Tanzania

Make sure your itinerary accommodates your travel goals if you want to see the Wildebeest Migration on a safari or experience the best beach weather in Zanzibar. When planning a trip to Tanzania, start early. Popular safari destinations and camps near hotspots for the Wildebeest Migration frequently sell out a year in advance. Choose your excursions carefully: while morning and afternoon game drives are standard safari activities, other outings like night game drives, escorted bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris are only permitted in specific locations or camps.

The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire are heavyweight national parks in Tanzania that can draw large numbers of visitors from roughly June to October. If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying fantastic game viewing, consider going during low or Green Season (roughly November to mid-December, March and end of May). Go private and visit one of Tanzania’s private reserves if exclusivity is what you’re looking for. As good as the main parks, the game viewing is excellent, and additional safari activities are occasionally provided.

Best Accommodation in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s traditional safari destinations and is home to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and a host of other magnificent parks and reserves. The majority of our suggestions for lodging are intimate safari lodges, secluded tented camps, and well-known safari hotels. Our selection of Tanzania lodging includes both opulent lodges and more reasonably priced safari camps, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience this fascinating and diverse safari nation. Think of private safari villas located in the most incredible wilderness settings when thinking of Tanzania’s exceptional and opulent lodging.

Our Selection of Top Accommodation in Tanzania Includes:

• Intimate camps that move with the movements of the wildebeest migration. 
• Charming properties are ideal for couples or parents traveling with children or other groups. 
• Perfectly hidden luxury lodges for the most romantic safari honeymoon. 
• Exclusive beach resorts with breathtaking views of tropical islands. 

Contact one of our Tanzania safari experts to help you find the ideal place for you:

A visa is required for almost all visitors to Tanzania. To find out the entry requirements for Tanzania and to make arrangements for the required permits and visas, you must get in touch with the relevant issuing authorities well in advance (ideally, several months). All clients traveling to Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport are strongly advised to apply for their visas online at the Tanzania Immigration Department prior to traveling there.

An e-visa can take two to three weeks to arrive. Visitors to Tanzania are required to have a passport that is still valid six months after their intended departure date. To complete the visa application, we will provide you with specific information and all necessary links to the government website where you can apply for a tourist visa to Tanzania.

If all you need to do is book your international flight to Africa, we can recommend several reliable and cost-effective options for you! While most of our guests choose DELTA/KLM direct through Europe, other popular airlines are Emirates, Turkish and Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya and Qatar Airways.

Please let us know your exact requirements and we’ll do everything we can to meet them. If needed, we can even book a business-class flight for you if you’d prefer. Trust us, you’ll be all booked and on your way in no time!

Light casual attire in sensible, neutral colors and a warm jacket for evening game drives are safe choices to make all year round when packing for your Tanzania safari. All important and specific information will be provided to you in a booklet (along with your itinerary) to help you prepare well for your safari in Tanzania with us. See our Africa Safari Guide for more information on what to bring on a safari in other destinations.

Women should respect Muslim cultural beliefs by dressing modestly in the main towns when visiting Zanzibar. In general, it is preferable to wear long skirts, capri pants, and t-shirts that cover the shoulders rather than tank tops and shorts. On the beaches and in resorts, beachwear and bathing suits are acceptable.

Etiquette

Tanzania has a strong religious culture, with Christianity and Islam being the two main religions. Visitors should be aware of the conservative nature of these locations, especially Stone Town, and dress and behave accordingly. The majority of Muslims reside on the coast and in Zanzibar. Tanzanians are known for being amiable and peaceful, but it is polite to ask for permission before taking pictures of people.

Main International Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania’s second international airport, serves the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. For charter flights to these safari locations, you must transfer to the nearby Arusha Airport. International flights frequently land at Kilimanjaro Airport late in the day, necessitating an overnight stay in Arusha. The main airport of Tanzania, Dar-es-Salaam International Airport, serves as a hub for travel to the Indian Ocean coast, Zanzibar, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous), and Ruaha National Park. 

Regional Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport is situated about 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from Arusha Airport, the entry point to northern Tanzania’s safari airstrips.

Meet & Greet – Wito Africa Tanzania Safari Team

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you’ll find your private driver/guide at the airport, holding a signboard with your group name on it, and a big smile! Next, he or she will help you gather your belongings and hop into the vehicle for a road transfer to your overnight accommodation in Arusha.

In Tanzania, game drives and guided road transfers are done in closed 4x4s with large windows and pop-up roofs, though travelers to places like Mahale will appreciate a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika. Since Tanzania’s safari destinations typically have extensive road networks, closed vehicles are typically used for long-distance road transfers between airstrips, camps, and lodges.

We use Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD, fully customized for game driving on African roads, offering maximum wildlife viewing and uninterrupted views of the African wilderness. All our vehicles are perfectly fitted for safari with everything one might need to enjoy game viewing or wildlife photography. Two to three rows of seats are typical in a closed 4×4 game drive vehicle, which also has a pop-up roof hatch that can be raised for game viewing and taking pictures. Depending on your travel party, we have two types of spacious, luxury Land Cruisers; a 6-passenger seater (three rows) and a sub-extended 4-passenger seater (two rows). 

Our vehicles offer large windows, inverter charging systems, first aid kits, Simba jacks, fire extinguishers, reflector triangles, tool kits, and refrigerators and are driven by an experienced safari guide. With your private safari vehicle and private safari Tanzania guide, there will not be any strangers/new members joining your safari Tanzania unless it has been previously arranged by the people who are traveling with you.

To enhance your experience on safari in Tanzania with us, we also include a tea/coffee basket for your picnic while you are out and about in the bush, bottled drinking water, some snacks and soft drinks!

Indeed, the country’s rich and diverse geography seems to echo the very spirit of Africa itself. The mountainous northeast (including Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak) gives way to the Great Rift Valley, on the floor of which are a number of large salt lakes. West of the Rift lies Serengeti National Park, which is famous for its lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo, as well as the annual migration of millions of white-bearded wildebeest. Furthermore, Serengeti National Park, one of the great natural wonders of the world, is famous for its extensive migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra, while the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest intact caldera (volcanic craters) in the world.

Sprawling across the northern Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania border is Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and traditionally named as the source of the River Nile. The national parks are also part of the wetlands of Tanzania, which particularly attract species such as the hippopotamus, waterbuck, common warthog, elephant, crocodile and sitatunga, as well as water birds such as flamingos and ducks.

Separating Tanzania from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west is the serene Lake Tanganyika, which is estimated to be the second deepest lake in the world. 

Continuing east, the coast includes Tanzania’s largest city and former capital, Dar es Salaam. The coast is home to areas of East African mangroves, whose swamps are an important habitat for wildlife, on land and in the water.

Since the dawn of mankind, when the savannahs of east and southern Africa saw the birth of humanity, Tanzania has been home to countless peoples of many different origins, and its culture and heritage have been shaped by this diversity. Today, it has a population of over 61 million people, encompassing 130 African ethnic groups, none of which represents more than 10% of the population. Unlike in many other African countries, most people identify themselves as Tanzanian, first and foremost.

In many aspects, Tanzania’s history parallels that of humanity. Tanzania may have been inhabited by hominids for more than 2 million years, according to fossils discovered at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. European and Arabian traders, missionaries, and slavers followed the Iron Age migrations from West Africa, and by the middle of the 1800s, Zanzibar had emerged as the hub of the East African slave trade. In 1961, mainland Tanganyika attained peaceful independence after being colonized first by the Germans and then by the British. The modern state of Tanzania was created in 1964 with the addition of Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s economy is dominated by agriculture, which employs 75% of the workforce and generates half of the nation’s GDP despite being rich in natural gas and mineral resources. Tanzania’s top exports include cotton, cotton-related goods, coffee, and tea. But the largest source of foreign exchange earnings for the nation is tourism, which is becoming more and more important every year.

Tanzania has a tropical climate, with regional variations due to topography. Across most of the country, temperatures rarely fall below 20 °C (68 °F), but it is cooler in the highlands (10 – 20 °C / 50 – 68 °F). Generally, the hottest season is November to February and the coldest period is June to August.

The north and east of Tanzania experience two distinct wet periods – the short rains (or “Vuli”) in November to December and the long rains (or “Masika”) from April to early May – while other parts of the country have one wet season that extends from March to April.

The main and most well-known safari parks in Tanzania are located along the northern circuit, which should be explored and enjoyed over the course of at least seven days. Each game park extends an invitation to stay for at least two nights in order to fully experience the magic of wildlife encounters and extraordinary lodging opportunities. If you’re looking for a longer safari excursion, adding the southern parks of the Selous or Ruaha to your itinerary will cap off a spectacular Tanzanian wildlife wonder.

The most popular safari route in Tanzania is the northern circuit. It is simple to connect four adjacent national parks on a multi-day overland tour, and they each offer very unique safari experiences. Starting from Arusha, you would travel to Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara for a couple of nights, then proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater. One day can be spent exploring the Crater, and lodging is typically located outside the reserve. A highlight of a northern circuit safari is to end in the renowned Serengeti. Visitors who want to avoid crowds or broaden their safari experience by visiting other areas will love the southern parks. 

The infrastructure isn’t as good as it is in the north, and travel times are longer. However, this region offers some of Africa’s most undiscovered and underappreciated treasure parks like Mikumi, Ruaha, and Selous. It is possible to combine the north and south parks on a seven- to ten-day trip thanks to safari flights’ quick and direct connections. Western Tanzania is completely off the beaten path and offers the best opportunities for chimpanzee trekking, particularly in the Mahale Mountains and the more tranquil areas of Katavi National Park, for those seeking even more adventure and perhaps their second or third safari trip.

Let’s not forget that Tanzania is home to the captivating Mt. Kilimanjaro, which visitors can choose to either drive by and admire from a distance or climb via a variety of routes as an adventure before or after a safari. What better way to unwind after a safari in Tanzania than to spend some time on Zanzibar’s white beaches? The island, which is off the coast of the Indian Ocean, has a fascinating cultural history and pairs well with any safari destination in Tanzania or Kenya.

The majority of safari excursions in Tanzania are conducted inside an enclosed vehicle, typically a 4×4, with six seats, large windows, and a pop-up roof. The game-driving experiences are of a high caliber, and your guide will be clearly audible as he gives you updates and responds to your inquiries as you go. Your game drives will be along major roads with the option to pause and take in the wildlife along the way since off-roading is not permitted in Tanzania.

Depending on your itinerary and travel style, there are a few options where you can rent a vehicle for exclusive use, and some private lodges do provide open-sided vehicles. With a 4×4 open-sided vehicle, you will have the option to do a shared game package experience, whereby you will be sharing an open-sided safari vehicle and guide with at least 2-4 other people. This type of experience will typically offer you twice daily game drives (one game drive in the morning, relaxation and lunch at the camp, then followed by another one in the afternoon).

If you wish to enjoy unlimited private game drives with a private guide and exclusive use of a private safari vehicle for your entire stay, we can arrange that for you with the lodge for an additional charge.

The full range of activities available in Tanzania’s magnificent safari parks includes walking safaris, night safaris, and a boating safari in the south. All itineraries can be supplemented with cultural experiences, the most well-known of which is a trip to a Masai village.

Although seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, Tanzania is best known for its incredible wildlife encounters, particularly for cat sightings. It is difficult to find a place with as many lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You might see hunts because these predators have such easy access to so much prey. Numerous animals call Tanzania home, and sightings can change from day to day. You might see fifty elephants marching in unison, a herd of giraffes, or a large group of baboons congregating around a single tree. Around the end of October, thousands of wildebeest and zebra congregate in the Serengeti for the annual migration, which is an absolutely breathtaking spectacle to see.

Timing is crucial as it plays a big role in determining your experience. If seeing the Big Five or a lot of wildlife in a limited number of sightings is your safari objective, you should go in the drier summer months of July and August. The best time for birders to visit Tanzania is in January and February when the short rains revive the vegetation, new life begins, and the bird population is at its peak.

Depending on which park you are in, your daily safari experience in Tanzania will vary. With a packed lunch to eat in the bush, you will probably spend the entire day exploring the savannas and grasslands in larger parks like the Serengeti and Ruaha. The schedule is more similar to that of other safari nations in smaller parks, with distinct morning and afternoon activities separated by lunch and downtime at the camp.

With differences in architecture, both camps and lodges provide a high-end, luxurious safari lodging experience with unique touches, delectable cuisine, and a peaceful atmosphere. Camps typically have canvas walls, which makes it possible to hear the nighttime sounds of the bush much more clearly. With their sturdy construction and larger size, lodges can accommodate more amenities like swimming pools, roomier dining rooms, and outdoor living spaces.

You will have two full days to enjoy the wildlife spectacle of the particular safari destination you are visiting at that time if you stay three nights. While the Ngorongoro Crater may be explored in one full day, you might want to consider spending three days or more in one or more Serengeti lodges and camps. Give yourself at least two full days to travel through the Ruaha and the Selous, two very different safari destinations in terms of scenery.

The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, which lasts from late June until October. Tanzania is a popular destination, and the months of July and September are particularly wildlife-rich, with animals congregating at waterholes and reserves teeming with life. 

Rain showers, lush vegetation, and an abundance of birds are all features of the green season. The “long rains” (April to May) and the “short rains” (November to December) are Tanzania’s two separate rainy seasons. The nation’s “long rains,” which typically occur in the afternoon, bring tropical downpours, and some safari camps may have to close, especially in April. The ‘short rains’ occasionally produce a quick shower. Tanzania’s safari regions have warm days and cool evenings all year round. While Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru experience below-freezing temperatures, the Indian Ocean coast and areas near lakes are hot and muggy.

Select your preferred time to travel, then let a Wito Africa safari expert create an itinerary that meets your needs for a safari and incorporates the major attractions of that season.

The prolonged dry season in Tanzania lasts from June to October. There is hardly any rain during these chilly months. The absence of humidity makes traveling comfortable, and the mild days and cool nights provide an exceptionally tranquil safari experience. Tanzania experiences small rains (as described by locales) in mid-November and December. The landscape is revitalized by some welcome rain, and the temperature and humidity increase. However, it never rains heavily enough to cancel a safari program.

The green season, which lasts from December to March during the hottest months, is best for birdwatchers and those who want to see new growth in the bush because of the longer daily rainfalls that cool things off and provide a lush safari experience. There are heavy rains in April and early May. Most days are dominated by violent storms and frequent torrential rainfall. Most camping areas close their doors and many driving trails become impassable in April.

The best times to see wildlife density are during the dry seasons when there is less vegetation and more animal movement in search of water. Your guide will be able to tell you where to look. With miles of views at this time of year, it is simpler to spot elusive animals like leopards or spot an elephant herd in the distance on a ridge with a setting sun. Rainy months bring about “green seasons,” and while the encroaching foliage might make spotting wildlife a little more difficult, this is a lovely time of year because the parks see fewer visitors and wildlife, like birds, is more abundant.

Because the great migration occurs every year, it is possible to see large herds of wildebeest and zebra. The migratory wildlife is known to cause a pattern of confusion to those new to the area—especially because they are constantly moving from one location to another. Herds congregate in the southeast Serengeti during the green season, from December to March, to give birth.

In April and May, they move up to the central Serengeti, and in June they move in the western corridor to cross the Grumeti River. By July and August, the herds start arriving in the far northern part of Serengeti where they cross the mighty Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Around the end of October and beginning of November, animals return to Tanzania and put on one of the best shows on earth.

Tanzania is regarded as a safe nation with a solid government and no active military presence. A guide will always be with you, and you won’t typically spend much time in cities. Pay attention to your surroundings when you’re in cities and markets, and follow general safety precautions in hotels and inns like locking things in the safe. Since there are no fences separating people from the animals, it is crucial to abide by the rules set forth by the guides and camp staff regarding wildlife. Typically, these involve staying in the camp and not leaving alone at night and staying inside the safari vehicle unless told to do otherwise.

If your safari begins anywhere in northern Tanzania, such as the Serengeti, or if you are flying in for the northern circuit, Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO) is the best airport to use. Another gateway to take into account if you want to combine a safari in Tanzania with time spent in Zanzibar or other east African nations is Arusha (ARK). If your safari is in southern Tanzania, think about flying into Dar es Salaam (DAR). The airports in Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam both provide direct flights to numerous significant European airports, as well as flights to other east and southern African nations. In order to combine a safari experience with some downtime on Zanzibar’s white beaches, Zanzibar offers a few international connections and some flights out of the Serengeti.

Safari flights are necessary for itineraries that connect Zanzibar and the north and south. These flights, which travel in small planes, stop at various parks and airports, dropping off passengers at various locations. 33 pounds is the strict weight limit, and soft-sided bags should be used for luggage. The schedules are established and generally fairly accurate.

While we will help you book all your domestic flights within Africa, our personalized service takes the hassle out of finding and booking the best international flights for your upcoming vacation. Our Wito Africa experts will help you through the entire planning of your safari experience.

Finding the ideal flight for your trip is made simple by using the same personalized service you can get from planning a trip with Wito Africa. We offer support and a free consultation on flights and ticketing.

For clients with mobility issues, we offer vehicles and guides to help them travel the safari circuit. All safari visitors are taken into consideration when designing the vehicles, and wheelchair-using guests are accommodated. Lodges and camps have particular accommodations for guests with mobility issues. Your mobility requirements will be satisfied if you work with your Wito Africa safari expert.

Travelers are advised to take anti-malarial medication because Tanzania is in a malarial region. Because of the high altitude, cool temperatures, and generally dry, cooler months, the risk of malaria is lower in places like Ngorongoro Crater. Of course, exercise caution. According to the CDC, if you are traveling from a low-risk country into Tanzania, you do not need a yellow fever certificate. However, you will need to have that in order to enter Tanzania if you plan to combine your Tanzanian experience with a safari in another east African nation, such as Kenya or Uganda.

Once you’ve committed to your ideal safari adventure, it’s strongly advised that you get travel insurance. It’s important to have coverage for the unexpected, and starting your journey with that peace of mind is a wise choice.

Ideal attire should be light in both color and material, with a light jacket for the evenings. If you’re traveling in the winter, you should think about packing gloves and a scarf for the early morning starts. Packing a pair of comfortable walking shoes is ideal because hiking boots are not necessary. It is important to keep in mind that most domestic flights have a strict 33lb per person luggage limit and demand the use of soft-sided bags.

Over the course of a weeklong northern circuit itinerary, you can easily see a wide variety of animals and parks in the family-friendly northern region of Tanzania. Transferring between parks is comfortable, and there is the option to stop along the way as necessary because safari vehicles are enclosed and can only hold a maximum of six passengers.

Safaris almost become private, and families traveling with older kids will have more lodging options because not all lodges accept children younger than 12 years old, if at all. Children can participate in programs at some lodges and camps where they can become junior rangers and culinary artists.

Romance and luxury are best exemplified by dining in a secluded bush location or sipping champagne while watching the sunset. There is no doubt that Tanzania is the ideal honeymoon destination. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater set the scene for an intimate and special time away from the hustle and bustle. There are private vehicle options, hot-air balloon rides, and wildlife spotting that is second to none.

Pacing is crucial for seniors, followed by an awareness of the surroundings and locations of the safari. Your comfort and enjoyment of a wildlife experience in a safari park or reserve that doesn’t require a lot of travel time or is conveniently connected to another park, city, or beach can greatly benefit from adding two or three extra nights to your itinerary. Your safari will go smoothly if you communicate with your Wito Africa safari planner and the team on the ground.

When you reserve your safari with Wito Africa, you’ll get paperwork that includes a thorough packing list. But suffice it to say that you should dress comfortably and casually. Wearing clothing in shades of khaki, olive, brown, and tan improves your chances of spotting wildlife and has the added advantage of hiding dirt. Additionally, you should resist the urge to overpack because laundry services will be available in a lot of the locations we visit.

Absolutely. We would like to extend a warm welcome to you as one of our valued visitors to our country. After clearing customs at the airport of your arrival, a member of the Wito Africa Safaris staff will welcome you and drive you as quickly as possible to the convenience of your hotel.

Because of its reliance on weather, particularly rain, which brings new grasses for the wildebeest to graze on, the timing of the Great Migration can vary. Consult a Wito Africa Safaris expert about the ideal time to book your trip if you want to see this natural wonder. But generally speaking: From November to May, the herds can be seen wandering through the short grasses of Serengeti National Park. Wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelles move between the woodlands and plains based on the weather starting in January.

May marks the beginning of the herds’ roughly 500-mile Migration as the grasses start to dry out. They move north, and by September they are in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, which is more green. They typically remain here until October. The herds set out on their journey to the Serengeti along an eastern route in anticipation of the brief rains and the promise of their arrival—along with the promise of mineral-rich grasslands. They move to the lush savannahs and woodlands of Ndutu and Kusini in November and December, where they stay until the cycle starts over again.

Depending on your service provider, your phone may or may not work in some regions of Africa if it is more recent. Amazingly, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the East African bush! American cell phones using AT&T and T-Mobile will typically work in urban areas such as Nairobi, Arusha, Kigali, and Entebbe, among many others! The major airports also rent out cell phones; the rates are affordable and you only pay for calls made.

Is there internet access at the lodges and camps?

A lodge or camp in the wilderness that provides guests with access to a computer is uncommon. Most hotels in Nairobi have internet-connected computers, and there are internet cafes in many other cities. In any case, travelers shouldn’t count on using email to stay in touch with their families.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, we invite you to contact us by email. We’ll always get back to you within 12 – 24 hours.