Tanzania Destination Guide

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Dec 1

Tanzania is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best safari destinations. Home to the enormous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, this incredible country is teeming with a dizzying diversity of animal species.

No matter what point of the planning process you’re at, we have put together this Tanzania Destination Guide to provide you with all the information and inspiration you need. At Odyssey Safaris, we have a range of sample Tanzania safaris for you to discover. These are completely customizable. Our expert team has decades of East African safari experience, so we can tailor an itinerary to your exact needs for the trip of a lifetime. If you have any questions about our safaris or the destinations we visit, please feel free to get in touch.

For now, though, let us introduce you to Tanzania.

Why is Tanzania the Top Safari Destination in Africa?

Tanzania is regarded as one of the world’s premier safari destinations for several reasons.

First, along with Kenya, it's where the Great Migration happens. However, most of this spectacular event occurs in Tanzania.

The migrating herd of two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle is in Kenya’s Masia Mara National Park from around the end of August to early November.

The rest of the time, this huge pack of animals is in the Serengeti or Ikorongo Controlled Area, so there are far more opportunities to witness one of the planet's greatest natural spectacles in Tanzania.

And aside from the Great Migration itself, Tanzania offers a greater quantity and quality of wildlife than any other African country.

Tanzania is home to around 20% of the species that make up Africa’s large mammal population. There are more animals here per square mile than anywhere else on the continent.

And all this before we’ve mentioned that Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s largest intact caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the stunning archipelago of Zanzibar.

Are you also considering Kenya for your safari? Read our Kenya Destination Guide to learn more about Tanzania’s neighbor to the north.

What is the Best Safari Experience in Tanzania?

What constitutes “the best safari experience” will depend on what you want to see and where. Of course, the Great Migration is hugely popular with visitors to Tanzania, but it’s not the only way to experience a safari here.

While directly on the migration route, the Serengeti’s Seronera River and the wider valley offer year-round viewing opportunities for big cats and grazing herbivores. One of Tanzania’s other main draws is the Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a haven for the ‘Big Five’.

An estimated 25,000 large animals live in this region, including lions, elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes.

Beautiful Lake Magadi, the Rift Valley’s southernmost lake, is famous for its bird life, especially wading species like flamingos and pelicans. But you can find many other animals around the lake too, including lions, giraffes, ostriches, antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, and hyenas.

And there are many more amazing safari destinations worth venturing to, including:

Lake Manyara National Park
Arusha National Park
Tarangire National Park
Ruaha National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Katavi National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park

If you want to make the migration the primary focus of your trip, read a sample itinerary for a Great Migration safari in Tanzania to see what’s possible.

What are the 5 Best Places To See Big Cats In Tanzania?

If your priority on safari is seeing big cats, you’re in luck! You can see lions, cheetahs, leopards, caracals, servals, and more in Tanzania. You can find big cats in the country’s national parks, as listed in the section above.

This means that you can satisfy your big cat needs without sacrificing viewing opportunities of all the other wildlife in Tanzania.

What is the Serengeti National Park Known for?

If the Serengeti is you’re preferred safari destination, it’s hardly a surprise. This unparalleled place is a safari superstar.

Apart from the Great Migration, the Serengeti is known for its immense size.

The Serengeti National Park covers an area of around 5,700 mi2 (14,763 km2) in size. Compare that to the Masai Mara’s 585 mi2 (1,510 km2).

Much like the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti is one of the few places where you can see every member of the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat.

This national park also has picturesque landscapes framing everything you see. The scenery ranges from grasslands and woodlands to wetlands and riverine forests.

Tanzania’s safari destinations have plenty to offer, but the Serengeti has it all.
Do you want to see another of Tanzania’s icons, Mount Kilimanjaro? Check out our

sample itinerary for a Tanzania safari including Mount Kilimanjaro.

When is the Best Time to go on a Safari in Tanzania's Serengeti?

If you want to see the Great Migration in Tanzania, the good news is that it’s a cycle that lasts all year. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to see the incredible wildlife in action.

June to August

The best time to see the migration as it moves through the northwestern Serengeti, including the perilous Mara River crossings.

September and October

Migration activity in the Serengeti becomes unpredictable. Kenya safaris are typically better at this time of year.

November and December

Another good period to see the migration as the herd returns to Tanzania from Kenya, but this is also a short rainy season.

January to March

The migration moves at speed in January, slows in February for calving season, before starting up again in March.

April to Early June

The herd slowly increases in speed as the young calves grow stronger, but this is also the peak rainy season.

So, any questions about “what is the best time for Tanzania safaris” depend on what you want to see, not to mention your own availability, travel preferences, and budget.

Unsurprisingly, the combination of the dry season with the Great Migration’s peak numbers and spectacular river crossings makes June, July, and August the most popular months for visitors.

What is the Weather and Climate in Tanzania?

Tanzania is south of the equator and has a varied climate owing to its sheer size.

Generally speaking, however, the ‘long rains’ (the main rainy season) occur during March, April, and May. During this period, temperatures hit the low-to-mid 30s celsius (around 86°F to 95°F) and humidity is high.

The long dry season follows from June to October. Rainfall is unusual during this time. This is the primary reason for the Great Migration, as there isn’t enough sustenance to support so many animals.

In the dry season, temperatures vary considerably between locations and with altitude. However, it’s usually sunny with clear skies.

There’s another brief rainy season in November and December (the ‘short rains’). The rainfall here is much lighter and less frequent compared with the ‘long rains’.

How Many Days are Suitable for a Safari in Tanzania?

Of course, the longer your safari in Tanzania lasts, the more likely you are to see the kind of unforgettable sights you came for. As a general rule, we recommend a minimum of seven days and six nights for a Tanzania safari. This is enough time to sample the country’s sights, sounds, and unique atmosphere. However, stays of 11 days and 10 nights, or even up to two weeks, set the stage for an experience that truly stays with you forever.

What Should I Pack for a Tanzania Safari?

When it comes to the essentials for a safari in Tanzania, you should pack casual, comfortable clothing. Muted colors — think beige, khaki, green, and other neutral shades — are best.

We also advise dressing in layers. Game drives typically set out in the early morning when there’s a chill in the air, especially in winter.

Of course, the days soon warm up, so the ability to add and remove clothing is important.

The most practical items you should consider packing include:

Long-sleeved shirts to protect against the sun and mosquitoes
T-shirts for layering
Shorts and light skirts
Safari trousers or jeans for cooler days and evenings
Sweaters and jackets
Comfortable (i.e. broken-in) walking shoes
A light waterproof jacket in case of rain
A sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm
Binoculars and camera
Swimwear and beach clothing, where applicable

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Tanzania?

Citizens of the US, the UK, the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other Asian and Latin American countries must apply for a visa before traveling.

Thankfully the process is simple. You can apply for an Ordinary Visa for Tanzania online.

Your passport must also have a minimum of six months' validity from the date of entry.

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Do I Need Any Vaccinations Before Traveling to Tanzania?

For travelers coming from the United States and Europe, no vaccinations are required. If you visit a yellow fever region anywhere in the world before traveling to Tanzania, you will need to a yellow fever vaccination. You might consider all primary courses and boosters for life in your home country, as well as those recommended by the Centers for Disease Contol.

Vaccinations to consider are:

Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Typhoid
Meningococcal Meningitis

Vaccines for cholera and yellow fever are only advised for those traveling to areas with a high risk. This doesn’t usually include tourist destinations.