Which Is The Best Tanzania Safari For You?

When you think of Tanzania, the Great Wildebeest Migration probably comes to mind. This annual event sees approximately two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle grazing their way across the fertile grasslands of the Serengeti, with numerous predators in tow. Thousands of tourists sign up for safaris in Tanzania to see this sight each year. However, there are many different ways to create and customize the best Tanzania safari for you! Keep reading if you want to learn more.

On Safari In Tanzania

With a total of 16 national parks, 3 game preserves, and 2 marine reserves, Tanzania offers visitors an outsized adventure in one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. One of the first things you want to consider before planning your safari is the time of year you want to visit. The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is during the long, dry season from late June to October. During the dry season, the weather is good and the opportunities for wildlife viewing are outstanding. The clear skies and cooler temperatures make it easier to spot elusive animals like leopards and elephants in their natural habitat.

Going on a Serengeti National Park safari during the dry season means you will see part of the Great Migration! From July through October, the wildlife that participates in this ancient ritual moves in a clockwise pattern across the Serengeti in search of fertile grazing lands. If you plan your safari between June and October, you can witness the famous river crossings in the northern Serengeti as they move South toward the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. But that is only one option for your safari! Here are two unique alternatives for planning the best Tanzania safari for you!

On Safari In Tanzania’s Northern Region

Visitors who prefer small group tours or private guides should choose a Northern Safari. Tanzania’s Northern region offers some of the most iconic safaris with amazing landscapes and a diversity of wildlife. This region encompasses the Serengeti (and is the perfect starting point for a Serengeti National Park safari), as well as some of the most famous parks and preserves in the world. Northern safaris can also include an add-on visit to Mount Kilimanjaro, where you can admire the snow-capped peaks of this famous landmark and hike some of its trails. Here are some fun facts about the Serengeti:

• The Serengeti National Park was founded in 1952 to preserve and protect Tanzania’s diverse wildlife. This massive park covers an area of over 14,750 square kilometers.
• The park is home to Africa’s Big Five – buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and Rhino. The diverse wildlife in the park attracts tourists from all over the world seeking an authentic African safari experience.
• Most of the annual Great Migration occurs across the Serengeti’s vast grasslands. The migration sees over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles travel in search of greener pastures, creating a spectacular natural spectacle.
• More than 500 species of birds, gazelles, big cats, and wild dogs call the park home. The diverse range of wildlife in the park creates a unique ecosystem that supports a delicate balance of predator and prey relationships.
• The park’s ecosystem is one of the oldest on the planet. In fact, its flora and fauna have remained unchanged for a million years.

After your Serengeti National Park safari, consider adding a visit to Arusha National Park. It is also located in the Northern Region of Tanzania and is home to three famous landmarks – Mount Meru, Momela Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Safaris in Tanzania often skip this little gem of a park, but that is too bad! Arusha’s varied landscape of swamps, crater lakes, forests, and highlands is home to warthogs, zebras, giraffes, and other herbivores. It’s also a paradise for bird waters, with more than 400 species of birds found in the park’s lakes.

On Safari in Tanzania’s Southern Region

If you are a seasoned traveler who has visited Tanzania’s hot spots once or twice, consider escaping into the wilderness on a Southern safari. This region features lesser-visited parks and offers visitors an exclusive safari experience. Two parks you can visit on a Southern Safari are Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. These are some of the most remote areas of Tanzania, so you will feel like you are really one with nature! Here are some fascinating facts about the parks in this region:

• The Selous is famous for having the largest population of elephants in the world. In addition to elephants, the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is also home to a diverse range of wildlife species, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
• The park does not allow any permanent human structure within its boundaries, which makes it feel extremely remote. Visitors can truly immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of nature and experience a sense of tranquility that is rare to find in urban environments.
• The Selous animal population includes Cape buffalos, hippos, lions, and lycaons. This diverse array of wildlife contributes to the ecological richness of the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.
• Hippos can be found in the preserve’s many lakes. The massive creatures spend most of their time submerged in the water to stay cool and avoid sunburn.

In addition to game drives, safaris in Tanzania’s southern region offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, such as fly-in camping, boating, and water-based safaris. The southern parks also offer walking safaris, because very few predators live within their boundaries. This is not possible in the Northern parks, where a large number of predators live.

The Best Tanzania Safari In Zanzibar

One of the most unique features of a Southern safari is that you can usually combine it with a trip to Zanzibar. While Zanzibar is most famous for its beaches, it is so much more! Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is a mixture of cultural influences. Relax on its beaches, or tour a local spice plantation to see where cloves, nutmeg, mace, vanilla, and other exotic spices are grown. You can also visit the island’s capital of Stone Town to wander through narrow alleyways and shop at its many markets.

Whether you plan a Serengeti National Park safari or a safari to the Southern parks of Tanzania, you are sure to have an adventure you will never forget. The diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences in Tanzania make it a truly unforgettable destination for any safari enthusiast. The Best Tanzania safari is one you plan based on your interests! So, get planning and start packing – adventure is calling.