Visiting Tanzania has provided me with some of the most profound experiences of my life, such as witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The country really gets under your skin and after visiting for the first time four years ago, I’ve been back 6 times since!
If, like me, you love nature and unique cultures then I have no doubts that you’re going to fall in love with the country too!
Boasting a reputation as the greatest safari destination on earth, housing all of the Big Five and over 500 species of birds, there really is something for everyone.
I have continued to refine this itinerary over the years as I spend more time exploring the country and parks and this version represents the culmination of a total of around 8 months on safari in Tanzania over 4 years.
With so much to do and see on a safari in Tanzania, such as witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or spotting rare black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater, I’d strongly recommend visiting for at least 7 days!
However, if you’re pressed for time or budget, due to the high density of wildlife and airstrips in the national parks, shorter trips are possible. If this sounds like you, take a look at my 5-day and 3-day Tanzania safari itineraries.
If you’re not limited by time, then you can easily fill a 2-week or 3-week Tanzania itinerary which allows you to visit more locations and spend more time exploring the best reserves.
Finally, if you’re struggling to decide between Kenya and Tanzania, you don’t have to with a 10-day, 2-week or 3-week combined itinerary.
After visiting Tanzania six times, usually for a month at a time, I’ve perfected this 7-10 day Tanzania itinerary to show you the very best that Tanzania has to offer as well as giving you the most ‘bang for your buck’.
I’m going to give you an idea of how much it will cost, the best time to visit and how to find the best safari tour company.
As I walk you through the itinerary, I’ll share tips, tricks and how to avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made, including a terrifying night time taxi ride.
I’ve also spoken at length with my favourite Tanzania guides as well as conducting copious amounts of additional research to ensure you receive everything you need to know to have the ultimate Tanzania safari.
Key Takeaways
- Trip Duration: 7-10 days
- Budget Range: From $2,450 per person (7 days, budget) to $12,000+ per person (10 days, luxury), excluding internal flights
- Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season, with Great Migration Mara River crossings from mid-July to mid-October) or late January to February (calving season). In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any time of year apart from mid-March to mid-May which is the long rainy season.
- Key Destinations: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central and Northern or Western Serengeti, Zanzibar
- Wildlife Highlights: The Big Five, the Great Wildebeest Migration, tree-climbing lions
- Average Drive Time: 2 hours
Tanzania 7-10 Day Safari Itinerary Map
Below is the route map for my recommended 7-10 day Tanzania itinerary. We’ll cover this itinerary in detail in this guide.
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In This Guide
- 7 Reasons to Go on Safari in Tanzania
- How to Book Your Tanzania Safari
- Should You Choose a Private or Group Tanzania Safari?
- How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
- Best Time to Visit Tanzania
- How Long to Spend in Tanzania
- Logistics
- Northern Vs Southern Tanzania Circuit
- What Does This 7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Look Like?
- Tanzania Safari FAQs
- Final Thoughts
7 Reasons to Go on Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the most popular countries to go on safari in Africa, receiving over 2 million visitors per year and growing.
It’s the first country in which I experienced a guided Big Five safari and it’s also the safari destination that I visit the most, having been back 6 time since first visiting in 2022 (although this number may be outdated by the time you read this!)
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is quite probably the world’s greatest national park to go on safari! Covering 5,700 square miles (1.5 million hectares) of savannah, it’s absolutely huge, dwarfing the neighbouring Maasai Mara!
When I first visited, I went to see one of the great natural wonders of the world: the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti and I’ve been hooked on safaris ever since!
I was left enchanted by the mystical lost world of the Ngorongoro Crater and the incredible density of big cats on the endless plains of the Serengeti, so much so that I made it my goal to return every year.
How to Book with the Best Local Safari Companies
- Comparison sites which provide multiple quotes from verified suppliers such as Safaris By Ella
Join the rapidly growing tribe of over 1,000 travellers who’ve booked their dream safari using my insider tips and recommendations.
Below is a map I made of Tanzania showing the safari highlights.
I’ve included a video of my Tanzania safari below for you to watch or, if you’re short on time, you can skip ahead to my Tanzania itinerary. Alternatively, read on to find out more about the reasons to visit Tanzania!
Jump straight to any of the features below.
Pros of Safaris in Tanzania
Pros of Tanzania compared to other safari destinations.
- Tanzania is politically stable, very tourist-friendly and pretty much everyone can speak English.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration, the second largest terrestrial mammal migration on earth, can be viewed year round
- All of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) can be seen on the northern circuit
- The largest lion population in the world (an estimated 14,000 individuals, over 40% of Africa’s total) plus an estimated 39,000 leopards, along with cheetahs, spotted hyenas and servals
- One of the most reliable places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions, particularly in the Seronera region of central Serengeti
- Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain on earth at 19,341 feet (5,895 m), is a stone’s throw from the top northern parks so a hike is easy to combine with a safari
- A culturally diverse country of over 120 tribes, including the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers around Lake Eyasi and the Maasai across northern Tanzania
- Easy to combine a safari with the beaches of Zanzibar, with flights connecting Serengeti and the other main safari locations directly to the islands
Cons of Safaris in Tanzania
Cons of Tanzania compared to other safari destinations.
- Parks can get busy in peak periods but this can be mitigated by visiting quieter parts and due to the size of the Serengeti it’s still quieter than Kenya’s smaller Maasai Mara.
- Tsetse flies and mosquitoes
- Slightly more expensive than Kenya but the gap is narrowing after Maasai Mara park fees increase
- The final stretch of road into the Serengeti is quite bumpy but you can always fly into the Serengeti to bypass the bumps
1. The Great Migration
The second largest terrestrial mammal migration on earth takes place in the sprawling Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania.
Over 2 million wildebeests, zebras and antelopes stampede across the vast plains, in a never-ending cycle that’s filled with drama and heart-stopping moments.
I’ve seen all the stages of the migration and the vast numbers of wildebeests never fail to amaze me! My favourite part is the Mara River crossing as I feel like I’m in a National Geographic documentary!
It was thought to be the largest migration until they discovered the Great Nile Migration in 2024, located in South Sudan which is over twice the size.
I made the map below to show the location of the Great Wildebeest Migration through the year.
There are three key parts of the migration and you can see all three in Tanzania but only the first one in Kenya:
1. The Mara River Crossing – between mid-July and mid-October the great herds cross the treacherous crocodile-infested Mara River. Dodging strong currents, hungry crocodiles and lions hiding behind bushes on the riverbanks, there’s never any shortage of action here.
2. The Calving Season – between mid-January and mid-March the wildebeests start to give birth in southern Serengeti. Around 8,000 babies are born each day and take their first tentative steps. This is also a great time of year to see predators in action as new life means there’s no shortage of food.
3. The Grumeti River Crossing – between May and mid-July the herds cross the Grumeti River in Serengeti’s western corridor. Whilst not as famous as the Mara Crossing, there’s still lots of action to see here as the herds try to evade lurking crocodiles.
You can read my full guide to the great wildebeest migration in detail.
2. Seeing The Big Five
Tanzania is home to the famous and sought-after Big Five: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. It’s not uncommon to see all of them on a safari in Tanzania’s northern circuit.
I typically always see all of the Big Five on every visit to Tanzania.
Serengeti is big cat heaven with healthy numbers of both lion and leopard.
Elephants can also be found in Serengeti in large herds. Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in the world to see huge herds of majestic African elephants with over 3,000 individuals.
Buffalos can be found in all of the key parks and reserves in northern Tanzania, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
Rhinos are perhaps the hardest of the Big Five to see but the good news is that Tanzania is home to the mysterious Ngorongoro Crater, which resembles a lost world and gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see rare black rhinos (one of the Big Five) within the incredible landscape of an ancient volcanic caldera.
3. Density of Predators
I love predators and especially big cats and Tanzania always delivers on this front!
Part of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, the Serengeti National Park has been shown in various studies to have one of the highest densities of predators of any African ecosystem.
Tanzania has the largest population of lions in the world. In fact it’s thought to house over 40% of the lion population with an estimated 14,000 individuals. In contrast, South Africa, which has the second largest population of lions, has just over 3,000 individuals.
Below you can see a chart which shows the lion population throughout Africa.
It’s not just lions which can be found in abundance throughout Tanzania.
In a report published in 2002, there were thought to be an estimated 39,000 leopards in Tanzania.
Interestingly, recent findings have discovered that the exact number of leopards within a particular area in Tanzania varies depending on the time of year, with 5.72 leopards per 38.6 square miles (100 square kilometres) recorded in the wet season in Serengeti compared to a slightly lower 5.41 leopards in the dry season.
Whilst these findings may suggest that your chances of bumping into a leopard are slightly higher in the wet season, their numbers are still healthy throughout the year.
Other predators such as cheetahs, spotted hyenas and servals can also be found in Tanzania.
Wild dogs are present in Tanzania but largely in the southern parks such as Ruaha. They are extremely rare to see in northern Tanzania.
Below is a video of my experience searching for the Serengeti’s big cats.
4. Tree Climbing Lions In The Serengeti
Uganda was once dubbed the tree-climbing lion capital of the world. However, it now has serious competition from neighbouring Tanzania with more and more lions displaying this habit.
And as Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park has suffered from poaching in recent years (most notably the poisoning of 6 tree-climbing lions in 2021) it’s actually becoming increasingly reliable to see the big cats in action in Serengeti.
Serengeti has recently overtaken Lake Manyara when it comes to tree-climbing lion sightings in Tanzania. Recent flooding in Lake Manyara has caused many large animals to move away, including lions.
The Seronera region in central Serengeti is the best place to see lions lounging in sturdy acacia trees. I was lucky to see not one, but two, on my first ever visit to Serengeti.
5. Safari And Beach (Tanzania And Zanzibar)
One of the things I love about Tanzania is Zanzibar, a small group of islands off the east coast of Tanzania. You can easily fly to Zanzibar after your safari for sun, sea, sand and relaxation.
Tanzania is located on Africa’s east coast facing the Indian Ocean. The country has an archipelago of coral islands just off the coast known as Zanzibar. These islands are home to some of the world’s best beaches!
Unwinding on a white-sand beach in Zanzibar is the perfect way to end an adventure in Tanzania. And with flights connecting Tanzania’s main locations including Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar, combining the two couldn’t be easier.
6. Hiking Kilimanjaro
The tallest free-standing mountain on earth can be found in northern Tanzania. Standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 m) above sea level, many adventurous travellers have summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on their bucket list.
It takes up to 9 days to complete the trek. You can expect to hike through a range of habitats and are gifted with superb views. Then there’s nothing like the feeling of standing on the roof of Africa!
Kilimanjaro is just a stone’s throw away from many of Tanzania’s top national parks meaning it’s very convenient to combine a hike with a safari.
7. The Hadzabe And Maasai Tribes
Tanzania is incredibly culturally diverse with over 120 tribes, including the iconic Maasai Tribe who are famous for their unique dress, fearless warriors and nomadic lifestyle.
Tanzania also gives you the opportunity to take a trip back in time, visiting the Hadzabe (Hadza) hunter-gatherer tribe who are one of the last tribes on earth to communicate using a clicking language.
The Hadzabe are some of the world’s last hunter-gatherers. There’s only around 1,000 of them left and they can only be found around Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania. Visiting the Hadzabe is a great way to learn about and conserve their culture.
I’ve visited the Hadzabe twice for a full day, following them on their hunting trips with bows and arrows and both times have been eye-opening experiences. They don’t go to shops so this is their only way to get food.
The Maasai tribe is arguably the most famous tribe in Africa. Their tartan-patterned shukas are recognisable all over the world. They have a reputation for being a fearsome tribe and are famous for their unique jumping dance.
They can be found in northern Tanzania, from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro, and so a visit to see the famous warriors can easily be added to your safari itinerary.
How to Book Your Tanzania Safari
There are four ways you can arrange a Tanzania safari itinerary: self drive (DIY), hotel provided safaris, local safari company and international safari company (located in US, UK etc).
I’ll go into each of these options below and provide guidance on how to go about finding the best safari company for your needs.
If you’re in a rush, the quick answer is that for most people a local safari company will provide the best value and experience.
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Option 3: Hotel-Provided Safaris
Option 1: Self Drive Safari
If you’re on a budget, or you’re a DIY sort of guy/gal you might be considering a DIY-style self drive safari.
Whilst self drive can work well as a budget option in some African countries such as Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, it’s not ideal for Tanzania.
I went on a self drive road trip around Namibia in 2017 and loved it but I wouldn’t personally self drive safari in Tanzania. Let me explain why with a quick story.
Whilst staying at a lodge on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater, I met a lovely German couple who’d hired a 4×4 to self drive in Tanzania.
Sadly, they’d just discovered that the National Parks only allow specialist safari trucks into the park and thus their 4×4 wouldn’t be allowed in.
The couple ended up having to arrange a safari with a tour company separately at the last minute which meant they ended up paying twice (for the self drive car and also for the safari company).
Either way, whilst it is possible to hire self-drive specialist safari trucks from local safari companies, there isn’t much of a saving if any vs using a safari company to provide you with a truck and guide together.
We also saw a lot of trucks get flat tyres in and around the national parks which is indicative of the state of the dirt roads which lead into some of the parks, especially the Serengeti.
If swapping a wheel over whilst being glared at by hyenas and other predators isn’t your idea of fun, self drive might not be the best option for you!
Tanzania is very much geared towards using safari companies who organise everything for you including a safari truck and a guide / driver (usually they are the same person). This makes it slightly more expensive but in my opinion this is a small price to pay for some of the best safariing on earth.
Having an experienced guide also means you get to see a LOT more wildlife vs trying to track it down on your own!
The way I saw it was after paying for flights, accommodation, park fees etc, why would I want to miss out on all the amazing wildlife sightings a good guide can offer, just to save a few dollars by driving myself?
Option 2: Local Safari Tour Company
This in my opinion is the best option for most people – you just need to make sure you choose the right company for your Tanzania safari Itinerary.
Before my first trip to Tanzania, I spent months researching and speaking to local suppliers to find the best of the bunch who could provide fantastic value for money.
With online reviews, I’m always a bit dubious about the integrity of the gushing 5 star reviews especially when reviews for the same company can vary greatly across the different online review sites and online tour operators.
After thorough research, I discovered that some of the most popular local safari companies had become victims of their own success in that they were having to hire sub-standard trucks (we saw a few broken down) and less experienced guides in an effort to keep up with demand.
For this reason I worked with smaller up-and-coming companies who offered the most consistently high levels of service and the most experienced guides.
Due to their low overheads, many small local suppliers only include a small 10-15% margin in their quotes which goes towards their wages and limited business overheads leaving them with 3-5% profit.
In the case of accommodation they usually take this margin from the accommodation rather than from the customer which is one of the reasons why it’s pretty cost effective to work with a small local safari company vs trying to arrange everything yourself.
I discovered that the travel agents & safari companies in the US and the UK typically subcontract their own safaris out to local providers whilst adding their own profits on top.
This allows local suppliers to offer much better pricing vs US & UK-based companies.
You can get free no-obligation quotes from these very suppliers I use to organise my own Tanzania safaris on my website: Safaris By Ella
TOP TIP: The Covid pandemic has taught me to always be prepared for travel disruption. Therefore I would recommend you have suitable travel insurance in place to cover you in case of travel interruption. I pay about $50 extra per year on my annual policy to protect against ‘travel interruption’
The suppliers on Safaris By Ella typically accept deposit payment by credit / debit card which gives you even more protection.
Option 3: Hotel Provided Safari
Some of the luxury+ hotels in the national parks offer their own safari trucks and tour guides. These are usually group drives which means you’ll share the safari truck with other guests at the hotel.
Although the daily rate is quite expensive, it can be convenient if you plan to spend most of your time in the hotel and only go on the occasional safari and don’t mind sharing.
Option 4: Safari Companies & Travel Agents in the US / UK etc.
Dealing with a travel agent / safari operator in your own country is an option, especially if you have a larger budget.
These operators will usually subcontract your safari to a local tour company who will apply their logos to the truck.
Using a safari company based in your country is a more expensive option as you are now paying for their overheads (offices, staff, marketing etc.) and profits as well as the overheads and profits of the local safari company.
Based on the prices I’ve studied, total safari costs usually work out between 20% to 300% more expensive vs dealing directly with a local operator.
Another issue to watch out for is the communication issue which occurs as your requests have to be communicated to your sales rep who then communicates with the local safari company who then communicates with the local driver / guide.
Safari companies and Travel Agents in the UK / US etc. do, however, provide some benefits. They can book international flights for you. In the UK you will be covered by travel package regulations which can provide some assistance if they go bust before your trip. If they book international flights as part of your package, you will be covered by the ATOL scheme.
However, in my experience you can protect against these risks yourself when booking directly with local suppliers. My tips would be using your credit or debit card to make payment for the deposit as these typically offer purchase protection.
You can also cover yourself with good travel insurance with travel interruption protection or similar.
There is no substitute for working with a tried-and-tested local supplier such as those on Safaris By Ella
Another benefit of Travel Agents in the UK / US etc. is that they can provide some very high-end services such as chartering a private jet which small local suppliers might not be experienced in organising.
Typically, overseas travel agents who specialise in safaris tend to cater to the higher end. From my experience, you typically have to be spending 15,000 USD plus to get their attention and you really need to be spending 50,000 USD + to get their full attention and service. Costs can easily reach $100,000s.
You can get quotes from the same local tour companies I use to organise my own trips here: Safaris By Ella
Recommended Booking Options For Your Itinerary
Safari with local tour operator
Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $ per person per day.
Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.
How to Book with the Best Local Safari Companies
- Comparison sites which provide multiple quotes from verified suppliers such as Safaris By Ella
Join the rapidly growing tribe of over 1,000 travellers who’ve booked their dream safari using my insider tips and recommendations.
Should You Choose a Private or Group Tanzania Safari?
A private safari is the best choice for most travellers visiting Tanzania. Private safaris give you full control over your schedule, your route through the parks, and how long you spend at each wildlife sighting. I always book private safaris as I’ve found they offer the best possible experience for your money.
Private vs Group at a Glance
| Private Safari | Group Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per day | From $350 per person | From $250 per person |
| Flexibility | Full control of schedule and route as well as how long to spend at sightings | Fixed times and pre-planned routes. Prime viewing time can also be lost collecting other guests |
| Vehicle | Dedicated vehicle and guide | Shared with 6-8 other travellers |
| Best for | Couples, families, photography enthusiasts | Solo travellers on a budget |
In Tanzania, one of the most important advantages of private safaris is that you won’t waste time collecting and dropping off other passengers at their lodges before and after game drives. This means that you’ll be able to spend more time in the bush focusing on wildlife.
Group vehicles in Tanzania sometimes squeeze a third row of seats down the middle, which restricts the view for whoever ends up in the centre. On a private safari everyone has a window seat and room to move to whichever side the sighting is on.
Another little-known but very important fact to consider is that many safari companies actually keep their most knowledgeable guides for private safaris.
If you look at the numbers, you’ll see that a private safari is actually much better value for money than a group safari. The price difference between a group and private safari in Tanzania is around $100 per person per day.
For couples or small groups, splitting the private vehicle cost reduces this difference and ultimately makes it only marginally more expensive than a group tour. Add to this that you’ll have a dramatically better experience, and it’s clear that a private safari is the way to go.
It is also worth knowing that on a group safari you have no say over which accommodation you stay at, and for a group trip to genuinely work out cheaper than a private one, budget camping is usually the only option.
My Recommendation
I always recommend a private safari for Tanzania, if your budget allows, as private safaris almost always provide a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience and better value for money.
The freedom to customise your itinerary on the go is something a group safari simply cannot offer. For instance, on a private safari you can choose to start your game drive at 6am, head back to the lodge early, or wait as long as it takes for a leopard to come down from its tree.
It’s also possible to control the number of people who share a game drive vehicle with you. I personally prefer a maximum of two or three people in the back of the vehicle, which easily lets everyone shift around to whichever side has the best sighting, without blocking anyone.
In my opinion, the only scenario in which a group safari makes sense is for solo travellers on a tight budget, since the single supplement on a private safari can represent a significant cost.
How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
Before we dive into the figures, I’ll talk you through the main factors which affect the cost of your Tanzania safari itinerary. You might also want to read my guide on: Tanzania Safari Costs
Accommodation
The cheapest (but still decent in my opinion) hostels can start at about $50 a night for a double room including breakfast. On the other hand, the luxury+ hotels in Serengeti cost $2,000 per person per night. If money is no object, you can pay over $10,000 per night for a small villa at the aforementioned Serengeti hotel.
Below is a rough guide to Tanzania hotel prices. However, remember it varies a lot based on location and whether you’re inside or outside the park. Prices are per person and exclude overnight park fees.
- Budget (tents & hostels) $50 – 100 PP
- Mid Range: $100 – $250 PP
- Luxury: $250 – 500 PP
- Luxury+: $500 – 1,000+ PP
How You Get Around: Flying is More Expensive Vs Driving
Your transportation preferences can have a big effect on your safari cost. I don’t recommend minibuses as they tend to be involved in most accidents.
A safari truck is the best way to get around – safari companies will typically budget around $250-350 per day (when they provide your quote) for a car and driver excluding fuel.
You can cover the whole country in a safari truck – there is no need to fly any legs unless you want to other than perhaps going to Zanzibar island. Although, even with Zanzibar, there is the option of a ferry.
If you choose to take a scheduled small propeller plane (pic below) between further away locations such as between north and central Serengeti or from Arusha to Serengeti this increases your costs. For example, flying a leg of the itinerary can cost between $200 to $500 per person one way. It’s perhaps most suited to the elderly who can’t sit for longer drives or those on a very tight schedule.
If you’re a rock-star, chartering a private jet to hop around the country can cost over $100,000 or more specifically $2,000-$11,000 per billable hour. As well as being super pricey, private jets are also arguably not the most environmentally friendly way to go on a safari.
A Group Size of 2 to 5 is Optimal for Costs & Space
The number of people you are travelling with can affect the cost per person by around 10% on average. As you add more people the savings go down e.g. adding a second person might save 20% (as you’re halving fixed costs, such as the safari truck, per person) but adding a 7th person might only save 2% for each person.
The cost per person for the safari truck and guide/driver is going to go down the more people who share the truck until you reach a full truck but you will see the biggest difference with 2 – 4 people.
Safari trucks can usually accommodate up to 7 people but that can be a little bit of a squeeze, especially when you’re standing up with the roof open looking at wildlife. I found 4 people to work well but then again I was doing a lot of photography and filming.
Accommodation, which is one of the main costs, is usually charged per person in Tanzania – perhaps because some food is usually included.
Park Fees Vary from Park to Park
Some parks cost more than others e.g. the Serengeti park fees are some of the most expensive (but worth it!) whereas Tarangire National Park, for example is cheaper.
If you spend the night in parks you also have to pay overnight fees (called concession fees) on top of entrance fees (sometimes called conservation fees). You can’t really avoid spending the night in the Serengeti due to the size of the park but it’s easy to sleep outside of the other northern circuit parks if you want to keep costs down.
Sleeping in a camp inside the parks is a great experience and it really connects you to the park and wildlife. Just don’t do what I did and leave half eaten chicken wings from lunch in your tent with wild animals roaming around!
Costs Breakdown
Below I’ll give you a rough idea of costs based on my experience of setting up Safaris By Ella and speaking at length with various companies in the industry.
There are lots of variables so this is just a rough guide. Although rough, I believe this is much better than having no idea.
As a note: I was very surprised at the low profit margins of most of the local safari operators – I’d assumed they’d be making 30-50% markups.
Then again as the cost of living in Tanzania is pretty low for the locals and the amount spent on safaris is relatively high, even at very low profit margins, it makes being a safari operator or guide one of the better paying jobs in the country!
Local Tanzania Safari Companies
You can get quotes from the same local tour companies I use to organise my own trips here: Safaris By Ella
Rough guide prices based on my experiences and assumes a private safari with a minimum of 2 people.
| Comfort Level | Price Per Person Per Day | 7 Days | 10 Days |
| Budget | From $350 PP | From $2,450 PP | From $3,500 PP |
| Midrange | From $450 PP | From $3,150 PP | From $4,500 PP |
| Luxury & Luxury + | From $650 PP | From $4,550 PP | From $6,500 PP |
Below is a rough breakdown of where the money goes for 2-3 people on safari. I’ve explained this further below the image.
Usually over 50% of the safari cost goes towards both your accommodation and the Government for park fees which supports the country and park upkeep. The accommodation % will vary depending on the specification of your accommodation.
Most small local tour operators only include a 10-15% margin on costs. The margin covers their overheads, marketing, insurance, taxes and licences leaving around 2-5% for their profit after costs.
The tour operators receive many of the costs such as the accommodation etc. at special trade prices.
This means they will actually take much if not all of their margin from that difference, which means in many cases you won’t actually pay anything for their services in arranging everything.
In most cases I found that accommodation was either the same price or cheaper when arranged by a local safari company compared to booking direct.
In my experience, it’s usually very cost-effective as well as much less hassle to work with a local safari company – you just have to choose a good one.
Overseas Travel Agents in the UK / US etc.
Rough guide prices based on my experiences and assumes a minimum of 2 people
You can compare this with the local supplier prices above.
| Comfort Level | Price Per Person Per Day | 7 Days | 10 Days |
| Economy | From $450 – 520 PP | $3,395 PP | $4,850 PP |
| Midrange | From $600 PP | $4,200 PP | $6,000 PP |
| Luxury & Luxury + | From $1,750 PP | $12,250 PP | $17,500 PP |
Below is a rough breakdown of where the money goes for 3 people on safari in the Serengeti when using an international Safari Company in your country (US, UK Etc).
Compared to using a local Tanzanian operator you now have a few extra costs which take up to 20 – 30% of the total which is the travel agents’ overheads and their profit. I’ve also found that International Safari Companies have a tendency to recommend more expensive options including those which pay the highest commission as this increases the total trip cost and thus their commission.
Tips and Other Costs
Recommended tips are typically $10-20 USD per person per day for the driver guide. Tips are given to your driver guide at the end of the safari.
Americans reading this will no doubt be used to the tipping culture. For Europeans it can take a bit of getting used to. At the very least, tips for the driver although technically optional are generally expected.
Accommodation is $5 per person per night but totally optional.
When you visit tribes there is no necessity to tip unless you want to or you’re doing a half of full day activity with them. They do, however, usually show you the jewellery they have made and it’s nice to support them by buying a small piece. Costs for jewellery are usually around 30 USD per piece although more elaborate metal jewellery may be more.
Feel free to politely negotiate prices if you wish.
You can see how costs compare across popular African safari destinations below:
| Destination | Private Budget Safari Cost PP/Day |
|---|---|
| Kenya | 300 USD |
| Tanzania | 350 USD |
| South Africa | 400 USD |
| Botswana | 450 USD |
| Uganda | 450 USD |
| Rwanda | 650 USD |
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is essentially a year-round safari destination.
There are four distinct seasons that you can experience and each one offers different pros and cons.
I’ve ranked each month of the year for safari in Tanzania as Excellent, Good, OK, or Poor, based on typical game viewing and weather conditions.
If you want to dig deeper, the chart below shows what you can expect in each month in Tanzania in terms of cost, weather, wildlife and hiking Kilimanjaro.
For more information take a look at my ultimate guide on the Best Time to Visit Tanzania.
My Preference: In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any time of year apart from mid-March to mid-May which is the long rainy season.
Let’s look at the pros and cons associated with each season.
Jump to more information on each of the seasons using the links below.
The Short Dry Season (December – February)
The Long Rainy Season (March – May)
The Long Dry Season (June – September)
The Short Dry Season (December – February)
The short dry season is best for visitors who want to experience pleasant weather but without the crowds of peak season. The wildebeest calving season also takes place at this time of year, a highlight of the Great Migration.
This is the second most popular time of year to visit as the weather is sunny and dry (with minimal chances of rain) and wildlife sightings are abundant.
Below are this season’s ratings for wildlife, the great migration, Zanzibar, busyness, and weather.
I’ve enjoyed visiting in the short dry season. I saw the Great Migration wildebeest calving in Ndutu and the black rhinos were easier to spot in Ngorongoro Crater.
You can see a video of my experience visiting the Serengeti in the short dry season.
Quick Facts
Prices: Moderate.
Weather: Sunny, dry days with minimal chance of rain. Temperatures range from lows of 59°F (15°C) at night to 86°F (30°C) in the day. The hottest time of year.
Wildlife: Lots of baby animals due to the fresh grass growth and big cats are easier to spot against the green. Vegetation is denser than the long dry season and animals are more spread out so their movements aren’t as predictable.
Birding: Migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia, and the breeding season for resident bird species makes it a fantastic time for bird-watching.
Unique features: The great wildebeest migration calving season starts in mid-January. Black rhinos are easier to spot in Ngorongoro Crater as they feed on the fresh grass in the open.
Pros of The Short Dry Season (December – February)
- Excellent game viewing
- Consistently warm temperatures
- Minimal rainfall
- The wildebeest calving season
- Less busy than the long dry season
- Arrival of migratory birds from Europe and Asia, and breeding season for resident bird species
- Black rhinos are easier to spot in Ngorongoro Crater as the fresh, long grass brings them out into the open to feed
Cons of The Short Dry Season (December – February)
- Hottest time of year
- An abundance of water sources means animal movements aren’t as predictable as in the long dry season
- Thicker vegetation due to recent rainfall makes wildlife spotting a bit tougher (having an experienced guide is important)
- More chance of rain than the long dry season
The Long Rainy Season (March – May)
The long rainy season is most suited to adventurous travellers who are looking to benefit from budget-friendly prices and who don’t mind the inconveniences that come with travelling at this time of year.
This is low season in Tanzania. Prices are at their lowest, parks are at their quietest and the weather is at its worst.
The rainy season is in full swing with downpours likely on most days. Flooding is a possibility.
I’ve visited Africa in the long wet season and found it great for photography with the green vegetation and dramatic skies. The only catch was that we couldn’t go off the main roads due to too much mud in the side roads. I’d also avoid staying in lodges by rivers due to the possibility of flooding.
Below are this season’s ratings for wildlife, the great migration, Zanzibar, busyness, and weather.
Quick Facts
Prices: At their lowest.
Weather: The wettest time of year. Daily downpours are heavy and intense. Temperatures average 59°F – 82°F (15°C – 28°C) but can be higher.
Wildlife: Game viewing during the rainy season can be more challenging due to the heavy downpours, although the wildlife remains plentiful throughout all the parks. Foliage is dense which can make spotting more challenging.
Birding: Migratory species from Europe and Asia are still here, as well as resident bird species, making it a fantastic time for bird-watching.
Unique features: Black rhinos are easy to spot in Ngorongoro Crater as the fresh long grass brings them out into the open to feed.
Pros of The Long Rainy Season (March – May)
- Prices are at their lowest
- Beautiful green landscape
- Fewer visitors
- Baby animals are plentiful
- One of the best times of year for bird-watching
- Black rhinos are easier to spot in Ngorongoro Crater as the fresh long grass brings them out into the open to feed.
Cons of The Long Rainy Season (March – May)
- Rain affects viewing conditions
- Flooding is a possibility and makes some roads impassable
- Some camps and lodges close altogether
- An abundance of water sources means animal movements aren’t as predictable as in the dry season
- Thicker vegetation due to recent rainfall makes wildlife spotting a bit tougher (having an experienced guide is important)
- Mosquitos are most abundant
The Long Dry Season (June – September)
The long dry season is best for those who are keen to see the famous Mara River crossing part of the Great Migration. It’s the most popular time of year to visit Tanzania. It has the driest and most pleasant weather.
The popularity of this time of year means it’s the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.
One of the great things about visiting in the long dry season is getting to see the Mara River crossing and I found that the Serengeti was big enough that crowds were not too much of an issue.
You can see a video of my experience visiting the Serengeti in the long dry season.
Below are this season’s ratings for wildlife, the great migration, Zanzibar, busyness, and weather.
Quick Facts
Prices: High.
Weather: Sunny, dry days with minimal chance of rain. Temperatures range from lows of 50°F (10°C) at night to 77°F (25°C) in the day. The coolest time of year to visit.
Wildlife: The lack of vegetation makes animals easy to spot. Wildlife typically congregates around the last remaining water sources so they’re easier to find.
Birding: The migratory birds will have left, leaving just the resident species. There are still many birds to be found.
Unique features: The great wildebeest migration starts to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River from mid-July.
Pros of The Long Dry Season (June – September)
- Days are dry and sunny with minimal chances of rain
- Temperatures are largely pleasant
- A lack of vegetation makes wildlife easy to spot
- Wildlife movements are predictable as they congregate around the last remaining water sources
- The peak of the Great Migration, the Mara River crossing, takes place from mid-July onwards
Cons of The Long Dry Season (June – September)
- Prices are at their highest
- Parks are at their busiest
- The most challenging time of year to spot black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater
- Many of the best lodges sell out up to a year in advance
The Short Rainy Season (October – November)
The short rainy season is best for those who want to beat the crowds whilst still experiencing largely pleasant weather and consistently good wildlife sightings.
This time of year strikes the perfect balance between good weather and less crowded parks. Wildlife remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
This has probably been my overall favourite time to visit East Africa as the parks are quieter, whilst there was a small amount of rain we could still go on the small tracks in the park unlike the long rainy season.
It was also fantastic for photography as it was lush and green like the long rainy season but the grass wasn’t as long, which made it even easier to photograph wildlife.
You can see a video of my experience visiting the Serengeti in the short rainy season.
Below are this season’s ratings for wildlife, the great migration, Zanzibar, busyness, and weather.
Quick Facts
Prices: Moderate.
Weather: Dry sunny mornings with a chance of rain in the afternoons. Temperatures range from lows of 57°F (14°C) at night to 82°F (28°C) in the day.
Wildlife: Herbivores start to give birth meaning there are lots of baby animals around and related predator action. Lush, green landscapes may make wildlife slightly more challenging to spot. However, big cats stand out more against the green.
Birding: The migratory birds start to arrive. It’s also flamingo breeding season and they can be seen in huge numbers on Lake Natron.
Unique features: The great wildebeest migration Mara River crossing can often still be seen until mid-October.
Pros of The Short Rainy Season (October – November)
- Prices are more favourable than peak season
- Parks are significantly quieter than peak season
- Lush greenery is great for photographs
- Rain is typically limited to afternoons meaning mornings are often dry and pleasant
- Herbivores start to give birth which means lots of baby animals can be seen as well as related predator action
- Black rhinos are easier to spot in Ngorongoro Crater than in the dry season
Cons of The Short Rainy Season (October – November)
- Rain is a possibility, especially in the afternoons
- Denser vegetation can make wildlife a little trickier to spot
How Long to Spend in Tanzania
I highly recommend spending at least 7-10 days on safari in Tanzania. This enables you to visit Tanzania’s flagship parks without rushing around.
If time allows it, 2 weeks allows you to explore Tanzania in more depth, visiting some hidden gems as well as the most popular parks.
For the ultimate Tanzania safari, visiting both the highlights in the north and south of the country, a 3-week itinerary is ideal. Tanzania’s southern circuit is remote and so is more suited to staying in the country for an extended period of time.
If you don’t have much time to spend in Tanzania, don’t worry! You can still visit the highlights of Tanzania in a shorter time-frame.
A 5-day itinerary can still allow you to visit Tanzania’s best parks but just in a shorter period of time than a longer itinerary.
Finally, a 3-day itinerary is possible. You will need to have more of a regional focus or fly between parks to ensure you are able to enjoy the locations you visit.
My preference: I like to spend between 7 days and 3 weeks in Tanzania depending on whether I’m focusing on one area of the country or covering all the key parks and reserves.
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Logistics
Visas
You can apply for a Tanzanian visa online here. e-Visas are usually processed within 10 days and allow travel for up to 90 days.
Vaccines & Medications
You can find information about recommended vaccinations below:
US citizens Guide to Tanzania vaccines
UK citizens Guide to Tanzania vaccines
Anti-malarial tablets are also recommended for Tanzania.
I also recommend taking a look at the below websites which give up-to-date details on any entry requirements and mandatory vaccines:
Northern Vs Southern Tanzania Circuit
There are two main Tanzania safari routes – the Northern and Southern Circuits.
Although it’s possible to combine both Northern and Southern Circuits into one 3 to 4 week safari, it’s usually better to focus on one or the other at a time.
For this itinerary I’ve focused on the Northern Circuit as this gives you the best safari experience for your money and includes the Serengeti which is quite possibly the best national park in the world for safari.
Below I’ve given a quick overview of both circuits and their pros and cons.
Northern Tanzania Circuit
- Two hour drive from your airport of entry will get you inside Tarangire National Park
- Includes iconic Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park
- Provides the classic Tanzania safari experience
- By far the most popular of the two circuits
- Famous Great Migration & Mara River Crossing
- Maasai, Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes
- Big Five sightings in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
- Easier to access and more flights
- Starting point is Arusha
- Requires 3+ days
Southern Tanzania Circuit
- A very long drive or an expensive flight in a light aircraft to access the south
- Includes the Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (previously part of Selous Game Reserve) as well as Katavi and Mahale Mountains
- Off-the-beaten-track experiences
- Higher budget required
- Enormous herds of elephant and buffalo
- No rhinos, and cheetahs are rare
- Wildlife less used to visitors so more skittish and spread out
- Starting point is Dar es Salaam to fly on to Ruaha and Selous
- Requires 2 weeks or more
What Does This 7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Look Like?
Before getting into the details of what you can expect each day, below is a brief overview of my 7 and 10 day Tanzania safari itinerary.
Quick Facts
Average driving time per day: 2 hours (excluding game drives)
Best times of year: June to October (dry season, with Great Migration Mara River crossings from mid-July to mid-October) or late January to February (calving season).
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any time of year apart from mid-March to mid-May which is the long rainy season.
7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Map
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Perfect 7-10 Day Tanzania Safari
Tanzania has so much to offer, and 7 to 10 days will zip by. I’ve crafted this itinerary to make sure you make the most of every moment!
I have also considered the distance between the parks and driving times in order to come up with the most enjoyable itinerary.
You can get quotes from the same local tour companies I use to organise my own trips here: Safaris By Ella
Click any of the days below to jump to my full notes on that day
Day 1: Arusha the gateway to the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Maasai, Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes
Day 6: Journey home (7 day itinerary) Northern Serengeti (10 day itinerary)
Day 1: Arusha
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): Dependent on the activities you choose
Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and home to Kilimanjaro International Airport as well as Arusha domestic airport.
With the exception of the taxi ride on my first visit, I’ve always had a good experience in Arusha and it has some lovely hotels to relax before and after your safari.
Itinerary
The flights usually arrive late – I would strongly recommend that you arrange for your safari company to pick you up in their safari truck, transfer vehicle or use a high-end taxi service. As with most African countries, driving at night is best minimised as drivers often go over the speed limit due to lower police presence at night and visibility is often poor.
On my first visit to Tanzania our first accommodation arranged a taxi for us – it was the tiniest little car I’ve ever seen and the driver seemed to be an aspiring formula one driver.
I watched my life flash before my eyes as he proceeded to conduct countless overtakes, often only nipping back to the other side when cars on the other side were about to hit us head on. Motorbikes on the other side did not require moving back and they had to swerve out of his way.
Not to mention he did all this whilst keeping one eye on the TV show playing on a little TV screen retrofitted to the dashboard of the car.
If you find yourself in this situation, simply ask them to slow down.
I discussed this with a few locals who confirmed this wasn’t an unusual experience – especially in the small minibuses which frequent the roads. After this we drove everywhere either via safari truck or high-end taxi services – both these options were fantastic and felt very safe.
About Arusha
The bustling city of Arusha is the gateway to the northern Tanzania safari circuit. Most people only spend a day or so here on their way to and from safari.
Arusha and also nearby Moshi are popular with the volunteer crowds as they have a good nightlife.
Things to Do in Arusha
1. Arusha National Park
My favourite thing to do in Arusha is go on safari in Arusha National Park which borders the north of the city.
Visiting the park is best done at the start of your trip as whilst it’s a great introduction to safaris it’s not in the same league as some of the other parks such as Serengeti and Tarangire so you’ll appreciate it more if you do it first.
You can expect to see plenty of giraffes and there is also the chance to see zebras, buffalos and waterbucks. If you’re lucky you can also see blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, hippos and elephants. It’s also possible to see some predators too such as hyenas and leopards.
You can opt for a driving or cheaper walking safari or do both as I did. Inside the park you can go canoeing on Lake Momella.
My favourite part of visiting Arusha National Park was my walking safari as we saw quite a bit of wildlife such as a family of warthogs and the landscape was beautiful with Mount Meru towering over us. You end up at a waterfall which is great for photos and then return back.
2. Chemka Hot Springs
The Chemka Hot Springs are located between Arusha and Moshi. It takes around an hour to drive there and they are an incredible oasis.
You can rent a buoyancy ring when you’re down there to float around the springs. If you’re the adventurous type, there is a rope swing which allows you to swing into the water from an overhanging tree. It was great fun!
It can get quite busy in the hot springs and there are often quite a few locals trying to sell you things but if you’re just polite and firm they are fine. It all felt pretty safe and friendly and everyone seems happy to help if required.
3. Visit Materuni Waterfalls
Materuni is a Chagga village at 4,300 feet (1,300 metres) on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, around 45 minutes’ drive from Moshi. From the village it’s a fairly easy 45-minute walk to the Materuni Waterfalls, or you can drive closer and cut the walk to around 15 minutes. You can swim at the falls, although the water is often quite cold.
Back in the village you can take part in the full Chagga coffee experience, learning how the beans are grown, harvested, roasted by hand and finally tasted fresh, usually followed by a traditional Chagga lunch. Materuni combines well with Chemka Hot Springs as a full day trip.
Tips for Visiting Arusha
- As with any busy city, be careful of pickpockets. Be especially careful with your passport.
- I always recommend travelling with multiple photo copies of your passport and Visa. When out and about in cities, take 1 photocopy of your passport and visa with you. That way you can leave your main passport locked in the hotel safe.
- In busy areas, sometimes people will approach you to offer you guide services or to show you around the city. I decline these offers as they are unsolicited. Be polite and friendly as they are often just good people doing what they can to earn a living from tourism.
- I find walking purposefully as though you know where you’re going (even when you don’t!) avoids being approached.
- Dress respectfully as it’s a largely Muslim country. For example wearing crop tops or short shorts on busy streets will be frowned upon.
- It is considered good manners to ask before taking photos of people, even if that means simply holding up your camera and waiting for their nod.
Where to Stay
Arusha has a wide range of accommodation, from simple city hotels to lodges set in coffee plantations on the outskirts.
My favourite place to stay in Arusha is Gran Melia Hotel which is a large luxury hotel with organic gardens, a large swimming pool and multiple delicious restaurants.
I always specify a room which overlooks their gardens at the back.
If you’re looking for a mid-range option, another favourite of mine is Arusha Farm house which is a small boutique hotel with modern rooms and lovely gardens and a swimming pool.
My Experience Visiting Arusha
I’ve visited Arusha on around 8 occasions and probably the highlight for me was the walking safari in Arusha National Park.
You can watch a video of my personal experience in Arusha below.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 3 hours or a 30-minute flight.
You’ll spend today in Tarangire National Park, the best place in Tanzania to see huge herds of elephants!
Most people visit Tarangire fleetingly as ‘day visitors’ who drive from Arusha and turn up mid-morning, drive around the busy Northern part of the park, then depart around 2pm towards the Ngorongoro Crater and spend the night at a mid-point or just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This is what I did on my first visit and I found it made for a long and tiring day.
Since first writing this itinerary in 2022, I’ve experimented with spending more time exploring Tarangire and I’ve adjusted the itinerary to spend the night in the park as this gives you time to explore the lesser-known and wildlife-filled Silale Swamp area on the East of the park which few visitors see as it’s out of reach of ‘day visitors’.
Staying in the park also provides the rare opportunity for a night game drive in the park.
Map of Tarangire National Park
Itinerary
After breakfast you’ll hit the road for around 3 hours, heading southwest to the main gate at the top of Tarangire National Park.
The route is mostly smooth tarred roads with the last 20 minutes being a bumpy track giving you your first experience of an ‘African massage’.
There is also the option to fly from Arusha Airport to Kuro Airstrip inside Tarangire with a flight time of around 30 minutes. Personally I’d travel by road as it’s a short, straightforward drive.
Once inside the park you’ll go on a game drive, gradually making your way to your lodge for lunch, which will usually be deep inside the park.
Whilst I’d recommend staying inside the park, if you’re staying outside, you can stop for lunch at one of the two picnic spots: Matete or Silale Swamp.
After lunch, you’ll go out on an afternoon game drive safari.
I’d recommend taking the opportunity to go on a special night game drive which is only possible in a handful of locations and Tarangire is particularly good for it. You can see nocturnal species like genets and civets and also big cats are active at night which give opportunities to see hunting.
Night game drives can be very productive as this is when most predators are most active. They use red spotlights to avoid disturbing the wildlife. I’ve been on some memorable night game drives in Khwai, Botswana where we saw a leopard with a kill in a tree and in Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger in South Africa where we saw lion cubs on a successful hunt and wild dogs hunting too.
About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania at 1,100 square miles (2,850 km²). The park’s name comes from the Tarangire River which spans across the park and provides a water source for its many inhabitants.
The park is a unique mix of grasslands, woodlands and baobab trees blanketed across the park. There are also swamps and granite rock formations.
What Wildlife Can I See in Tarangire National Park?
One animal comes to mind when you think of Tarangire and that’s the African Elephant, the largest land mammal in the world.
During the peak of the migration from July to October around 5,000 of these huge majestic creatures stroll around the park in search of water.
During the dry season you can also see the migration of wildebeests and zebras from the Serengeti.
You can see four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo and I’ve seen all of these in Tarangire, including one of my best leopard sightings, of a male and female in courtship.
Tarangire is popular for birding with a reported 550+ species of birds in the park.
There are around 250 lions in Tarangire National Park so if you keep your eyes peeled you’ve got a good chance of spotting a lion or even a whole pride. Due to the high amount of vegetation in the park, there is a good chance the lions will spot you before you spot them!
Other lesser seen predators in the park include leopards and cheetahs which can be spotted patrolling the grasslands or lazing in trees. The park is also home to caracals and the honey badger.
There are some African wild dogs patrolling the park but sightings are very rare.
Other animals in the park include the cheeky vervet monkeys, noble giraffes, elusive mongooses, troops of baboons, impressive cape buffalo, skitty dik-diks, elands, gazelles and impala.
Tips for Visiting Tarangire National Park
- I’d recommend you stay at accommodation inside the National Park as this allows more time to reach lesser-visited areas which are very productive for sightings
- Spend at least a day and a half in the park so you can explore areas such as Silale Swamp which have fewer vehicles and are very productive
- The perfect time to visit is during the dry season from June to October as the migrating animals and short grasses allow for easier sightings.
- During the dry season you can spot many animals around Tarangire River.
- The biggest herds of elephants can be seen towards the end of the dry season in September and October.
- For bird watchers, November to May is a great time to visit to spot birds during the wet period.
Optional Activities in Tarangire National Park
- Night game drives (included in this itinerary)
- Walking safaris
Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park
If budget permits I’d recommend staying inside the park as this gives you more time in the park as trips to and from the accommodation are a game drive and when you wake up in the morning you’re already deep in the park at the prime predator viewing time.
This also gives you more opportunity to visit lesser visited and highly productive areas of the park such as Silale Swamp.
I’ve personally stayed in Safari Haven Camp which was fantastic. Its location feels very wild and deep in the park which is lovely and whilst it’s in the midrange price bracket the rooms are large and feel luxurious.
There are also other mid-range and luxury options throughout the park.
For budget safaris you can also stay outside the park in nearby Karatu or since it’s just one night in Tarangire, stay in mid-range accommodation for this one night.
My Experience of Tarangire National Park
Tarangire was my first taste of a Tanzanian safari and the elephant herds among the baobab trees did not disappoint.
On my first visit we stayed outside the park and just focused on the typical northern part where everyone goes and we saw lions which was a treat.
On future visits I stayed inside the park and this showed me a whole other side of the park such as the lesser visited Silale Swamp where I had one of the best leopard sightings of my life.
There were a male and a female leopard on a fallen tree trunk and the female was in heat and trying to get the male leopard’s attention but for a while he seemed uninterested.
Seeing leopards mate is extremely rare so I felt really fortunate.
I also saw a leopard in a tree and experience has taught me to be patient as they often come down so we waited cameras ready and eventually after around 30 minutes he jumped down which gave me some really nice action photos of him coming out of the tree.
I’d been chatting to our guide about some great bird sightings we’d had in my recent South Africa safari and I think he got a little competitive and committed to finding us some incredible birds in Tarangire.
To my delight we saw a pair of Verreaux’s eagle-owls, grey-headed kingfisher, brown-hooded kingfisher, red-and-yellow barbet, superb starling, yellow-necked spur fowl, bare-faced go-away-bird, African pygmy falcon, hadada ibis, osprey, yellow-billed stork, saddle-billed stork and a grey heron.
You can watch a video of my first experience in Tarangire below.
I’m working on a new video with the sightings above which is coming shortly.
Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater with Maasai Boma Visit and Optional Hadzabe Tribe Extension
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): Approximately 4 hours in total
Today you’re spending the morning on safari in Tarangire visiting the amazing Silale Swamp area and then visiting a Maasai boma on your way to your accommodation on the Ngorongoro Crater rim which sets you up for an early morning crater safari the following day.
Optional extension: You also have the option to add an extra day here to see the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes in Lake Eyasi. Originally this was part of the core itinerary but on balance I’ve decided that for most wildlife-focused visitors spending the extra time in Tarangire is the best option and those who particularly want to see the Hadzabe can add an extra day for this activity.
Going on a cultural excursion to meet some of Tanzania’s incredible tribes is an opportunity too good to pass up. Nowhere else in Africa can you find this level of tribal diversity.
Visiting the Hadzabe tribe for a full day was one of my top Tanzania experiences.
Itinerary
You’re going to wake up in your camp or lodge inside Tarangire National Park and spend the morning on a game drive.
I like to enter the parks as soon as possible in the morning as many of my best sightings have come first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening when it’s cooler and predators are more active. The light is also great at this time of day for photography.
With this in mind I’d recommend requesting a picnic breakfast and hitting the road at 6am. It can be worth agreeing early starts with your safari company in advance so it’s all pre-agreed and the guide knows the plan.
You’ll gradually make your way north through the morning, visiting the Silale Swamp area which is a lesser visited part of the park as it’s out of reach to the ‘day visitors’.
I’ve found the area to be extremely productive for wildlife sightings. For example, on my most recent visit I had a rare sighting of two leopards in courtship and lionesses stalking prey through grasses all in one game drive!
You can stop at the scenic Silale Picnic Site to enjoy your packed breakfast.
Because Tarangire has a 24-hour park fee, you’ll need to leave the park through the Boundary Hill gate by around 10am, which is the time you arrived yesterday.
From Tarangire, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands which takes around 4 hours in total. The first 2 hours are a smooth road until you reach the gates to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Inside the conservation area it’s a scenic dirt track which weaves around the crater through dense forest. You can spot waterbucks, zebras and, I’m told, even leopards in the trees, although I’ve not seen one there myself.
Just before you reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you’ll pass through the town of Karatu where you can eat the lunch which will have been prepared by your lodge at one of their designated picnic areas.
Around this time you will have the opportunity to stop at a boma of the world famous Maasai tribe. They usually greet visitors by putting on a spectacular dance with amazing vocals. The men of the village jump as high as they can during the dance. You might be offered the chance to join in.
The Maasai are also nomadic and they will teach you about their way of life and show you their houses and animals including the sacred cows.
After the Maasai visit you then hit the road for the final leg of the journey to reach your lodge on the rim of the crater before sunset, with incredible views into the crater floor below.
For budget itineraries you can stay in Karatu and make the rest of the journey to the crater in the morning.
Optional Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes Extension
If you want to have a full-on day with Tanzania’s tribes, spend the day in Tarangire then spend the night in Lake Eyasi or Karatu, a small bustling town and one of seven districts of the Arusha Region of Tanzania. With its charming dusty amber roads, Karatu is known as the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands. From the northern exit of Tarangire it’s around 1.5 hours drive to Karatu.
Morning or Full Day Visiting the Hadzabe Tribe
It’s a 1-2 hour drive to the Lake Eyasi Basin in the Central Rift Valley. The Lake Eyasi Basin along with the neighbouring Serengeti Plateau is Hadzabe’s territory.
The Hadzabe however, are nomadic so locating them is never guaranteed. Your tour company will need to have contacts with a specialist guide who can communicate with the Hadzabe. Often these specialists have lived with the Hadzabe for up to a year to learn to communicate with them.
You’ll travel off road into the bush and if you’re lucky you’ll eventually sight a small cluster of transient huts made from wood and animal skins.
You’ll park up and the specialist guide who has a relationship with the Hadzabe will go over to speak to the chief whilst you wait in the car to request permission for you to visit them.
Once permission is granted, you’ll leave the car and the modern world behind you and enter the world of the Hadzabe. The Hadzabe live like many tribes did thousands of years ago hunting and gathering for food and drinking water from the roots of plants.
You’ll see the Hadzabe way of life, and if you’re adventurous you can join them on a short hunt in the bush or even a full day hunt.
Next you’ll hop back in the safari jeep and head over to the nearby Datoga Tribe. The Datoga are blacksmiths and trade with the Hadzabe and provide their arrowheads.
Midday visit to the Datoga (Blacksmith) Tribe
At the Datoga Tribe you’ll be greeted by the women of the village who will show you their homes and way of life before leading you over to the men of the village who are blacksmiths and heat metal to craft tools and jewellery.
About Tanzania’s Tribes
Tanzania is incredibly culturally diverse with over 120 tribes and distinct ethnic groups – each with their own unique way of life.
According to a 2021 survey, the largest tribe in Tanzania is the Sukuma (Bantu ethnic group) which comprises 17.5% of the country’s total population.
The remaining large groups represent under 5% each.
The Sukuma along with the Maasai are Tanzania’s “cowboys,” with large herds of cows, sheep, and goats.
Below is a quick rundown of the most important 7 tribes and the ones you’ll probably come across during your visit to Tanzania:
1. Sukuma
The Sukuma are mostly located in rural areas in North Tanzania near Mwanza and Southern Lake Victoria. The tribe is polygynous – meaning that many of the men have more than one wife. Many of the tribe practice Christianity and their primary economy is farming the land and raising livestock.
2. Chagga
The Chagga are primarily located on the Southern and Eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Famous for their strong work ethic, the Chagga are farmers of millet, bananas and coffee.
Many practice Christianity and also Islam. Many of the porters assisting travellers up Kilimanjaro are Chaggas.
3. Maasai
The Maasai are pastoralist people (sheep and cattle farmers), whose traditional territories stretch from the Rift Valley lakes of Kenya across the Serengeti plains into Tanzania. Like the Sukuma, the Maasai are polygynous – meaning that many of the men have more than one wife. The traditional diet is almost exclusively cattle in the form of meat, milk and blood.
4. Hadzabe (aka Hazda)
Hadzabe (aka Hadza) are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. They live a simple life, hunting and foraging for food.
Typically the men do the hunting and the women and children forage. They are nomadic and move around Lake Eyasi, sleeping in caves and simple nomadic huts.
5. Iraqw
The Iraqw tribe are originally from Ethiopia. Their ancestors migrated southwards, following the Great Rift Valley, finally settling in Mbulu Plateau, between Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi.
The men are blacksmiths and the women make pottery. They also grow their own food and tend to livestock.
Traditionally their houses are built underground to protect their cattle from raids by neighbouring Maasai. Polygamy is accepted but in reality most Iraqw men only have one wife.
6. Datoga
The Datoga tribe are one of the oldest tribes in Tanzania along with the Maasai and the bushmen and can be found in Northern Tanzania around the Manyara region. They are semi-nomadic. They are known as a very brave tribe and traditionally, young men had to prove themselves by killing an “enemy of the people”. They are highly skilled blacksmiths and trade their arrowheads and jewellery with other tribes.
7. Makonde
The Makonde tribe are responsible for the amazing carvings you see in souvenir shops and stalls in Tanzania. I visited them in Mto Wa Mbu to watch them skilfully carve souvenirs such as model animals from pieces of wood.
Optional Activities with Tanzania’s Tribes
Hadzabe (Hadza) Tribe activities can include:
- Target practice with their bows and arrows
- Tribal dance
- Lighting a fire using traditional methods
- Cooking food over a fire
- Joining them on a traditional hunt for their food
Datoga (blacksmith) Tribe activities can include:
- Watching the skilled tribe members melt down scrap metal using a very traditional furnace and craft jewellery and tools from the molten metal.
- Viewing inside their houses and how they grind their food.
Maasai Tribe activities can include:
- Witnessing the Maasai prepare food from start to finish (not for the squeamish)
- Watching their traditional dance
- Viewing the traditional houses
- Viewing their schools
- Viewing Maasai warriors perform their traditional blood drinking from their cows (the cows are unharmed)
Tips for Visiting Tanzania’s Tribes
Visiting the Hadzabe requires a special interpreter who’s lived with the Hadzabe for 6 months or more and has learned to communicate with them.
The local companies I work with have the necessary contacts to arrange an exclusive Hadzabe visit: Safaris By Ella
Usually at the end of a visit to the tribes, you will be shown some tables with jewellery laid out which the members of the tribe have made themselves.
Prices are typically around $30 per piece. They are not quite as cheap as you would expect but there are quite a few rich tourists in Tanzania which probably leads to inflated prices for souvenirs.
If you need to negotiate I find just politely stating the price I’m happy to pay and leaving it up to them to accept or decline works well. I couldn’t resist buying a little something from each tribe to remember the experience and also to support them.
Your tour company will usually have given the tribes some payment as a thank you. In some cases it might be applicable to provide an extra tip to the tribes – your guide can advise you on this. The specialist Hadzabe guide will usually require a tip which on my visit was suggested at $30 per day (in 2022) but this may vary.
Where to Stay
If your budget allows I’d recommend staying at one of the lodges on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
My favourite place to stay is Ngorongoro Serena Lodge which is just 10 minutes’ drive from the descent road.
Staying in accommodation on the rim not only gives incredible views into the crater but more importantly it allows you to be one of the first vehicles to the gate to descend into the crater in the morning.
This is a prime time to see the crater black rhinos grouped together before they split up and head into the forests.
I’ve also had some great lion sightings first thing in the crater.
If the crater accommodation is out of budget, then the next best option is the town of Karatu.
Tanzania Tribes Videos
You can watch a video of my personal experience with Tanzania’s tribes below.
You can also view my Maasai visit one here and Maasai visit two here.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): Approximately 3-4 hours (0 if you’re staying on the crater rim or around 1 hour from Karatu to the crater, then around 3 hours on to Central Serengeti)
Today you’re going to spend the morning exploring the lost world of the Ngorongoro Crater followed by a drive to the Serengeti National Park.
Map of Ngorongoro Crater
Itinerary
I’m a big advocate of getting in the parks as soon as the gates open and Ngorongoro is no exception.
If you’re staying on the crater rim you set off around 6am with a picnic breakfast on the short 10 minute drive to begin the epic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Your goal is to be one of the first vehicles on the prehistoric looking floor of this mystical crater. Travelling into the crater is mind-blowing as the sun rises lighting up the lost world of the crater floor!
Entering the crater at sunrise can be very rewarding as there is a large lion pride whose territory is close to the end of the descent road and many times I’ve spotted them bathed in the golden glow of the rising sun as they look for prey.
Black rhinos are also easier to spot in the mornings and it’s also been the best time for spotting servals hunting in the long grasses too.
You’ll spend the morning safariing around the crater floor with your packed breakfast beside a hippo pool before continuing to explore the crater floor.
You’ll then have lunch in the crater by Lake Magadi or there is another scenic picnic spot near Lerai Forest. Watch out for birds of prey such as black kites in the picnic areas as they watch on from nearby branches as I saw a woman lose her lunch to a kite who swept down and grabbed it out of her hands.
After lunch you’ll ascend the walls of the crater and begin your drive to the most iconic safari park in the world: the Serengeti National Park.
Your journey to Central Serengeti will take 3-4 hours or so through protected areas which give opportunities for wildlife spotting on the way.
The final road into the Serengeti is legendary for its corrugated surface which gives the classic African massage.
It’s technically possible to fly but you would need to backtrack to Lake Manyara airstrip as that’s the closest airstrip to the crater for scheduled flights and once you add in arriving an hour before your flight and then 1 hour flight time, driving is usually the best option in my opinion.
As you approach the gateway to the Serengeti you are reminded of the meaning of Serengeti (endless plains) as the incredible flat landscape spans as far as the eye can see in every direction.
You’ll have a safari on your journey into the Serengeti before spending the night in the Seronera area in mid-Serengeti, arriving in time for sunset.
About Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater was one of the highlights of my trip to Tanzania. There’s quite frankly nowhere else on earth like it.
The Ngorongoro Crater, part of the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is simply awe-inspiring with the crater rim sitting at an elevation of 7,218 feet (2,200 m). As we began the 2,000 foot (610 m) descent into the “lost world” below, I was filled with excitement.
With a reputation as the Eden of Africa, the crater is a massive caldera, formed by the collapse of a volcano over two million years ago, and is now home to a stunning array of wildlife and habitats.
The crater’s unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and many more.
During the night, zebras and elephants gather on the rim while during the day, Maasai herders lead their cows and goats down to the crater floor to graze and drink water.
The name “Ngorongoro” is derived from the Maasai language, and it is said to have originated from the Maasai word “Ngoronkoro,” which means “the gift of life” or “the place where the cow bell rings.”
What Wildlife Can I See in Ngorongoro Crater?
The Ngorongoro Crater has all of the Big Five with over 60 lions and 300 elephants (including 75 big tuskers), and is the best place in Tanzania to see endangered black rhinos.
Only around 30 black rhinos remain, down from 100 in the 1960s, and all are fitted with tracking devices. I have found that sightings are easiest in the wet seasons when they come out to the open plains to feed on the longer grasses of the wet season.
2026 Update: White rhinos have been successfully introduced in the crater meaning now have the chance to see both back and white rhinos. I was lucky enough to see them myself on my visit to the crater in 2026.
In the dry seasons, black rhinos are most visible in the early morning before dispersing into the forests to eat.
In addition, the crater holds approximately 7,000 wildebeest, 4,000 zebras, 3,000 elands, 3,000 gazelles, 4,000 Cape buffalo, and 6,000 spotted hyenas.
I’ve spotted lions on every visit to the crater and it’s not hard to see why with an incredible 21 lions per 39 square miles (100 km²). This density is higher than the Maasai Mara (16.5) and the Southern Serengeti (14.4)!
Cheetahs are present but very rarely seen, and whilst leopards are present, they are elusive, and I’ve yet to spot them in the crater.
The crater is one of the best places in East Africa to spot servals, a rare small wild cat and I’ve been lucky enough to see them on one occasion and it was quite an incredible sighting.
Bird lovers will not be disappointed with over 500 bird species, including flamingos on the crater’s soda lake, crowned cranes and numerous raptors.
Tips for Visiting Ngorongoro Crater
- Make sure to visit the viewing spot at the top of the crater for some incredible views. It’s also a great photo opportunity – they also have a restroom.
- Staying on the rim of the crater gives both amazing views of the crater floor but also gets you in the crater earlier than people staying outside as well as letting you have a bit more sleep!
- You can visit all year round as many of the animals remain in the crater permanently.
- The best time to see black rhinos is early morning (6 AM gate opening). Head to the area between Lerai Forest and Gorigor Swamp. Rhinos spend the night in the crater forests and are out in the open at first light, sometimes several together, before separating and moving back into cover as the morning warms. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon, inactive around the middle of the day, and spend almost half of the daylight hours lying down.
- Black rhinos are also easier to spot during the wet seasons as the fresh, long grass brings them out into the open to feed.
- The wet seasons are the best time to see black rhinos, as they come out onto the open plains to feed on the longer grass.
- If you have extra days to spare and plan to visit the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area: From December to May (depending on the rains), over one million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles move south to calve in the short-grass plains around Ndutu.
Where to Stay
Most likely your accommodation in Central Serengeti will be a tented camp. Many of these camps are not like a normal tent. These tents have four-poster beds and in some cases wood floors.
Rockstar upgrade: At the very top end the Serengeti accommodation is non-tented and can have infinity pools.
My Experience of Ngorongoro Crater
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Ngorongoro Crater several times, and with each visit, I’ve learnt something new about how to make the most of this magical ‘Eden’.
On my first visit to Ngorongoro Crater, I based myself in the town of Mto Wa Mbu on the evening before my descent. This in the end proved to be less than ideal as it involved a 2 hour drive to reach the crater’s descent road.
By the time we entered the crater, it was well past 10am, and the soft morning light was far behind us. The rhinos were nowhere to be found, and the lions were also absent, likely snoozing in a drainage line somewhere.
The only lions we saw on this visit were two lionesses who were flat-out, bellies to the sky, partly submerged in mud. And this is exactly what’s to be expected of lions by mid-morning.
My first visit did, however, yield some wonderful moments. A safari experience which, to this day, ranks as one of my favourites, is when we came upon a mother serval and her growing youngsters.
The family of small spotted cats were stalking through the long grass, ears swivelling like radar dishes as they listened for traces of any scurrying rodents. I watched as one paused, waggled its haunches and then launched itself in the air in an impressive bound. The serval landed squarely on the unsuspecting rodent and in a couple of greedy bites, it was gone.
As of mid-2026, Ngorongoro Crater remains the only place that I have seen servals – and I’ve been on a lot of safaris! For that reason, in my experience, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most reliable places to see the elusive feline.
On my next visit to the crater, I decided to base myself on the crater rim the night before my safari. Not only was I treated to a superb view of the crater from my room, but this location allowed us unrivalled access to the crater the next morning.
My lodge of choice, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, is located a mere 10 minutes away from the crater descent road. Atop the road is the gate to the crater which opens at 6am. We were one of the first vehicles to reach the gate and started our descent just as the sun began to peep out from behind the far crater wall, gradually bathing the caldera in golden light.
As we were descending, my guide noticed something moving on the crater floor, not far from the road. He didn’t need his binoculars to point out that it was a lion and it wasn’t alone.
By the time we reached the lions, the entire pride was up and on the move, marching purposefully through the lush green grass. It was a scene that could have been straight out of a fairytale. The lions’ tawny pelts were tinged with gold as the sun filtered down on them, illuminating them as they played with one another.
A young male, not yet fully grown, began to stalk one of the lionesses, whiskers twitching mischievously before he sprang at her. She looked startled at first before she batted his face with a large paw.
It wasn’t just lions that we were treated to that morning. Shortly after leaving the pride, we came upon our first black rhino. This was actually the first rhino I’d seen in the crater as they eluded us on our first visit.
As it happens, the rhino ended up being the first of four that we would see that morning. Whilst the early start likely contributed to the high tally, as they are most active during early mornings and evenings, another important factor was the time of year.
We were visiting in February which falls between Tanzania’s two rainy seasons. The grass is long at this time of year and is irresistible to the black rhinos, who shun the short yellowing grass of the dry season.
Keen to replicate my success from my second visit, on my third visit I emulated the same formula, staying at Serena lodge the night before and being the first vehicle to enter the crater. Once again, it didn’t take us long to find the lions. I spotted their tracks in the road – lots of lion tracks, interlacing one another. An entire pride was on the move, including young cubs.
The tracks led us to a fresh zebra kill, though it was hard to actually see the zebra due to the quantity of lions that were tumbling over it. A number of lionesses and countless cubs of various ages were enjoying a well-earned meal.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the early mornings brought far fewer vehicles. We were the ones to discover this sighting and whilst we sat and watched the lions, only a handful of vehicles ever joined us.
You can watch a video of my personal experience going on safari in Ngorongoro Crater below.
My first visit:
My second visit:
Day 5: Central Serengeti
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): None
Central Serengeti is huge and has an unrivalled density of big cats as well as another predators.
You’ll spend the whole day exploring the savanna returning to your lodge or camp at lunchtime and some rest before heading out again in the afternoon.
Map of Serengeti National Park
Itinerary
You’ll spend the day on a safari in Central Serengeti – widely regarded as the greatest safari destination in the world and boasting exceptional big cat sightings.
You have very good chances of seeing lions today.
Predators are most active early in the morning and late afternoon / evening when it’s cooler so I’d recommend a packed breakfast and starting your game drive at 6:00.
On one of my recent visits I spotted a large male lion hauling a freshly caught wildebeest through the grasses as the sun rose painting a golden glow across the savanna and the best part? We had the sighting all to ourselves!
Since morning and evening are the best time for sightings, I’d recommend heading back to camp for lunch during the middle of the day when it’s hotter and wildlife is often resting. This is a great time to rest and relax or even have a quick nap.
You’ll head out again around 3.30pm for your afternoon game drive, returning about 6pm for dinner and bed.
About Central Serengeti
For as long as I could remember, the Serengeti, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, had been on my bucket-list as the ultimate safari destination.
Finally visiting this vast ecosystem for the first time in 2022 felt like a dream come true, though a part of me wondered if it would live up to its hype.
However, I can now confidently say that the Serengeti exceeded all of my expectations. I enjoyed it so much I’ve been back 6 times since and try to visit at least once per year!
Covering 5,700 square miles (14,763 km²), the Serengeti National Park is absolutely huge. To put things in perspective it’s nearly 10x the size of the Maasai Mara National Reserve which it joins in the north and by comparison is 583 square miles (1,510 km²).
What Wildlife Can I See in Serengeti?
With one of the highest densities of predators in Africa, it’s no wonder that the Serengeti is regarded as one of the best places in the world to observe Africa’s big cats.
The abundance of prey species such as wildebeest and zebras, particularly during the Great Migration, supports this high concentration of predators.
There are an estimated 3,000 lions and more than 1,000 leopards, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and African wild dogs.
This is a great place to check off all of the big five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. I managed 4 out of 5 on my latest visit to Tanzania, just missing out on seeing the rhinos.
The Serengeti is home to over 500 bird species, ranging from large raptors like eagles and vultures, to colourful songbirds and waterfowl. Many of these species are migratory, with some travelling thousands of kilometres from their breeding grounds to winter in the Serengeti.
Serengeti Tree Climbing Lions
You might be understandably shocked to see a lion in a tree but sightings are regularly reported in the Serengeti and I managed to spot at least two on my latest visit.
It’s a very special sight to behold as tree climbing lions are only found in northern Tanzania and southern Uganda. You’ll have the greatest chances of spotting one in the Serengeti in part due to the high density of lions.
There are a number of theories as to why lions in this area climb trees. Our guide told us the behavioural change came about to protect their feet from the wet grass in the rainy seasons.
Other sources suggest that it’s to protect themselves from the constant irritation of insect bites while lazing, escaping charging buffaloes or even to survey their surroundings for a potential meal. The truth is probably a combination of these factors as well as the pure fun and excitement for the younger cubs.
Tips for Visiting Central Serengeti
Keep your eyes peeled for tails hanging down from trees, as this is the telltale sign of either a leopard or lion.
The Serengeti is a year-round destination, although the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game-viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
The wet season, from November to May, is the time when the wildebeest migration occurs, offering an opportunity to witness one of nature’s most incredible spectacles.
Optional Activities in Serengeti
You can go for balloon safaris over the Serengeti which gives you a great bird’s eye view of the park. At the time of writing this costs around $595 USD per person and can be booked through your safari company.
Where to Stay
You stay a second night at the same lodge or tented camp in the Seronera area.
My Experience of Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti will forever be special to me, as it was the place where I spotted my first ever cheetah and first ever leopard. Not only that but they were good sightings too, not just fleeting glimpses.
My first cheetah sighting happened on our second evening in the Serengeti. We were journeying back to our lodge after a long and eventful day.
We’d just witnessed the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti, including a dramatic river crossing, and our hearts were filled with joy. I remember thinking to myself that even if I didn’t see anything else on my Serengeti safari, I’d be happy.
I almost feel like my feelings of gratitude summoned the cheetah brothers who we then stumbled across. Evening was approaching and the sun was a glowing red ball of fire on the horizon. The world around us was bronze and the air was filled with dry season dust.
Just a few metres in front of us, a cheetah sat up, perfectly camouflaged in the golden grass. His face was red and a bit dishevelled, a sign that he’d been enjoying a good meal.
I looked down at his feet and noticed the half-eaten wildebeest. It was a meal that was still being enjoyed by his companion, who gleefully chewed on the fresh meat.
They ate until they couldn’t eat any more. Then, utterly content and looking like pregnant females, they flopped down in the long grass, becoming completely invisible.
The following day, I silently hoped for a leopard. We encountered many animals that morning, from an entire pride of lions resting by a stream, to a coalition of three huge male lions. Then, during the mid-morning, we came upon a spotty form in an acacia tree. It was a leopard cub, draped across a sturdy branch.
Our guide then pointed out a second leopard, likely its mother, in the neighbouring tree. She was over three times the size of the little cub and fast asleep in what looked like a rather uncomfortable higher branch of a pretty spiky tree. She really didn’t seem to mind!
Would you believe that we later saw another leopard? This was a young female who was also resting in an acacia tree. She looked content, her legs and tail dangling whilst her chin was resting on the solid branch.
I’ve made several visits to Central Serengeti since, and my subsequent experiences have shown me that what I experienced on my first visit wasn’t purely down to luck. The big cat density in Central Serengeti is something to behold!
And whilst it’s pretty reliable for cheetahs and leopards, perhaps what it’s best known for is the lions. You’d have to be extremely unlucky not to see a lion here!
I’ve seen one on every single game drive I’ve taken in Central Serengeti. Lions hunting, lions mating, lions in trees, lions with cubs – you name it!
You can watch a video of my personal experience going on safari in the Serengeti below.
Day 6: Northern or Western Serengeti
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): Approximately 4 hours by road to Northern Serengeti, or around 1 hour by air. If you’re going to Western Serengeti it’s a 2 hour drive.
You will now travel to either the North or West depending on the location of the Great Wildebeest Migration to see one of the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world.
Between May and June the migration herds are found crossing the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor and then from July to October they can be found crossing the Mara River in the North of the Serengeti where it meets the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
At other times of year the Great Migration is either in Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) or Central Serengeti so you’d stay in those regions if you visit at that time.
The drive to the Western Corridor is straightforward and takes around 2 hours.
The drive North is longer and can take 4 hours to drive to Kogatende – you will usually go out of the park and drive up normal roads to speed up the trip and then re-enter the park in the north.
Rockstar upgrade: You also have the more expensive option to fly from the Seronera airstrip (SEU) in central Serengeti to the Kogatende Airstrip (HTMZ) in the north and meet your guide and car up there. There are daily scheduled flights with Coastal, leaving at 9:30AM and arriving at 10:30AM which cost around $300-400 per person.
About Northern Serengeti
The Kogatende region in Northern Serengeti serves as the backdrop for one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration.
During this awe-inspiring event, millions of wildebeest and zebras embark on a perilous journey between Tanzania and Kenya (or Kenya to Tanzania on their return), braving the treacherous crocodile-infested Mara River along the way.
On the other side of the Mara River is the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Although I’m sure it does happen from time to time, the Mara River crossing is not quite the bloodbath you see on nature documentaries. The crocodiles haven’t eaten for up to a year and there are millions of wildebeests to choose from so they aren’t about to waste any energy in getting their meal.
During the first crossing of the wildebeests, the crocodiles just watched and all the wildebeests made it to the other side.
Shortly after, we moved further down the Mara River and a second bunch of wildebeests started crossing the river. This time one of the weaker wildebeests struggled to get up the other side and decided to return back to the other side.
The crocodiles seemed interested but kept their distance. Only when the exhausted wildebeest started flailing at the other bank did a crocodile effortlessly pop up and drag it underwater, killing it in seconds.
It was a powerful moment and although sad as it was to see the wildebeest get eaten, the crocodile needed to eat too and natural selection ensures the wildebeests with the strongest genes go on to breed on the other side.
Tips for Visiting Northern Serengeti
Allow yourself plenty of time in the north as during the migration sometimes you can be waiting as much as 4 hours to see the wildebeests crossing.
On my first trip, due to my schedule I only had a couple of hours but I got really lucky and within 5 minutes of arriving at the Mara River the first wildebeests decided to cross! Being herd animals once the first one hops in the crocodile-infested river the rest of them usually jump straight in.
Where to Stay
On the 10-day version you spend tonight at a camp near the Kogatende area in the north, ready for the flight to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Alternatively, if you journeyed to Western Serengeti you’ll stay at a lodge or tented camp in that area.
My Experience of Northern Serengeti
Watching my first Mara River crossing here within minutes of arriving was pure luck, and it remains one of my favourite safari experiences.
You can watch a video of my personal experience going on safari in Northern Serengeti below.
My Experience of Western Serengeti
Western Serengeti was fantastic and we saw massive herds of wildebeests. However, It’s much harder to see the Grumeti River crossings compared to the Mara River crossing as there are only a couple of spots where you can view it. We did however see the herds crossing smaller tributaries off the main river.
Video of my Western Serengeti experience coming shortly!
Days 7-10: Zanzibar
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): No driving today – just a 1 to 2 hour flight from either Kogatende Airstrip in Northern Serengeti or Grumeti Airstrip in Western Serengeti to Arusha or Zanzibar
If you decide to drive to Arusha instead of flying, this would take around 8 hours.
You’ll start the day with a morning game drive then catch an internal flight on a light aircraft.
For the 7-Day itinerary you would fly back to Arusha in the morning to catch your international flight which usually departs later in the day.
For the 10-Day version you will fly over to Zanzibar, often with a layover in Arusha.
Map of Zanzibar
Itinerary
It’s your last morning on safari in the Serengeti so you’ll want to make the most of it and hopefully see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
I’d recommend waking early to allow time to grab a tea or coffee and a packed breakfast and begin your safari when the park opens at 6am.
This maximises your chances of seeing active predators as well as giving you time to reach the wildebeest herds and, if you’re in the North, the chance to see the Mara River crossing.
After an exciting game drive it’s time for lunch and to say goodbye to the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park.
I’d recommend taking a scheduled light aircraft back to Arusha as otherwise it’s a long 8 hour drive.
Each corner of the Serengeti has its own airstrips with regular scheduled flights back to Arusha and Zanzibar. You can typically reach Arusha in under an hour and Zanzibar in under 2.
On the 7-day itinerary, it’s a 1 hour drive from Arusha Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight home. These often depart around 4pm and 7pm, so it’s possible to do all this in a day.
For the longer 10-day itinerary from Arusha you would continue on to Zanzibar. Sometimes it’s possible to book a flight direct from the Serengeti to Zanzibar but most of the time you have a short layover in Arusha on your way.
Despite the flight costs, due to the lack of park fees, spending 3 days relaxing in Zanzibar should bring down your average cost per day vs spending more time in the national parks.
Once in Zanzibar it’s usually just over an hour to your accommodation assuming you’re based in the north.
When you arrive at your hotel you’ll probably want to rest and relax after your safari adventure.
If you get restless then I’ve listed some optional activities below to allow you to see the best of Zanzibar.
Tips for Your Journey From Serengeti to Arusha or Zanzibar
- My preferred domestic airline to book with is Flightlink as they have the best luggage allowances. They allow 55 lb (25 kg) hand luggage vs 33 lb (15 kg) other airlines allow. They also operate both legs between Serengeti and Zanzibar so it’s all one booking which keeps things simple.
- When travelling on light aircraft, the airlines typically require soft-sided luggage. I usually take a backpack for my hand luggage and a duffle bag for my hold luggage.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an exotic archipelago located off the east coast of mainland Tanzania – as it’s part of Tanzania there’s no need to go through passport control when visiting after your safari.
The term safari and beach has been coined to describe the popular mix of safari followed by a trip to a beach destination such as Zanzibar to unwind.
Zanzibar is made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and several smaller islands. The archipelago is an exquisite blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures.
Optional Activities in Zanzibar
With its turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, there is plenty to do in Zanzibar for anything up to a week or two.
Explore Stone Town
Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the old town of the archipelago’s capital city, Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar is also known for its spice plantations, which produce some of the world’s finest spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whilst in Stone Town, head down to Darajani Market to buy some of the spices which made Zanzibar famous.
Your safari company can arrange for a guide to show you around and tell you more about the history of the Old Town if you wish.
There are loads of amazing rooftop restaurants which give you a bird’s eye view of the city.
Zanzibar has a dark past as a hub for the slave trade – you can visit the slave monument and learn more about its history. You can also visit the old slave market and the house of David Livingstone who helped to abolish the slave trade.
Eat at some of Zanzibar’s many Restaurants
My favourite restaurants are the Sharazad, The Door Restaurant & Cafe in Stone Town, Zanzibar Queen on Matemwe Beach and The Rock Restaurant. At Nungwi and Kendwa, the beachfront restaurants are great if you choose one with good reviews.
Visit Prison Island (Changuu)
Prison Island lies around 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) northwest of Stone Town, reached by a short boat trip of 20 to 30 minutes (expect to pay around $30 to $35 for a private return trip).
The island is best known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, descendants of four gifted by the Seychelles government, with one of the originals still alive at over 200 years old. It is also surrounded by colourful reefs, so you can combine the visit with some snorkelling.
Take a Boat Trip to Mnemba Atoll
If you only do one thing in Zanzibar, make it the boat trip out to Mnemba Atoll. It is one of the island’s most popular excursions, so you will find dozens of operators running it.
My advice is to pick a tour that leaves the dolphin watching out. I found that part genuinely uncomfortable, as far too many boats crowd around the same pod. You are much better off spending the time snorkelling the reef at Mnemba and then a picnic lunch out on a sandbar.
It is worth asking for a private sandbar, too. Standing on what is effectively your own island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, without another soul in sight, is wonderful.
Go on a Walking Safari in Jozani Forest
If you’re still in the mood for another safari, Jozani Forest is well worth a visit. It is the place to see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which is endemic to the island, and you will very likely come across blue monkeys and a good range of birds as well. I was lucky enough to spot a beautiful sunbird while I was there as well as the monkeys!
The visit also takes you through a mangrove swamp, which is a good spot for coastal birds. I watched a Western reef heron polish off a prawn there, and there are some impressively large red crabs to look out for too.
Enjoy some Water-sports
Snorkelling around Zanzibar is world-class, with coral reefs surrounding almost the entire shoreline, and diving trips are easy to arrange. If you fancy something faster, the east coast, particularly Paje, is one of Africa’s best kitesurfing spots, and surfing and stand-up paddleboarding are on offer at many of the beach resorts.
Attend one of Zanzibar’s Festivals
Zanzibar also hosts three major festivals each year: a music festival called Sauti za Busara, a film festival called The Zanzibar International Film Festival and a non-profit community festival called The Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival.
Tips for Visiting Zanzibar
It is considered good manners to ask before taking photos of people, even if it’s simply holding up your camera and waiting for their nod. Some of the older generation don’t like being photographed.
In the markets and smaller shops you can haggle. Start with a low price and then meet in the middle. It’s easy with a bit of practice and part of the culture.
When eating out, as with the rest of Africa, stick to lower-risk foods and ensure your food is cooked on the spot e.g. avoid buffets where the food has been left out.
If you’re spending a longer time in Zanzibar then I’d recommend a visit to Mafia Island.
Where to Stay
Most of the accommodation in Zanzibar is on the main island called Unguja. There is a wide range of hotels and resorts located on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches.
My personal favourite beaches to stay on are Pongwe and Matemwe on the East coast of the island.
Whilst they don’t have the amazing sunsets of the north west coast and they have more tidal movements they are favoured by the luxury hotels as they are much quieter and untouched.
My favourite place to stay is Tulia Unique Resort, a luxury boutique hotel on Pongwe beach.
Another popular choice is Melia if you fancy a bigger hotel.
For budget and mid-range, LUX* Marijani offers great value for money with clean spacious rooms.
For luxury plus &beyond has a boutique hotel on Mnemba, a private island just off the east coast.
If you fancy locating yourself in a more lively location with sunset views and less tidal movement which is better for swimming then choose a hotel on Kendwa or Nungwi beach in the north.
Zanzibar Video
You can watch a video of my personal experience visiting Zanzibar below.
Tanzania Safari FAQs
Click on any of the frequently asked questions below to show the answer.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?
Peak safari season is in the dry season, from July to October, when The Great Wildebeest Migration is in full swing and you can witness the electrifying Mara River crossings.
Alternatively, you can plan your visit for the exhilarating wildebeest calving season from January to February, when thousands of baby wildebeest are born every day in southern Serengeti. Predators are also particularly active at this time, attracted by the young wildebeest.
You can really visit Tanzania any time of year, though it’s important to be aware that some roads in the Serengeti can become impassable during the long rains in April/May, and the weather can also impact visibility at this time.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
A private safari in Tanzania typically starts at $350 per person per day. This price assumes budget accommodation but allows you to visit Tanzania’s best parks, including Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Your safari price increases as you increase the level of comfort of your accommodation, with mid-range safaris starting at $450 per person per day.
Shared safaris come in a bit cheaper, starting at $250 per person per day. This price assumes basic camping accommodation.
Can you see the Big Five in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to the famous and sought-after Big Five: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. It’s not uncommon to see all of them on a safari in Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Rhinos are perhaps the hardest of the Big Five to see. You only really stand a good chance of seeing them in Ngorongoro Crater, although they are present in Serengeti too.
Do you need vaccinations for a Tanzania safari?
Tanzania has a low risk of Yellow Fever and no vaccination certificate is required. However, if you’re crossing from Kenya, Uganda or another country which is a high-risk area, or have transited through an airport in a high-risk country, then a Yellow Fever certificate is required.
Although no other vaccinations are mandatory to enter Tanzania, you should view the list of vaccines that are recommended and check in with your doctor a few months before your trip.
Tanzania is a high-risk area for malaria, particularly during the wet seasons, so precautions are necessary.
Do you need a visa for Tanzania?
Visitors from the UK, Canada, Australia and several European countries require a single-entry visa to enter Tanzania. A single-entry visa costs $50 and can be obtained on arrival or by applying online in advance, which is recommended to avoid delays at the airport.
Visitors from the USA, however, need to purchase multi-entry visas. These cost $100 and can be purchased either online or upon arrival.
As well as the Visa outlined above, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and it must have at least 1 blank page.
Is Tanzania safe for safari tourists?
Yes – in my experience Tanzania is safe to visit. Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, especially, is well regarded as safe as it takes place outside busy cities, which are typically where you will encounter the most crime (in any country).
Although Tanzania is safe, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you have the most relaxing experience.
First and foremost, be sensible when in busy towns and cities. Whilst Arusha is a friendly town, it is possible to still encounter petty theft. Therefore don’t flash any valuables and avoid walking at night.
How much should you tip your safari guide in Tanzania?
The standard tip for a driver guide in Tanzania is $20 per day for a party of two (around $10 per person). You would usually tip your guide in US dollars at the end of your safari.
I’d say $5 per adult per night is about right for your accommodation in Tanzania. If you’re lucky enough to visit a Maasai community, please be aware that tipping is not expected or normal; buying souvenirs is a more suitable way to show your appreciation.
When can you see the Great Migration in Tanzania?
The great wildebeest migration has no distinct beginning or end. The animals move in a circular motion across the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya in a journey that takes a year.
The start of the new year marks the calving season which takes place in southern Serengeti. From mid-January to mid-March the wildebeests give birth. A whopping 8,000 calves can be born each day at the peak!
Do you need insurance to visit Zanzibar?
You need to purchase mandatory Zanzibar insurance if you wish to visit Zanzibar. Since 1 October 2024 every foreign visitor must buy cover from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at $44 per person, valid for stays of up to 92 days. Other travel insurance policies are not accepted, and you will need to show the QR code at immigration. You must purchase your Zanzibar insurance online in advance of your trip. You can apply for it here.
Recommended Booking Options For Your Itinerary
Private Safari
Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $ per person per day.
Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.
Final Thoughts
Tanzania is an incredibly diverse country and visiting has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s hard to find the incredible culture and wildlife that Tanzania has to offer anywhere else.
Whilst I had numerous incredible experiences during my trip to Tanzania, the two that will stay with me the most are my visit to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe and witnessing the wildebeest crossing the Mara River in North Serengeti.
Tanzania, however, is not a cheap country to visit as a tourist, especially if you go there expecting prices similar to those of Asia. There are ways to bring the costs down but it does require a reasonable budget as you can see from my examples in the costs section.
The park fees are higher than at many other safari destinations which reflect the quality of the parks. The higher park fees have the upside of making them less crowded with safari trucks and thus give a better wildlife viewing experience.
Tanzania is a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the price.
Read More Tanzania Guides
For an overview of planning your safari, you can read my Ultimate Tanzania Safari Guide.
Tanzania Itineraries
Recomended itineraries and how to book them.
7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs
5-Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries & Costs (6 unique Itineraries)
3-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs
2-Week Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Itinerary & Costs
3-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs
10-Day Tanzania Honeymoon Itinerary & Costs
Tanzania and Kenya Itineraries
Multi-country itineraries and how to book them.
10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary
2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary
3-Week Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Costs & Planning
How to get the most bang for your buck and the best time of year to visit depending on what you want to do and see.
Tanzania Safari Cost – Everything You Need to Know!
The Great Wildebeest Migration Guide
Zanzibar Island – The Complete Guide
National Parks & Reserves
Complete guides to the best and most famous safari reserves, including the wildlife you’ll see, entrance costs and best time to visit.
Comparison With Other Safari Destinations
How to Book Your Safari
Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from my recommended local safari companies.
Join the rapidly growing tribe of over 1,000 travellers who’ve booked their dream safari using my insider tips and recommendations.
Nice read. I am considering Tanzania and Zanzibar in July. Tom Henty
I’m glad you found it useful! Wishing you an awesome trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar!
Thank you for this! Hoping to plan a trip to Tanzania later this year (August/September) and this is really helpful.
In looking at flights (from the US) I can see that it’s much easier to get to Nairobi than Arusha. Do you know if it would be feasible to land in Nairobi and somehow transfer to Arusha or is that more complicated / more hassle than it’s worth?
Thanks! 🙂
It’s pretty easy to travel between Nairobi and Arusha. You can either fly between the two which takes 1 hour from either Wilson airport or Kenya’s international airport, or it’s a 3.5 hour drive. The only added complication is you’d need an eTA for Kenya which costs $30 but you can apply for these online a few weeks in advance of your trip. You can also spend a day or 2 in Nairobi if you wish and visit some of the attractions there such as the Giraffe Centre or Elephant Orphanage.
@Ella McKendrick,
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is extremely helpful. We plan to visit Tanzania in August and experience the migration.
Hi Ella, we are planning a Safari to Tanzania and have found your website invaluable! One question: we are doing the Northern Circuit, and the longest drive in our itinerary is from Tarangire to Northern Serengeti. Will this drive double as a game drive or is it really just for transit? If there is not much to see on this drive, we would consider changing the itinerary and taking a flight from Arusha to one of the airstrips in Serengeti NP. Thanks!
@Adam Weinberger,
I think opting for flight to seronera airstrip is great Idea, however you’ll miss so many features and animals enroute if you don’t have health issues i think longer drive stands authentic.
Hello Ella,
The information within this article is invaluable to first time safari trip planners like me. Thank you very much.
I have submitted my information to get a quote from the safari companies you recommend. I do have a few questions, please:
1. While we are no professional photographers, we are wildlife enthusiast photographers. Given this, which of the companies on the list would you recommend that would ensure the game drives are planned during the good light, knows the best spots for wildlife, does not object to positioning a vehicle to better photograph a scene, etc.
2. Are we able to suggest where we would like to at some locations, in addition to a mix of budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations?
3. In quickly skimming through your itineraries I noticed that none of them include a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. Do you recommend this park for wildlife viewing? If on a budget would you recommend skipping this park?
Thank you very much for your time.
Warm regards,
Debbie