Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris & Zanzibar Beach

Where to go in Tanzania for safaris and Zanzibar beach holidays at affordable cost is what lingering in the minds of many travelers’ & holiday makers before setting their feet for best safaris in Africa. Tanzania is the classic/top safari and beach destination in Africa offering undisputed wildlife game viewing and beach holidays. The Africa’s number one wildlife sanctuary (Serengeti National Park) The scene for Great Wildebeest Migration & big cats which has been debated for almost a century by writers, photographers, film makes & others is probably one of the best places to visit in Tanzania. Where to go in Tanzania for safaris with Back to Africa Safaris a locally owned and managed Tour Operator in Tanzania who is always there to make any necessary bookings for you!

The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration which involves zebras, wildebeests & gazelles moving together in search of green pastures and water in Serengeti Masai Mara ecosystem is the mind blowing adventures – Unless you have slept to where animals roam & see stars shining in clear beautiful African sky, hear insect whistling their tunes of the night, lion roaring in the distance, hyenas laughing in the darkness and lovely Serengeti birds singing their sweet songs during your wake up calls then, you have traveled to Africa!

Such adventurous & others is what best safaris in Tanzania is all about! Read here on how to book a Tanzania safari possibly with us & you will never forget the experience! We also have some special packages for Tanzania safari starting from Zanzibar! 4 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater from Zanzibar for Great Wildebeest Migration & the big cats, other packages are linked in this one. For those who have limited time in Tanzania & would like to see the best of Tanzania wildlife safaris our short Tanzania safari packages are the best option for them.

The exotic & historically Islands of Zanzibar with its clean warm water of Indian Ocean & the white sand beaches will be waiting for you after your wildlife safari in the vast Serengeti plains, The world nature wonder “Ngorongoro Crater” Tarangire National Park known for its larger elephant population & The Lake Manyara famous for its tree climbing lion & larger flocks of flamingos.

Thinking of Zanzibar Islands from the days of Oman Arabs “women in black veils, the ruins, swinging coconut palms along beautiful white sand beaches, tradition wooded dhows sailing during sunset & many more, today all these are reflecting to the norms & cultures of Zanzibar’s!

The snow-capped Kilimanjaro Mountain Africa’s highest peak offers stunning trekking for mountain enthusiasts worldwide. We have 6 official routes established for trekking on Kilimanjaro, for route selection & packages please visit our page: Kilimanjaro Best Route Selection & Packages

We have several sample packages on where to go in Tanzania for Safaris however, tailor made packages based on your ideas, preferences & budget can still be made. We have:-

Tanzania Lodge Safari Packages

Tanzania Camping Safari Packages

Tanzania Family Safari & Zanzibar beach Packages

Best Tanzania Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar beach Packages

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

Kilimanjaro combined Tanzania Safari

Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari

Special Student Safari Packages

To view all please visit our main page:- Tanzania Safari Packages

Highlights: Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration herds when thundering across the vast Serengeti plains

Spot the big cats & Tanzania’s big 5 in their natural habitats

See many wildlife than you have ever thought possible

Mingle with locals as you drive along Masai steppe & beautiful African Savannah

Enjoy guided nature walks, biking, hiking & some cultural tours

Climb the astounding free standing Mountain “Kilimanjaro”

Experience the exotic Islands of Zanzibar & its Stone town etc.

Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris: Trip Style.

Private safari experience for family, friends, students, honeymooner & individuals only you & your safari driver guide & in case of Tanzania camping safari a private chef will join you but mostly will be staying at the campsite.

Transportation & Wildlife game drive is in a well maintained 4WD safari Land Cruiser with photographic roof thatch, min fridge with enough mineral water, charging system, a pair of binoculars, reference books for fauna etc. window seat is guaranteed to everyone!

Accommodation can be budget lodges & tented camps, mid-range lodges & tented camps, luxury lodges & tented camps, upper end lodges & tented camps and the last option is a budget Camping safari with a private chef.

If you have any questions on where to go in Tanzania for safaris please feel free to contact us, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 Days in a week to make any necessary reservation for you. Karibu Sana!

Tanzania Safari Guide: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure (Where to go in Tanzania for Safaris)

Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris? Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, boasting diverse ecosystems from endless savannas to volcanic craters and riverine floodplains. Home to the iconic Great Migration, the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and over 500+ bird species, it offers world-class game viewing year-round.

With the current date in December —peak dry season—the vegetation is low, animals congregate around water sources, and sightings are at their most reliable. The Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara) is ideal for first-timers seeking dramatic landscapes and high predator density, while the Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere, and Mikumi) suits those craving remoteness and fewer crowds. Western parks like Katavi and Mahale add primate-focused thrills.

Based on our long experience and knowledge, here’s a detailed breakdown of the best places to go, including what you’ll see, why visit now, activities, and practical tips. Focus on 4–10-day itineraries starting from Arusha (the safari hub, with Kilimanjaro International Airport nearby). Expect costs of $500–$1,500 per person per day for mid-range tours (including park fees, guides, and meals), scaling up for luxury.

Serengeti National Park(Northern Circuit)

Why Go: Voted Africa’s top safari park for 2025 with a 4.86/5 rating from over 2,600 reviews, the Serengeti spans 5,700 sq mi of acacia-dotted plains and is the heart of the Great Migration—witness 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles thundering across vast Serengeti plains & Rivers (dramatic crossings peak July–October, but December offers post-rain calving grounds at Ndutu Southern Serengeti with newborn herds). Year-round resident game includes massive lion prides, cheetahs, and elephants.
Best Time for Calving: Is January through March (up to 8,000 wildebeest born daily in February); June–October for migration drama.
What You’ll See: Big Five, plus giraffes, hippos, and 500+ bird species. Hot air balloon rides reveal kopjes (boulder outcrops) teeming with leopards.
Activities: Game drives (morning/evening), or balloon safaris ($600/person). Stay in mobile camps like Olakira Migration Camp for front-row migration views.
Getting There & Tips: Fly from Arusha (1 hour) or drive (5–7 hours). Book with local tour operators (permit $83/day/person in VAT). Avoid peak July–August crowds; opt for private concessions like Grumeti for exclusivity.
Itinerary Fit: Core of any 7-day safari; combine with Ngorongoro for a classic loop.

Ngorongoro Crater(Northern Circuit)

Why Go: A UNESCO site and the world’s largest intact caldera (12 mi wide), this natural enclosure packs ~30,000 animals into 100 sq mi—Africa’s densest wildlife concentration outside the Serengeti. It’s a “one-stop shop” for the Big Five, with black rhinos thriving in a protected sanctuary.
Best Time: June–October for dry conditions; December–February for lush green vistas and flamingo flocks on the soda lake.
What You’ll See: Lions, hyenas, and golden jackals hunting on the crater floor; Maasai herds grazing alongside. Spot hippos in Lerai Forest and endangered rhinos (sightings ~80% reliable).
Activities: Full-day Crater tour (6–8 hours), cultural visits to Maasai villages (learn about bomas and beadwork). Cliff-top lodges like Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer sundowners overlooking the rim.
Getting There & Tips: 3-hour drive from Arusha or 1-hour flight to Manyara airstrip. High crater fees ($295/car, entry fee 72/person) limit vehicles to six per group, reducing crowds. Altitude (7,000 ft) means cooler temps—pack layers.
Itinerary Fit: Day trip from Serengeti or from rusha 3-day add-on; perfect for families due to reliable sightings.

Tarangire National Park(Northern Circuit)

Why Go: Known as “Tanzania’s elephant kingdom,” this 1,100 sq mi park features ancient baobab trees and the life-giving Tarangire River, drawing massive herds (up to 3,000 elephants) in the dry season. It’s less crowded than Serengeti but packs a punch for birders (550+ species) and predators.
Best Time: June–October for peak elephant concentrations; December for migratory birds.
What You’ll See: Towering tuskers, oryx, and gerenuk antelopes; lions and leopards under baobabs. Python hunts and fringe-toed lizards add unique flair.
Activities: Game drives along riverbanks, walking safaris in Silale Swamp. Oliver’s Camp offers night drives and guided bush walks.
Getting There & Tips: 2:30 hour drive from Arusha. Entry $60/day/person. Visit early morning for cooler temps and active wildlife; combine with Lake Manyara for a 2-park day.
Itinerary Fit: Ideal opener for Northern safaris—spend 1–2 days en route to Serengeti.

Lake Manyara National Park(Northern Circuit)

Why Go: A compact 125 sq mi gem at the Rift Valley’s base, famed for tree-climbing lions (unique in Africa) and diverse habitats from soda lakes to groundwater forests. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise with flamingos and pelicans.
Best Time: Dry season (June–October) for lion spotting; wetter months for lush scenery.
What You’ll See: Elephants bathing, baboons in troops of 200+, and leopards in acacias. Over 400 bird species, including rare blue monkeys.
Activities: Biking, Canoe safaris on the lake, night drives for nocturnal cats. Chem Chem Lodge provides deep-park access for rare sightings.
Getting There & Tips: 2:30-hour drive from Arusha. Fees $60/day/person. Compact size means full exploration in half a day—great for short trips.
Itinerary Fit: Quick add-on to Tarangire or Ngorongoro; bird-focused travelers will love it.

Ruaha National Park(Southern Circuit)

Why Go: Tanzania’s second-largest park (7,500 sq mi) is a carnivore haven with 10% of Africa’s lions and thriving wild dog packs. Remote and rugged, it’s for adventurers seeking solitude amid miombo woodlands and baobab groves.
Best Time: June–October for dry riverbeds revealing crocs; December–January for green-season birding.
What You’ll See: Greater kudu, sable antelope, and bat-eared foxes; elephants and buffalo in huge herds. Rare sable and roan antelopes roam freely.
Activities: Walking safaris, boat trips on the Great Ruaha River (seasonal), fly-camping. Jabali Ridge offers boulder-top luxury with private guides.
Getting There & Tips: Fly from Dar es Salaam (1.5 hours) or drive (6–8 hours). Fees $40/day/person. Fewer visitors mean exclusive vibes—book fly-in for efficiency.
Itinerary Fit: 4–5-day Southern loop; pair with Nyerere for contrast.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)(Southern Circuit)

Why Go: Africa’s largest reserve (19,000 sq mi) emphasizes non-intrusive viewing—40% of safaris are on foot or water. Vast floodplains host Africa’s largest elephant population and diverse predators.
Best Time: June–October for boat safaris; dry December for concentrated game.
What You’ll See: Hippo pods (up to 100), wild dogs, and cape buffalo; 440 bird species like African skimmers.
Activities: River cruises on Rufiji (spot crocs sunning), guided walks, fly-camping. Siwandu Camp blends luxury with river views.
Getting There & Tips: Scheduled or charter flight from Dar (1 hour). Fees $60/day/person. Malaria risk higher—use prophylaxis. Ideal for off-road enthusiasts.
Itinerary Fit: Anchor a 5–7-day Southern safari; add fishing for variety.

Mikumi National Park(Southern Circuit)

Why Go: A 1,200 sq mi “mini-Serengeti” with open plains mirroring the north but without the crowds. Budget-friendly gateway to the south, with excellent lion and eland sightings.
Best Time: Dry season for migration-like herds; December for affordable rates.
What You’ll See: Lions on acacia kills, giraffes in savannas, and zebras. Over 300 birds, including lilac-breasted rollers.
Activities: Day drives, walking trails. Vuma Camp offers tented seclusion.
Getting There & Tips: 4-hour drive from Dar es Salaam. Fees $30/day/person. Easy self-drive option for independents.
Itinerary Fit: 2–3-day intro to the south; extend to Ruaha.

Quick Comparison of Circuits

Circuit	Best For	Crowd Level	Key Parks	Avg. Daily Cost (Mid-Range)	Travel Time from Arusha
Northern	Iconic sights, Migration	High	Serengeti, Ngorongoro	$600–$1,000	1–7 hours (drive/fly)
Southern	Remoteness, walks/boats	Low	Ruaha, Nyerere, Mikumi	$400–$800	1-hour fly to Dar + drive
Western	Primates, wilderness	Very Low	Katavi, Mahale	$700–$1,200	Charter flights only

Essential Planning Tips your Safari: Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris!

When to Book: 6–12 months ahead for peak season; use operators like Back to Africa Safaris or Tanzania Safari Desire for custom itineraries.
Health & Safety: Yellow fever vaccine required; malaria prophylaxis advised. Stick to licensed guides—recent X posts highlight ethical operators like Acacia Safaris.
Packing Essentials: Neutral clothes, binoculars, sunscreen, hat. Respect rules: no off-roading, maintain 20m from animals. 25kg/person for domestic flights.
Sustainability: Choose eco-lodges supporting anti-poaching (e.g., rhino sanctuaries in Mkomazi). Recent traveler tips emphasize flexibility for weather shifts.
Extensions: End with Zanzibar beaches for “safari + sea” (flights from Arusha, 1 hour).

Where to Go in Tanzania for Safaris? Tanzania’s safaris aren’t just sightings—they’re transformative. For personalized quotes, contact us. Safe travels—karibu Tanzania!