10 Best Tanzania Safaris & Tours for 2023-2024

Giraffes on the savanna surrounding Mt. Kilimanjaro

Spend 7 days exploring the best of Tanzania, covering the main highlights of Tanzania's Northern Circuit and encompassing some of East Africa's best wildlife viewing, this small-group tour is the perfect introduction to a safari in Tanzania. Keep an eye out for the Big 5 on a game drive around Lake Manyara!

Tanzania: Full Northern Circuit

13 Days from $7,787

This two-week Tanzania safari gives you opportunities to explore Mount Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengenti, and unique tribal villages, as you become acquainted with their distinct cultures, customs, and traditions. Stay in unique luxury tent camps such as Serengeti Halisi, Pakulala Safari Camp, or others.

Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb

11 Days from $6,236

Considered one of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro, the new Lemosho Route offers hikers a panoramic ascent to the summit from the west eventually joining with the highly scenic Machame Route. It is a little-used and more adventurous route for those who are more experienced and want to spend 8 days on the mountain.

Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai Climb

9 Days from $4,723

For decades, adventurers and avid trekkers have looked to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and a formidable trek. Today, hikers can choose from several routes to reach the summit, and the Rongai Climb is considered to be the quietest, most peaceful route. Experience solitude on the roof of Africa!

Look for wildlife on a guided game drive

East Africa Trails

13 Days from $4,820

Explore the best of East Africa on this 13-day group tour through Kenya and Tanzania. Search for wildlife in the Massai Mara and witness the incredible views of the Ngorongoro Crater. You will learn about the native communities that inhabit these lands and learn about the region's role as the "Cradel of Mankind" as you explore the Serengeti.

Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Climb

10 Days from $4,947

This ultimate 10-day trek and climb takes you up legendary Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Starting at Moshi, Tanzania, acclimate and warm up by trekking or mountain biking before making your way up the mountain from camp to camp arriving to the summit at 19,341 ft. (5,895m).

Luxury Tanzania Safari

10 Days from $14,013

Spend 10 days exploring the best of Tanzania, covering the main highlights of Arusha, Chem Chem Concession, Karatu, and Singita Serengeti Grumeti including some of East Africa's best wildlife viewing. This small group tour is the ideal way to experience the best wildlife and safari exploration in Tanzania for the first time.

Tanzania Fly-In Safari

10 Days from $10,775

Join this 10-day Elewana Fly-In Safari Tour departing from Arusha to Central Serengeti as you explore Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Karatu, and Central Serengeti staying at Elewana's luxurious properties for a complete experience.

Tanzania Culture and Wildlife

9 Days from $9,406

Discover Tanzania's rich culture and wildlife on this 9-day safari tour from Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park.

Zanzibar and the Treasures of the Indian Ocean

Victoria Bay to Zanzibar
13 Days from $7,700

Experience this 13-day cruise on Le Bougainville in the Indian Ocean and discover the stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history. Departing from Tanzania, you will head out to the remote Seychelles Islands, where pristine beaches, tropical rainforests and stunning marine life await.

Tanzania Luxury

Top 3 Luxury Safaris in Tanzania for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Zanzibar and the Treasures of the Indian Ocean	$7700	13	Feb 8, 2024	Experience this 13-day cruise on Le Bougainville in the Indian Ocean and discover the stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO … 0
Zanzibar, Aldabra & the Treasures of the Indian Ocean	$7700	13	Feb 7, 2024	Join this 13-day Zanzibar, Aldabra, & Treasures of the Indian Ocean cruise from Zanzibar to Victoria aboard Le Champlain. Discover the natural … 0
Golden Trails of Africa	$16595	17	Apr 2, 2023	Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day safari cruise! Cruise the Chobe River, visit local villages, take a safari through the Serengeti … 0

Tanzania Hotels

6 Favorite Tanzania Safari Lodges for 2023-2024

Tanzania Hotels

&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

The only permanent luxury lodge in Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is renowned for its romantic stilted tree house suites that are shaded by a mahogany forest. After an exhilarating game drive, guests stop for sundowners on the lakeshore below the Great Rift Valley wall.

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Located just 15 minutes from the gate of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lemala Ngorongoro Camp is ideally located for travelers who want to explore Africa's Big 5 on a Tanzania safari.

&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxurious semi-permanent tented camp that moves around the Serengeti bringing guests within range of the massive herds of the Great Migration.

Tarangire Treetops Lodge

Childhood dreams turn to reality when you arrive to Tarangire Treetops Lodge and see tents perched above the game rich lands of Tarangire National Park, tucked into the canopy. 20 tree-houses offer expansive space and uninterrupted views of Tarangire plains from a private balcony. Enjoy your private en suite bathroom, with double showers, wrap up in a luxurious bathrobe and enjoy the view from your lofted vantage point.

Serengeti Halisi Camp

Serengeti Halisi Camp is a seasonal camp that tracks the Great Migration. This movement positions guests for the best game viewing possibilities. Enjoy the intimate and inviting atmosphere, good food, and friendly service while exploring the Serengeti on Africa safari.

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Perched above the Ngorongoro Crater, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers travelers a luxury stay just minutes from the famous Crater.

Get Inspired to Explore Safari in Tanzania

Classic Safaris

Luxury

Safari Tanzania at a Glance

Strap on your sandals and grab your sun hat as you prepare for your safari expedition in Tanzania. As the blazing African sun stretches across the savanna, you will have unique opportunities to witness and experience a fascinating, yet simpler way of life.

On any tour, you will have the chance to see the resplendent wildlife that call the Serengeti grasslands their home. As you take your African safari, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic lions, towering giraffes, lethargic hippos, and a variety of other interesting prairie wildlife.

Along the way, you'll also have opportunities to visit Maasai villages and walk with them in their day-to-day activities. In the Classic Tanzania Safari, you will meet shepherds and cattle herders who tend their cattle, goats, and sheep in the world's largest volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater.

For the adventurous and daring explorers, a hike up the slopes of the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Trek will astonish you with its staggering views of the African plains below and the shifting terrain as you ascend to impressive heights.

Your Tanzania expedition will truly re-define how you think of the expansive African continent.

All Africa Videos

Tanzania Safari Travel Video

Tanzania Travel Guide

A herd of elephants of all sizes make their way across the valley.

Tanzania FAQs

Inevitably, a trip to Tanzania is going to result in a lot of different questions - from common foods to local currency, or expected weather to budget recommendations. These answers to commonly asked traveler questions will help you be better prepared for your Tanzania trip. Of course, our expert trip planners can assist you with any other inquiries you might have.

TANZANIA FACT SHEET

Tanzania is home to Africa's tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, with an altitude of 19,341 feet above sea level.
There are more than 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania.
Tanzania exports gold, cashews, cotton, and coffee.
Tourism is a major source of revenue for Tanzania.
About 80% of the population lives by subsistence farming or fishing.
Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra can be spotted.
The largest crab in the world - the coconut crab - calls Zanzibar, Tanzania its home.
FUN FACT: Did you know? Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town, Tanzania!

Which Wildlife to Expect in Tanzania (by region)
Lake Manyara: Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo, Lion, Wild Dog

Ngorongoro: Black rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Gemsbok, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wild Dog

Serengeti: Black rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Gemsbok, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wild dog

Tarangire: Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Gemsbok, Hippo, Leopard, Lion

Selous: Buffalo, Eland, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, Wild Dog

Here are some of the top safari camps & Kilimanjaro lodges in Tanzania:

Safari Camps
Lake Natron Halisi Camp- while it doesn't offer running water, that is intentional to put the focus back on a traditional safari experience (don't worry, there are traditional bush showers).

Migunga Forest Camp- 21 traditional safari-style canvas tents that offer excellent access to explore Lake Manyara National Park.

Pakulala Safari Camp- a comfortable tented camp set on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Rhotia Tented Camp- a comfortable tented camp that takes advantage of the space in a creative design.

Serengeti Halisi Camp- focuses on tracking the Great Migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti seasonally.

Tarangire Safari Lodge- traditional thatched bungalows, just 6 miles from the Tarangire National Park.

Kilimanjaro Camps & Hotels
Kilimanjaro Halisi Retreat- a comfortable retreat lodge en route to base camp at Kilimanjaro.
Machame Route Camps - areas where climbers can set up camp along the trek up Kilimanjaro.

Best Time to Take a Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is a good destination to visit at any point of the year, with peak season from June through February.

June through February are also the best months to visit the islands of Zanzibar, while March, April, and May are the least popular times to visit Zanzibar.

Treks to Mt. Kilimanjaro are always in season!

Best Time to Travel to Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania and Ngorongoro Crater. This travel guide will discuss wet vs dry season and the benefits and drawbacks of both including when the best time is to spot wildlife.

How to get to Tanzania? Where do safaris in Tanzania start or finish from, and how can you visit?

The vast majority of Tanzania’s safaris and tours depart from the surrounding towns near Kilimanjaro International Airport. Whether you are taking a tour climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or visiting the Safaris near Lake Manyara, you will likely fly in through this airport. Contact our travel specialists to help you plan your ideal Tanzania safari holiday.

Before traveling take a look at Tanzania's current laws and advice for travel.

The United States - There are many 1-stop flight options from major cities in the U.S. to Kilimanjaro International Airport and Julius Nyerere Airport. Check out the United States advice for travel to Tanzania.

Canada - There are plenty of 1-stop flights from Toronto and Montreal to the main Tanzanian Airports. Check Canada’s laws and advice for travel to Tanzania.

The United Kingdom - Check the United Kingdom’s current laws and restrictions for international tourism.

India - There are frequent flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and even more Indian cities to Tanzania’s main two airports. Check India laws and advice for travel to Tanzania.

Tanzania FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania does require 6-months of validity on a passport and a tourist visa, which can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.

Is tipping customary in Tanzania?

Feel free to tip your guide $10 or more based on the quality of your tour; otherwise, you can leave marginal or small tips in hotels and restaurants. Tips are usually appreciated but not generally expected.

What is internet access like in Tanzania?

Since most of our tours through Tanzania are safari expeditions, it is unlikely that you will have internet access unless you are staying at one of the more luxurious hotels, and even then the access is not guaranteed. You should go with the assumption that you will not have internet access for most of your trip.

Can I use my cell phone while in Tanzania?

Since you will be on a safari-type expedition, it's unlikely that you will be close enough to any cell towers to be able to use your cell phone.

Do I need power adapters?

The power grid in Tanzania is 220-240v, meaning that you will need a converter for any 110v devices that can't handle the higher voltage. Depending on where you are, you will also encounter both Type G (BS-1363) plugs and Type D (BS-546) outlets, which require converters.

What are the toilets like in Tanzania?

Camp, inn, lodge, or hotel, your Tanzania accommodations will offer a western-style bowl toilet that flushes. It's possible that if you are in more rural parts of the country on an expedition that you'll encounter a squat toilet.

Can I drink the water in Tanzania?

Tap water in Tanzania is not safe to drink. Only drink the filtered or bottled water provided to you by your tour operator.

Are credit cards accepted in Tanzania? Will I be able to find ATMs?

You probably won't find any ATMs or card-accepting businesses on your Tanzania safari, but don't worry- that's why our trips are all-inclusive. When you arrive you can take out just enough cash for any tips or souvenirs and then you'll be set for the trip.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Always. It's a precaution that you'll hopefully never use but it can save you thousands of dollars, and we offer some great deals via TravelGuard on our Once You're Booked page.