Tanzania is a beautiful country that offers an incredible diversity of safari experiences. Naturally the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and the famous Ngorongoro Crater are well-known, but there is plenty more to see, from the baobab trees of Tarangire to the hunter-gatherers that roam Lake Eyasi.
HIGHLIGHTS IN TANZANIA
Our ‘not to be missed’ recommendations for your holiday
THE GREAT MIGRATION
Depending on what time of year you travel, we will recommend the best areas and camps to visit and which parts of the Serengeti National Park to go in order to maximise your chances of seeing the migration. We want to make sure you see abundant wildlife on your safari, and we do our utmost to deliver on a game rich experience.
From mid-July to October, the migration is usually concentrated in the northern part of the Serengeti where the wildebeest accumulate in the Mara river area. From December to March, the migration is usually located in the southern Serengeti where the wildebeest congregate for calving season.
Follow the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
The more remote parks in the south are usually fly-in itineraries to the spectacular Selous, Ruaha and Katavi parks, and combine well with visits to northern Tanzania.
Other highlights include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, chimp trekking in Western Tanzania or relaxing in the remote wilderness around Lake Victoria. To top it off, a tranquil beachside break is the perfect end to any safari – either on the mainland or Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island.
Spectacular sunsets on the Selous river.
LEARN ABOUT THE HADZABE
The local culture of a country humanizes the experience, and adds a depth and personality that touches the soul. Wander the village of Mto wa Mbu, where several different tribes co-exist peacefully, and have lunch locally.
Or walk among the Hadza, Tanzania’s aboriginal hunter-gatherer population, not genetically close to any other people, and have subsisted with little lifestyle modification for thousands of years.
Meet the Hadza; Tanzania’s aboriginal hunter-gatherer population.
More things to do and see
EXPERIENCE THE BIG FIVE
The Big Five – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – remain the most sought after species to see on the African continent. Although a safari is so much more than wildlife sightings only, seeing of one of these five incredible African animals can really change your life forever.
Although there is a wide variety of destinations to spot the Big Five, popular areas for travellers usually are Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater combined with the Serengeti, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Etosha in Namibia or the Greater Kruger area in South Africa.
STAY IN AUTHENTIC TENTED CAMPS
Some of the mobile camps move twice a year to follow the migration, so will be located either in southern or northern Serengeti depending on when you visit. At other times of the year, the migration won’t be as concentrated, but there is still plenty of resident game in the Serengeti – we will advise the most appropriate locations to visit.
GET INVOLVED
There are chances to visit schools, meet the children, visit the hospitals, and village bars, or even residents in their homes. This gives you a real feel of the heartbeat of Africa – its colorful personalities, survivor mentality, and richness in the simple things. There are many cultural experiences to choose from, and we strive to ensure that they remain authentic, respectful and unobtrusive to the people.
ENJOY A VARIETY OF UNUSUAL LANDSCAPES
From the Serengeti’s endless plains and spectacular views at the Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire’s unusual landscape of baobab trees and semi-arid riverbeds to stunning beaches on the coast and Zanzibar; Tanzania offers a wide scale of different landscapes.
WHERE TO GO IN TANZANIA
A selection of unforgettable places to visit
Serengeti
Home to the Great Migration; the largest wildlife movement on earth and a captivating natural spectacle.
Ngorongoro Crater
Spectacular views await on the crater rim, and a rich and dense variety of wildlife on the crater floor.
Ruaha
Even though Ruaha is not particularly well-known, it is in fact Tanzania's second largest national park.
Tarangire
An unusual landscape of baobab trees and semi-arid riverbeds, this fantastic park boasts diverse bird species year round and excellent elephant populations in the dry season.
Lake Manyara & Eyasi
Lush groundwater forest beckons in Lake Manyara, a relatively small park, or go off the beaten track to Lake Eyasi; a hidden oasis where you can visit the Hadzabe tribe.
Selous
The largest game reserve in Africa, four times the size of the more famous Serengeti, has plenty to offer; hot volcanic springs, woodlands, swamps, flood plains and the incredible Rufiji River.
Arusha
This verdant town sits in the valley below mighty Mount Kilimanjaro and is the gateway to all northern circuit safaris.
Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia
A tranquil beachside break is the perfect end to any safari – either on Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia Island.
More in Tanzania
Go off the beaten track; explore remote Katavi, trek chimps in Mahale Mountains, enjoy Lake Natron's spectacular scenery or discover the unexplored Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria.
OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS
"We had a dream vacation in Tanzania"
LUCIA & HEINRICH (FRANCE), TRAVELLED NOVEMBER 2018Where to stay in Tanzania
Some of our preferred safari camps & lodges
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Sayari Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
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Gibb’s Farm
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
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The Highlands
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
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Kisima Ngeda
Lake Eyasi, Tanzania
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Kimondo Migration Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
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Alex Walker’s Serian
Serengeti, Tanzania
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Zuri Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Kuria Hills
Serengeti, Tanzania
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Nanyukie Tented Lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania
Wide views over the Serengeti right from your own tent
Take a dip in the camp's pool, you might even spot wildlife from there...
Enjoy the swimming pool while looking over the Serengeti
Elegant, stylish guest tent interior
Sayari Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
Located in the un-spoilt northern Serengeti area, Sayari Camp offers superb views of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River (typically from mid-July to early November) – with crocodile and hippo ever-present along with the abundant birdlife of the Serengeti. Non-migratory inhabitants include big cats, elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, groups of numerous large antelopes and many other incredible animals. The whole experience is enhanced by the exclusivity of this remote area.
Sayari’s spacious, elegant tents have panoramic views of the never-ending Serengeti. With delicious food and a large swimming pool, this camp immerses guests in the bush without sacrificing style and comfort. Sayari is definitely one of our favourite permanent tented camps, for the combination of authenticity and luxury – not to mention outstanding guides!
Gibb’s Farm
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Open since the 1950s, Gibb’s Farm is a lovely colonial home that has been converted into an exquisite lodge situated just outside the Ngorongoro Crater. The beautiful gardens and surrounding farmland make for a very peaceful ambience and the sweeping views invite lazy afternoons.
The vegetable and fruit grown near the lodge are the basis for delicious home cooking, and the rooms are extremely comfortable. We find Gibb’s a bit pricey for what it offers, but it is often a favourite for those who have a bigger budget.
The dome tent with its unique look
The unique, funky design of the guest dome tent
Enjoy a hot tub with this amazing view
View from the lounge area
The Highlands
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
With its new, funky design The Highlands is a uniquely styled camp that is set in a quiet location on the edge of the mountain forest that hugs the Olmoti volcano north of the Ngorongoro Crater. The camp is boasting both sunrise and sunset views from the main dining and bar areas with views of the Gol Mountains in the north and the Empakaai Crater in the east.
In addition to easy access to the Crater, this exclusive camp offers a wide range of activities to experience the wild and pristine highlands; a half day hike excursion to the Empakaai Crater, Olmoti walk (2-3hr round trip walk from camp) or visit a local Maasai school and village. Combined with its quiet location, this camp sure is a delight to Ngorongoro Crater explorers!
Kisima Ngeda
Lake Eyasi, Tanzania
Located on the shores of Lake Eyasi, the camp is beautifully set in a date palm and acacia forest – part of a 200 acre family-owned farm with a natural spring nearby which feeds into the lake. The Alipi escarpment wall which rises 2,000 feet up into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides a stunning backdrop.
This rustic style camp provides a nice quiet base from which to explore the surrounding area that includes the fast-diminishing Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe. Kisima Ngeda is a special place – it’s a bit off the beaten track and not at all geared towards wildlife viewing, but a great choice for those looking for a unique experience out of the safari vehicle.
Kimondo Migration Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
With an intimate setting with only 8 tents, this mobile tented camp moves between the Southern and Northern Serengeti tracking the movements of the Great Migration.
Kimondo is located in the southern Serengeti (Kusini area) between December to mid-March. While in the south, the camp is located near a permanent water source which attracts wildlife. The Wildebeest calving season is typically around February.
Between July and November the camp is located in the northern part of the Serengeti, in the Lamai Wedge area. While in the north, this location offers excellent access to both the river and open space of Lamai.
Alex Walker’s Serian
Serengeti, Tanzania
The camp is located right up in the northernmost part of the Serengeti in the Lamai Wedge, where you have a good chance of seeing the wildebeest migration from July until October. Alex Walker is a seasoned walking and safari guide, so we feel the quality of guiding at this camp is quite good as a result of his training and influence.
At this smaller more intimate tented camp, each group is allocated their own safari vehicle. The tents are very nicely appointed and the staff are friendly. We think Serian Camp is a really great choice for those seeking an authentic experience with great guides.
Zuri Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located on the most beautiful white beach of the northern west shores of Unguja, 50 km from Stone Town. This hotel provides you with a stunning white-sandy beach, turquoise waters and unforgettable sunsets.
The bungalows, suites and villas are all hidden in a large tropical garden, within just a short walk of the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
Kuria Hills
Serengeti, Tanzania
This lodge is remotely located in the Wogakuria Hills of the Northern Serengeti. A scenic region characterized by grassy rolling hills, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses, it is a habitat that attracts wildlife throughout the year.
Lemala Kuria Hills is in close proximity to the Mara River on the Serengeti’s border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara, so is also within the main corridor of the world-famous wildebeest migration between July and October.
Nanyukie Tented Lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania
Situated in the Eastern Serengeti, this wonderful camp offers 15 luxury tents, and sits on a grassy savanna dotted with rocky kopjes, shaded by ancient giant acacia trees.
This particular eastern part of the Serengeti is crossed by the annual Wildebeest Migration, but offers high-density game-viewing year-round and is especially well-known for its large concentration of cats.