Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

Itinerary of Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

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Why Wildlife Safari in Tanzania?

There are many reasons as to why wildlife safari in Tanzania is highly considered by different types of visitors. The major reasons are as follows:

Outstanding Diversity in Wildlife

If there is anything in the world that you can find diversity in wildlife, it is in Tanzania. The most terrific sightings would be of what is known as the Big Five in wildlife. The Big Five include animals like lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhinoceros.

Your wildlife experience will also include the view of a variety of population of birds, herbivores, and predators. The Ngorongoro area is famous for sightings of the endangered black rhino. Likewise, the Great Migration in the Serengeti sees an impressive herd of herbivores throughout the year.

If you’re a birdwatcher, you will also be thrilled by the fact that Tanzania houses over 1000 different species of birds.

Exceptional Landscapes

The exceptionally beautiful landscapes of Tanzania is what makes it a favorite for photographers worldwide. It’s diverse ecosystems include the savannah of the Serengeti, the rocky rim of Ngorongoro, riverine woods, and the baobab-dotted vistas of Tarangire.

Well-Established Safari Infrastructure

Since Tanzania has been a popular safari destination for a long time, the safari infrastructure is also very impressive. You can find hotels and stays at different budgets, an easy airline connection, safari vehicles, dependable guides, and overall established routes.

If you’re opting for a wildlife safari package, some also offer experienced guides, hotels with game drive access, and internal flights between parks.

Budget-wise Wildlife Experience

A wildlife safari in Tanzania lets you choose your hotel or stay. There are different hotels for lower, medium, and high budgets. Hence, you can experience a care-free trip without having to stretch your budget or settle for a slightly more comfortable stay, and even choose to stay at a luxurious hotel with advanced experiences.

Remoteness and Conservation

One of the most impressive aspects of a wildlife safari in Tanzania is that you can experience remoteness and conservation together. Many of Tanzania’s lands have not yet been visited. There is fewer crowd and vehicles within the location. So, if your someone who wants to experience an off-beaten tour in the wild, this wildlife safari is perfect for you.

Top Safari Destinations in Tanzania

Travelers can visit different wildlife safari destinations in Tanzania depending on their budget, time, and interests. The top safari destinations in Tanzania that tourists visit often are as follows:

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous national park. Wildlife enthusiasts all around the world know this national park for it’s wide range of wildlife species and alluring landscapes.

With a coverage of more than 14,000 square kilometers, it is a habitat for both animals and a diverse ecosystems. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest come to Serengeti National Park looking for fresh grazing.

Additionally, there are over 500 species of birds that habituate within the national park. Needless to say, the Big Five are usually spotted roaming around the Serengeti National Park which serves as a phenomenal wildlife sight during a day of wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large volcanic caldera offer visitors with an exploration experience of the wildlife species and a worthwhile scenery of the wilderness.

Besides the Big Five, which also make a large part of this location, you will find pink flamingos crowding by the  crater’s soda lakes. If you are a photographer or simply an aesthete, you will also love the view of the tall walls and the green crater floor.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is best known for it’s ancient baobab trees with massive herds of elephants. You will see fewer crowd in Tarangire National Park as compared to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Anyone who loves serenity along with wildlife and landscapes should opt for a visit to this National Park. Another highlight of this national park is that, you will catch a stunning view of elephants herding by the Tarangire River.

And over 500 species of birds, including weavers and hornbills, live within the national park, making it a perfect location for a visit for birdwatchers and photographers.

Lake Manyara National Park

Though a smaller national park compared to other ones in our list, Lake Manyara National Park can serve as one of the most interesting wildlife safaris in Tanzania. Some major highlights of this national park include tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and elephants.

You can also spend your time bird watching, going on safari game drives, and touring with hippos and elephants when you’re in the Lake Manyara National Park.

Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Selous Game Reserve, which was recently named Nyerere National Park, is home to different wildlife species like wild dogs, lions, elephants, crocodiles, and hippos. If you’re into boat safaris, you can also visit the Rufiji River in the park. Different species of birds can also be found in the wetlands.

Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania. For anyone looking for an off-beaten wildlife experience, this place is a must-visit. There are over 500 species of birds, including rare raptors, that live in this national park.

Some scenic landscapes within the national park include savannahs with baobabs, dry riverbeds, and undulating hills.

Katavi National Park

Among the other national parks in our list, the Katavi National Park is visited less. This national park offers a remote and peaceful journey through the wild. You can spot the Big Five along with some other wildlife species as you traverse the park.

Mikumi National Park

If you love both adventure and wildlife, but don’t have enough time on hand for travel, the Mikumi National Park can be the best choice for you. It is close to Dar es Salaam, making it suitable for a short wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Some common wildlife species that you can find in this national park include elephants, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, lions, and leopards.

Best Time To Go On a Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

When you’re planning a wildlife safari in Tanzania, planning the right time can be crucial. The weather is predictable and more suitable for travel in some months than others. You can get an idea of the right time from the time details below:

Dry Season (From June To October)

The dry season refers to the season from June to October when the rainfall is less likely. Also, when you’re traveling during the dry season, you will get better sightings of all species of wildlife, including birds and aquatic animals.

Calving Season (From January To March)

January to March is the calving season for wildebeests. As there are thousands of newborns emerging in this season, you will find just as many predators roaming around the national parks to hunt. This makes for an interesting sighting.

Green or Shoulder Season (From April To May)

Although green or shoulder season during April and May is not considered the best season for wildlife safari in Tanzania, you will find that tourists come to the location for serenity and slow yet budget travel.

Short Rains (From November To December)

November and December are the months when short rain begins. While reducing game drives is easy, the rainfall also brings in lush scenery and migratory birds. Similarly, the prices of travel are comparatively lower during this season than in other.

Planning and Logistics for Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

Planning for a wildlife safari in Tanzania includes several logistical decisions. Some such decisions are as follows:

Arrival and Transfers

You will be dropped off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or the Dar es Salaam. From either of the stops, you will be transferred to Arusha. You can take internal light-air flights into safari airports or airstrips from Arusha, or you can transfer by vehicle.

Safari Vehicle and Guide

Land cruisers are most common means of safari travel. You will be guided around national parks by licensed guides who will answer every questions that comes to mind when you’re on a tour as unique and wholesome as wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Accommodation

The accommodation should be least of your worries when you’re going on a wildlife safari in Tanzania. You will find a good variety of hotels both within a certain budget and luxurious ones. Travelers enjoy basic yet very comfortable facilities in basic hotels while also enjoying the comfort of a good amount of luxuries at more expensive hotels.

Park Fees and Permits

There are admission fees for each national park or game reserve, and there can be extra charges if you’re traveling off-road or flying inside. Most of these fees may be included in your travel package while it covers fees of vehicle, accommodation, guide fees, meals, etc.

Health and Travel Requirements

The following are the health and travel considerations you need to keep in mind when you’re going on a wildlife safari in Tanzania:

• Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated can be essential. You can be prone to certain sicknesses, including malaria and yellow fever, if you are not cautious about your health before the journey.
• Travel insurance: Traveling after getting insured can give you peace of mind throughout the trip. While it is not necessary for travelers to stay alert to any dangers at all times, travel insurance can let you cover medical emergencies and unforeseen accidents.
• Packing: When you are packing for a wildlife safari in Tanzania, you should pack only what’s necessary. Carrying more than necessary can be a burden to the traveler, and carrying less than what’s necessary can be just as troublesome. Make a packing list and stick to it.
• Road/ air transfers: Plan your schedule appropriately because some parks are accessible by airfield.

Budget

You have to stay aware of your budget and plan your wildlife safari in Tanzania accordingly. The following are what you can expect in different budgets:

• Budget safaris: Simpler camps, shared cars, and fewer facilities.
• Mid-range safaris: A private car, a nice hotel, and more comforts.
• Luxurious safaris: Private drives, exclusive campers, and first-rate service.

Special Experiences During Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

The following are special experiences during wildlife safari in Tanzania:

• Hot Air Balloon: You can go on hot air balloon trips over the Serengeti. You can get a 360 degree view of the wildlife and their habitat below.
• Walking and Boat Safaris: You can do walking safaris in Selous (Nyerere) while also going on boat safaris over floodplains and alongside rivers.
• Cultural Tours: Iraqiw farmhouse and Maasai settlement in the northern highlands, close to Karatu gives you the most authentic cultural experience when you’re on a wildlife safari in Tanzania.
• Night Drive: Some national parks or resorts may provide early morning walks to observe birds, small mammals, and plants, or night drives (if allowed) to observe nighttime species. Check with your operator or lodge.