Tanzania Destinations

“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 October 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 to May, and any safari might be compromised at this time.”

“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 such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The lesser-known southern circuit centers on Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park.

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 that the highest peak in Africa is in Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro lies between Kenya and Tanzania but is climbed from the Tanzanian side.”

“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, 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 to be a concern.”

“Tanzania is a popular African safari destination, and many large, reputable operators working in Africa sell Tanzanian holidays. Most operators offer pretty much the same packages, and the differences will mostly lie in the quality of the guides and vehicles. If you have a special interest, you might want to do some research and look for operators catering to that; for example, some packages are more geared toward walking safaris or fly camping (where the whole camp gets set up for you at a special private campsite). You can compare Tanzania safari prices and packages on SafariBookings.com. Always read the reviews, as they will give you a good indication of the reliability and quality of the guides.”

“The safari industry in Tanzania is well established, and there is a good variety of accommodation on offer. Going with an outfitter offering comfortable camping safaris is not only the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it also adds to the sense of adventure. So if real camping isn’t your thing but you like the romance of tented accommodation, there are tented camps (with actual beds and flushing toilets inside) offering different levels of luxury. For those visitors who prefer to spend their evenings in a less bushy environment, there are hotels that provide a total disconnect from the countryside, which also means less chance of creepy crawlies in your room. The current trend, however, is toward exclusive designer lodges blending into the environment and offering an unparalleled level of luxury and service.

“When on a Tanzania tour, you can expect an experience of a lifetime, or maybe the first of many more to come. Once the safari bug has bitten, people tend to return over and over again to experience the African bush. It is hard to stay away for too long. Tanzania is the perfect destination for first-time safaris, as the wildlife viewing and African landscapes in the Northern Circuit are all you could hope for and more. Tanzania is also the perfect destination for repeat visitors, as your first visit won’t even scratch the surface of the touring options. Seasoned African safari enthusiasts will enjoy some of the more remote parks, with different animals such as African wild dogs in the southern circuit and chimpanzees in the west.”