Discover the best safaris and luxury accommodation in Tanzania
Tanzania is world-famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, density of wildlife and fascinating tribal peoples. The country’s northern safari areas are the most visited, with sweeping, game-covered plains set against soaring escarpments and towering volcanic mountains. Here the Great Rift Valley forms a magnificent backdrop to wildlife reserves like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m, is a mecca for avid trekkers and mountaineers.
Tanzania’s national parks are a haven for huge concentrations of animals and birdlife. The Serengeti National Park alone has nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra which migrate along age-old pathways, followed by opportunistic lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera where 25,000 animals live in a setting of unparalleled grandeur. Maasai tribal people have inhabited this region for hundreds of years, and to this day still herd their cattle amongst the native wildlife. A visit to a local village to learn about their culture and way of life is an eye-opening experience.
Other major wildlife areas include beautiful Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks – both very different environments. Lake Manyara is surrounded by grassy floodplains and groundwater forest; it is home to many hippo, tree-climbing lions and is a haven for birdlife. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds, strange baobab trees and bright red soils. On the western border, between the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika, lives one of Africa’s largest populations of wild chimpanzees. A safari here is a remarkable experience.
Just off Tanzania’s east coast on the Indian Ocean lies the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar. The old Stone Town is a UNESCO Heritage listed site and a tour of the town reveals its complex history. The island also boasts white sand beaches, clear, turquoise water, and beach hotels offering barefoot luxury; a relaxing conclusion to any East African safari.
Best Tanzania Safaris
Explore some of the experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.
African Safari Extravaganza
This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.
Antiquities & Wildlife
Explore the antiquities of Africa on this 16 day tour to Tanzania and Egypt. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and Marvel at the mighty Shypnx
Best of Kenya and Tanzania
This safari combines the best wildlife experiences of Kenya and Tanzania, including the Samburu, Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Gorillas, Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar
Encounter Rwanda's rare Mountain Gorillas and explore Tanzania's finest safari destinations before relaxing on the white sand beaches of exotic Zanzibar.
Icons of East Africa
Go on safari in Tanzania's finest national parks from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, then trek for Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
Katavi & Mahale
Visit two exceptional wilderness destinations: remote Katavi National Park and exotic Greystoke Mahale which offers chimpanzee encounters.
Tanzania Bush and Beach
Marvel at the incredible diversity of Tanzania combining the exotic island of Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, both abundant in wildlife.
Tanzania Lodge Safari
Discover the world-famous parks of northern Tanzania, including beautiful Tarangire, the celebrated Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania’s Northern Treasures
Experience three of Tanzania’s best known national parks and the country’s epic wildlife in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the celebrated Serengeti.
Best accommodation in Tanzania
There is no place that does safari luxury better than Africa, and Tanzania is no exception. From rustic bush camps to elegant lodges and luxury tented camps, we offer a carefully curated portfolio of safari accommodation. Most are small, intimate properties that accommodate between 14 and 30 guests. What they all have in common are outstanding locations, including their proximity to good game areas. Many are located along rivers or on hilltops, making the most of the awe-inspiring scenery. Guests can expect first-class service, good food, premium amenities and the luxury of an intimate and exclusive location away from public areas.
Chem Chem Lodge
Set on a private wildlife concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, Chem Chem Lodge comprises eight exquisite tented suites.
Greystoke Mahale
In the rarely visited west of Tanzania, Greystoke Mahale offers 6 simple tented suites on a white sand beach lapped by Lake Tanganyika, with the looming Mahale Mountains as a backdrop. Trek for
Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp
Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp is set in the peaceful Seronera Valley in the game-rich Central Serengeti. It offers 12 beautiful guest tents and amazing big cat viewing opportunities.
Matemwe Lodge and Matemwe Retreat
To the north of Zanzibar Island lies Matemwe Lodge, a peaceful ocean-facing boutique resort and Matemwe Retreat, an adults-only hideaway.
Mila Tented Camp
Offering perfect seclusion, this intimate tented camp is perched on a ridgeline of granite kopjes in Tanzania’s southwest Serengeti.
Mwiba Lodge
Stunningly situated in a private 129,500-acre wildlife reserve bordering the southern Serengeti.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Clinging to the edge of the rim, the exquisite Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is like something out of a fantasy. The property is renowned for its unique design and high standards of service.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Set in a very secluded corner of Tarangire National Park, Sanctuary Swala offers twelve canvas pavilions that epitomise luxury and an exclusive safari experience of this picturesque reserve.
Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp offers 15 stunning tented guest suites, exceptional gameviewing on the plains of the northern Serengeti and easy access to the Mara River and its infamous croc-filled crossing points.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Singita Faru Faru Lodge sits on a riverbank in a private reserve adjoining Tanzania's northern Serengeti. This sensational property has 9 premium suites, a fleet of Land Rovers for game drives
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is located in the unspoilt Grumeti Reserves in the northern Serengeti. It offers 10 private guest cottages with personal infinity pools, walking safaris and guided game drives.
Talk to one of our Africa Experts
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a true year-round safari destination. Choosing where to go will depend on the season and what sort of wildlife you wish to see – whether it’s the wildebeest migration, chimpanzees or just good all-round game viewing.
The annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti ecosystem is always a big attraction and usually means more safari visitors. The herds of wildebeest and zebra move with the rains in search of fresh green grass so the time of year dictates which lodges and camps to visit.
The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park, as many grazing animals are attracted to the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. This is also the best time to visit the chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountain National Park.
Considered by many as the peak time to travel. The Great Migration is heading north through the Western Corridor towards Kenya’s Masai Mara and there are plenty of chances to see river crossings. Due to the lower rainfall, animals are also congregating around the remaining water sources making game-viewing excellent. This is also the best time to see the chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park, in the country’s west, when conditions are at their driest.
River crossings can be seen in Northern Tanzania as the wildebeest begin to travel down from Kenya towards the southern and eastern Serengeti. The rains start to pick up at this time of year.
An excellent time to visit Tanzania when the migration is in the south-eastern Serengeti. Though it is the Green Season, many travellers take advantage of the lower prices and the fact that there are fewer travellers. These are the months when the wildebeest, zebra and gazelles mass on the rich volcanic plains and can be seen in huge numbers. This is also the time to see predators like lions, cheetah and hyena which follow the herds. February is when the herds are calving, and visitors may get to see some animals taking their very first steps.
Tanzania FAQ
Tanzania is home to all members of the legendary ‘Big 5’: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. All apart from rhino, plus many other species, can be seen in Tanzania’s best game areas. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place for seeing endangered black rhino, as they can’t move from the crater floor. Please note that the seasons, rainfall and drought can affect game movements. Our knowledgeable Destination Specialists know the best time of year to visit and where to see particular game species.
The great wildebeest and zebra migration is a natural event and therefore their exact location can never be 100% predicted. The wildebeest mass in certain areas of the Serengeti Ecosystem (made up of the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area and Kenya’s Masai Mara) at different times of the year. The below map shows historically, where the wildebeest and zebra will be, based on the time of year. If you are interested in learning more, or in seeing the Great Migration please contact one of our staff who are always happy to chat.
Chimpanzees can be seen in several countries within Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. There are a number of groups that have become habituated to humans, and one of the best places to see chimpanzees is at the unique Greystoke Mahale lodge, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain National Park.
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