The Rough Guide to planning a Tanzania safari

Thanks to the presence of some of Africa's biggest and best national parks, a Tanzania safari is a tour de force. It’s also a dauntingly large country, though, so a trip here requires some advance decision-making. Here's everything you need to plan a safari in Tanzania. For more inspiration, read our run-down of the best things to do in Tanzania.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Which region should I choose?

This is the big one. Tanzania has three main safari regions: the Northern Circuit, the Southern Circuit, and the far Western parks. Because distances are huge and internal travel isn’t quick or cheap, most travellers stick to just one.

The Northern Circuit is the blockbuster. It’s home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, two of the best places to visit in Tanzania — and two of the busiest. If you're following the Great Migration, expect bumper-to-bumper 4x4s during peak moments. Still, if wildlife density is your top priority, this is the place.

Want fewer people and more wild? Head south. The vast parks of Selous and Ruaha are rougher, quieter, and more remote. You might spot fewer animals—but you’ll almost never spot another vehicle.

The west is wilder still. Think serious remoteness and rare experiences, like chimp tracking in the Mahale Mountains or exploring Katavi, a dream for seasoned safari-goers who’ve seen the rest and want something raw.

Inspired by Tanzania safari? Explore more safari options in Africa.

When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?

For wildlife sightings in the west and south, June to October is the best time to plan your Tanzania safari. This is dry season, which means vegetation is lower, improving visibility. There are fewer mosquitos to contend with too. It also means animals tend to congregate around known watering holes.

To see the Great Migration in the Serengeti, June and July are the best months. In April and May several parks in the south and west close to visitors, while the parks in the north can be visited all year round. The northern parks also tend to be more crowded.

• Africa Safari Maasai Boma Camping
• Serengeti Mawe Camp
• Mbalageti Serengeti
• Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma

Do any parks specialise in particular animals or activities?

Ruaha National Park has the largest elephant and giraffe population of any African reserve. That's why it's sometimes known as "Giraffe Park". It's also home to 10% of the world’s lion population. Selous is Tanzania’s best national park for seeing rare wild dogs and – together with the Ngorongoro Crater – the best place to see rhinos.

Lovers of the endangered cheetah are directed to the Serengeti’s Ndutu Safari Lodge or Namiri Plains, ideally during January’s calving season. Walking safaris are available in most parks, but try Beho Beho camp in the Selous to enjoy them in league with some of Tanzania’s finest guides.

Looking forward to enjoy the beauty of Tanzania's parks to the full? Check out our 7-days tailor-made park tour.

What about the Great Migration?

Dependent on the caprice of rainfall, this never-ending procession of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest – plus vast zebra and gazelle herds – can usually be accurately pinpointed to certain Serengeti areas at certain times of year. 

September and October see the skittish omnivores attempt risky crossings of the Mara River – optimum time for lion, leopard, cheetah, crocodile, and hyena to strike. This spectacle happens in the Serengeti’s further-flung north. Go to the Lamai Wedge to watch it unfold with some semblance of exclusivity – one of those Tanzania travel tips that can make the difference between just witnessing the migration and truly experiencing it.

How do I get around on safari in Tanzania?

Light Cessna planes – dinky, 2-18-seat affairs in which you can sit beside the pilot – are the standard transport mode between Tanzania’s camps. In fact, for visitors to the remote south and west regions, they’re the only means of getting from A to B. If you're a nervous fliers be prepared; otherwise, the experience tends to be magical.

It’s possible to do the Northern Circuit by road, but – despite plentiful concrete – this is a long-winded process thanks to Tanzania’s size. Then again, you do earn the opportunity to stop in non-tourist towns and villages, and sample local life.

Inspired to experience safari? Check our 10-days tailor-made luxurious tour to Tanzania.

Do I need a guide?

Having a guide for your Tanzania trip is definitely advised. In fact, in many parks – the Serengeti included – you must travel with one by law. Having a guide also means you needn’t worry about park entry fees. Even more important is the fact that guides are trained to spot wildlife and and have superior local knowledge, so you're more likely to see the animals.

Most guides are charming, too, making their constant company a pleasure rather than a chore. Rough Guides works with local experts to provide qualified guides.

Read more about how to safari safely and ethically.

Family safari in Tanzania

With diverse wildlife and white sandy island beaches, Tanzania is perfect for a family holiday. Safari is a great experience for children, but children under five will be along for the ride only. The type of safari that'll suit you best depends on the age of your youngest child. The older your child is, the more options there are. Whichever type of safari you choose, a good guide is the key to making sure you and the kids get the most from it.

You can easily combine a safari with some downtime on the best beaches in Tanzania. The coast offers plenty of family-friendly options, especially on Zanzibar and Mafia Island, where clear waters and laid-back vibes make for a perfect beach holiday.

South Africa is a very popular destination, so check the best routs of South Africa to find some inspiration for the future holidays.

Can I go to the beach afterwards?

Most visitors do. The main draw is Zanzibar, an Indian Ocean island whose beautiful name is adequately matched by a glut of white-sand beaches and teeming coral reefs. Hotels here range from billionaire boltholes to very affordable, charming guesthouses.

Just south of Zanzibar is the quieter and similarly idyllic Mafia Archipelago, especially good for diving. Other options include Pemba, a more remote isle, and the mainland, where a top-notch villa and beach lodge scene has more recently sprung up.

Where to stay in Zanzibar:

• Antonio Garden Hotel

Featuring a bar and a garden, Antonio Garden Hotel is located in Zanzibar City, 400 m from Stone Town Beach and 700 m from Peace Memorial Museum. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

• Sunny Palms Beach Bungalows

Sunny Palms Beach Bungalows features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge in Zanzibar City. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has pool views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a private beach area. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

• Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel is located in Stone Town on Zanzibar Island. It offers individually decorated suites with free Wi-Fi. The beach is within 1 km from the hotel where guests can enjoy water activities.

All suites feature Zanzibari, Arabic and English décor and are fitted with tiled floors. Each one includes a seating area with a flat-screen TV and telephone. Some suites offer a balcony and a sun deck with a hot tub.

How long do I need for a Tanzania safari?

On the Northern Circuit, spending 2-3 nights at each park will give you time to enjoy every experience – daily game drives, often plus Maasai village visits and walking safaris – without risking cabin fever. Slightly longer per camp is advised in the South, however, to enable true immersion.

There are lots of fantastic safari destinations in Africa. Check out the best safari lodges in Kenya for inspiration.

Tanzania safari is a trully unforgetable expirience. For more inspirational travel tips check our inspirational guidebook, The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock