Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
A Tanzania safari can be booked throughout the year, but the best time depends on your interests. If seeing the wildebeest migration is the main focus of your visit, you will have to plan carefully. June to September is the best period to see the migration in the Serengeti, but you’ll have to stay in different areas of the park at different stages of the migration, and as this all depends on the rain, this isn’t completely dependable.
If you want to get away from the crowds, you should book your accommodation in the Serengeti away from the wildebeest migration. The wettest months are March and April, and any safari might be compromised at this time.”
What is the Northern Circuit?
The renowned 'Northern Circuit' safari in northern Tanzania presents an array of incredibly diverse safari encounters. This circuit encompasses a range of environments, including National Parks, game reserves, conservation areas, and private concessions.
Within this circuit lie globally acclaimed landmarks such as:
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Arusha National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Why visit Tanzania, what are the major attractions?
Tanzania is the quintessential safari destination, offering both quality and quantity. The wildlife viewing is superb and there is just so much choice in terms of places to visit and things to do. In fact, it would be hard to experience all of the highlights even in three Tanzania holidays, let alone one.
There are three distinct safari circuits: the most popular northern safari circuit includes famous places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; the lesser-known southern circuit centers on Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park; and the off-the-beaten-track western circuit includes Katavi National Park and the chimpanzee reserves on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.
Avid mountain climbers might be surprised to learn the highest peak in Africa is in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro lies between Kenya and Tanzania, but is climbed from the Tanzanian side.
What does a Tanzania safari cost?
Tanzania tours are not geared toward big groups. The best way to see the parks is on a bespoke safari for two or four people who book together as a family or friends, though that obviously comes at a price. You should budget a starting price of US$500 per person per day, but it is difficult to put a specific figure on a trip, as a lot of variables need to be taken into account.
For example, camping safaris are generally cheaper than lodge safaris. Conversely, the Serengeti and some other parks in the northern circuit have big hotels that are much cheaper than the small, exclusive lodges and tented camps – although the latter are often more basic. The season makes a big difference too. Discounted rates apply if you are willing to travel in the rainy season, while you’ll pay a premium to visit during the height of the wildebeest migration.
Should I book extra activities when on Safari?
We do believe some safari activities awaken your senses by offering a different perspective of the African bush, culture and wildlife. From walking and balloon safaris to day trips to Mount Kilimanjaro and visits to Maasai and Hadzabe villages, each moment in Tanzania is unique. One of the benefits of having your own private safari is your flexibility in being able to tailor your safari and do everything you want to experience.
Still some doubts about your safari experience? Check out these activities:
How is the wildlife viewing in Tanzania?
The wildlife viewing in Tanzania is superb. A Tanzania safari in the northern circuit takes in Lake Manyara, Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Any of these parks offer fantastic game viewing, although some of it is seasonal. Doing the whole circuit enhances the experience as you’ll be going through a variety of habitats and environments.
Due to the sizes of the parks, it is possible to get away from the crowds, but as this is the most popular circuit, you will be surrounded by other tourists at times. If you really want to get away from all that, you can visit the southern circuit, where the game viewing is slightly more challenging but very good all the same. This circuit is perhaps more suited to repeat Africa visitors who are less driven to tick off the Big Five.
How many days should I go on Safari?
There is of course no right answer for that, as it really depends on the parks you plan to visit. Some of the most remote wildlife areas in the northern circuit, like Serengeti, require a longer journey but some others like Lake Manyara and Tarangire are closer to the departure location - Arusha - so if you are in a rush you can even pIan a 1-day safari.
However, for a true meaningful safari experience, we highly recommend you save at least 5 days for this adventure. Check out our Safaris so you can check some of our suggestions in terms of places to visit and duration.
What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?
We will make sure to provide the best recommendations according to your style and budget, so that your experience is remarkable. If you wonder about the difference between a lodge and a tented camp, the first usually consists of permanent cottages and a manor house, or rooms in that house. A Tented Camp usually features a main house and ensuit tents around the camp area. Whether you prefer a nature-connected tented camp, or the amenities of a lodge, Tanzania National Parks offer accommodation options that are extraordinary for different price ranges.
How safe is Tanzania for tourists?
Tanzania has a slick and experienced tourist industry, and a Tanzanian safari overall is very safe. That said, there is a lot of petty crime in big cities such as Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, so walking around alone isn’t recommended.
Tourists sometimes get targeted in Arusha and other urban tourist hot spots, but most of the time the hassle is benign and is really just touts wanting to sell things (anything from safaris to beaded necklaces).
Being firm and standing your ground is usually all it takes to diffuse any situation. In any case, most people on Tanzanian tours don’t spend very much (or any) time in urban centers, so none of this is likely even to be a concern.