you want to photograph rhinos, Mkomazi National Park is a must.
Where do you find leopards?
Finding leopards is challenging. You are most likely to spot a leopard in the treetops. Look in trees that aren't too tall and have large, crossing branches. Most naturalist guides recommend the Serengeti as the best option for leopard sightings. If the big cat is seen, the guides inform each other by radio. AGE™ was unlucky in the Serengeti and instead enjoyed a great leopard encounter in Neyere National Park.
With a licensed rental car you can go on safari on your own. But beware, most rental car providers completely exclude driving through national parks in the contract. There are only a few specialized providers who make this adventure possible. Find out beforehand about the route, entrance fees and accommodation options. With enough drinking water and spare tires you can start. On the way you sleep in lodges or on official campsites. A vehicle with a roof tent offers the best flexibility. Design your own wilderness adventure.
Guided safari tours with camping
An overnight safari in a tent is ideal for nature lovers, camping enthusiasts and low-budget travelers. A trained nature guide will show you the wildlife of Tanzania. Good deals even include camping within a national park. A few zebras on the campsite or a buffalo in front of the toilet with a bit of luck are included. Tents are provided but it may be advisable to bring your own sleeping bag. The cook travels with you or travels ahead, so that your physical well-being is also taken care of on a camping safari. Camping safaris are offered as a budget-conscious group trip or as an individual private trip.
Guided safari tours with accommodation
An exciting safari experience and a room with a bed and a warm shower are not mutually exclusive. Especially for private trips, the accommodation offer can be perfectly adapted to personal needs. A well-equipped room right in front of the entrance to the national park promises a good night's sleep, is affordable and still only a step away from the next game drive. An overnight stay in special safari lodges is expensive, but offers a special flair and you stay overnight in the middle of the national park, surrounded by Africa's nature and wildlife.
AGE™ traveled with these safari providers:
AGE™ went on a six day group safari (camping) with Focus in Africa
Focus on Africawas founded in 2004 by Nelson Mbise and has over 20 employees. The nature guides also work as drivers. Our guide Harry, in addition to Swahili, spoke English very well and was highly motivated at all times. Especially in the Serengeti we were able to use every minute of brightness for animal observations. Focus in Africa offers low budget safaris with basic accommodation and camping. The safari car is an off-road vehicle with a pop-up roof, like all good safari companies. Depending on the route, the night will be spent outside or inside the national parks.
Camping gear includes sturdy tents, foam mats, thin sleeping bags, and folding tables and chairs. Be aware that campsites within the Serengeti do not offer hot water. With a bit of luck, grazing zebras are included. Savings were made on the accommodation, not on the experience. The cook travels with you and takes care of the physical well-being of the safari participants. The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. AGE™ explored Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Lake Manyara with Focus in Africa.
AGE™ went on a XNUMX day private safari with Sunday Safaris (Accommodation)
Sunday fromSunday safaris belongs to the Meru tribe. As a teenager he was a porter for Kilimanjaro expeditions, then he completed his training to become a certified nature guide. Together with friends, Sunday has now built up a small company. Carola from Germany is Sales Manager. Sunday is tour manager. As a driver, nature guide and interpreter all in one, Sunday shows his clients the country on private safaris. He speaks Swahili, English and German and is happy to respond to individual requests. When chatting in the jeep, open questions about culture and customs are always welcome.
The accommodation selected by Sunday Safaris is of good European standard. The safari car is an off-road vehicle with a pop-up roof for that great safari feeling. Meals are taken at the accommodation or in the restaurant and at noon there is a packed lunch in the national park. In addition to the well-known safari routes, Sunday Safaris also has some less touristy insider tips in its program. AGE™ visited the Mkomazi National Park including the rhino sanctuary with Sunday and did a day hike on Kilimanjaro.
AGE™ went on a XNUMX day private safari with Selous Ngalawa Camp (Bungalows)
The Selous Ngalawa Camp is located on the border of Neyere National Park, near the east gate of Selous Game Reserve. The owner's name is Donatus. He is not on site, but can be reached by phone for organizational questions or spontaneous changes to the plan. You will be picked up in Dar es Salaam for your safari adventure. The all-terrain vehicle for game drives in the national park has an opening roof. Boat safaris are conducted with small motor boats. The nature guides speak good English. In particular, our guide for the boat safari had exceptional expertise in bird species and wildlife in Africa.
The bungalows have beds with mosquito nets and the showers have hot water. The camp is in the immediate vicinity of a small village at the gates of the national park. Within the camp you can regularly observe different species of monkeys, which is why it is advisable to keep the hut door closed. Meals are served in the Ngalawa Camp's own restaurant and a packed lunch is provided for the game drive. AGE™ visited Neyere National Park with Selous Ngalawa Camp and experienced a boat safari on the Rufiji River.
Individual safari building blocks:
Walking Safari in Tanzania
On foot, you can experience Africa's wildlife close up and in its original form, and you can also stop along the way for small discoveries. Who does the footprint belong to? Isn't that a porcupine quill? A special highlight are walks to a waterhole or along the river bank. Walking safaris can be undertaken in selected national parks with armed rangers. For example in Arusha National Park, Mkomazi National Park and Ruaha National Park. Lengths of 1-4 hours are offered.
Boat Safari in Tanzania
Spot crocodiles in a small motorboat, watch birds and drift in the river next to hippos? This is also possible in Tanzania. Completely new perspectives await you. In the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania, tourists can experience the African wilderness by boat. Both a two-hour sunset cruise, an early morning game drive or even a full-day tour on the river are possible. Canoeing is available in Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara.
Hot air balloon safari in Tanzania
Are you dreaming of floating over Africa's savannah in a hot air balloon? No problem. Many safari providers are happy to combine their program with a hot air balloon ride on request. The flight usually takes place early in the morning at sunrise. After landing, a bush breakfast is often served at the landing site. During the Great Migration period, the Serengeti is at its most impressive for hot air balloon flights. But you can also book a hot air balloon safari in other national parks, for example in Tarangire National Park.
Night Safari in Tanzania
For a night safari, naturalist guides in Tanzania require an additional permit. Regular safari drives may only take place from sunrise to sunset. Would you like to look into the glowing eyes of a lion at night? Experience a safari under Africa's starry sky? Listen to nocturnal noises? Or encounter nocturnal animals such as porcupines? Then you should request a night safari when booking your tour. Some lodges also offer night safaris.
The highest mountain in Africa, the largest intact caldera in the world, the cradle of mankind, the legendary Serengeti and many spectacular animal encounters. Tanzania has everything a safari heart desires.
How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?
Inexpensive safaris are available from as little as 150 euros per day and person. (Price as a guide. Price increases and special offers possible. As of 2022.) Depending on the desired comfort, your safari program and the size of the group, you may have to plan a significantly higher budget.
Group travel is cheaper than private travel Staying outside of the national park is cheaper than inside Camping on official sites is cheaper than rooms or lodges The national parks have different entrance fees The longer and more impassable the route, the higher the price The ratio of experience time to driving time is better on multi-day safaris Special requests (e.g. photo trip, balloon ride, fly-in safari) cost extra Official fees are a major cost factor on low-budget safaris
Between January and March, the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the South Serengeti are usually at their most impressive. Large herds of animals as well as newborn zebras (January) and wildebeest calves (February) offer unique photo opportunities. On the Grumeti River in the south-west of the Serengeti, the first river crossings often take place in June. After that, the North Serengeti is your destination. For river crossings on the Mara River, July & August (outbound) and November (return) are known. The great migration follows an annual rhythm, but it is variable and difficult to predict.
Photo trip “Tanzania's wildlife”:
The best time to photograph young animals is between January and April. You can capture the green Tanzania well in the month of May, because April and May is the big rainy season. The dry season (June-October) is perfect for encounters at the waterhole and a good view of numerous animal species. In November and December there is a small rainy season in northern Tanzania. You can catch the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) in front of your camera lens all year round in Tanzania.
Photo safari in Serengeti National Park Tanzania Africa Lion (Panthera leo) Lion
How to get to the national parks?
Meeting point for guided tours:
Most safari tours in Northern Tanzania start from Arusha. For the south the starting point is Dar es Salaam and for central Tanzania you meet in Iringa. From there, the respective national parks are approached and combined with longer tours. If you want to explore several areas of Tanzania, it is possible to switch between the big cities by public transport.
Traveling by rental car:
The road between Arusha and Dar es Salaam is well developed. Especially during the high season in the dry season, you can expect largely passable dirt roads within the national parks. Watch out for vehicle providers who allow driving within the national parks and check the spare tire. For self-drivers it is important, among other things, the Transit fees to the Serengeti to know.
Fly-in Safaris
With fly-in safaris, you will be flown directly into the national park in a mini plane. The Serengeti has several small airstrips. You save yourself the journey and can immediately move into your lodge in the most famous national park in Tanzania. AGE™ prefers to travel by jeep. Here you can see more of the country and its people. If you prefer a flight (due to time constraints, health reasons or simply because you are enthusiastic about flying), then you have all the options in Tanzania.
Tips for a successful safari
Clarify the itinerary in advance and find out whether the tour and your ideas fit together. Even on safari, some tourists prefer a leisurely lunch break with time for a nap, a freshly cooked lunch at the table or some time to sleep in. Others want to be on the go as much as possible and take advantage of every second. That is why a tour with a daily rhythm that suits you is important.
It is worth getting up early on safaris, because this is the only way to experience Africa's awakening and the activity of the animals in the early morning hours. Don't miss the magic of a sunrise in the national park. If you are looking for as much nature experience as possible, a full-day game drive with packed lunch is the right thing for you.
Be prepared for a safari to get dusty at times and wear bright, robust clothing. You should also always have a sun hat, windbreaker and a duster for the camera with you.
Safari program and additional travel modules
Flora & Fauna of Tanzania
On a safari, the focus is of course on the game drive, i.e. the observation of wild animals in an off-road vehicle. The search for wild animals is almost as exciting as discovering and observing the different species. Grass savannah, bushland, baobab trees, forests, river meadows, lakes and water holes are waiting for you.
If you want, you can combine the safari with additional nature experiences: We particularly liked a walk to the waterfall in the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area, the chameleon search in the Usambara Mountains and the day hike in the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Depending on the national park and provider, animal observation is possible on a walking safari, a boat safari or by hot air balloon flight. Here you will experience completely new perspectives! Bush walks on the edge of a national park are also interesting. The focus is usually on botany, reading tracks or small creatures such as spiders and insects.
Zinjanthropus Skull Australopithecus Boisei Prehistoric Man Monument Olduvai Gorge Cradle of Humanity Serengeti Tanzania Africa
View with trees and cacti Ngorongoro Crater National Park Tanzania Africa
SASA Foundation Kindergarten and School in Tanzania Africa Daycare School Tanzania
Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) Chameleon in foliage Usambara Mountains Tanzania Africa
Masai makes fire Ngorongoro Conservation Area Serengeti National Park Tanzania Africa
Archeology & Culture of Tanzania
If you are interested in archaeology, you should plan a stopover in the Olduvai Gorge. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the cradle of mankind. In the associated Olduvai Gorge Museum you can admire fossils and tools. A detour is possible on the drive from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park. In the South Serengeti you can also visit the so-called Gong rock in Moru Kopjes. There are Maasai rock paintings on this rock.
A small cultural program on the way to the next national park is a valuable addition: In Tanzania there are several Maasai villages that are accessible to tourists for a small entrance fee. Here you can, for example, visit Maasai huts, learn about traditional fire making or see a Maasai dance. Another nice idea is to visit a school for African children or pre-school children, for example with the SASA Foundation. Cultural exchange takes place in a playful way.
A traditional market, a banana plantation or a guided tour with coffee production in a coffee plantation could also be a suitable travel component for you. There are many possibilities. You can even stay overnight on a banana farm near Arusha.
Aren't wild animals dangerous?
Of course, wild animals pose a threat in principle. However, those who react with caution, distance and respect have nothing to fear. We also felt completely safe camping in the middle of the Serengeti National Park.
Follow the instructions of rangers and nature guides and follow simple basic rules: do not touch, do not harass or feed wild animals. Keep a particularly large distance from animals with offspring. Don't walk away from the camp. If you encounter a wild animal by surprise, slowly back up to increase the distance. Keep your belongings safe from monkeys. When monkeys get pushy, stand tall and make a loud noise. It can be useful to shake out your shoes in the morning to make sure that no subtenant (e.g. a scorpion) has moved in at night. Unfortunately, snakes are rarely seen, but it is not advisable to reach into crevices or turn stones. Find out in advance from a doctor about mosquito protection and health prophylaxis (e.g. against malaria).
Don't worry, but act sensibly. Then you can enjoy your safari adventure to the fullest!
Find out about the Big Five of the African Steppe. Experience the Serengeti National Park, the Mkomazi National Park or Neyere National Park. Explore even more exciting locations with the AGE™ Tanzania Travel Guide.
This editorial contribution received external support
Disclosure: AGE™ were given discounted or free services as part of the reporting – by: Focus on Africa, Ngalawa Camp, Sunday Safaris Ltd; The press code applies: Research and reporting must not be influenced, hindered or even prevented by accepting gifts, invitations or discounts. Publishers and journalists insist that information be given regardless of accepting a gift or invitation. When journalists report on press trips to which they have been invited, they indicate this funding.
Copyright
Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in words and images is entirely owned by AGE ™. All rights are reserved. Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.
Liability
The content of the article has been carefully researched and is based on personal experience. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. If our experience does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. Since nature is unpredictable, a similar experience cannot be guaranteed on a subsequent trip. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.
Source reference for text research
On-site information and personal experiences on safari in Tanzania in July / August 2022.
Focus in Africa (2022) Homepage of Focus in Africa. [online] Retrieved on 06.11.2022-XNUMX-XNUMX, from URL: https://www.focusinafrica.com/
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Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Neyere National Park & Ruaha National Park
Lions, elephants and buffalo are often seen on safaris in Tanzania:
A special experience!
How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?
Aren't wild animals dangerous?