Tanzania

Why Tanzania?    Serengeti.  Ngorongoro Crater.  Olduvai. Great Migration.  Zanzibar.  Selous.  Ruaha.

Here is a selection of our best-selling Tanzania Safaris & Extensions.  Of course, there are lots of options & permutations... so contact us to tailor-make a safari just for you.

Why a Tanzania Safari?

Serengeti - Big Cats & The Great Migration (of National Geographic fame).

 

Ngorongoro - World Heritage listed Crater ecosystem & endangered black rhinos.

 

Tarangire - semi-arid ecosystem dotted with baobab trees, home to large elephant herds.

 

Lake Manyara - World Biosphere Reserve, particularly interesting for birders.

 

Selous, Ruaha, Katavi & Mahale - Wild & remote.  A true wilderness experience. Home to African Wild Dogs.  Chimpanzee Treks.

 

Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia Islands - Stone Town & culture, tropical white sand beaches, snorkelling, whale sharks & scuba diving.

 

Classic Tanzania Safari

Safari Highlights: The Migration, Big Cats & Africa's Big 5: Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard.
Is this Safari for me? For the first time safari-goer who wants Tanzania's famous highlights.

 

Quick Look Tanzania Safari Itinerary
   Day    Location Map of Tanzania showing Arusha and safari locations
  1   Arusha
  2   Tarangire
  3   Tarangire
  4   Lake Manyara
  5   Ngorongoro
  6   Ngorongoro
  7   Serengeti
  8   Serengeti
9   Serengeti
10   Serengeti
 
Safari Highlights
 

Tarangire:  Semi-arid ecosystem, baobab forests & large elephant herds in season.
Lake Manyara:  World Biosphere Reserve, particularly interesting for birders in season.
Ngorongoro Crater:  World Heritage listed, 20km wide Crater, with resident wildlife including black rhinos. Excellent Big Cat sightings.
Serengeti: Abundant Grass Plains stretching to the horizon.  Big Cats: lion, leopard, cheetah. Famous Wildebeest Migration, & wildebeest calving in season.

             

Detailed Tanzania Safari Itinerary
   Day   Activities  
       
  1   Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  
 
  2   Drive to Tarangire.  Game drive in Tarangire National Park - a beautiful, semi-arid, baobab-studded ecosystem.  In season, view dense concentrations of wildlife, including large herds of Elephants.  Tarangire is the home of Dr. Charles Foley's 'Tarangire Elephant Project'. (B L D)  
 
  3   Enjoy morning & afternoon or a full day of game drives to explore Tarangire National Park. Enjoy searching for wildlife along the Tarangire sand River.  (B L D)  
 
  4   Today, drive to Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara is a soda lake, and part of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. Explore savanna, marshes & acacia woodland.  (B L D)  
 
  5   Drive to the Crater Highlands today.  See Maasai tribes people herding their cattle & goats.  Afternoon at leisure or a chance to drive further into the rarely visited northern Ngorongoro Highlands for a chance to see Empakaai Crater, and Ol Donyo Lengai - the Masai Mountain God.  (B L D)  
 
  6   Explore World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Crater.  A 20km wide, unbroken caldera (volcanic crater) complete with its own resident wildlife.  Critically endangered black rhinos & lions are the star attractions, along with leopards in the Crater rim forest.  (B L D)  
 
  7   Option to visit Olduvai Gorge: the "birthplace of Humankind".  See a variety of fossils, including ancient hominid footprint casts at the small Leakey Museum.
Continue to the Serengeti for afternoon game drives. Watch the spectacular sunset over the Serengeti's Grass Plains. (B L D)
 
 
  8   Big Cats are one of the star attractions of the Serengeti. Game drive in search of lion prides, cheetahs & leopards made famous by BBC & Disney's 'African Cats'.  See a myriad of Plains wildlife such as zebra, wildebeest, Thomsons & Grants gazelles, impalas, dik diks & more.  (B L D)  
 
  9   Game drives to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in season - made famous by National Geographic documentaries. You may even see the Wildebeest calving during February, where wildebeest give birth to up to 8,000 calves a day. (B L D)  
 
  10   FLY to Arusha, where you can relax in your day room. Later transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. (B)  
 
Tanzania Safari Photos
Luxury Classic Tanzania Safari from only $7,895
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $9,998 to $15,000+

 

Remote Tanzania Safari

Safari Highlights: Exclusive, remote wilderness.  Best chance to see Wild Dogs.
Is this Safari for me? For the safari connoisseur who wants to experience Wild Africa - by vehicle, boat & foot.

 

Quick Look Tanzania Safari Itinerary
   Day    Location Map of Tanzania showing Dar es Salaam, Ruaha National Park, and Selous Game Reserve
  1   Dar es Salaam
  2   Ruaha
  3   Ruaha
  4   Ruaha
  5   Selous
  6   Selous
  7   Zanzibar / Pemba
  8   Zanzibar
9   Zanzibar
10   Zanzibar
 
Safari Highlights
 

Ruaha:  Vast wilderness. A unique transition zone from Eastern to Southern African species.  Spectacular birdlife.
Selous
: Africa's largest Game Reserve.  Wildlife viewing by boat safari.  Nature walks, walking safaris & fly camping.
Zanzibar
: World Heritage listed Stone Town & Swahili coastal culture.  White sand beaches, snorkelling & diving.
OPTION - Pemba
 Island: for a remote, barefoot island paradise that sees few visitors, swap Zanzibar for Pemba.

             

Detailed Tanzania Safari Itinerary
   Day   Activities  
       
  1   Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  
 
  2   Transfer to the airport.
FLY to to the untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park. Game drive in Ruaha, a unique transition zone of Eastern & Southern African species.  Relax at your lodge & enjoy the beautiful views.  (B L D)
 
 
  3  

Morning & afternoon or a full day of game drives in Ruaha National Park, following the Great Ruaha River.  See amazing concentrations of wildlife around the Ruaha & Mzombe Rivers, including lions, elephant & buffalos.  

The Ruaha Carnivore Project works here, and for a small donation, you can visit their camp, or they can come to your lodge/ camp and give you a presentation on their community-based conservation work.  (B L D)

 
 
  4   Another day to enjoy Ruaha's amazing landscapes, wildlife and wilderness. This is a park that has inspired many an artist, including Robert Glen (bronze sculptor) & Sue Stolberger (painter).  (B L D)  
 
  5   FLY to Selous, Africa's largest Game Reserve.  Explore Selous on game drives, by boat safari & by foot.  See beautiful species such as Roan & Sable antelope.  Selous is home to the largest remaining populations of endangered African Wild Dogs.  (B L D)  
 
  6   Today enjoy wildlife viewing by boat, vehicle, or on foot.  On your boat safari, see grunting hippos, crocodiles, diverse birdlife, & maybe even elephants crossing the river!  (B L D)  
 
  7  

FLY to Zanzibar. Stay in Stone Town so you can enjoy the Swahili Culture and wander the World Heritage listed winding streets.  Or you can head for the white sand beaches where you can relax and unwind after your safari. 

(Alternatively, fly to remote Pemba, where the focus is relaxation on the beautiful white sand beaches, and snorkelling or scuba diving.)  (B)

 
 
  8  

Day at leisure, with lots of optional activities available on Zanzibar, such as: Tour of Stone Town, Spice Farm Tour, Jozani Forest tour where you can see endangered Red Colobus monkeys, snorkelling, scuba diving Mnemba Atoll - or simply relax!

On Pemba, you can relax by the pool or beach, go snorkelling or scuba diving.  (B)

 
 
  9   Day at leisure, or activity options as above. (B)  
 
  10  

FLY to Dar es Salaam & transfer to the international airport to catch your flight back home. (B)

 


RUAHA EXTENSION OPTION:  Love the idea of a walking safari, and staying in a mobile camp in the remote wilderness?  Ask us about including a 3 night Kichaka Explorer Walking Safari.

 

EXTENSION OPTION:  Lake Tanganyika Diving, min 4 days - see 'Extensions' tab for more information.

 

 
 
Tanzania Safari Photos
Luxury Remote Tanzania Safari from only $8,987
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,965 to $17,000+

 

Diving in Tanzania

Highlights: Zanzibar diving, Mafia diving & whale sharks, Pemba wall diving.
Is this for me? For the scuba diver that wants a taste of all Tanzania's Island diving highlights.

 

Quick Look Tanzania Diving Safari Itinerary
   Day    Location Map of Tanzania showing Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island, and Pemba Island
  1   Zanzibar
  2   Zanzibar
  3   Zanzibar
  4   Zanzibar
  5   Mafia
  6   Mafia
  7   Mafia
  8   Mafia
9   Pemba
10   Pemba
11   Pemba
12   Pemba
 
Diving Safari Highlights
 

Zanzibar:  Mnemba Atoll Marine Park. Coral gardens. Stone Town Swahili culture. Red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest. Spice Farms.
Mafia Island: Chole Bay. Marine Park with excellent diving. Turtles, reef sharks. Snorkel with whale sharks in season.
Pemba Island: A remote, barefoot island paradise. Pemba Channel, exhilerating wall drift dives, Misali Island.

             

Detailed Tanzania Diving Itinerary
   Day   Activities  
       
  1   Arrive in Zanzibar. Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure.  
 
  2-4   Zanzibar - up to 6 dives total, as per local weather and tidal conditions. 
Diving on Day 4 restricted to morning. 
Zanzibar's most famous dive sites are off Mnemba Atoll, where there are beautiful coral gardens, and you have a good chance of seeing turtles. For the advanced diver, Leven Banks is an excellent dive with large pelagics - but only reachable in good sea conditions. 
For your time off, or non-diving partner/ family, there are lots of options:
Tour of Stone Town, Spice Farm Tour, Jozani Forest tour where you can see endangered Red Colobus monkeys, snorkelling. (B D)
 
 
  5   Transfer from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport.
FLY Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam - Mafia. 
On arrival, transfer to your Mafia Lodge. (B D)
 
 
  6-8   Mafia - up to 6 dives total, as per local weather and tidal conditions. 
Mafia Island Marine Park was Tanzania's first. The diving around Mafia's Chole Bay is arguably the best in Tanzanian waters. Large schools of reef fish, good chances of seeing turtles & even white-tipped reef sharks. Diving here is suitable for novice to advanced divers. 
In season, up to 2 whale shark snorkelling trips. 
Whale sharks aggregate as little as 200m off the western shores from Nov-early March. You can snorkel with these gentle giants - we frequently see several per trip, and as many as 14 in one 2 hour trip! 
Diving on Day 8 restricted to morning. (B L D)
 
 
  9   Transfer to Mafia Airport.
FLY Mafia - Dar - Pemba. 
Transfer to your Pemba Lodge. (B L D)
 
 
  10 -11   Pemba - up to 4 dives total as per local weather and tidal conditions. 
Pemba diving is exhilarating for the advanced diver, particularly off the northern tip where the currents are often strong. There are steep wall drop-offs, sea mounts & sea ridges to explore - recommended only for the advanced diver. 
For the novice & advanced diver alike, Misali Island has beautiful coral gardens, as well as small wall dives with a relatively light current.
Diving on Day 11 restricted to morning. (B L D)
 
 
  12  

Transfer to Pemba Airport.
FLY Pemba - Zanzibar.  Catch your international flight home.

 

 

EXTENSION OPTION: truely remote diving for the scuba diving connoisseur: Lake Tanganyika Diving, min 4 days - see 'Extensions' tab for more information. (B)

 
 
Tanzania Diving Photos
Luxury accommodation for divers
Zanzibar clear waters
Whaleshark off Tanzania
Diving in Zanzibar
Turtle in Zanzibar
Scuba diving off Dhow
Luxury Tanzania Diving Safari from only $8,788
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,995 to $15,000+

 

Extend your Safari
Explore different parks or regions, focus on particular species, relax by the beach,  go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice. Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
  Mafia Island - min 2 nights
Love marine life? Want to go diving, see whale sharks & turtles?
If you're a water baby & love marine life, then head to Mafia Island. Mafia Island Marine Park was Tanzania's first Marine Park, and the most successful, with turtles & white tip reef sharks as regulars.
In season, you have the chance of swimming with the world's largest fish - the incredible whale shark, measuring up to a whopping 18m!
You are almost guaranteed to see turtles in the ocean, and in season, turtles hatching.
This is a laid-back tropical paradise for those that appreciate nature.
If relaxing on a white sand beach is more your style, head to Zanzibar. 
Incl. flights from Dar es Salaam, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 970 pp for 2 nights.
   
  Pemba Island - min 2 nights
Want to head to a remote, tropical island & maybe go diving?
Head to Pemba for a truly chilled out, relaxing end to your safari.  Pemba is a destination for those looking for a Robinson Crusoe style 'barefoot paradise'.  Aqua blue waters & beaches that retain their indigenous mangrove forests.  
Fundu Lagoon is a favourite for romantic escapades & Honeymoons.  The perfect place to relax and do nothing, or go snorkelling/ diving at Misali Island.
The northern tip of Pemba is an excellent destination for Advanced Scuba Divers that enjoy vertical walls, sea mounts, ridges & sometimes fast currents. 
Incl. flights from Dar es Salaam, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights.
   
  Zanzibar Island - min 2 nights
Want to visit famous Zanzibar for culture & white sand beaches?
From white sand beaches on the north & east coasts, to World Heritage listed Stone Town & Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. 
Zanzibar is a large island, taking 2 hours to drive north to south, and an hour across. So, we recommend staying in the area that interests you most. There is an ever increasing range of accommodation options on this resort island.
Incl. flights from Dar es Salaam, transfers, accommodation, breakfast.
From US$ 798 pp for 2 nights.
   
 

Lake Tanganyika - min 4 nights

Love going remote & unique? Want to dive & see cichlid fish?

One of the world's largest & deepest freshwater lakes, and one of Africa's Great Lakes. This is a rarely visited, remote and beautiful lake in Western Tanzania, which we highly recommend. You'll be amongst only a handful of visitors there at any one time - there are only 2 small places to stay. If you're a scuba diver or a cichlid fish enthusiast, you'll know this is a must-do. There are over 250 species of cichlids here, with a high level of endemism - aquarium keepers love Lake Tanganyika species for their bright colours.

You also have the option to extend & go to Katavi National Park for its excellent wildlife, or beautiful Mahale Mountains National Park to trek to see chimpanzees.

Incl. flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, transfers, accommodation, most meals.

From US$ 3,978 pp for 4 nights.

   
 

Tanzania's Remote West - min 4 nights

Been to Africa before? Want remote, untouched and different wildlife?
We also offer safaris to Mahale & Gombe Stream where you can go trekking in the forest to see chimpanzees, and to Katavi for its great wilderness & high wildlife concentrations during the dry season. Mahale & Katavi make a great combination for a rich & varied experience. These are all incredible safari destinations for connoisseurs, and highly recommended.
Incl. flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, park fees.
From US$ 4,495 pp for 4 nights.

   
 
   
Prices

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The short answer;  It depends....

The long answer:  The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country. 

 

Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.

 

  Classic Safari    
  Luxury from:  US$ 7,895
  More Luxury from: US$ 9,998
 
  Remote Safari  
  Luxury from: US$ 8,987
  More Luxury from: US$ 10,965
 
  Diving Safari  
  Luxury from:  US$ 8,788
  More Luxury from: US$ 10,995
 
  Extensions  
  Luxury from:  US$   798
  More Luxury from: US$   970
  Seasonal Pricing  
 
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
  Season   Low   High   Peak  
 
    Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing, which is based on holiday seasons.  For wildlife seasons & the best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab.    
     

Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.

 

Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!

 

No hidden costs - Guaranteed!  
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.

 

Accommodation & responsible travel

We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests!  Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible.  They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.

 

So what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?

       
  Luxury   More Luxury & Exclusivity
  High quality Lodges &/or Tented Camps,
in a classic or adventure camp style.
Food is of a high standard.
Set in areas with good wildlife viewing.
Driving safaris will be in a private 4x4 vehicle.
 

Small & intimate lodges or camps.
House drinks & extra activity inclusive basis.
High standards of guiding, food & service.
Very best locations for wildlife viewing.

Often in remote, exclusive locations.

       
  Accommodation featured:   Accommodation featured: 
 

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Wayo Tarangire Green Camp

Tarangire River Camp

Wayo Manyara Green Camp

Manyara Kirurumu Camp
Ngorongoro Plantation Lodge 
Ngorongoro Mobile Camp

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Serengeti Kati Kati Camp 

Wayo Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Camp
Serengeti Mbalageti Camp
Ruaha Mdonyo Camp
Selous Lake Manze Camp 
Zanzibar Jafferji House

Zanzibar Kisiwa House

Zanzibar Pongwe Beach Hotel

Katuma Bush Lodge, Katavi

Kungwe Beach Lodge, Mahale

Gombe Forest Lodge


 

Arusha Legendary Lodge
Tarangire Oliver's Camp 

Ecoscience - Science Centre & Luxury Lodge

Manyara Ranch Conservancy

Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Lemala Camp
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Serengeti Sayari Camp
Serengeti, Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Singita Sabora Plains Camp

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Ruaha Jongomero Camp

Kichaka Walking Safari Camps
Selous Sand Rivers Camp

Selous Siwandu Safari Camp 

Mashariki Palace, Stone Town
Zanzibar Serena, Stone Town 
Zanzibar Mnemba Island Lodge 
Lake Tanganyika Lake Shore Lodge 

Nomad Chada Katavi Camp

Nomad Greystoke Mahale Camp

       

We clearly explain what's included & what's not:

 

Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in quality 4x4 safari vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.

 

All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.

 

Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.  Check your Tanzania visa requirements here:  http://immigration.go.tz

 

Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.  These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!

 

Seasons

Q:  When is the best time to go to Tanzania?    
A:  It depends on what you want to see & experience

It may sound like a cliché to say that there is no bad time to go, however, it really is true - we know, we're there at all times of the year!  There is always something happening; animals don't disappear because it's raining, although they do disperse into different areas.  The exception here is the remote south & west - although the rainy season is a great time to go, most lodges & camps close down because of the difficult logistics involved with long distances, impassable dirt roads, and wet airstrips!  

 

If you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time.

 

If you have specific interests - such as seeing The Great Migration in the Serengeti, or whale sharks off Mafia Island - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.

 

Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Tanzania


  January - March
Short dry season with rain showers towards the end of the period.
A month of mass wildebeest calvings in the Serengeti/ Ndutu short grass plains: up to 8,000 calves are born each day.  Lots of bounding, wobbly legged wildebeest calves are a sight to behold!
High predator densities & excellent lion, cheetah & hyena sightings.
Great time for birding, with Eurasian migratory bird species present.
   
  April - May
Classified as the Long Rains.
However, this is not monsoonal - the typical pattern is: periods of clear skies & mixed cloud, with an afternoon shower.
An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear.
The Wildebeest Migration is spread out over Serengeti's short grass plains, where they bring up their newly born calves. 
Lush, green vegetation & beautiful wildflowers. 
Southern & Western national parks are closed for this season.
   
 

June

Start of the cooler, dry season.
Wildlife begins to migrate closer to water sources, making for easier wildlife spotting.
Wildebeest start to gather and head into the western corridor of the Serengeti, heading northwards towards the end of the month.

   
 

July - October

Dry season, starting off cool & warming up towards the end of the period.
Animals concentrate further around water sources. 
During July, more wildebeest head north into the Masai Mara, moving backwards and forwards across the Mara River, between Kenya's Masai Mara & Tanzania's Serengeti.

   
  November - December
Short rains, bringing relief after the dry season. 
November marks the start of the Eurasian bird migration into East Africa. 
At the start of this period, the Great Migration starts to head south once again, through the northern Serengeti to the southern Serengeti's short grass plains.
   

 

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.

 

How can we help you?