Quick answer: Tanzania packs Africa’s best safari parks, its highest mountain and a tropical island into one country. You can watch the Great Migration in the Serengeti, drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, climb Kilimanjaro and finish on Zanzibar’s beaches, all on one trip with one operator.
What makes Tanzania special for a safari?
About a third of Tanzania is protected for wildlife. The northern circuit alone includes:
- Serengeti National Park: endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater: a collapsed volcano full of wildlife, with a real chance of the Big Five in a single day
- Tarangire National Park: giant baobab trees and big herds of elephants
- Lake Manyara National Park: forest, flamingos and plenty of birdlife
- Arusha National Park: a great first day, with giraffes, colobus monkeys and views of Mount Meru
Further south, Nyerere and Mikumi offer wild, uncrowded safaris, including boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
Can I climb Kilimanjaro as well?
Yes. At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and you don’t need technical climbing skills to reach the top. Many guests add a climb before or after their safari. Start with our Kilimanjaro trekking routes.
What about the beach?
After dusty game drives, Zanzibar is the perfect finish: white sand, turquoise water, spice farms and the old streets of Stone Town. It is a short flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
What is Tanzania like as a country?
Tanzania is known for being peaceful and welcoming, with more than 120 ethnic groups living side by side. Swahili is the national language, and a few words go a long way: jambo (hello), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome). You can meet Maasai communities, visit coffee farms on Kilimanjaro’s slopes, or walk through Arusha’s busy markets.
How long do I need?
- 3 to 4 days: Serengeti and Ngorongoro highlights. See our 4-Day Tanzania Safari.
- 6 to 9 days: the full northern circuit at a relaxed pace. Try our 9-Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari.
- 10 to 14 days: safari plus Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar
When should I go?
Tanzania is a year-round destination. Read the best time to visit Tanzania and where the migration is each month.
Ready to see it for yourself? Tell us what you’d love to do and our Arusha team will design your trip. Karibu Tanzania!
