Tanzania
Journeys
The word ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Swahili. There’s no better word to describe a visit to Tanzania. The breadth of experience available here keeps us coming back, time and time again, each time discovering something brand new.
At a Glance
The sun is barely over the horizon, but we’re already miles from camp.
Conditions are perfect today, the morning sun painting the sky in reds, oranges, and blues. To the left you can see a couple of hot air balloons, and to the right a herd of zebra, taking no notice of us.
By noon, we’ve seen more game than I could count, and at least half a dozen elephants.
From our picnic spot, there’s nothing but savannah for miles around, encompassed by mountains that line the horizon. In the middle of nowhere, watching everything play out in front of us.
A couple of beers later, and we’re back on the road. It’s not long before we spot a pride of lions, basking in the afternoon sun.
Why we love safaris in
Tanzania
- Safaris in Tanzania can be considerably cheaper, and more secluded, than in neighbouring Kenya.
- There are 16 national parks and countless private game reserves to discover. Whether you’re coming for the views, the wildlife, the culture, the activities, or the accommodation, you’ll find it and so much more in Tanzania.
- It’s easy to combine a safari in Tanzania with a beach holiday, a hop-over to Zanzibar, or a hiking adventure.
- Each national park has its own highlights and advantages. Safaris are split between the Northern and Southern Safari Circuits, and Tanzania’s domestic flight network makes it easy to combine a few national parks along a single itinerary.
The Northern Circuit is the most popular route, and it includes the famous Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania’s domestic flight network makes it easy enough to connect the dots along the route. The roads are generally in good condition (although there are plenty of bumpy patches), so the road trips aren’t too strenuous.
The circuit is very popular, which means that the demand for lodges and flights is high during the peak season. If you’re looking to travel to Tanzania’s northern circuit, you’ll need to book well in advance.
The Southern Safari Circuit is much less visited than the northern circuit, and is often described as Tanzania’s best kept secret.
It has just as impressive wildlife and often cheaper accommodation, although there are a fewer luxury lodges available here. It’s the seclusion of these parks that make them so special. You often feel like you have the parks all to yourself, and it’s easy to go days without seeing another safari vehicle.
The two major parks on the southern circuit are Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, but some would also count the Mikumi National Park and the areas in the far west to this circuit.
Serengeti National Park – Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration across endless plains, where predators roam freely and golden sunsets light up the savannah. A true once-in-a-lifetime safari.
Top picks: Hot-air balloon safari • Private game drives • Luxury tented camps
⸻
For the Classic Safari Lovers
Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara – Experience Africa’s wild heart in one trip. Crater lions, massive elephant herds, baobab valleys, and flamingo-filled lakes — all in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Top picks: Crater-rim lodges • Maasai cultural visits • Scenic sundowners
⸻
For the Luxury Seekers
Ruaha, Selous & Zanzibar – Remote, raw, and exclusive. Combine wild game drives and river safaris with barefoot luxury on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Top picks: Private charter flights • Bush breakfasts • Ocean-view villas
Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater – Ideal for a quick yet unforgettable escape. See the Big Five, vast herds of elephants, and breathtaking crater views — all within a few days.
Top picks: Fly-in safaris • Half-day game drives • Luxury lodges close to airstrips
Mount Kilimanjaro & Lake Natron – Perfect for adventurers who crave nature at its rawest. Hike Africa’s tallest peak or explore volcanic plains and flamingo-filled lakes beneath dramatic skies.
Top picks: Guided mountain treks • Scenic hikes • Outdoor camping with views
Ruaha & Nyerere National Parks – Venture into Tanzania’s untamed wilderness, where tourism directly supports vital wildlife protection. Track lions, elephants, and wild dogs in vast, unspoiled landscapes.
Top picks: Walking safaris with rangers • Community-run lodges • Eco-conscious camps
Zanzibar & Mafia Island – After your safari, unwind on powder-white beaches and turquoise waters. Snorkel, dive, or simply relax in tropical luxury by the Indian Ocean.
Top picks: Ocean-view villas • Sunset dhow cruises • Coral reef diving
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
