10 Reasons You Should Choose Tanzania for Your Safari

Tanzania boasts a variety of captivating game reserves and national parks, all unique in style and animal sightings. Combined, they create the ever-popular Northern Circuit.

The diversity means no two locations are quite the same, with each wildlife haven a destination in itself. Discover the expanse of the Serengeti, the Tarangire River running through the park of the same name, and the magic of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Lake Manyara unveils splashes of pink as flamingos gather, with abundant birdlife and the intriguing Mount Meru in Arusha National Park making it a worthy contender on this famous safari circuit.

From elephants to leopards, you can find inspiration with our sample 9-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit itinerary that demonstrates the wonders of starlight, sunrise, wildlife, and landscapes.

When it comes to accommodation on safari, the options are many, with styles ranging from luxury lodges to stately canvas set-ups, and more humble fly camps, perfect for a night under the stars.

Luxury lodges can be found in all game reserves and national parks, with public or extremely private locations, all subtly bringing culture and African architecture to life. Tented lodges are a popular choice, a mixture of canvas and wood with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, set among trees and bush.

Experience the thrill of mobile camping and fly-camp options, which offer the opportunity to move from reserve to park, often deep in the bush. Mobile safaris are environmentally friendly and boost sustainable tourism.

Learn more: 3 Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose

Tanzania is known for its large number of animals, with parks and reserves teeming with wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, to name a few. They are home to the Big Five and so much more, making each experience different from the last.

The Great Migration brings the parks to life, and a variety of wildlife and birds firmly establish Tanzania as the perfect safari destination. Some of the largest herds of game can be found in Tanzanian parks and witnessing them in their natural habitat is breathtaking.

Qualified guides know the territory and ensure safari wishlists are fulfilled as much as possible. Each day brings new activity and excitement in the bush, with options to see animals from an open vehicle, closed 4x4, or guided walk.

Top 15 Animals of Tanzania and Where to See Them can give you more information on the animals and birds you may see during your trip and advice on where you can best spot them.

Said to be one of Africa’s top bird-watching destinations, the Southern Circuit in Tanzania is a bird-lovers paradise. Key reserves in which to witness birdlife are the Selous Game Reserve, the recently-formed Nyere in the northern part of the Selous, and nearby Ruaha.

Spend time on the shores of small lakes and rivers, the numerous trees creating the perfect home for prolific birdlife. Tanzania’s south is home to abundant wildlife too, offering sightings of the Big Five and wildlife such as wild dogs and giraffes.

A quieter safari experience, the south sees fewer tourists and offers an authentic bush adventure. A true contender for first-time and more seasoned safari-goers.

The chance to see the Great Migration is a highlight on any safari. Animals migrate year-round, with the great river crossings presenting the “greatest show on earth” at peak times during the year.

With thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope crossing the Mara River in June and July, then returning to the Serengeti in the late spring month of October, the migration is a spectacle like no other.

For those who wish to make this occurrence a highlight of their African safari, plan a trip accordingly. Ensuring you are in the right place at the right time requires careful planning and is key to you witnessing the migration.

Learn more: Guide on How to See the Wildebeest Great Migration

While Uganda and Rwanda may come to mind when you think about chimpanzee trekking, it is exciting to know that Tanzania's Mahale Mountain and Gombe National parks are home to troops of the animals.

Venture into the forested areas beyond the shores of Lake Tanganyika as you trek to see the chimpanzees of the former. Watch as cheeky chimps swing from tree to tree and scurry along the forest floor, catching a glimpse of colobus and baboons who also inhabit the national park.

The smaller Gombe National Park is on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika and only accessible by boat. It comprises tropical rainforests and grassy valleys, perfect locations in which to see playful chimps.

Learn more: Serengeti and Off the Beaten Track Safari in Tanzania

Known as the world’s highest, single, free-standing mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro is an icon of Tanzania and piques the interest of many who visit. To embark on a climb to the summit is an excellent addition to a safari itinerary.

The mountain is the tallest in Africa and includes five distinct climate zones, with a handful of hiking routes ranging from easy to challenging. Reaching the peak at Uhuru - Swahili for “freedom” - is cause for celebration.

An individual endeavor or a group mission, being in the hands of qualified guides and encouraged by friendly porters, the journey is a prize. For those just wanting to stand in awe, travel to the base to take in the mountain’s magnificence.

What better place to reflect on your recent safari than the idyllic island of Zanzibar? Luxury resorts and boutique hideaways are only a short distance from Tanzania’s safari circuit, with flights from the Serengeti, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro.

A game experience is invigorating and thrilling, and after time spent on safari, some downtime in paradise may be quite appealing. Unwind on pristine beaches, enjoy a sunset cruise and discover more of what Tanzania offers through its culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Spend a night or two in historic Stone Town to explore the spice route, rich local art, and breathtaking architecture, before moving to the coast for well-deserved time out.

Learn more: African Family Vacation: Safari and Sandy Beaches

Noted as one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa, Tanzania stands unified and proud. Over 100 languages are spoken, with Swahili and English the most popular.

Arab and Asian influences are prominent, as are those of the Great Rift Valley’s Maasai, who love to share their history through stories of their ancestors and life as they know it today.

Gain insight into a fascinating past through architectural touches on the safari circuit and in cities and towns such as Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, where the rich blend of culture is unmistakable.

From lodge to resort, hotel to hideaway, meals are prepared with heart and flavored with local ingredients. Zanzibar is known as East Africa’s “spice island”, home to an aromatic array, from nutmeg to cloves to cinnamon, to name a few.

From the capital of Dar es Salaam to the luxury lodges of the safari circuit and historic Stone Town, Tanzania’s cuisine is delicious. Discover Indian influences through food flavored with spices of all kinds and enjoy local favorites such as ugali - maize porridge - or rice blended with coconut milk, known as wali.

Indulge in beef stews and fresh fish, complemented by local vegetables. Try orojo, a combination of boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, and raw veggies all stirred into a thick sauce. No matter your preference, food choices are varied and plentiful.

Tanzania presents a menu of quality parks and reserves, the perfect platform for an outstanding safari. Blend your wildlife experience with cultural and culinary discovery, enhanced by the option to relax on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Tanzania Safari Tours & Vacations. Whatever your dreams, your Zicasso safari specialist is a destination expert who is ready to answer your questions. You can also visit Zicasso’s Tanzania Safari Guide for more information before speaking with a local safari expert.