SAFARI AND WILDLIFE IN TANZANIA
Safari in Tanzania: A must-do for wildlife lovers
Go on a safari in Tanzania for the big five, the great migration and an epic adventure.
Why go on safari in Tanzania?
When you go on a safari trip in Tanzania, every view feels cinematic and every moment is more memorable than the last. One minute, you're driving through golden grasslands with acacia trees on the horizon. The next, a herd of elephants crosses the road, a giraffe disappears between the trees or a lion lies perfectly still in the shade. Add the vast plains of the Serengeti, the dramatic walls of the Ngorongoro Crater and the chance to see the Big Five in the wild, and it's easy to see why Tanzania is one of Africa's classic safari destinations. And the best part? You can easily make the adventure your own, from a few days on a safari to a bigger Tanzania trip combining wildlife, trekking and beaches.
Get ready for some epic selfies
View over Mount Kilimanjaro
A zebra in the green grass
Lions chilling under the trees
Giraffes on the savannah
Cozy safari lodge
Elephants and trees in the background
Where can you go on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous safari destinations, and each one offers something different. So, where should you go?
Serengeti National Park: This is the big one. Its name means “endless plains”, and once you're out there, you'll understand why. Golden grasslands stretch towards the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and packed with wildlife. This is one of the best places to look for lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas and huge herds of wildebeest and zebra. During the Great Migration, millions of animals move across the wider Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing – one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Ngorongoro Crater is a vast volcanic caldera where wildlife gathers on the crater floor. From the rim, you can look down over the green landscape below before heading into the crater to search for lions, elephants, hippos, hyenas and, if you're lucky, the rare black rhino. The scenery here is just as impressive as the animals.
Ruaha National Park: For something a little quieter, Ruaha National Park offers wide-open landscapes and fewer visitors than Tanzania's most famous parks. The Ruaha River becomes a vital water source during the dry season, drawing animals to its banks and making wildlife sightings likely. The lower number of visitors keeps the whole experience feeling more peaceful.
Tarangire National Park: Tarangire is another brilliant stop, especially if you love elephants. Large herds gather around the Tarangire River, while enormous baobab trees give the landscape a completely different feel from the open plains of the Serengeti. You can also spot lions, giraffes and plenty of birds here.
Whether you're after the classic Big Five, dramatic landscapes, huge herds or a quieter safari away from the crowds, Tanzania gives you plenty of options. And why not go for a bit of everything?
Herd of elephants crossing the road in Serengeti
Lion resting on a rock in Serengeti
The Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park
Need help planning your safari trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
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From safari to beaches or trekking
One of the best things about travelling in Tanzania is that it's easy to combine different kinds of experiences.
If you're hungry for even more adventure after your safari, why not climb Mount Kilimanjaro? At 5,895 metres, it's Africa's highest mountain and a serious challenge – but also a seriously amazing experience.
Whether you've climbed Kilimanjaro or not, you might also want to slow things down on Zanzibar, a great place to chill and let all your experiences sink in. Think white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and plenty of time to swim, snorkel or simply do very little. And if you're not done with animals and nature, Zanzibar is also a great place to go diving.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain
At the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
White sandy beach in Zanzibar
Hotel pool in Zanzibar
Relax and cool down by the pool
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations and offers excellent opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife across several national parks. Whether it's your first safari or you're an experienced safari-goer, you're guaranteed to make some amazing memories.
The dry season from June to October is generally one of the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals often gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense. The Great Migration is usually best to follow between July and October, although the exact timing varies from year to year. January and February is calving season in the southern Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators are often close by.
Yes, Tanzania is one of the places where you have the chance to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Of course, wildlife is wild and sightings can never be guaranteed – but keep your eyes peeled and you might be able to spot all five.
A safari can take anything from a few days to a week or more, depending on how many national parks you want to visit and what pace you prefer travelling at. Around 3–5 days is a good starting point for seeing some of Tanzania's highlights, while a longer trip allows you to combine several parks and travel a bit slower.
Absolutely. Zanzibar is a popular addition to a Tanzania safari and offers a completely different pace, with white-sand beaches and warm waters in the Indian Ocean. It is a great way to wind down after some action-packed days on safari.
Yes. Many travellers combine a safari with a trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It makes for a seriously adventurous trip, taking you from the plains of Tanzania to the highest mountain in Africa.
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You should go on a safari in Tanzania if you...
...want to see the Big Five
Tanzania offers some of the world's most iconic wildlife experiences and a great chance of seeing the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
...wish to combine the safari with other adventures
Add a few days of beach life in Zanzibar or challenge yourself to trek Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania makes it easy to turn a safari into a much bigger adventure.
...enjoy nature. Simple as that.
Tanzania is more than ticking animals off a list. The scenery itself is a huge part of the experience, from endless plains to craters and lush river banks.
