Tanzania Safari: An Insider’s Guide to the Adventure of a Lifetime

Not many places in Africa still feel completely wild, which accounts for Tanzania’s ongoing allure as an exceptional safari destination. Tanzania represents the sharp edge of adventurous, transformative travel to pristine, remote places with a timeless appeal. All the best safari operators have a solid presence here, from &Beyond and Singita to Nomad Tanzania and Asilia Africa. In their shared mission to fund the conservation of wild places through sustainable, positive-impact travel, old camps in prime locations have been rebuilt to more exacting earth-friendly standards, while expedition-style camps and authentic mobile operations in increasingly far-flung concessions are all the rage – privacy and access to space being the ultimate luxuries.

Tanzania’s main attraction is the Serengeti, a vast wilderness of endless plains, teeming with wildlife and offering some of the most exceptional game viewing in the world. The Serengeti is known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a never-ending cycle in search of greener pastures. Like Botswana, exploration by vehicle, on foot, or by hot air balloon adds an exciting, more immersive dimension to game viewing. Further north, the Ngorongoro Crater offers a different but equally mesmerizing safari experience, with its steep walls enclosing a rich ecosystem. Guests enjoy exclusive access to this natural wonder, with prime game viewing that includes the Big Five. To the south, the vast Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park offer more intimate encounters with wildlife, away from the crowds.

Where to Go on a Tanzania Safari

Much of the Serengeti is protected by the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounding this are privately managed conservation concessions, many previously given to hunting. Granted by lease from local communities, expansion in these small concessions has been kept in check by strict environmental standards and visitor number restrictions. Many Insta-worthy, eco-luxe, sustainably run safari camps are located in these low-footprint, game-rich private concessions that benefit local communities.

A fine example is Nomad Tanzania’s partnership with local, land-owning communities in the Lamai Wedge, where proceeds from eco-friendly camps, like Lamai Serengeti, are ploughed straight back into conservation and empowerment projects.

Unlike the national parks and reserves, private concessions offer the flexibility and freedom of guided walking safaris, night drives, and off-roading for up-close animal sightings and photography. It is unusual to see vehicles on game drives other than those from the same camp. Many of the best camps are only accessible by air, a perfect opportunity to appreciate the Serengeti’s vastness and beauty from above. Hot air balloon rides reveal the diversity and amount of wildlife from the air: herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes moving across the plains, and lions lounging in the grass.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit, with its unique landscape and dense wildlife population. Here, you can see the Big Five in one of the most spectacular settings on earth. The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park offer a completely different perspective of the country, with their remote and rugged beauty, where you can encounter large elephant herds, packs of wild dogs, and rare antelope species.

When to Go on a Tanzania Safari

Given the popularity of Tanzania’s small camps, ‘whenever you can get a booking’ is the best time to go. It also depends on what interests you and where you are going. The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season from June to October when the Great Migration is in full swing and animals are concentrated around water sources. This is also the best time for water activities, like boat trips on the Rufiji River in the Selous.

The wet season from November to May is also a good time to visit, especially for bird watchers and those interested in the calving season, when many animals give birth. The landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater is year-round, as the wildlife remains in the crater due to the permanent water sources. The Selous and Ruaha are best visited during the dry season when animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes.

Where to Stay on a Tanzania Safari

Singita Grumeti, Serengeti
This luxury lodge offers the ultimate safari experience with its prime location in the Grumeti Reserve, right on the path of the Great Migration. The lodge features elegant suites with private pools, excellent game viewing, and top-notch service.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the rim of the crater, this lodge offers breathtaking views and opulent accommodations. The unique architecture and décor, reminiscent of a baroque chateau, make it one of the most distinctive lodges in Africa. Game drives into the crater are the highlight of the stay.

Sand Rivers Selous
Located on the banks of the Rufiji River, this lodge offers an authentic safari experience with its open-fronted rooms and beautiful views. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips on the river.

Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park
This stylish and contemporary lodge is set on a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the surrounding bush. The spacious suites, infinity pool, and excellent game viewing make it a perfect base for exploring Ruaha.

Lamai Serengeti
Situated in the northern Serengeti, this camp offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience with its elegant tents and spectacular views of the Mara River. The camp is ideally located for witnessing the river crossings during the Great Migration.

A safari in Tanzania is truly the adventure of a lifetime. With its diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, and luxurious accommodations, it offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking an authentic and transformative journey into the wild. Whether you are exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, or the remote beauty of the Selous and Ruaha, Tanzania promises an unforgettable safari adventure.