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The Best Tanzania Safari Holidays
A Tanzania Safari will give you a classically varied experience that will be ideal both for wildlife enthusiasts as well as adventurers. From the globally acclaimed Serengeti and the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and off-the-map parks such as Ruaha and Nyerere, the choices are endless. Witness the unforgettable Great Migration, as wildebeests and zebras traverse the savannas, or unwind on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and indulge in the culture of the Swahili.
If you crave spine-tingling wildlife experiences or picturesque landscapes, a Tanzania Safari offers both in abundance. Comfort along with sustainability are a guarantee with eco-lodges to luxury camps. Exclusive destinations such as the Lamai Triangle for spectacular river crossings, to knowledgeable guides, mean every Tanzania Safari is one to be recalled.
The variety in the ecosystem, combined with rich culture and top-notch hospitality, makes a Tanzania Safari one of the best African holidays.
Best Months to Visit Tanzania
The best time to undertake a Tanzania Safari is during the dry season, from June to October. The weather is fine, with clear skies during the day and cool nights, making the wildlife drives comfortable. The cover is thin during this season, with the wildlife clustering around the waterholes, thus making spotting easy. The dry season highlight is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras in the Serengeti usually between July to August.
In Tanzania, the wet season occurs between November to May and can be broken into the short rains that run between November to December as well as the long rains that run between March to May. As the scenery becomes so lush and green, the rain can cause some challenging roads. This season, though, has some distinct positives. Fewer people mean smaller crowds at major attractions. Predators, though, will benefit from the situation with so much young prey that is born during this season. Bird lovers will also find this to be a wonderful time to go on a Tanzania Safari as migratory birds descend in full force.
For the ultimate wildlife watching experience, it is best to time your Tanzania Safari during the dry season. The best time for game viewing is between June to October during the dry season because the animals are densely populated around the lakeshore and riverside waterholes. The Great Migration of the Serengeti during this time features millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the open plains. This natural wonder is a big attraction to most people. The dry season also brings clear skies that are ideal for photography, drawing photography enthusiasts and nature lovers to this season.
Month-by-Month Guide
Month | Season | Highlights |
---|---|---|
January | Wet Season | Bird watching, Green scenery |
February | Wet Season | Calving season in Ser |
March | Wet Season | Blend of wildlife and lush landscapes |
April | Apr to Jun Wet Season | Lower crowds |
May | Transition Period | Varyingly unpredictable weather conditions |
June | Dry Season | Beginning of dry season, best wildlife viewing |
July | Dry Season | The Great Migration in Serengeti, N |
August | Dry Season | Peak wildlife season, ideal viewing conditions |
September | Dry Season | Ongoing Great Migration, fewer crowds than in August and September |
October | Dry Season | End of dry season, high wildlife activity |
November | Wet Season | Short rains, migration birds begin |
December | Wet Season | Lush landscapes, bird watching |
Wildlife Highlights in Tanzania
Credits: serengeti.com
The Great Migration in Serengeti is an epic event in Tanzania’s safari calendar. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. This grand spectacle occurs between July and October, when the herds make their way to the Mara River. This incredible journey is not only about the migration; it also attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, creating thrilling wildlife encounters for visitors.
The Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater offer another unforgettable experience. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best places in Africa to see all five of these iconic animals: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. The crater floor’s diverse landscape, which includes forests, swamps, and grasslands, provides a rich habitat for these animals. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are particularly rewarding for spotting these majestic creatures.
For those seeking rare encounters, the Southern Parks of Tanzania are ideal. Parks like Ruaha and Selous are less visited compared to the northern circuit, providing a more intimate safari experience. In these remote areas, you may encounter rarer species such as wild dogs, sable antelopes, and greater kudus. The Southern Parks also offer unique activities like walking safaris and boat safaris, providing different perspectives on the diverse wildlife.
Top Safari Accommodations
Credits: artofsafari.travel
For the ultimate Tanzania Safari that combines adventure with high-end comfort, the Serengeti is the best with its luxury lodges. One of the most favored is the Four Seasons Safari Lodge, with large comfortable rooms that have private balconies where you can sit back and watch wildlife right from your roomโan unforgettable aspect of any Tanzania Safari. Another that stands out is the Serengeti Bushtops Camp, with a high-end tented experience that includes hot tubs as well as star gazing with gourmet meals.
In the Ruaha National Park, private camps such as Jabali Ridge present a quieter, more private aspect of the Tanzania Safari. The lodge includes the use of an infinity pool as well as spa treatments amidst the wild. The Kwihala Camp is also a great option, with mobile luxury that includes customized game drives as well as private dining. The camps both feature the rawer, lesser-trodden nature of a Tanzania Safari without the loss of comfort.
Zanzibar is the ultimate post-safari getaway, finishing off your Tanzania Safari with beach retreats in deluxe style. The Baraza Resort & Spa offers private villas with outdoor plunge pools and a full-service spa. The Residence Zanzibar features Swahili-style buildings with high-style modern accommodations, right on a beautiful beachโperfect relaxation after your safari.
Top Accommodation Options on a Tanzania Safari
Luxury Accommodation in Serengeti
Exclusive Camps in Ruaha
Beach Retreats in Zanzibar
The Ngorongoro Crater
Selous Game Reserve Camps
Tarangire Tented Camp
Kid-Friendly Accommodation
Boutique Hotels in Arusha
Most Frequently Recommended
1. When should you go to Tanzania to go on safari?
The best time to go on a Tanzania Safari is during the dry season, i.e., from late June to October. This is the best time to spot wildlife.
2. What can one spot during a safari in Tanzania?
You will spot some wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are most notable with wildlife.
3. Are there migrations or special events to watch out for?
Yes, the Great Migration is one event that cannot be missed, as one-million wildebeests and zebras move across the Serengeti. This occurs usually between June to October.
4. Where are the best places to stay on a Tanzania safari?
These are the top accommodations that vary from high-end lodges such as Singita Grumeti to the budgeted lodges such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge and Sopa Lodges.
5. Are there any special preparations one needs to do before undertaking a Tanzania safari?
It’s important to have travel vaccinations, pack appropriate clothing, and bring necessary gear like binoculars and cameras. Also, check visa requirements for your country.
Tanzania offers spectacular safari experiences all year long, with the dry months between June to October as the best time to spot wildlife and the rainy months between November to May with blooming landscapes and fewer people. Watch the Great Migration in Serengeti or the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater, or witness rare wildlife sightings in the southern parks. Lodge in the high-end lodges in Serengeti, exclusive camps in Ruaha, or cap off your safari with a beach stay in Zanzibar.